Mandler 35mm F2 “7 elements” (Chrome-plated Brass)

The lens performs great, both on the Leica SL2-s and on my Fuji XE 4. Very nice focus transition, great bokeh. The only thing that could be improved is the square lens hood—it’s completely unusable. I can’t attach it to the lens without the locking mechanism scratching the lens barrel.

I was looking for a good 35mm lens to pair with my M10-R when I saw some influencers recommend this lens. Hearing the raving reviews of this little ode to Walter Mandler's 35mm V4 lens, I decided to give the brass version a try. Let me say that the high praise was completely warranted. Plenty sharp enough center and mid-frame, there is a bit of falloff that never really gets better, but nothing more than what my much more expensive 21mm Leica lens has. Bokeh has that nice swirl that the original and other lenses, like the Helios 44-2, have garnered a cult following for. As for the build quality, the Mandler 35mm brass version feels like a Leica. The lens has a solid, satisfying weight to it with a smooth and short focus throw that allows you to quickly cycle from infinity to close focus. For the small crowd that might adapt this to video, there is some rather noticeable focus breathing, but the lens character plays well in that field as well otherwise. The short throw helped me track moving subjects without camera shake on my rather barebones rig. All in all, I love this little lens and am excited to see what else Mandler takes on in the future.

A heavy-hitting homage that makes you forget the Leica price tag. From the second you mount it, the weight of the chrome-plated brass makes one thing clear: this isn't a cheap imitation. The focus throw is buttery smooth, the aperture clicks snap into place with satisfying confidence, and optically, it captures that distinct classic character with ease. Whether paired with film or digital, it handles like a precision tool rather than a budget alternative. It delivers all the tactile density, aesthetic charm, and mechanical perfection of the original 7-element legend at a fraction of the cost. Ultimately, it stops you from overthinking your gear and simply lets you focus on being present in the moment. Exceptional craftsmanship through and through.