Lens

MS-Optical has done it again, and introduced their latest creation, the MS-Optical Perar 21mm f/4.5. If you're not aware, these are hand built "ultra pancake" lenses from Japan by a fellow named Miyazaki. Don't let their super small size fool you; the optical performance is generally very good, as is the quality of the build (though there have been some cute engraving errors in the past). They're quirky, and a bit pricey - but absolutely unique. You can pick one up here for ¥85,000 ($710 USD). Read more below for specs!

As we've written about earlier, Oliver Kaltner takes over as CEO of Leica Camera AG, effective today, April 1, 2015. Apparently his extensive background in marketing will have an impact on the future of Leica as well. Some well-placed sources have shared with us a few startling new product directions that will soon take effect, in an effort to boost flagging sales of late. Read more below for the revelations!

Last week we were the first to tell you about a new Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH version (#11688) coming. Today Leica has released this lens - and upped the ante to include a new Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH version (#11689) with the same black chrome finish. Don't get too excited though - only 500 of each will be produced at a cost of 3,950€/$ and 3,150€/$, respectively. Also remember that optically, they're the same as existing versions. Look for them at the end of April 2015. Read more below for details!

The Leica Summilux-M 28mm f/1.4 ASPH was rumored for over two years - ever since the 6-bit code for it was discovered in an M9 firmware update in July 2012. The lens finally made its appearance in September 2014 at Photokina as part of the Leica M "Edition 100" set and only in a stainless steel finish. Typically, it would become generally available in the usual black anodized aluminum or silver chrome plated brass finishes... But it hasn't. So where is it? From what we understand, Leica is having issues of scale with this lens, namely a similar phenomenon as the trouble with the APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH lens. There also seem to be some design hurdles with machining new barrels out of something other than stainless steel - such as the aluminum and brass usually used. It's coming, but it might take a bit longer.

It's technically not a new version in the sense that the optics are identical to the current Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. What is new is that it's in the style of previous versions - ones that had been made for special MP3 sets, for the LHSA (Leica Historical Society of America) and most recently, the Lenny Kravitz "Correspondent" set. It appears that this lens will be a regularly stocked item (carrying Leica part number 11688) and only finished in black chrome. What's interesting is that there are only a few camera models that are available in black chrome currently; the M Monochrom, for example. In the past, this lens was available in black paint and regular chrome. No word on pricing yet - stay tuned.

You've probably heard of the fairly extensive line of Zeiss ZM lenses by now. In fact, we've reviewed four of them here; the Biogon T* 2,8/25 ZM, Biogon T* 2/35 ZM, C Sonnar T* 1,5/50 ZM and Planar T* 2/50 ZM. Just yesterday we posted about an index of technical articles that Zeiss has published over the years... Well, now you can get them on sale with $100 off!