W-Komura 36mm f/1.8 – Leica Screw Mount
Manufactured by Sankyo Koki Co., Ltd. (later Komura Lens Co., Ltd.).

Features dual distance scales in meters and feet. The lens has a 10-blade circular aperture. The aperture ring includes a window to display the f-stop value — a design shared with Komura’s 28mm lens. Weight is approximately 205g (measured). It has an amber-colored coating.

At the time of release, the retail price was ¥16,800, which included a viewfinder, hood, and case. For reference, the Canon 35mm f/2 from the same period was priced at ¥19,000.

The Komura 36mm f/1.8 was reportedly introduced in spring 1963, alongside the Komura 28mm f/3.5. However, it disappeared from catalogs by 1964, suggesting that very few were produced. Among all Komura lenses, this is considered one of the rarest. Based on how infrequently it appears on the market, it’s estimated that only around a hundred or so units were made.

One can’t help but wonder why the focal length is an unusual 36mm — it’s likely that Komura had a specific reason for not labeling it as 35mm.

There are some signs of black paint loss and small scuffs on the helicoid from normal use, but no noticeable dings or major scratches.

The glass shows a shallow cleaning mark on the rear element, very faint haze around the periphery of the middle element, and a small circular balsam separation at the center of the front group. However, none of these should affect actual image quality. Coating remains well-preserved on all lens surfaces.

Real-world performance was excellent. Even wide open, the center delivers clear and crisp rendering. From mid-frame to the edges, the image transitions into smooth, soft bokeh, and natural vignetting adds a pleasing atmosphere. Stopping down by about two stops reduces the vignetting and brings fine detail across the entire frame. Please see our Test Shots Gallery for sample images.

In addition to the original front cap, this lens comes with a beautifully crafted one-off hood, custom-made by the previous owner, which includes a built-in filter.

A true rarity.

Reference: Classic Camera Senka No.50, Leica Book '99, p.113.