The Mandler 35mm f/2 is not a lens I wanted to judge from charts or laboratory tests. I took it to Paris and used it on the Leica M11-D and Leica M11 Monochrom, photographing everything from intimate portraits and low-light interiors to the streets of Paris. This is my long-term review of a 35mm lens whose character matters far more than technical perfection.

The Thypoch Simera 35mm f/2 surprised me. Rather than chasing clinical perfection, it delivers atmosphere, character and a beautifully cinematic rendering. After extensive use in Antwerp and Sicily, here's my experience with one of the most interesting modern 35mm lenses for Leica M photographers.

The Omnar Bertele 50mm f/2 MC FLB is not a lens for photographers chasing technical perfection. It is a modern reinterpretation of the classic Sonnar formula that prioritises atmosphere, glow and emotional rendering over clinical sharpness. After shooting with it extensively on the Leica M11 Monochrom in Nice, I discovered a lens that feels cinematic, imperfect and deeply inspiring for portrait photography.

From portrait sessions in Nice to late 60s inspired cinematic imagery, the Light Lens Lab 75mm f/2 SPII proved to be a unique Leica M lens full of atmosphere, beautiful skin tones and vintage character.