Thypoch Lenses for Leica Cameras – Buyer’s Guide
This is the complete guide to Thypoch lenses for Leica M cameras, covering the Simera, Eureka, Ksana and Simera-C collections. Including hands-on lens reviews, sample photos, lens comparisons, technical specifications and full YouTube videos.
Note – Thypoch M-mount lenses can easily be adapted to mirrorless cameras, including L mount (my Leica and Lumix cameras) and certain lenses are also available in native Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF and Fujifilm X mounts.
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Thypoch Lenses Explained
The first thing to consider is the Thypoch naming conventions. Thypoch have 3 lenses families. Simera, Ksana and Eureka. Unlike Leica which use lens family names based on maximum aperture (For example Leica “Summilux” for their f1.4 aperture lenses, “Summicron” for f2 lenses etc), Thypoch family names are based on lens design not specifically aperture. We’ll cover that below.
Visit the Thypoch Official Website for all lens listings, prices and more about the brand.
Okay, let’s see what these lenses can do. Coming up I share sample photos, basic info and full YouTube reviews for most of the Thypoch lenses for Leica Cameras.
Thypoch Lens Families
3 lens families with lenses grouped as follows –
- Thypoch Simera Series
The Simera range consists of five fast f1.4 lenses, designed to combine modern optical performance with classic rangefinder styling.
- Thypoch Eureka Series
The Eureka lenses take a different approach, drawing inspiration from vintage lens designs rather than concentrating purely on modern speed and optical performance.
- Thypoch Ksana Series
The Ksana range focuses on compact, characterful lenses with specially developed optical coatings that recreate the distinctive flare and colour characteristics from classic lenses.
Thypoch Normal Lenses vs Thypoch Cine Lenses
Things get a little more complicated as the Thypoch Simera lenses come in two lens barrel designs. Simera M lenses or basic “Simera” lenses for Leica M mount are standard rangefinder coupled lenses. Simera C lenses use the same optics as the Simera rangefinder lenses but are designed for video. I will cover this in more detail below.
Thypoch Lenses for Leica Rangefinder Cameras
Let’s first cover the rangefinder lenses and then I’ll cover other options towards the end. If you are new to the Leica M ecosystem, if a lens is rangefinder coupled you can use it on any Leica M rangefinder cameras, film or digital.
- Leica M digital camera buyer’s guide – Everything from the early M8 and M9 to the current M11-P
- Leica M film camera buyer’s guide – Including everything from Leica M3/M2/M4 to M6/MP/M-A
Thypoch Simera Lenses – Introduction
Thypoch Simera lenses are said to be inspired by modern Leica Summilux ASPH lenses, with fast f1.4 maximum apertures, well-corrected optics and plenty of character. Their unusual depth-of-field indicator is inspired by the classic 1950s Alpa 50mm f/1.9 lens.
I find Thypoch Simera lenses better suited to mirrorless cameras, as they’re not as small as some other Leica M lenses. The Simera line currently consists of 21mm, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 75mm lenses.
Thypoch Simera 21mm f1.4 ASPH
This is a fast ultra-wide lens perhaps best suited for landscapes, architecture and environmental portraits.
Lens features include: Minimum focus distance of 0.23m, soft-stop at 0.7m, 62mm filter thread, approximately 428g (15.1 oz), de-clickable aperture, floating lens elements and a 14-blade aperture for smooth background separation.
A very impressive lens but pretty big and heavy so I tend to carry the smaller Thypoch Ksana 21mm f3.5 (below) when I need a wide angle lens. I reach for this lens more for creative video than photos thanks to the close focus and shallow depth of field.
Thypoch Simera 28mm f1.4 ASPH
A versatile wide-angle lens designed for street photography, travel and environmental portraits.
Lens features include: Minimum focus distance of 0.4m, soft-stop at 0.7m, 49mm filter thread, approximately 330g (11.6 oz), 14 aperture blades and a switchable clicked/de-clicked aperture. Early versions like my copy have the classic style infinity-lock focus tab but later and current models were updated to a standard crescent-shaped focus tab (no lock).
As with 21mm Simera, I tend to pick up a smaller 28mm for wider shots. Something like the Voigtlander Color Skopar 28mm f2.8 or for maximum performance the Voigtlander Ultron 28mm f2 v2. The Simera is a capable lens but again I would likely use it more for video than photos.
