ELCAN replica lens posts

[raid]

That would be awesome, Ed. Let me then know if you can do this or not.

Many years ago [maybe 16 years ago?] I compared over 25 50mm RF lenses and I posted the results here at RFF. RFF members trusted me with their lenses, and they mailed them to me then. This included a Nikkor 50/1.1 and a Noctilux 50/1.2 and other amazing 50mm lenses, such as the Canon 50/0.95.

 

[raid]

It seems that each lens has its purpose, and the ELCAN may be useful to add one more tool to the toolbox.

 

[raid]

If you own such a replica or the original ELCAN, please post here some of your images taken with such a lens.

 

[Platinum RF]

When Zeiss designed the Hologon 16mm/8 for the G line after the original 15mm 8 lens, this was not a "replica". Correct? You mean a Chinese made replica.

yes we are talking about Chinese replica, the 16mm f8 has different design

 

[rfaspen]

I don't own an ELCAN. I only sort of wish I did. I think I'd find more satisfaction with a replica in terms of ownership. An original would just become more of an investment object I'm afraid. Would never get used for image-making.



However:
I bet I could get an ELCAN pretty easily from Ukraine 🙂 It would be one of the ultra-rare collapsible prototypes. It might even have some German military markings if I got extra lucky. ( Everyone knows about the secret connection between the German military and Midland Canada, right?)

 

[rfaspen]

I know that Tamarkin has had multiple KE-7 and Elcan items move through his last few auctions. I looked at some "sold" prices before and got curious. Below is the November 2020 auction results -- item #6 is our topic of discussion, right? Hammer price is curious.


I may be missing something. A common state for me.
https://www.tamarkinauctions.com/results/november-2020-auction-results

 

[Platinum RF]

I know that Tamarkin has had multiple KE-7 and Elcan items move through his last few auctions. I looked at some "sold" prices before and got curious. Below is the November 2020 auction results -- item #6 is our topic of discussion, right? Hammer price is curious.
I may be missing something. A common state for me.
https://www.tamarkinauctions.com/results/november-2020-auction-results

6 Elcan 2-inch f2 $1,900 the rare one, the replica one is asking $1300 LOL

 

[rlouzan]

The early prototype was a collapsible lens
Source: Classic Camera Magazine No10
https://www.camerabooks.com/Departm...Reference-Guides/Classic-Camera-Magazine.aspx

The early prototype I should be getting is marked 01-0004, I believe. It is not the final lens -- the barrel is not made of whatever metal the finished product will have.

I could probably loan this lens, after I have done tests. Let's see.

Ed

 

[Archlich]

Not worth the risk for sure. They'll likely be having manufacture issues like they did with the Summicron replica.

After numerous iterations the 8-element is "V6" now. Supposedly have solved most if not all QC issues. So if you absolutely need it, wait.

 

[rfaspen]

I know that Tamarkin has had multiple KE-7 and Elcan items move through his last few auctions. I looked at some "sold" prices before and got curious. Below is the November 2020 auction results -- item #6 is our topic of discussion, right? Hammer price is curious.


I may be missing something. A common state for me.
https://www.tamarkinauctions.com/results/november-2020-auction-results

I had to go look at the catalog again because this seemed so "wrong". The picture of item 6 in the catalog appears to be a different lens than the one I see attached to a KE-7A. So, maybe its not really the same lens. The catalog (pdf) can be found here: https://tamarkinauctions.frb.io/assets/results/catalog/TamarkinAuctions_2020.pdf

I saw that an earlier auction of a complete kit in 2018 (KE-7 and 50mm f2 Elcan) sold for $14,500.

I'm in no position to estimate the breakout of value/price between the body and lens, but... I'm thinking now that an original Elcan of the type being replicated by Zhou and Co. is substantially more spendy than $1900.

 

[rlouzan]

http://lhauction.com.hk/en/catalogue/detail?id=1287

 

[Erik van Straten]

If this is correct, Ed, then the replica is really not worth getting. The first version 8 element Summicron 35mm lens replica was a near copy of an optically high performance lens. If the ELCAN 50/2 was a cheap lens for the military, what would its replica be good for?

Leitz was known for the quality of their lenses, but quality is a relative term. If the lens were only good for military use would that be so exceptional - what is mlitary use? - that I would very much like to have the lens.
It is like the first Noctilux. Was the 1964 Noctilux a good lens? No. Was it an exceptional lens? Yes. Can it be used for expressive work? Of course! See the pictures of Cartier-Bresson with that lens. The same can be true for a copy of the Elcan.

Erik.

 

[f.hayek]

It seems that each lens has its purpose, and the ELCAN may be useful to add one more tool to the toolbox.

Not sure about this one. Like a lot of people here, have the characterful 50's (Canon LTM 50/1.4, NOCT, Nikkor LTM 50/1.4) and the precise (50 APO). Other than bragging rights on blogs, it isn't clear to me that this one is worth the effort/wait/cost/risk of a lemon.

 

[Erik van Straten]

If this is correct, Ed, then the replica is really not worth getting. The first version 8 element Summicron 35mm lens replica was a near copy of an optically high performance lens. If the ELCAN 50/2 was a cheap lens for the military, what would its replica be good for?

Leitz was known for the quality of their lenses, but quality is a relative term. If the lens were only good for military use would that be so exceptional - what is mlitary use? - that I would very much like to have the lens.
It is like the first Noctilux. Was the 1964 Noctilux a good lens? No. Was it an exceptional lens? Yes. Can it be used for expressive work? Of course! See the pictures of Cartier-Bresson with that lens. The same can be true for a copy of the Elcan.

Erik.

 

[Leica0Series]

After waiting so long for my LLL 8 element, I'm happy to let others take a gamble on the Elcan. The 8 element lens is great, though, once you understand its limitations.

 

[kram]

This is great marketing by LLL. The Elcan lens goes for this money because it is arare Leica lens. The magic words here are Leica lens. If LLL can produce a great performing replica with special glass types fantastic. But it does not have the kudos of Leica so if you want to pay lots of $ for it thats up to you.

 

[scautez]

Having received the 8 element replica...although it is not perfect...there is something nice about the build quality and having the benefit of a classic lens but with new optics...The tricky part is what is an appropriate price point for this.

 

[scautez]

Do we know what material the Elcan will be made from? Brass like the 8 element?

 

[bob338]

I was excited to buy this Elcan replica, but after the debacle with the 35, and the massive price increase, I think I'll pass. The 35 replica went from $500 to $1300+ and I don't think it is worth anywhere near that kind of money. It's a great $500 lens, but for the current price you can buy all kinds of great 35s.

 

[andyturk]

I love the LLL 35/2 replica... it's glued to my M10M now. The compact size and fantastic image quality make it a great lens. I got it at the original RFF price, which was a total steal in Leica-land.

I'm not as excited about a LLL Elcan though. I've already got two other 50mm M-mount lenses, and another example at that focal length wouldn't bring much that's new (to me).