KIPON

KIPON (a brand of Shanghai Transvision Photographic Equipment Co., Ltd.) is a major Chinese optical manufacturer established in 2007. While globally recognized as one of the largest manufacturers of lens adapters (boasting over 600 models), the brand is relevant to the Leica M-mount community for two primary reasons: its comprehensive lineup of "Iberit" lenses and its advanced adapter solutions that expand the utility of M-mount glass on other systems.

Unlike other Chinese manufacturers that focus on reproducing vintage optical formulas (like Light Lens Lab) or pursuing extreme apertures (like 7Artisans), KIPON's lens philosophy centers on "German engineering" collaborations. Their primary lens line, originally launched under the HandeVision brand, was developed in partnership with IB/E Optics in Germany, resulting in optics that aim for a balance of modern contrast, compact size, and classic usability.

History

KIPON began as an adapter manufacturer in Shanghai, quickly gaining a reputation for producing high precision adapters for complex mounts like the Contax G and Tilt Shift mechanisms.

The HandeVision Joint Venture (2013 to 2017) To enter the lens manufacturing market, KIPON formed a joint venture with the German optical design firm IB/E Optics (known for designing high end cinema lenses for ARRI and other brands). The brand name "HandeVision" was a portmanteau of "Han" (China) and "De" (Deutschland/Germany). Their first major release for the rangefinder market was the Iberit series of prime lenses.

Consolidation and the "Iberit" Line (2018 to Present) Eventually, the HandeVision branding was phased out in favor of the unified KIPON name. The company refined the Iberit lenses, marketing them as compact, moderate speed primes specifically optimized for the Leica M system. KIPON also innovated in the adapter space, creating close focus helicoid adapters for M-mount lenses, allowing rangefinder users to bypass the traditional 0.7m minimum focus distance when adapting their glass to mirrorless bodies.

Product Lines (M-Mount Native)

KIPON's M-mount lenses are grouped under the Iberit series. These lenses are notable for sharing a unified maximum aperture and similar physical dimensions, creating a cohesive "kit" feel similar to cinema lens sets.

The Iberit Series (f/2.4 Primes)

The Iberit line consists of five focal lengths: 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 75mm, and 90mm, all with a maximum aperture of f/2.4.

• Design Philosophy: Rather than chasing ultra fast f/1.4 or f/0.95 apertures, the Iberit series targets compactness and portability. The f/2.4 aperture allows the lenses to be significantly smaller and lighter while maintaining high optical performance and reduced focus shift.
• Build: The lenses feature anodized aluminum, brass, and stainless steel construction. They are available in gloss black and silver finishes to match Leica bodies.
• Rangefinder Coupling: All focal lengths are rangefinder coupled, allowing for precise focus via the optical viewfinder patch on M bodies.
• 6-Bit Coding Readiness: A unique feature of the Iberit M-mount lenses is the inclusion of factory machined pits on the lens mount flange. While the lenses do not come with the black and white paint applied, users can easily "code" the lenses themselves using model paint to enable EXIF recognition on digital Leica cameras (e.g., M10, M11).

Advanced Adapters

While not lenses, KIPON's adapters are integral to the M-mount ecosystem.

• M-to-Mirrorless Helicoids: KIPON produces adapters for Sony E, Nikon Z, and Canon RF that feature a built-in macro helicoid. This allows Leica M lenses (which usually only focus to 0.7m) to focus much closer, often down to 0.2m or 0.3m, unlocking "macro" capabilities for vintage rangefinder glass.

Technical Specifications

Feature	Specification Details
Native Mount	Leica M-Mount (Bayonet)
Focus Type	Manual Focus (Rangefinder Coupled)
Common Aperture	f/2.4 across the entire Iberit line
Filter Thread	49mm (Unified across 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 75mm, 90mm)
Build Materials	Aluminum, Brass, Stainless Steel
Aperture Ring	Clicked (with 1/2 stop intervals)
Design Origin	Designed by IB/E Optics (Germany), Manufactured by KIPON (China)
Coding	6-bit recesses present; requires user painting

Market Reception

In the Leica ecosystem, KIPON Iberit lenses occupy a "modern classic" niche.

• The "Summarit" Alternative: Due to their f/2.4 aperture, they are often compared to Leica's discontinued Summarit line. They offer a similar value proposition: high sharpness and compact size at a moderate speed, but for a fraction of the price of the German originals.
• Optical Character: Reviews generally cite the Iberit lenses as having a modern, high contrast rendering that lacks the "vintage flaws" of 7Artisans or TTArtisan lenses. The 75mm f/2.4 and 90mm f/2.4 are particularly praised as affordable, sharp telephoto options, a focal length category often neglected by other third party manufacturers.
• Build Quality: The all metal construction is frequently highlighted as a strength, feeling dense and well damped, although some early users noted variability in the stiffness of the focus rings.

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Sources

• KIPON Official Corporate Profile: https://www.kipon-global.com/about
• IB/E Optics History (German Partnership): https://www.ibe-optics.com/history
• Alik Griffin (KIPON Lenses Review): https://alikgriffin.com/handevision-lenses-good-yes-no/
• SonyAlphaBlog (Iberit 75mm Review): https://sonyalpha.blog/2018/11/22/kipon-iberit-75mm-f2-4/
• CineGear (Iberit Product Details): https://cinegear.nl/product/kipon-iberit-24mm-f-2-4-lens-leica-m-red/
• MacFilos (6-Bit Coding Guide): https://www.macfilos.com/2024/08/09/m-files-26-third-party-lenses-for-leica-on-steroids-with-6-bit-coding-and-exif-tweaking/