Thypoch Simera 35mm f1.4 ASPH
A fast everyday 35mm lens, equally suited to portraits and documentary photography, with a floating-element design that maintains good sharpness even at close focusing distances.
Lens features include: Minimum focus distance of 0.45m, soft-stop at 0.7m, 49mm filter thread, approximately 272g (9.6 oz), 14 aperture blades and a switchable clicked/de-clicked aperture. Early versions like my copy have the classic style infinity-lock focus tab but later and current models were updated to a standard crescent-shaped focus tab (no lock).
Stunning lens. Fantastic for video – one of my favourites. Beautiful bokeh and cinematic flare, especially at close distances. For photos we have many nice 35mm lenses to choose from. For walkabout and travel photography I tend to carry something smaller. See my best 35mm lenses for 28x 35mm lenses.
Thypoch Simera 50mm f1.4 ASPH
A fast fifty for portraits, low-light photography and general use, offering sharp results wide open, beautiful background blur and considerably closer focusing than many traditional 50mm rangefinder lenses.
Lens features include: Minimum focus distance of 0.45m, soft-stop at 0.7m, 49mm filter thread, approximately 281g (9.9 oz), floating lens elements, 14 aperture blades and a switchable clicked/de-clicked aperture.
Pretty looking lens with a recessed front element and my favourite Simera lens for photography. Beautiful portraits with this lens and great shot wide open for digital. For film I tend to shoot at f2. If it was exactly calibrated to my Leica MP camera I would use it all the time it’s that good.
Thypoch Simera 75mm f1.4 ASPH
Short-telephoto portrait lens, sharing its optical design with the Simera-C cinema lens.
Lens features include: Minimum focus distance of 0.6m, soft-stop at 0.7m, 58mm filter thread, approximately 372g (13.1 oz), 16 aperture blades and a switchable clicked/de-clicked aperture.
Great lens but I still seem to pick up my Voigtlander Nokton 75mm f1.5 lens first, especially for film photos thanks to the higher contrast and greater apparent sharpness. On digital the Simera might have a slightly more cinematic look to the Nokton.
What is my favourite Thypoch Simera lens?
I’m a 50mm kinda guy so for me I’d pick the 50mm Simera first for photography and the 35mm Simera first for video. The rendering is stunning. Why don’t I use Simera lenses more on my Leica M cameras? Because they are a little oversized for me. My preference is smaller lenses on small cameras. Thankfully Thypoch made us the Eureka and Ksana lenses too. Let’s cover those next.
Thypoch Eureka Lenses – Introduction
Thypoch Eureka lenses are inspired by classic British lenses from the 1950s rather than Leica lenses. They combine unusual vintage designs with modern optics and look quite different from most lenses produced today. Currently we have two Eureka lenses available, 28mm and 50mm.
Thypoch Eureka 28mm f2.8 ASPH
The Thypoch Eureka 28mm takes its design inspiration from the British-made Dallmeyer 35mm f3.5 Anastigmat lens, originally fitted to the iconic 1950s Ilford Advocate 35mm film camera. It recreates the classic styling while incorporating a completely modern optical design. An ultra-slim pancake lens for street photography and travelling light, measuring just 19.5mm long at infinity despite its brass construction and modern aspherical optics.
Lens features include: Minimum focus distance of 0.4m, 27mm filter thread, approximately 133g (4.7 oz), an eight-blade aperture and Thypoch’s Epoch Coating M (Modern) for clean rendering and controlled flare.
For me, this is the ugly duckling of the Thypoch lens line-up. Why design a lens with gold screws and massive typeface is beyond me. I appreciate that they were copying the Ilford Advocate lens aesthetics but I’m not sure people what “THYPOCH” in big letters on the front of their nice Leica camera.
The lens looks pretty awful but frustratingly it’s optically very good. I did suggest to them that they tone it down a bit and release an updated more minimal version.
Surely Thypoch understands that Leica owners care about their nice cameras and they don’t want to attach a white lens with gold screws to the front? It’s the most anti-stealth street lens I know. With all that said I still use it as delivers great results in a small package even if it’s slightly larger than the Brightin Star 28mm f2.8 pancake lens I sometimes use.
