Mandler 35mm f2 – How Good is the Leica King of Bokeh Replica?

How good is the new Chinese made Mandler 35mm f2 7-Elements lens, an affordable remake of the legendary Leica Summicron 35mm f2 v4 “King of Bokeh”? Can this “cheap Chinese lens” give the same high-end Leica look, feel and experience we are used to from the premium German brand? The short answer is YES!

It seems Mandler has achieved the impossible. Let me share some sample images using the new Mandler 35mm f2 lens on Leica cameras, both film and digital, plus accompanying YouTube videos and you can decide if it’s worth it.

Back in stock (March 2, 2026, 20:00 GMT)

FYI – Mandler just messaged me and I’m posting this article at the time of the lens being restocked. This new batch of lenses may also sell out due to high demand and the low price (+ free tracked shipping, no import fees, 12 month warranty). Grab one if you’re tempted!

*If you miss out again fear not, more lenses are being produced and will follow soon. (The recent out of stock situation was due to the factory being closed for Chinese New Year).

First time here? Get your Perks!

Let’s recap

Before we jump straight into sample photos and related information, let’s first take a step back. Why can we suddenly buy a Leica lens new at 80% less than the used price of the original? Who is this new Chinese company “Mandler” that we’ve never heard of? Which Leica lens did they copy? Is it legal? Is it a scam? Are the images from this new lens really as special as the original premium priced Leica lens?

Let’s start by answering some of these questions.

Who is Mandler?

Are you up to speed on the Leica ecosystem? Have you heard of the company called Mandler? No, me neither until the end of 2025. Eager to learn more, I approached the Mandler company and asked them to share some details about themselves.

This is what Mandler said:

• Mandler Lens – founded in December 2024
• Based in Nanyang City, China (Built a factory + Own R&D team)
• Goal – Make copies of legendary Leica lenses at affordable prices
• First lens – “7-Elements” – Officially released in February 2025
• Original plan – Only sell lenses in China (but worldwide demand changed that)

Fun fact: Nanyang City is China’s largest optical cold processing centre and one of China’s renowned optical bases (with a very complete supporting system for the optical industry).

What is a Leica “King of Bokeh”?

This is the nickname given to the Leica Summicron 35mm f2 v4 M mount lens made from 1979-1999. If you ask AI why is the version 4 Summicron lens is called the KOB, it says “for its unique, soft, and slightly painted rendering of out-of-focus areas offering a distinct 3D-like pop that separates subjects from the background”.

Leica Summicron 35mm f2 lenses

To see more information on the various Leica Summicron 35mm f2 lenses check out the detailed article which covered all versions.

In brief, the Leica King of Bokeh lens is the smallest and lightest of the 35mm Summicron lenses and tends to retain a high price tag (around £2,000 used depending on the condition).

Best 35mm Leica Summicron Lens? v1,v2,v3,v4,v5,v6,v7

Chinese copy lenses for Leica

Mandler now joins other existing Chinese companies in making copies of popular Leica lenses. They explained to me that Mandler wants to make it possible for everyone to experience the feel of legendary Leica lenses at an affordable price.

For me these are exciting times as companies like Light Lens Lab (and others) have produced some FANTASTIC lenses in the last few years. I was interested to see how the new Mandler 7-Elements 35mm f2 KOB replica would perform.

Mandler said their goal is not to just copy the original Leica lens design but to recreate the famous optical qualities too. Mandler utilises the latest Chinese optical technology to recreate these legendary lenses, and like Light Lens Lab adds subtle improvements in the process (thanks to the precision of modern technology).

We’ll get onto the lens specs further down but in brief, the centre sharpness of the Mandler 7-Elements lens outperforms the original Leica Summicron 35mm f2 KOB lens.

How Good Are Chinese Lenses for Leica? (35mm Leica-Inspired Replicas)

Is it legal to copy Leica lens designs?

How are all these brands now recreating old Leica lenses? The main reason is that patents for many of Leica’s older lenses have expired and entered the public domain. Some of these original lenses are now rare collector pieces that cost £10,000+ so most people never get to use them.

