The Funleader x Brightin Star XSLIM-M 28mm F2.8 is a teeny tiny pancake for Leica M
Jul 5, 2023
Share:

There aren’t many lenses out there that stick out less than a centimetre from the front of your camera, but the new Funleader x Brightin Star XSLIM-M 28mm f/2.8 (buy here) is one of them. To be fair, it’s barely a hair under 1cm, at 0.99cm, but it’s still pretty tiny.
It’s designed for Leica M rangefinders, sporting the Leica M mount, and offers a respectably wide 28mm focal length with an equally respectable f/2.8 aperture. Sure, it’s not super fast, but for a pancake lens, this small, f/2.8 is pretty quick.

Unlike most pancake lenses designed for Leica M cameras, the Funleader x Brightin Star XSLIM-M 28mm f/2.8 features a rangefinder coupling for easier focusing and composition. Its body is constructed from brass with a black coating for some hefty durability. Despite being tiny, the lens weighs 125g. It’s not a massive weight, but it’s more than one might expect for a lens this small.

Despite being intended for Leica M, the lens can also be used with Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, Fuji X, L mount and even Fuji GFX medium format mounts with the use of an adapter. Funleader doesn’t specify the size of the image projection circle, so there’s no word on whether it will cover the entire GFX sensor.
Funleader x Brightin Star XSLIM-M 28mm f/2.8 Specs
| Focal length | 28mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/16 |
| Field of view | 75.3° (full-frame) |
| Minimum focus distance | 70cm |
| Construction | 6 elements in 5 groups |
| Coating | Multicoated |
| Body material | Brass |
| Weight | 125g |
| Size | 51.4 x 21.5mm including mount |
| Mounts | Leica M |
Price and Availability
The Funleader x Brightin Star XSLIM-M 28mm f/2.8 is available to buy now for $358.99 from the Funleader website.
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.






























Join the Discussion
DIYP Comment Policy
Be nice, be on-topic, no personal information or flames.