Quick answer: The Shoten Tribute 01 is a 50mm f/1.1 lens for Leica M and L39 cameras, built to render like a vintage lens. It is soft and swirly wide open and conventional from f/4. I pick up the black version in Japan on October 16, 2026, and this page will carry my own notes after that.
What it is
Shoten is a Japanese company known for lens adapters. The Tribute 01 is its first lens: a modern reinterpretation of the 1953 Teikoku Optical Zunow 5cm f/1.1, which Nikon's archive credits as the first photographic lens faster than f/1.2. The lens was developed with the designer Chūkyōshi DJ. The original Zunow has become a collector's item, with examples selling for thousands of dollars.
Specifications
| Spec | Shoten Tribute 01 |
|---|---|
| Format | 35mm full frame |
| Focal length and aperture | 50mm, f/1.1 to f/16, in full-stop clicks |
| Aperture blades | 13 |
| Mount | Native L39, with an included L39-to-Leica M ring |
| Focus | Manual, rangefinder-coupled. Minimum focus 0.5 m, with rangefinder coupling to about 0.7 m, depending on the camera |
| Filter thread | 52 mm |
| Size and weight | About 62 mm x 44.5 mm without the mount; about 308 g |
| Build | Brass and aluminium barrel, in black or silver with a gold-tone brass mount |
| In the box | Octagonal hood with a rangefinder cutout, front and rear caps, lens case, pouch and the M ring |
The optical formula and MTF charts have not been published. Specifications are as reported by Luminous Landscape and may change.
How it renders
- f/1.1: a soft glow and veiling flare, lower contrast, a very thin focus plane, and swirling background blur that is strongest at close distances. Focusing wide open is hard.
- f/2: round highlights from the 13-blade diaphragm.
- f/2.8: noticeably sharper and cleaner.
- f/4 to f/5.6: a more conventional look with stronger outlines and much less glow. Flare still shows with strong light in frame, and there is barrel distortion at every aperture.
The reviewer's rule of thumb: f/1.1 for effect, f/4 for everyday work.
Price and availability
The lens launched in Japan on September 30, 2026. The suggested retail price is 142,000 yen. Shoten's online store lists it at 115,200 yen including tax, which is about US$730 as a currency conversion alone. If you buy from overseas, confirm who handles returns, calibration and repairs, and allow for duty and shipping. Shoten's own site is stkb.co.jp.
Who it suits
Luminous Landscape recommends it for atmospheric portraits, night and neon scenes, fine-art work, Zunow enthusiasts, and digital M and mirrorless shooters who can use live view for closer focus. It is a poor choice for weddings and events, architecture and copy work, fast action, edge-to-edge landscapes and astrophotography.
My notes
Source
Specifications, pricing and rendering notes on this page are from Team Lula's article Shoten Tribute 01 50mm f/1.1: a brand new lens built to look old on Luminous Landscape (October 10, 2026), summarised in my own words. Product images are on that page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Shoten Tribute 01?
A 50mm f/1.1 full-frame lens from Shoten, a Japanese maker known for lens adapters. It is the first lens in the Tribute series, and a modern take on the 1953 Zunow 5cm f/1.1.
What mount does it use?
Native L39 screw mount, with an included L39-to-Leica M ring, so it couples to M rangefinders.
How much does it cost?
Luminous Landscape reports a suggested retail price of 142,000 yen and 115,200 yen (tax included) in Shoten's own online store, which is roughly US$730 as a currency conversion only. Import duty and shipping change the real cost for overseas buyers.
What does it look like wide open?
At f/1.1 it is soft and glowing, with lower contrast, a very thin focus plane, flare around bright lights and a swirling background blur. By f/2.8 it is much sharper, and by f/4 the look is more conventional.
Has Laurence tested it?
Not yet. He picks up the black version in Japan on October 16, 2026. This page will be updated with his own notes and photographs.
Is there an affiliate link or discount code?
No. This is not an affiliate product, and there is no code.