Artra Lab Similar 35mm f/1.4 is a truly magical lens—something unlike anything I’ve used before. And the best part? It’s price friendly, meaning you don’t have to break the bank to experience its magic.
Let me introduce you to the Artralab Similar 35mm f/1.4.
This lens is built for Leica M-mount cameras, which means it can be adapted to many other camera systems.
The design is inspired by the Leica Steel Rim 1960 Edition, and while I haven’t used the original, from what I’ve seen, the rendering is very similar.
However, instead of spending $10,000+ on a vintage lens, you can achieve the same results at a fraction of the price with Artra Lab Similar 35mm f/1.4.
Build and Handling
The lens is incredibly lightweight at just 200 grams, making it perfect for portability. It features:
- A well-damped focus tab for smooth focusing
- An aperture ring with distinct clicks, allowing precise control
- A fully metal construction, including the front and rear caps
- A vented metal lens hood, adding both functionality and a classic look
Using this lens on my Leica MP240, I found focusing to be effortless, even at f/1.4. Despite challenging lighting conditions (bright sun and reflective snow), the focus tab provided a solid grip and a smooth experience.
Artra Lab Similar 35mm f/1.4 For Who Is This Lens For?
1. Street Photography
If you enjoy street photography, this lens is an excellent choice. The way it renders colors, black and whites, and light is outstanding.
At f/8 and f/11, the details and micro-contrast are excellent, making it great for environmental and urban shots.
The way this lens interacts with light at different apertures is simply mind-blowing.
2. Portrait Photography
This lens can produce portraits so good, they might make you emotional. It offers:
- Sharpness when you need it
- Soft, dreamy rendering when desired
- Beautiful, glowing highlights
- Smooth, yet slightly busy bokeh with great character
Since my Leica doesn’t record aperture settings, I’m not always sure if I shot at f/1.4, f/2, or f/2.8.
But what I do know is that portraits at any of these settings look absolutely unique and special.
Whether you’re a wedding photographer or a fashion photographer, this Artra Lab Similar 35mm f/1.4 gives you a special look that sets your work apart.
Artra Lab Similar 35mm f/1.4 Image Quality
The “Perfect Imperfect” Look
If you’re looking for a “technically perfect” lens, this isn’t it. Instead, the Artralab Similar 35mm f/1.4 delivers beautiful imperfections that give images character— inspired from the vintage Leica Steel Rim35mm f/1.4 1960.
If you want clinical sharpness, go for a Sony 35mm f/1.8 or another modern lens. But if you want magic, glow, and vintage charm, this is the lens for you.
Artra Lab Similar 35mm f/1.4 Color Rendering
This lens produces film-like colors that are distinct from any other lens I’ve used. It has a very warm white balance, which gives images a pleasing, golden glow.
Sunset shots look rich and vibrant, and even standard daylight shots have a warmth that’s almost nostalgic.
Artra Lab Similar 35mm f/1.4 Jpegs Versus DNG Files
I edited the .dng files using Adobe Lightroom Leica Embedded Profile. So in theory I work with the same color that it’s baked into the jpegs.
Here are some examples of before and after my edit so you can get an idea of what you can do withj Artra Lab Similar 35mm f/1.4 on a Leica M camera.
When compared to a Voigtländer 35mm f/1.5 (video review here), I immediately noticed that the Artralab Similar produces warmer colors.
Even when shooting in RAW, the natural warmth is evident, though you can always adjust the white balance in post-processing.
Artra Lab Similar 35mm f/1.4 Black & White Performance
The black and white rendering of this lens is also unique. It gives low-contrast, airy images, almost like using a yellow filter.
The result is light, bright, and beautifully nuanced tones—a look that many photographers strive to achieve in post-processing but can now get straight out of the camera.
Sharpness & Contrast Of Artra Lab Similar 35mm f/1.4
At f/1.4, the lens provides sharp images with a subtle glow, making skin tones look incredible.
I was worried it might be too soft, but I found it to be sharper than the Leica Steel Rim 35mm f/1.4.
When stopping down, contrast and sharpness improve, making it great for any shooting situation.
Flare & Light Handling
Flare is present, but it can be controlled. You can use it creatively or eliminate it by using the vented lens hood or adjusting your shooting angle.
Personally, I love the flare—it adds to the lens’s magical quality.
A Surprisingly Bright Lens
One of the most surprising discoveries was how bright this lens is compared to other 35mm lenses. When testing it against the Voigtländer 35mm f/1.5, I found that the Artralab was actually two stops brighter.
To achieve the same exposure, I had to shoot at 1/250s with the Artralab but at 1/1000s with the Voigtländer. I even tested it against the 7Artisans 35mm f/2, which is known for being bright, but the Artralab was still one stop brighter.
This means you get better light-gathering capabilities, making it easier to shoot in low-light conditions with faster shutter speeds. This is a game-changer, especially for Leica shooters who often rely on natural light.
Artra Lab Similar 35mm f/1.4 Final Thoughts
The Artralab Similar 35mm f/1.4 is not just another 35mm lens. It offers a unique, film-like rendering, with warm colors, dreamy bokeh, and stunning portrait capabilities.
It’s lightweight, beautifully built, and shockingly bright compared to other lenses in its class.
If you’re looking for a lens that delivers modern optical performance with a vintage soul, this is it.
It’s a lens that makes you fall in love with photography all over again.
More Pictures With Artra Lab Similar 35mm f/1.4
Artra Lab Similar 35mm f/1.4 Street Photography In Bucharest, Romania 2025
Artra Lab Similar 35mm f/1.4 Nature Photography
