The lens has 7 elements in 7 groups, meaning there are no doublets in the assembly.

The taking lens of the Bismuth is based on the 50mm Elcan lens, developed by Edwards, Mandler and Wagner at Leitz Canada in the late 1960s . They developed a version of the Sonnar design with all high index glasses to be able to achieve a very compact and high speed 50mm lens that could come close to the performance of double gauss designs, while avoiding the use of any doublets. This was only possible due to new developments in glass at the time.

This is paired with a simple front anamorphic (2 elements), as well as a more unusual feature, a 90 degree rotated rear cylinder which helps reduce the loss of squeeze when focused close up.

The lens uses exotic Japanese glass types from OHARA

The Bismuth has a mechanical design closer to cinema lenses than traditional Leica lenses, this is because the focusing is done by moving the middle 5 lenses, leaving the front and rear lens stationary.

To achieve this, the housing features a cam based design, with a nylon follower. This nylon follower is easily replaceable by undoing a couple of screws and does not require any disassembly of the optics, or removal of the mount, it could even be performed with the lens still on the camera (probably inadvisable).

• 50mm f/2.8, Elcan (Sonnar) derivative design

• Anamorphic Squeeze Ratio of 1.45-1.6x (avg. 1.55x over 1m)

• f/2.8 - f/22, de-click-able aperture.

• infinity - 0.7m focusing range

• Leica M Mount

• Rangefinder Coupled

• 52mm front filter threads

• 67mm length from mount, 74mm total.

• 7 elements in 7 groups, 1 anomalous partial dispersion lens

• Multicoated for the visible spectrum

• 36x24mm coverage, may cover beyond, no guarantees

This lens is a large endeavour for me, it will require getting equipment and building up my workshop’s capabilities to assemble and service lenses. The lens will be produced first in a limited amount as an experimental project.

The timeline for this first batch is as follows :

• Prototype Run

  The lens is available on Kickstarter, for the price of 1600CHF/2000USD, for this price you will receive :

  • 1 Prototype Lens

• Expected Timeline 

  Campaign Ends Late Nov 2025

  Production Dec 2025 - Feb 2026

  Assembly March-April 2026

  Delivery June-July 2026

  This is assuming there are no major faults, particularly with the glass, which takes longer to produce. Any delays will be communicated through email and Kickstarter.