DJ-Optical Releases Ultra Slim 35mm Pancake Lens
The new 35mm f/3.5 prime lens offers Leica M mount users a compact, rangefinder-coupled option.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Photography
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DJ-Optical has officially released its new Ultra Slim 35mm f/3.5 Pancake Lens for Leica M mount cameras. The manual focus lens is designed to serve as a compact optical unit that functions as both a body cap and a prime lens.
Why it matters
This release provides Leica M photographers with a highly portable option that prioritizes a minimalist form factor for rangefinder systems. The compact design allows users to keep their setup slim while maintaining compatibility with manual focus and rangefinder-coupling.
The pancake lens measures 15 millimeters in length and weighs 140 grams, featuring an eight-element construction across five groups. It retails for approximately $520 and includes one ED element along with three high-refractive index elements.
The players
DJ-Optical
DJ-Optical is a manufacturer specializing in camera optics and lens systems.
The details
The lens features an aperture range of f/3.5 to f/16 controlled by eight blades and is fully rangefinder-coupled. It supports a minimum focus distance of 0.7 meters for rangefinder use, extending to 0.5 meters when utilizing a camera's live view mode.
Timeline
The lens was showcased at the China P&E Imaging Show earlier in 2026.
The product became available for purchase on October 31, 2026.
Culture Shift
The emergence of pancake lenses for the Leica M mount signifies a shift toward ultra-portable manual photography in an era of heavier digital setups. This product release reflects a growing desire among hobbyists to minimize gear weight without abandoning the traditional rangefinder experience.
Photographers can now purchase the lens through eBay to use as a lightweight primary prime or a protective body cap replacement. The 140-gram weight makes this a practical addition for users looking to reduce their daily carry burden for street or travel photography.
The takeaway
This new pancake lens offers a specialized, budget-friendly alternative for Leica M users seeking maximum portability. Consider whether the f/3.5 maximum aperture meets your specific lighting requirements before committing to the fixed-focal length manual setup.
Further reading
Explore more compact gear and manual focus developments in our Photography section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by PetaPixel.
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