Shoten lens debut promises ‘dreamy’ Leica style glow via ultra-fast f/1.1 aperture

Japanese manufacturer Shoten Kobo has introduced an ultra-fast f/1.1 aperture lens, called the Tribute 01- LTM50mm, which pays homage to the 1950s Zunow 50mm f/1.1 lens. Priced at 142,000 Yen ($896 / £678), the lens is significantly more affordable than its original counterpart, which could cost up to $10,000.

Shoten's Tribute 01- LTM50mm manual focus lens for 35mm full-frame cameras features a classic design and aims to deliver a "dreamy" rendering of its subject, with a focus on creating a soft diffusion of light and atmosphere. The lens is compatible with Leica M mount lenses when the L39-M conversion ring is attached, and can be used as a Leica screw mount (L39) lens when the ring is removed.

With a 50mm focal length, the ultra-fast aperture is well-suited for portraiture and a variety of subjects, from everyday snapshots to nightscapes. The lens offers improved sharpness at stopped-down apertures and a minimum focus distance of 0.5m, making it an attractive choice for photographers seeking shallow depth of field and expressive images.

Constructed with a barrel combining brass and aluminum, the design of the Tribute 01- LTM50mm strikes a balance between classic appearance and operability, featuring a click mechanism on the aperture ring. The rear of the lens resembles the "ping pong ball" protruding rear element of the Zunow 50mm f/1.1.

Though the lens may not be the greatest in the world, Shoten emphasizes its high-quality construction and the lens's ability to allow photographers to "explore their own expression rather than expecting a perfectly finished image." Currently, the lens is available in either classic black or silver variants and can be ordered.