Thypoch Eureka 50mm f2
The Thypoch Eureka 50mm lens takes its design inspiration from the rare British Taylor-Hobson 2 inch f2 Anastigmat lens, originally supplied with the 1950s Reid III rangefinder camera (a British alternative to the Leica iii cameras I use). The Eureka recreates the distinctive collapsible design while incorporating modern optics and coatings. This lightweight 50mm lens is particularly appealing for film photography, casual portraits and anyone wanting a genuinely pocketable camera setup.
Lens features include: Minimum focus distance of 0.9m, A36 push-on filter fitting (not a conventional screw-in filter thread), 12 aperture blades and a collapsible design measuring just 27mm when retracted. The aluminium version weighs approximately 120g (4.2 oz), while the brass classic version weighs approximately 218g (7.7 oz). Optical coating is designed to reproduce the character of vintage lens flare, although Thypoch doesn’t give it an Epoch Coating name like some other lenses.
Excellent lens for film and digital portraits alike. I love the small packable size and low weight and it looks great on my silver Leica M3 or Leica MP. It uses the same filters as the Leica Summar 5cm f2, Leica Summaron 35mm f3.5 and Leica Elmar 9cm f4. My only complaint is that it isn’t available in Leica thread mount. I’d love to use it on Leica iii cameras. That and the close focus being limited to 0.9m instead of 0.7m.
What is my favourite Thypoch Eureka lens?
The 28mm is optical good and I love the size but for me I’d still take the 50mm as my favourite. A modern classic.
Thypoch Ksana Lenses – Introduction
Thypoch Ksana lenses are inspired by vintage Japanese lenses from the 1970s, using their special Epoch Coating to produce warmer, golden flares and a more classic rendering. These are super compact lenses, especially well suited to Leica M cameras. At the time of writing there are two lenses available – 21mm and 35mm.
Thypoch Ksana 21mm f3.5
A remarkably lightweight ultra-wide lens for travel, street photography and architecture, featuring a vintage-inspired design.
Lens features include: Minimum focus distance of 0.5m, soft-stop at 0.7m, 39mm filter thread, approximately 131g (4.6 oz), crescent-shaped focus tab and nine aperture blades. Features Thypoch’s Epoch Coating 73’, designed to produce distinctive golden-amber flare.
One of my most used Thypoch lenses, the 21mm Ksana is often glued to my APS-C Leica CL cameras as my walkabout lens (giving me a 31mm ish equivalent on full frame). See below both full frame camera photos (first) then APS-C photos below for examples.
The Ksana is optically superior to my Voigtlander Color Skopar 21mm f4 lens so I now carry the Thypoch lens instead. So small there is no real excuse not to pack it for every trip.
Thypoch Ksana 21mm f3.5 on a APS-C Leica CL camera –
Thypoch Ksana 35mm f2
A compact brass-bodied 35mm lens for everyday photography, combining modern optical performance with the distinctive gold and purple flare associated with vintage 1980s coatings.
Lens features include: Minimum focus distance of 0.5m, soft-stop at 0.7m, 39mm filter thread, approximately 198.6g (7.0 oz), crescent-shaped focus tab and ten aperture blades. Features Thypoch’s Epoch Coating 84’, developed to reproduce the distinctive flare characteristics of 1980s lenses.
A solid feeling lens, more similar to brass Leica lenses. Beautiful rendering, especially at 0.5m (or closer using a Light Lens Lab L-M helicoid adapter). Great for photos but I have enjoyed this lens for photos too. I tend to carry the Mandler 35mm f2 lens as my goto 35mm lens as it’s lightweight and available in LTM too so I can use it across more cameras. Optically the Ksana lens should be superior, especially in the corners but for portraits I only need centre sharpness.
What is my favourite Thypoch Ksana lens?
Tough. Both are excellent but I’d probably go 21mm as there are so many other nice 35mm available that grab my attention.
Thypoch Simera-C Lenses – Introduction
Thypoch Simera-C lenses are a collaboration with sister brand DZOFILM, known for its cinema lenses. They share the same optical designs as the equivalent photographic Simera lenses but feature cine-style housings, T-stops instead of f-stops, more aperture blades for smoother bokeh, longer focus throws for precise focusing and standardised controls and filter threads (62mm for the 16–50mm lenses). They’re generally bigger and heavier than the photographic versions.
