Tag: Leica M mount

  • Thypoch 198g 35mm f/2 Full-Frame Lens Unveiled

    Thypoch 198g 35mm f/2 Full-Frame Lens Unveiled

    Key Takeaway

    – Ultra-compact, lightweight design: 3.5 cm length, 2.7 cm protrusion, 5.2 cm diameter, 198.6 g.
    – Optical and build features: 8 lenses in 5 groups with an aspherical element; Epoch Coating 84 for a warm retro look; ten-blade aperture; 39 mm filter thread.
    – Autofocus: Manual focus only from 0.5 m, with a noticeable tactile click below 0.7 m signaling rangefinder range; Leica M mount with adapter compatibility for other systems.


    Thypoch unveils a remarkably compact wide-angle option, claiming a body length of just 3.5 centimetres and a protrusion of 2.7 centimetres from the camera when mounted. The lens body measures 5.2 centimetres in diameter and weighs 198.6 grams, making it a notably portable choice for enthusiasts who crave portability without sacrificing specs.

    Design and optical notes

    Voigtländer counters the scene with the 35 mm f/1.4 Nokton VM II, touted as even more compact and faster, yet Thypoch pushes for superior image quality through a design that uses eight lenses in five groups, including a single aspherically ground element. This contrast highlights how different brands pursue sharpness and character in varied ways, particularly at wide angles where distortion control and micro-contrast matter.

    Focusing and coatings

    The Thypoch Ksana 35 mm f/2.0 is manually focused, with a precise minimum focus distance of 0.5 meters. A tactile click indicates when the distance falls below 0.7 meters, signaling the rangefinder-coupled focus range. The lens surface receives Epoch Coating 84, a coating meant to impart a warm retro look to captured images. The aperture features ten blades, and a 39 millimeter filter thread completes the optical package, offering compatibility with a range of filters for creative control.

    Availability and compatibility

    The Ksana 35 mm f/2.0 full-frame lens is currently sold through the manufacturer’s online store, priced at $599 without the lens hood or $649 with the hood included. In both configurations, front and rear caps are provided. Shipping is advertised as free, though the price excludes import taxes and customs duties. The lens is provisioned for Leica M mount, and adapters unlock compatibility with Sony E, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X, and Canon RF systems, broadening its usability across multiple camera bodies.

    Notes on usage

    Thypoch emphasizes that the primary mount is Leica M, yet the practical reach extends via adapters to several popular mirrorless bodies, enabling work across different ecosystems. This flexibility can be a selling point for photographers who own different brands but want a consistent focal length and rendering from a single optic.


  • NyctaLux Unveils Compact 50mm f/1.0 Full-Frame Lens

    NyctaLux Unveils Compact 50mm f/1.0 Full-Frame Lens

    Key Takeaways

    1. Pricing and Availability: The DJ-Optical NyctaLux 50mm f/1.0 lens is priced at €785 on K&F Concept and €927 on QYCamera, both with VAT included, but extra import costs may apply. It is available for delivery in Europe only.

    2. Size and Weight: The lens measures 65mm in diameter, 66.8mm in length, and weighs 485 grams, making it smaller than the more expensive Leica Noctilux 50mm f/0.95.

    3. Performance Comparison: The NyctaLux lens offers moderate sharpness compared to the Noctilux, with average center sharpness and lacking detail in the corners at f/1.0. It is best suited for portrait photography.

    4. Build Quality: The lens features a metal casing, an 11-blade aperture, and is purely manual focus, contributing to its solid build quality.

    5. Compatibility: It comes with a Leica M mount but can be adapted to work with modern full-frame mirrorless cameras from Sony, Canon, and Nikon using the right adapter.


    The DJ-Optical NyctaLux 50mm f/1.0 full-frame lens was introduced last autumn, and now it’s ready for buyers. Currently, K&F Concept on AliExpress has one lens for €785, but QYCamera offers it at €927 with a larger stock. Both sellers deliver to Europe, but unfortunately not to the US.

    Pricing and Availability

    These listed prices come with VAT included, but be aware that there might be extra import costs. Measuring 65mm in diameter, with a length of 66.8mm and weighing 485 grams, the DJ-Optical NyctaLux 50mm f/1.0 is much smaller compared to the Leica Noctilux 50mm f/0.95, which is significantly pricier at €12,350.

    Performance Comparison

    According to DJ-Optical’s MTF graphs, the NyctaLux does not reach the sharpness of the Noctilux. When wide open, even the center of the image is just moderately sharp, and at f/1.0, the corners lack detail. This lens is best for portrait photography, where the subject can be centered and the background blurred.

    A review from Philip Reeve indicates that, despite its average sharpness, the lens manages to produce appealing portraits. The build quality and bokeh are highly regarded too. However, it does face challenges with purple fringing on high-contrast edges and noticeable flare when capturing images against bright light.

    Build and Compatibility

    The DJ-Optical NyctaLux features a metal casing, an 11-blade aperture, and is purely manual focus, with a minimum focusing distance of 0.7 meters. It comes only with a Leica M mount, but if you have the right adapter, it can also work on modern full-frame mirrorless cameras from Sony, Canon, and Nikon.

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