Solinon Optik
Est. 2025
Solinon Optik
Solinon Optik is a boutique micro‑brand focused on modern, correction‑oriented rangefinder optics for the Leica M-mount, currently defined primarily by a single ultra‑wide prime: the Solinon 18mm f/5.6 ASPH. 1 2
Unlike manufacturers that build broad catalogues across many mounts, Solinon’s identity is tied to a “one‑lens” launch strategy: delivering a compact 18mm designed to prioritize low distortion, low color cast on digital Ms, and strong wide‑open performance even at a modest maximum aperture. 1 3
In the Leica ecosystem, Solinon positions itself as a practical alternative to discontinued Leica and Zeiss 18mm M options that are widely viewed as comparatively expensive and bulky, aiming instead for modern performance in a small, accessible package. 3 2
History
Solinon Optik entered broader Leica-community awareness in early 2025, when coverage appeared announcing the brand and its first lens, the Solinon 18mm f/5.6 ASPH for Leica M-mount. 2 1
From the outset, discussion around the brand has been driven largely by independent reviews and community threads tracking availability, handling, and real‑world results. 3 4 5
The Calvin Lee origin story (Hong Kong / China manufacturing): Long-form review coverage identifies Calvin Lee (Hong Kong) as the person behind Solinon Optik, describing the 18mm as his first product and first lens, specified as a personal passion project. 3 1
According to reviewer correspondence, the lens was developed over roughly two years, with the optical design attributed to an experienced lens designer and production handled via manufacturing in China. 3 1
Why 18mm and why f/5.6:
Calvin’s stated rationale emphasizes that Leica and Zeiss no longer produce their M‑mount 18mm lenses, and that remaining options tend to be costly and physically larger, leaving a gap for a compact modern alternative. 3 2
Reviews reinforce the design tradeoff: the relatively slow f/5.6 maximum aperture enables a lens that performs strongly from wide open, particularly in corners and distortion control compared with many compact ultra‑wides. 1 3
Product Lines (M-Mount)
Solinon Optik’s M-mount presence is currently centered on one native Leica M lens, intended for rangefinder use and also adaptable to mirrorless via standard M adapters. 1 2
The Ultra‑Wide Series
- Solinon 18mm f/5.6 ASPH: A compact, correction‑focused ultra‑wide designed to deliver very low distortion, controlled corner behavior on digital sensors, and high sharpness at its maximum aperture. 1 3
Market Reception
Within the Leica M community, Solinon Optik is generally viewed as an unusually competent “newcomer” offering: small, relatively affordable compared to Leica-branded ultra‑wides, and oriented toward modern optical correction rather than novelty. 1 3
- Wide‑open credibility: Review testing highlights that the lens performs very well at infinity already at f/5.6, which matters because users can’t “open up” further to compensate for weaker behavior. 1 3
- Low distortion as a defining trait: Both reviews and user impressions repeatedly stress minimal distortion, making it especially attractive for film use and for digital workflows that prefer avoiding aggressive correction profiles. 1 3
- Digital-friendly corner color behavior: PhillipReeve reports negligible corner color cast, avoiding common issues seen in some older wide-angle designs on digital sensors. 1
- Flare resistance is a surprise strength: Review testing describes flare control as better than expected for a first product, with only specific corner-sun positions producing notable artifacts. 1
- The compromise is speed: The dominant caveat is the f/5.6 maximum aperture, making it less suited to low-light interior work without raising ISO or using support. 1 3
- Micro-brand realities: Community threads mention periodic stock issues and region-based shipping limitations, consistent with small-batch operations. 4 5
Sources
Lenses (1)
| Make | Model | Focal Length | Aperture | Release year | Diameter (mm) | Length (mm) | Weight (g) | Min focus distance | Elements | Groups | Filter diameter (mm) | Mount | Model number(s) | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solinon Optik | 18mm f/5.6 ASPH | 18 | 5.6 | 2025 | 54 | 36 | 230 g | 0.38 m | 9 | 7 | 46 | M | — |