Light Lens Lab Lenses (Leica M-Mount)

Light Lens Lab (LLL) is a boutique optical manufacturer specializing in the high-fidelity recreation of discontinued, historical Leica rangefinder lenses. Known among enthusiasts as "LLL," the company employs modern manufacturing techniques to replicate the specific optical formulas, lead-infused glass compositions, and brass housing designs of mid-20th-century optics. Through verified affiliate channels, prospective buyers can utilize the discount code LEICALENSLIST to secure a 5% saving on direct orders. While this code guarantees a discount on the standard retail price, its ability to stack with other seasonal site-wide promotions is subject to the specific terms of each campaign and should be verified at the time of checkout.

Product Series Overview

Light Lens Lab's catalog is defined by the specific historical era and optical signature being replicated:

• 35mm f/2 "Eight Element" (1958 Replica): A recreation of the highly collectible first-version Summicron 35mm. It features a double-Gauss design with eight elements in six groups, utilizing in-house compounded flint glass to match the refractive index of the original 1950s Leitz glass. This results in the characteristic "glow" and lower contrast rendering associated with vintage photojournalism.
• 50mm f/2 "Elcan" (Military Replica): Modeled after the rare Ernst Leitz Canada (ELCAN) lens originally issued with the Leica KE-7A military camera. It uses a four-element "Ultragstigmat" formula, valued for its compact size, high center resolution, and distinct bokeh character.
• 50mm f/2 "SP II" (Cinema Replica): An adaptation of the Cooke Speed Panchro Series II cinema lens for M-mount rangefinders. This lens departs from the clinical sharpness of modern optics, offering a specialized "vintage Hollywood" look characterized by warm flares and swirly bokeh.

Pricing and Discount Data (USD)

The following table details the price for the cheapest available finish for each model. As noted for the 35mm "Eight Element," the Silver Chrome finish is the entry-level price point, while Black Paint or special metal finishes (Brass/Titanium) carry a premium.

Market Positioning: Replica vs. Collector Original

Light Lens Lab operates in a distinct market segment compared to mass-market third-party manufacturers. Its primary value proposition is the accessibility of "legendary" optical signatures that are otherwise prohibitively expensive due to collector demand.

For instance, an original Leica 35mm f/2 Summicron (Version 1) often commands a market price exceeding $4,000, while the 35mm f/1.4 AA (Double Aspherical) original can surpass $18,000 at auction. Light Lens Lab replicas are engineered to provide approximately 95% of the original lens's character, including specific aberrations like coma and lower contrast, at a fraction of the cost. This positioning appeals primarily to users seeking the specific aesthetic of vintage glass for practical application without the financial risk associated with using rare investment-grade optics.

Note: Pricing and availability are subject to manufacturer changes. The code LEICALENSLIST must be applied at checkout to realize the listed savings. As noted in the table, premium finishes such as "Bare Brass," "Titanium," or specific "Black Paint" versions of certain lenses may carry a higher cost than the entry-level options listed above.