Japanese optics manufacturer MS Optical has been renowned for quite some time for their conversions of all kinds of lenses from and to all kinds of different mounts. A while ago, they created the smallest ever 35mm lens for Leica M-mount, the MS Optical Super Triplet Perar 35mm f/3.5, a lens which was instantaneously recognized for its optical qualities. After the original version of the 35mm Perar had sold out, MS Optical introduced version II with slight modifications. This lens is recognized as one of the best 35mm lenses for Leica M-mount ever.

Meanwhile, it seems the lens’ creator Miyazaki-san has been busy working on new designs. As rangefinderforum.com-member jonmanjiro reports, MS Optical have just finished development of another minute M-mount lens, one even smaller then the previous. The new lens is a 28mm f/4 lens and shares the designation “Super Triplet Perar” with its predecessor. And just like its 35/3.5 sibling, it sports a modern three-element “Cooke-Triplet” design that is highly corrected for ultimate performance on digital M-mount cameras.

MS Optical Super Triplet Perar 28mm f/4 on a Leica M7 | Picture by jonmanjiro

An interesting feature of the lens is that its aperture blades are position in front of the front lens element. Since this would effectively expose them to outside influences, I am very curious to hear from the first actual users of the lens if this will eventually pose a problem. The reason behind this is that this way the optical formula could be further perfected, since there had no space to be left for the aperture between the lens elements.

According to the thread on rff, the new lens will be available shortly via Japan Camera Hunter. Since MS Optical products have previously been sold via Japan Exposures, I believe the lens will also be available there soon.

UPDATE: More info on the lens and on how to order it is now available at Japan Camera Hunter.

Just recently, Hongkong-based lens manufacturer SLR Magic, best known for their affordable alternative manual lens options for Micro Four Thirds and Sony NEX, have announced production of a new super fast 50mm T0.95 lens for Leica M mount. The lens is thus a direct competitor to the crazy expensive yet legendary Leica Noctilux 50mm f/0.95.

The new SLR Magic 50mm T0.95 lens for Leica M

The “T” designation means that the lens’ actual maximum light transmission is that of a theoretical f/0.95 aperture opening with now light loss. In a typical photographic lens, the number of lens elements and glass-air-surfaces as well as the quality of the coatings has an effect of how much light is actually being transmitted. The “f” designation in these lenses simply states the physical size of the maximum aperture opening. “T” designations have so far been reserved for cinema lenses, where the actual light transmission capability of the lens is more important than its factual aperture size.

Steve Huff, Leica aficionado and passionate gearhead has now obtained one of the first samples of the lens, and wrote a short article about his first impressions. Attendants of his January Los Angeles workshop will also have the opportunity to try the lens first hand.