Modern lenses are usually made of plastic or magnesium alloy, but Light Lens Lab has just recreated a vintage lens, complete with a copper housing. The Light Lens Lab 50mm f/2 “Rigid” is a lens that is a tribute Leica‘s 50mm F/2 Summicron V2 rigid glass, but unlike Leica’s classic, Lens Lab’s new optic is well under $1,000 / £798 / AU$1,603.
The Light lens lab 50 mm f/2 is a M-mount lens designed with seven elements in six groups. The manual focus lens can capture subjects up to 0.7 meters in front of the lens. The company says the lens uses lanthanide-infused elements and updated lens coatings for added durability.
The Light Lens Lab 50mm f/2 is also available in black (Image credit: Light Lens Lab)
These optics are housed in an all-copper housing, although some lens finishes are built with titanium instead. In addition to a special edition made of bare brass, the lens is also available in black paint with copper details, black paint or chrome.
The lens specs list also includes a 10-blade aperture. The lens itself weighs 266 grams and comes with a lens hood, caps and leather bag.
(Image credit: Light Lens Lab)
Pre-orders the lens are now live and shipping is expected to begin on February 14, 2025. The bare copper limited edition is the most expensive of the various finishes at $899 / £717 / AU$1,442, while the chrome version is $100 / £80 / AU$ 160 costs. fewer. The company says an LTM mounting version is in development.
Leica’s continued commitment to M-mount cameras means the brand’s M-mount cameras still accept vintage lenses. The new-in-box version of the Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron lens retails for $2,995.
Lens Lab is a company based in Shangrao, China that reproduces historical lenses. The company says its optics are handmade in small batches. The company’s current catalog now includes eight vintage-inspired optics.
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