Thanks to companies like Light Lens Lab and Mandler, people like you and me can now enjoy the optical characteristics and build quality of these old Leica lenses at much more affordable prices.

**Please note – I appreciate that some people have strong views against Chinese companies copying Leica lenses – after Leica did all the hard work with the design phase etc, but we now live in a time that anything deemed excellent will soon be cloned by others whether it’s products, services or media. I think the companies that win are those that can keep evolving.

Mandler 35mm f2 7-Elements

So let’s take a closer look at the new lens, the Mandler 35mm f2 7-Elements. As mentioned, this lens is based on the Leica Summicron 35mm f2 version 4 King of Bokeh so the first thing to do was a head-to-head shootout. Watch the first Mandler 35mm f2 YouTube video linked below for the results.

Mandler 35mm f2 vs Leica Summicron 35mm f2 KOB

Head to head hands on test comparing the Mandler 35mm f2 vs Leica Summicron 35mm f2 v4 King of Bokeh.

First impressions?

When I received my first lens (that I bought from Mandler Indonesia at the end of 2025) I was so impressed by the complete package. Mandler recreated the classic Leica bubble presentation capsule to store the lens plus supplied lens hoods (2x) and a UV protection filter. (This was in their early “still developing” phase as I see it. Now the accessory pack is listed separately for those that want it).

In a blind test the Mandler feels identical to the original metal version of the KOB. Smooth focus throw (and somewhat average aperture click experience). They tried to mimic the Leica aperture click which they did to perfection, but sadly that Leica lens has a rubbish feeling aperture ring. (The 35mm Funleader Artizlab aperture clicks absolutely wins hands down compared to these two lenses).

When you open your eyes at first glance the Mandler 7-Elements and Leica KOB look the same. It’s only when you read the writing on the front of the lens that you see which is each. Original Leica lens hoods for the KOB (or hoods made by Squarehood) will fit the Mandler lens (and vice versa, the Mandler lens hoods will fit your Leica lens.. and some are metal so an upgrade to some of the original fragile plastic Leica lens hoods).

So first impressions? I was a happy camper! It was time to take some photos and see how it performed.

4 versions of the Mandler 7-Element

Before we look at photos we should talk about the different lens options. At the time of writing Mandler is making their 7-Elements lens available in now 4 versions.

All copies of the lens have the same optics but come in different materials, mounts and finishes. If you prefer lightweight lenses (like me) consider their aluminium lenses. For people that love the feel of heavyweight brass lenses go for that instead.

(The brass lens feels more like classic Leica lenses however the Leica Summicron KOB was famous for being small and light so in this instance the aluminium Mandler lens is a closer resemblance).

• Standard aluminium (Leica M mount) – Black or silver
• Standard aluminium (LTM screw mount) – Black or silver
• Premium chrome plated brass (Leica M mount) – Silver-grey
• Premium chrome plated brass (LTM screw mount) – Silver-grey

Lenses are not supplied with lens hoods but these are available for purchase separately (under accessories). See the Mandler website.

Mandler hoods (accessory packs)

2 accessory kits are available – to match your lens choice

• Basic 7-Elements accessory kit
• Premium 7-Elements accessory kit

Both kits contain the following items –

• Rectangular lens hood
• Round lens hood
• UV protection filter

The main difference is the basic kit contains aluminium or plastic parts whereas the premium kit contains copper or metal parts. Again, see the Mandler website for more details.

Sample photos using Mandler 35mm f2

After receiving my first Mandler 35mm f2 7-Element lens towards the end of 2025, I’ve had the pleasure of using this lens on various digital Leica cameras (and film cameras which we’ll come on to). Let me share some Mandler 35mm f2 sample photos from various trips – Leica SL 601, Leica M10-P, Leica M262, Leica CL (+ film).