Simera-C lenses retain the same close-focus distances as their photographic counterparts but have no rangefinder coupling, even in Leica M mount. They’re best suited to mirrorless cameras, although they can also be used on compatible Leica M cameras and you focus via LiveView or an EVF (or by zone focusing).
I have the Thypoch Simera-C 35mm T1.5 lens (Image below). Fantastic for video but I can use it on my converted Leica M10-P camera too and I just zone focus.
Thypoch Simera vs Eureka vs Ksana – What’s the Best?
All the Thypoch lenses are excellent in many ways so I would pick your lenses based on your existing camera and needs. Some lenses suit certain camera better, for me at least and Simera lenses are faster but bigger.
Best Thypoch lenses for Leica M cameras?
If you asked me what are the best Thypoch Lenses for Leica M camera I would say the Ksana line and the Eureka lenses. All of these lenses are compact and pair perfectly with Leica M cameras. The 21mm Ksana lens requires an additional 21mm viewfinder if you are using film cameras or early digital Leica cameras without LiveView. The 35mm Ksana is probably the best all-rounder as a 1 lens, 1 Leica M camera setup and it feels very premium. Perfect for travel!
Best Thypoch lenses for Leica SL cameras?
If I was choosing the best Thypoch lens for mirrorless cameras such as my Leica SL2-S or Lumix S1R I would probably go for the Thypoch Simera 35mm f1.4 as a do everything lens but the 50mm Simera is fantastic too. You can’t go wrong with Simera lenses. Just pick your favourite focal length from the line-up.
Thypoch Lens Close Focus and Rangefinder Compatibility
Even though the Thypoch lens family designs differ enormously, all those that focus closer than 0.7m have a built-in soft stop design. A bump so you know when you reach 0.7m without having to look at the lens. This is great news for rangefinder camera users.
Voigtlander make lenses that focus closer than 0.7m but only in the very latest lens have they finally started putting soft stops into the lens design. Great to see. Why is this important? If you shoot with a Leica M rangefinder camera, film or digital, if a lens focuses to 0.5m (for example), it’s easy for the lens to drift to 0.5-0.699m range and the rangefinder decouple. This means the focus patch stops moving and if you then rock in your focus you will miss your shot.
The safe approach is to focus down to the soft stop (or look on the lens and set it to 0.7m meters) and then physically rock in your focus to make sure you nail your shots up close at 0.7m. As a portrait photographer it’s really common for me to work in this close focus range with models.
What Makes Thypoch Lenses Special?
It depends on the lens family but each family have something special to offer. The Thypoch Simera lenses have the most beautiful cinematic rendering and bokeh. Fantastic wide open. I love them for photos and video alike. I use these most adapted to L mount cameras as they are not super small.
Thypoch Ksana lenses are tiny and just perfect for Leica M users. I love the size and optical quality alike. I use the 21mm on APS-C a lot as my do-everything walkabout lens. Thypoch Eureka lenses each have their strengths. The 50mm collapses and is very light, plus great image quality. I love this on my Leica M film cameras. The 28mm is the ugly duckling in their line-up but you can’t deny the high performing optics in a small package, so I still use it as a compact 28mm for Leica M mount especially.
Thypoch M-L Adapter
Did you know that Thypoch make their own Leica M-L adapter. It’s a bit different to other M mount lens adapters and perhaps inspired by adapters made for larger cine lenses. Nicely made with a locking system for extra security. The design of the adapter gives the lens a really secure fit with zero wobble which is especially nice with longer or larger lenses.
Adapting Thypoch lenses to other mirrorless cameras
The beauty of investing in Leica M mount lenses is you can easily adapt them to pretty much any mirrorless camera whether Sony, Nikon, Canon, Lumix, Fuji etc. Personally I use the Thypoch Leica M mount lenses adapted to Lumix full frame (Lumix S1R for photos and Lumix S9 for video) and even to Micro Four Thirds cameras (Lumix G100 and GX85).
Example photo adapting the Thypoch Eureka 28mm f2.8 to a Canon R3 during a Patreon meet-up in Poland.
Does Thypoch Make Lenses for Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Sony?
