Canon 35mm f1.5, a fast wide-angle lens by Canon. Leica screw mount. It was introduced in 1958 and appears to have remained in production until around 1971. The optical design was by Jiro Mukai, featuring a 4-group, 8-element construction. The focusing scale is in feet, and the lens is coated with an amber-colored coating.
The Canon 35mm f1.5 is said to be the world’s first photographic lens to achieve a 35mm focal length with an f1.5 aperture. Unlike the Summilux 35mm f1.4, it offers a more controlled and tighter rendering even at full aperture.
Bright 35mm vintage lenses for Leica that maintain rangefinder coupling are surprisingly limited, making this an appealing option for those who have been searching for one.
While some examples of the Canon 35mm f1.5 are known to have less precise rangefinder coupling, this particular lens has been carefully serviced, resulting in accurate coupling and stable focus.
The rear element protrudes significantly, so it is recommended to place the lens upside down when setting it down 💡
There are a few extremely minor spots of black paint loss on the front edge of the barrel and the helicoid ring, but otherwise there are no noticeable scuffs or scratches, and the overall appearance is very clean.
Fully overhauled in March 2026. Thanks to careful servicing, both the aperture and helicoid operate very smoothly, free from the typical slight play sometimes found in Canon lenses. Rangefinder coupling is perfectly accurate.
On the front element, there are only extremely faint cleaning marks that can barely be seen even under strong LED light, and there is also very slight coating wear on an internal element. Neither has any noticeable effect on actual shooting. The glass is free from haze and remains beautifully clear, with coating intact throughout.
The lens performed excellently in test shooting. The center is crisp and well-defined even wide open, while the periphery and foreground/background rendering remain soft and gentle, producing a rich and pleasing character. Sample images have been uploaded to our photo gallery for your reference.
The set includes the original W-50 hood, filter, front cap, leather case, and a third-party rear cap.