Mandler 35mm portraits (Leica SL)

My first experience using this lens was when visiting my former student and now Patreon buddy, Thomas. For this trip I was using my older Leica SL Typ 601 (Just because it does the same job as my Leica SL2-S)

35mm Mandler lens for street photography (M262)

I’m more of a portrait guy / model photographer than street photographer but I was in London teaching a Leica workshop so on the way back I took these photos after dark. (RAW + Preset)

The Leica M262 combined with the Mandler 35mm f2 aluminium version is an insane setup for walkabouts. Why? The M262 feels like a M240 with the battery taken out (SO LIGHT) and paired with a small lightweight lens it feels like you’re not carrying anything.. and the added bonus that the M262 battery lasts all day (thanks to no LiveView option).

Mandler 35mm f2 for photoshoots (Leica M10-P)

My first trip with the Mandler 35mm f2 7-Element on my Leica M10-P was to Fuerteventura when I was teaching a 1:1 multi-day workshop. These photos are RAW + MrLeica preset added to give the colours a bit more pop. (Note – I add vignetting with my presets).

RAW files shot after dark (Leica M10-P)

In Budapest I had the lens with me for shooting film but I shot a few test photos too on digital. These are unedited RAW files captured with my Leica M10-P.

Mandler 35mm f2 for travel photography (Leica CL)

My favourite Leica camera for travel is the APS-C Leica CL. Smaller and lighter than a standard Leica M camera and always accurate thanks to not relying on a rangefinder focus mechanism. The main this to note is the Leica CL is a crop sensor camera so for these photos 35mm x 1.5 crop factor = ~50mm.

As most of my photoshoots are now overseas if I can make my digital setup smaller, this means more space for film cameras (+ lights / extras). The little Leica CL + Mandler combo is perfect for my needs + If you’re generally a 50mm guy/ gal like me then 35mm on an APS-C body is ideal.

Mandler 35mm f2 for film photography

As someone that prefers film to digital I was keen to try the Mandler 35mm f2 lens for film photography. I had it with me when I was teaching in Fuerteventura to use on my Leica MP camera. The small size and low weight of the aluminium version of the lens makes this a perfect every day carry for film shooters.. (and if you love the feel of solid brass lenses on your Leica camera you have that lens option too).

The benefit of shooting film rather than digital with this lens is you get much improved edge sharpness. This is perfect for me as I use film for travel photos as well as my usual portraits. (For portraits centre sharpness and softer edges looks nice but from travel memories I prefer to have more edge to edge sharpness).

After using other lenses most of the time in Fuerteventura (another blog post to come so subscribe to the blog to see that) I wanted to take the Mandler lens on my next trip which would be Budapest.

Mandler 35mm f2 LTM on Leica iii cameras

After the release of the standard Leica M mount lens Mandler then released their 7-Elements lens in L39 or LTM mount. I jumped at the chance to get the Mandler 35mm f2 LTM lens to use on my various Leica iii cameras as LTM lenses are always my preference if available.

For my Budapest trip I took my 1931 Leica Ic with the LTM Mandler lens. This is exciting as to my knowledge Leica never made their Leica Summicron 35mm f2 King of Bokeh lens in Leica screw mount.

If you know the Leica Ic camera it has no rangefinder. Perfect for running and being bashed around but not ideal for accurate focusing with the lens wide open. For that reason I took my CHI laser rangefinder (+ lightmeter combo) to measure distance.

For film I had expired bulk loaded Kodak Vision3 200T film loaded (2016 so exposed at 100).

Note – Leica iii cameras only have a 50mm viewfinder so I added a matching black paint Light Lens Lab 35mm finder for composing a 35mm field of view. (The LLL finder is closer to 40mm but it’s easy to approximate 35mm + the size and build quality is unparalleled if you like a compact setup).

Budapest on Vision3 200T film

Here are a few of my test film photos from Budapest. The beauty of Leica screw mount cameras is they are so small you can leave it in your jacket pocket (or in my case my running belt!)

Ultimate travel lens

The Mandler 35mm lens ticks all the boxes as a versatile travel lens – Compact, low weight, f2 maximum aperture, 0.7m close focus, standard 39mm filter thread, affordable, focus tab.. the list goes on.