Yes but not all. A selection of Thypoch lenses are available for other camera mounts such as Canon RF, Nikon Z, Fuji X and Sony E but they are different for each camera. Let me list some of the Thypoch lenses available for each native camera mount.
Thypoch Lenses for Canon RF Mount
Thypoch also makes the following native Canon RF mount lenses:
- Thypoch Simera 28mm f1.4 ASPH
- Thypoch Simera 35mm f1.4 ASPH
Thypoch Lenses for Nikon Z Mount
The following lenses are available in native Nikon Z mount:
- Thypoch Simera 28mm f1.4 ASPH
- Thypoch Simera 35mm f1.4 ASPH
- Thypoch Simera 50mm f1.4 ASPH
Thypoch Lenses for Fuji X Mount
For Fuji fans, two lenses are available in native Fujifilm X mount:
- Thypoch Simera 28mm f1.4 ASPH
- Thypoch Eureka 28mm f2.8 ASPH
Thypoch Lenses for Sony E Mount
Sony users have more lenses available in Sony E mount:
- Thypoch Simera 28mm f1.4 ASPH
- Thypoch Simera 35mm f1.4 ASPH
- Thypoch Voyager 24–50mm f2.8 AF (autofocus zoom)
- Simera-C lenses – 16mm, 21mm, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 75mm
Thypoch Lenses vs Leica Lenses – How Do They Compare?
Thypoch lenses offer excellent value compared to Leica lenses, but they’re not trying to recreate the exact Leica look. Brands such as Light Lens Lab and Mandler make close replicas of classic Leica lenses, whereas Thypoch brings its own designs and rendering. The Simera range is perhaps the closest in concept to modern Leica Summilux ASPH lenses, combining fast apertures, modern optics and plenty of character.
Thypoch Lenses vs Voigtländer Lenses – Which Offers Better Value?
If you’ve been using Leica M cameras for a while, you’ll probably know Voigtländer as one of the most popular and affordable alternatives to Leica lenses. In recent years, we’ve seen more brands enter the market, including Thypoch, Light Lens Lab, Funleader, TTArtisan, 7Artisans and Mandler.
Are Thypoch lenses better than Voigtländer? I’d say yes and no. Optically, the different lenses offer different looks, so it’s difficult to compare them directly. From my experience, both brands offer excellent build quality.
One advantage of the Thypoch Simera lenses is their built-in soft resistance point at 0.7m. When shooting with a Leica rangefinder, you can feel when you’ve reached the usual limit of rangefinder coupling. Most Voigtländer lenses that focus closer than 0.7m don’t have this feature. Thypoch Simera lenses are perhaps more cinematic. Voigtländer lenses often create better sunstars.
What Is the Smallest Thypoch Lens for Leica M?
The smallest Thypoch lens for Leica M mount is the Thypoch Eureka 28mm f2.8 lens with its quirky design. For lenses with normal aperture controls both Thypoch Ksana lenses are also very compact.
Conclusion – Are Thypoch Lenses Worth the Money?
I’d say yes. Thypoch lenses offer a great alternative to both Leica and Voigtländer, with excellent build quality, interesting optical designs and competitive prices.
One of the biggest advantages for me is the close-focus ability of many Thypoch lenses, together with the useful 0.7m soft resistance point.
I particularly love the rendering of the Simera lenses, although I find some of them a little too big for my Leica M cameras, perhaps with the 50mm being the exception. I often prefer using them on mirrorless cameras.
For Leica M cameras, I particularly like the smaller Ksana and Eureka lenses. The Ksana lenses have a more traditional design, while the Eureka lenses are a little quirky and look quite different from most modern lenses. Both ranges can deliver excellent optical quality, making them interesting alternatives to the usual Leica and Voigtländer options.
Where to Buy Thypoch Lenses + Prices
Thypoch have their own website and they ship worldwide so that makes everything very convenient. Sometimes they run offers so check the Thypoch Official Website for the latest prices in your country.
Why Chinese Lenses Can Sometimes Beat Leica Lenses
Many people incorrectly believe that Leica lenses are the best and Chinese lenses are bad. With Leica M cameras the most important factor to achieve sharp images is whether your camera and lens pair well together. I have expensive Leica lenses that don’t line up with any of my Leica M film cameras yet Chinese lenses that calibrate perfectly. As such I carry Chinese lenses not Leica in this instance.
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