The Japan-based optical equipment manufacturer Cosina has announced the release of the Voigtlander 28mm f/2 Ultron Vintage Line lenses for Leica M-mount, combining as with other lenses in the Voigtlander Vintage Line series the modern optical performance in a vintage-lens exterior. The new lens will be available in three different colors.

The newly released lens is available in two versions: Type I and Type II. The only notable difference between the two is the design of the focus ring, which is a single lever on Type I and a more thumb grip style notch on the Type II model. As a result, the Type 1 lens weighs only 190 grams while the Type 2 is slightly heavier at 230 grams. By comparison, the previously released Voigtlander Ultron 28mm f/2 comes slightly heavier at 244 grams.
Although the lens comes with a vintage-inspired exterior that is made of metal, it is designed to be on par with modern photography equipment, giving street photographers the ability to be both discrete and fast, while the wide-angle view opens up opportunities for a variety of subjects.

The Type II model is also available in both black and silver varieties, while the Type I is limited to black.

Here some sample pictures:

Both models share the same optical design, made of 10 elements in seven groups, with the previously mentioned older lens model is made of 10 elements in eight groups. Other features include a 10-blade aperture diaphragm, it achieves a minimum aperture of f/22 and a minimum focusing distance of 50cm with an all-metal helicoid focus mechanism. The focus can be adjusted with a focusing knob in addition to the distance ring, which Cosina claims make for effective snapshot shooting. The lens uses a bayonet-type VM mount, meaning it can be used not only with rangefinder-linked cameras but also with mirrorless digital cameras when using a mount adapter for compatibility.

The lenses are set to retail for around $1,000 when they’re released next month.
More info on Cosina’s website.