In only the first few months the lens has already been with me to Poland, The Netherlands, Spain, Lanzarote, Budapest, Fuerteventura and others. I’m already predicting this to be one of my most used lenses of the year (and to feature in my YouTube best-of year end round-up).

Check out my Travel eBook for what I carry when I travel + favourite destinations and other insights.

Best Leica M Lens for Travel? (My Top 10)

Using the Mandler 35mm f2 for video

I never expected to be talking about using the Mandler 35mm f2 7-Elements lens for video, but it’s actually really good. For my taste at least, I love the fall off at the edges when mounted on my Lumix S9 full frame camera. It renders my face sharp in the centre but the edges show nice bokeh (even in a studio setting which was impressive!)

The talking head portion of this YouTube video was recorded with the Mandler 35mm f2 on the Lumix S9 at f2 and around 0.7m-0.8m distance. Check out the rendering of the cameras and plants on the right of the screen. Love it!

Best 35mm LTM lens for Leica?

When it comes to modern 35mm LTM lenses we don’t have many options. Light Lens Lab made the 35mm f2 8-Element in LTM (Collapsing and rigid designs). Optically the LLL lenses are excellent and I have no complaints but the Mandler fills the gaps being better ergonomically that the collapsing LLL lens and lighter weight being aluminium verses brass for the LLL rigid lens.

The Light Lens Lab 8-Element is a keeper for sure and has better edge sharpness but I prefer the elliptical bokeh of the Mandler 35mm f2, and central focus for portraits (and it’s cheaper if you are on a budget).

The Leica Look has never been cheaper!

As noted in the YouTube video, thanks to Mandler, the Leica Look has never been cheaper!

Critics will say that the Leica Look is a myth but certain Leica lenses render an image in a way where you just have really nice depth. The Leica magic is said to be a mix of lens design, micro contrast and not chasing absolute sharpness (like many brands do – Sigma and co). This results in more realistic and natural looking images. The problem is Leica lenses are not cheap.

Thanks to company like Light Lens Lab and Mandler, the optical design of legendary Leica lenses are now being replicated at a discount. Mandler took it one step further with their aggressive pricing strategy which makes the Mandler 7-Elements 35mm f2 lens THE CHEAPEST new lens when it comes to getting that famous Leica look.

But Leica cameras are expensive?

I’m sure you like but Matt, “it’s all great telling us that Mandler has made us a super affordable Leica lens but Leica cameras are still stupidly expensive?” OK let’s address that part next.

The first option is to just adapter the Mandler lens to your existing digital mirrorless camera via a Leica M mount adapter. But what if you want a Leica camera for the full Leica experience?

How much are Leica cameras?

If you want the true Leica experience I will put my head on the chopping block and say it needs to be a Leica rangefinder camera. (Yes I use Leica mirrorless cameras too but it’s worth a mention). If we include the SL series just for completeness, here are some approximate prices of a few popular used Leica cameras.

• Leica SL (Typ 601) – from £1000 (cheapest digital option)
• Digital Leica M240 series – from £2000
• Digital Leica M10 series – £3500-4500
• Leica iii (film) – from under £300 (cheapest film option)
• Leica M4 (film) – around £1500
• Leica M6 (film) – from £2200

Full Leica experience for £500!

If you’re on a budget and want to shoot film check eBay. You can find working Leica iii cameras from as little as £200 (albeit likely in need of a service at some point). If you pair a Mandler 35mm f2 LTM aluminium lens with a well worn Leica iii camera you have a camera plus lens for potentially under £500. Now that is great value!

Want cheaper? Budget Leica iii cameras

Is £500 still too expensive? Your budget is a maximum £400 for camera plus lens?

Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Just pick up a Zorki 1c, Fed-2 or similar Soviet camera with L39/M39 mount for under £100 on eBay and voila you have camera plus lens for under £400!

The best bit.. the photos will look EXACTLY THE SAME regardless of whether you use a £100 Soviet camera or the latest and greatest Leica MP.

