DJ-Optical Ultra Slim 35mm F3.5 Offers a Compact Option for Leica Shooters

DJ-Optical, a niche lens maker specializing in manual-focus optics for Leica M-mount cameras, has introduced a new compact prime. The Ultra Slim 35mm F3.5 is designed to be an easily portable everyday lens, with a pancake-style profile measuring just 15mm in length.

The lens was designed by DJ, the company’s namesake and a lens craftsman with 30 years of experience. It follows the NyctaLux 50mm F1.0 and was previously showcased at the 2026 China P&E Imaging Show.

A 15mm-Long Pancake Lens

The Ultra Slim 35mm F3.5 measures just 15mm long, excluding its mount, and weighs 140g. Its compact dimensions put it in a similar category to the increasingly popular body-cap-style lenses offered by third-party manufacturers, including the Viltrox AF 28mm F4.5 Chip and TTArtisan AF 24mm F3.8 Mini.

Despite its slim construction, DJ-Optical has retained dedicated aperture and manual focus rings. The aperture ranges from F3.5 to F16 and uses an eight-blade diaphragm.

The optical design consists of eight elements in five groups, including one extra-low dispersion element and three high-refractive-index elements. The relatively simple construction helps keep the lens compact.

◤通常販売開始◢
DJ-Optical Ultra slim 35mm f/3.5 MC
ビジュアルだけじゃない鋳鏡師DJ氏の第二弾✨
・ライカMマウント
・距離計連動対応
・アダプター経由でミラーレスへ
・最短撮影距離0.5m
・絞り羽根：8枚
・約140g
中国レンズ設計の先陣を切った開発者がODMではなく自分のブランドでやりたいことをやりきっているプロダクトです。ロマンの塊を是非‼️
https://t.co/a3PttzNBh4

— 焦点工房 〜カメラと写真の愉しみ・喜びをもっと身近に〜 (@ShotenKobo) October 30, 2026

Manual Focus With Rangefinder Coupling

As expected from a Leica M-mount lens, the Ultra Slim 35mm F3.5 is manual focus only. It is rangefinder-coupled and offers a minimum focusing distance of 0.7 meters when using the rangefinder. Switching to Live View allows photographers to focus as close as 0.5 meters.

“Combining classic metal craftsmanship, multi-coated optics, and rangefinder-coupled manual focusing, it is an ideal everyday companion for street photography, travel, and casual shooting,” Shotenkobo says about the lens.

The 35mm focal length has long been a popular choice among Leica photographers, particularly for street and documentary photography. Its F3.5 maximum aperture is relatively modest, making it better suited to well-lit environments than low-light shooting.

Pricing and Availability

The DJ-Optical Ultra Slim 35mm F3.5 pancake lens is priced at $520 and is now available through eBay.