Funleader has officially launched the Black Edition of its Contax G35 Leica M Conversion Helicoid V2.0, marking a significant evolution in the company’s efforts to bridge the gap between legendary vintage optics and modern rangefinder systems. This latest release introduces a refined, non-destructive conversion system designed specifically for the Carl Zeiss 35mm f/2 Planar T* lens, originally produced for the Contax G autofocus rangefinder system. By prioritizing improved materials, weight reduction, and tactile feedback, the V2.0 Black Edition seeks to offer Leica M-mount photographers a seamless way to integrate one of the most celebrated 35mm lenses of the 1990s into their contemporary digital or film workflows.
The update reflects a growing trend within the enthusiast and professional photography communities: the desire to preserve the unique rendering characteristics of "golden era" glass while utilizing the precision and ergonomics of the Leica M ecosystem. Unlike previous conversion methods that often required permanent, irreversible modifications to the lens housing, Funleader’s approach emphasizes the preservation of the original optical block, ensuring that the lens maintains its long-term value and integrity.
The Evolution of the Contax G35 Conversion System
The Contax G system, launched by Kyocera in 1994, was a revolutionary departure from traditional rangefinders. It combined the high-end optical performance of Carl Zeiss lenses with an electronic autofocus system and a rugged titanium body. Among the lens lineup, the 35mm f/2 Planar (G35) earned a reputation for its exceptional color rendition, micro-contrast, and "Zeiss 3D pop." However, as the electronic components of the Contax G1 and G2 bodies have aged, many of these cameras have become prone to failure, leaving a surplus of world-class lenses without viable modern bodies.
Funleader’s journey into lens conversion began as a response to this obsolescence. The original V1 conversion kit provided a basic mechanical solution, but user feedback highlighted the need for better focus damping and lighter construction. The V2.0 iteration addresses these concerns directly. By transitioning from the heavier brass components used in earlier versions to a high-grade aluminum alloy for the housing, Funleader has managed to reduce the overall weight of the setup. This makes the converted lens feel more balanced on compact Leica M bodies, such as the M11 or the classic M6.
Technical Specifications and Mechanical Refinements
The V2.0 Black Edition is not merely a cosmetic update. While the all-black finish provides a stealthy, understated aesthetic that matches modern black-chrome or paint Leica finishes, the internal mechanics have been thoroughly overhauled. One of the primary improvements is the redesigned focus helicoid. Funleader has implemented a new internal structure that enhances focus damping, providing a smooth, resistive feel that mimics the tactile experience of native Leica Summicron lenses.
The technical specifications of the converted G35 remain faithful to the original Zeiss design:
- Focal Length: 35mm
- Aperture Range: f/2.0 to f/16
- Optical Construction: 7 elements in 5 groups (Planar design)
- Minimum Focus Distance: 0.7 meters (2.30 feet)
- Filter Thread: 46mm
- Mount: Leica M-mount with rangefinder coupling
A critical feature of this kit is its rangefinder coupling capability. Many simple adapters for Contax G lenses rely on "zone focusing" or live-view focusing, which negates the primary advantage of using a Leica M camera. Funleader’s helicoid is precision-engineered to engage the rangefinder cam of the camera, allowing for accurate focus through the optical viewfinder from 0.7 meters to infinity.
The Non-Destructive Philosophy
In the world of vintage lens collecting, the "original condition" of an item significantly dictates its market value. Traditional "re-housing" services often involve stripping the lens down and discarding the original barrel, a process that is usually permanent. Funleader’s V2.0 kit is designed to be user-installable using basic mechanical tools. The process involves removing the optical block from the original Contax G barrel and inserting it into the Funleader helicoid.
Because the process is non-destructive, photographers have the option to revert the lens to its original Contax G mount if they choose to sell the lens or use it on an original G2 body in the future. This reversibility provides a level of financial security for collectors who are wary of third-party modifications. Furthermore, the kit includes a matching aluminum lens cap, ensuring that the entire assembly maintains a cohesive, premium look and feel.
Performance Trade-offs and Engineering Decisions
While the V2.0 conversion offers numerous benefits, Funleader has been transparent about certain mechanical constraints inherited from the original Zeiss optical block design. Specifically, when the aperture is set to the f/16 mark on the converted barrel, the effective aperture is approximately f/13. To reset or adjust the aperture accurately at these smaller openings, the user must cycle through the lower values.
Funleader’s engineering team noted that this trade-off was a conscious decision made to prioritize the smoothness and accuracy of the focus mechanism. Given that 35mm lenses on full-frame systems are rarely used at f/16 due to the onset of diffraction, the company determined that the impact on real-world usability would be negligible for the majority of photographers. This level of transparency is rare in the third-party accessory market and has been welcomed by the rangefinder community as a sign of technical honesty.
Market Context: Zeiss Rendering vs. Leica Precision
The decision to adapt a Zeiss G35 to a Leica M body is often driven by a preference for specific optical characteristics. While Leica’s own 35mm Summicron-M lenses are benchmarks for sharpness and clinical perfection, the Zeiss G35 is often described as having a more "romantic" or "vintage" rendering. The T* coating provides a specific warm color palette and flare resistance that differs from Leica’s proprietary coatings.
From a financial perspective, the Funleader conversion kit offers a compelling middle ground. A used Contax G35 lens typically retails for between $500 and $700, and the Funleader kit is priced at approximately $1,000 (with a current launch sale price of $990). For a total investment of roughly $1,500 to $1,700, a photographer can own a rangefinder-coupled 35mm f/2 lens with Zeiss optics. In contrast, a modern Leica 35mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH can cost upwards of $3,900. For many, the Funleader kit represents a high-value entry point into the world of M-mount photography without sacrificing optical quality.
Broader Implications for the Photography Industry
The success of Funleader’s conversion kits signals a broader shift in how photographers view "legacy" equipment. As digital sensors continue to increase in resolution, the flaws and unique signatures of vintage lenses have become more desirable as a way to stand out from the hyper-clean look of modern computer-aided lens designs.
By creating a bridge between the defunct Contax G system and the thriving Leica M system, Funleader is essentially "recycling" high-quality glass that might otherwise sit on a shelf. This sustainable approach to gear—extending the life of existing mechanical objects—resonates with a generation of photographers who value durability and craft over the rapid cycle of electronic obsolescence.
The introduction of the V2.0 Black Edition also suggests that Funleader may be looking to expand its conversion lineup. The Contax G system includes other legendary lenses, such as the 28mm f/2.8 Biogon and the 45mm f/2 Planar. If the G35 V2.0 proves successful, it is likely that similar non-destructive kits for these focal lengths will follow, further enriching the options available to M-mount users.
Pricing and Availability
The Funleader Contax G35 Leica M Conversion Kit (Non-Destructive) V2.0 is currently available for purchase through the company’s official website. The full kit, which includes the conversion helicoid and necessary assembly components, is priced at a launch special of $990, down from the standard MSRP of $1,099. For photographers who already own the optical components or are looking to upgrade from a previous version, the standalone Black Edition conversion helicoid is offered at $519.
As the photography market continues to evolve, tools like the Funleader V2.0 conversion kit ensure that the optical achievements of the past remain relevant in the hands of today’s creators. By combining the soul of Zeiss glass with the mechanical refinement required by the Leica system, Funleader has created a product that honors the heritage of both brands while looking firmly toward the future of manual-focus photography.
