ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Brightin Star Launches APO 35mm f/1.7 ASPH. Lens for Leica M-Mount via Kickstarter

other · 2026-08-26

Brightin Star has launched its new APO 35mm f/1.7 ASPH. lens for Leica M-Mount cameras, initially revealed on Kickstarter. This is their second M-Mount lens, following the 28mm f/2.8 Pancake introduced in 2023. It offers a full-frame design, manual focus, and a focus throw of 307 degrees, with a minimum focusing distance of 0.3 meters, though close focusing is limited to 0.7 meters due to rangefinder coupling. Weighing in at 266 grams and measuring 43mm long, it features a sleek black paint finish, 11 elements in seven groups, six of which are aspherical, and an 11-bladed aperture. Part of the 'Apex' series, it's available for backers at $759, down from $1,199, with shipping expected in November.

Key facts

  • Brightin Star announced the APO 35mm f/1.7 ASPH. lens for Leica M-Mount at CP+ 2026 in February.
  • The lens is available to order via Kickstarter, a first for the company.
  • It is Brightin Star's second M-Mount lens, after the 28mm f/2.8 Pancake released in 2023.
  • The lens has a 307-degree focus throw and focuses as close as 0.3 meters (1 foot).
  • Rangefinder coupling limits close focus to 0.7 meters.
  • The lens is 43mm long and weighs 266 grams.
  • It has 11 elements in seven groups, with six aspherical surfaces and an 11-bladed aperture.
  • The lens is part of the new 'Apex' series, developed over two years.
  • Backers can pledge $759, a 37% discount from the retail price of $1,199.
  • Shipping is expected to begin in November.
  • Adapters for other mounts are available for $30 to $42.

Entities

Institutions

  • Brightin Star
  • Leica
  • Kickstarter
  • CP+
  • PetaPixel

Locations

  • Japan

Sources