*Small print – Yes the user experience isn’t quite the same – Leica MP vs Zorki 1c but it’s a step closer! (I own both).

Is this THE best 35mm lens for Leica M mount?

So is the Mandler 35mm f2 7-Elements lens THE best 35mm lens ever made? No, but it’s good at many things. Lenses like the new Leica Noctilux 35mm f1.2 might be the best but it costs nearly £8000. Others might say the Leica Summicron 35mm f2 APO is the best. Again, nice but it costs nearly £7000.

Some people might class “best” as the smallest so then you’d go for the Voigtlander Color Skopar 35mm f3.5. Some classic lenses have nice rendering but only focus to 1m so this can be a deal breaker for Leica M users. There are so many factors of what “best” is that if you asked 100 photographers you might get 20+ different answers. (Everyone has their favourite!)

Best 35mm lens for Leica M? (28 lenses compared!)

Best VALUE 35mm Leica lens

What we can probably all agree on, is at the time of writing Mandler have excelled themselves in producing the BEST VALUE 35mm for Leica M mount. Mandler say that they are currently selling the lens at close to cost so I’m not sure if prices will jump up in the future like we saw with some other Leica lenses from Chinese companies. (Price them low to test demand and as soon as they sell well jack the price up).

I’m not saying this will happen with Mandler, but if a Leica quality lens (albeit copied from the original design that Leica had to invest money into) can be made for just over £250 (with free international shipping/ fees and warranty – bonkers!), think how big the margins are from other lens manufacturers.

Verdict?

If I was a poker player I would be broke. If you’ve seen my YouTube videos the stupid grin on my face tells you if a lens excites me well before you get to the conclusion.

I’m a simple guy, if I like something I use it and rave about it. If not, you likely won’t see a follow up blog post (like this) or example photos on social media. Not all new lens releases can be a smash hit but I like to review every new lens for Leica M mount to service the Leica community (and for my own interest).

Price point

I think where the Mandler lens has succeeded the most is the price point to quality ratio. Everyone loves to think they are getting great deal when buying something so when you see Leica quality at a 80%+ discount (based on a used Leica King of Bokeh lens costing £2000) it seems almost too good to be true. No wonder the lens sold out as soon as it was announced!

Why Mandler hit a nerve with me

I like a bargain like the next person. Even as a Leica guy now, I wasn’t born into money. I’m the eldest of 4 kids and we all grew up on Dad’s modest teacher wage. (Mum was at home looking after my siblings). Things were tight growing up but that just helped us appreciate the simple things in life. (I spent a lot of time entertaining myself, painting and growing things in the garden).

Being brought up to value money stuck with me til this day. Yes I use multiple Leica cameras but I can sell each of them for near what I paid (or more). I’m not as crazy as you might think, I just have different priorities in life.

I’m also ex-finance too hence writing my Making Money with Photography eBook (How I escaped the 9-5 Corporate rat race).

Buying a Mandler 35mm f2 lens

Fun fact. The Mandler lens was originally only planned for the Chinese market. It wasn’t until demand exceeded their expectations that they opened up there online store (with worldwide shipping).

When buying from abroad I always think, oh no, high shipping costs, import fees, will the parcel get lost in the post, will it take a month to arrive?

Mandler have again excelled themselves with their purchasing experience –

• Online store – Simple to follow with easy payment system
• Low prices – The cheapest Leica experience I know of
• Order confirmation – email
• Tracking – Peace of mind by using the website “order track” tab
• Free shipping – Included in the purchase price (from China)
• No import fees/ duty to pay – on receipt
• 12 month warranty – with every lens

Now that is a masterclass in how to sell a product. Brilliant.

What’s next for Mandler?

Mandler hinted to me that they are working on developing a 50mm lens next so I can’t wait to test that and show you a hands-on review. Follow me on YouTube to not miss that one.

The speed Mandler has moved since just the end of 2025 in terms of getting their 7-Elements lens to market (outside of China) + the new LTM version (and now the even newer LTM brass version) is impressive. For sure we have some exciting times ahead. Stay tuned!

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