[New test photos released] Leica Summicron 35/2 Eight Element copy made in China

[raid]

If the copy lens will be sold für $500-$600, it will have a good chance of success in sales. If it sells for $700-$800, it will most likely not be able to compete with the CV lens. My prediction.

 

[raid]

Kevin: which posted images were taken with which of the two lenses? Is this information shown?

 

[retinax]

If the copy lens will be sold für $500-$600, it will have a good chance of success in sales. If it sells for $700-$800, it will most likely not be able to compete with the CV lens. My prediction.

Agreed. Although even if a little more expensive, the looks play in favor of this lens; soooo much nicer than the pseudo-vintage CV. That looks like it's inspired by the worst of German design of the 50s and 60s, the Bessamatic and its lenses or some such, while the Leica M stuff represents some of the best of German design of all times. That, and the focus stick...

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Kevin: which posted images were taken with which of the two lenses? Is this information shown?

Hi Raid, please look at the up left corner there is an information bar on the top. 仿八枚 means 8-element replica. M35F2A is the Asph version. So the first photo in the comparison is replica.

 

[Huss]

It will be a difficult choice for some people here; the latest CV Ultron 35/2 versus the copy of the first version Summicron 35/2 (8 elements).

Similar cost. Great lenses.

Which lens is a better buy? Why?

No interest in the Voigtlander. I already have a bunch of boring lenses.

 

[raid]

I have very few CV lenses compared to what I have in Leica lenses.

 

[johannielscom]

No interest in the Voigtlander. I already have a bunch of boring lenses.

No interest in the Voigtlander either and apart from the above, if I'm going to get an extra lens at all I would need an LTM lens. Preferably a bare brass or black paint one!

 

[Erik van Straten]

No interest in the Voigtlander. I already have a bunch of boring lenses.

How can a lens be boring? Is it not the photographer who has to let the lens live?


Erik.

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

How can a lens be boring? Is it not the photographer who has to let the lens live?


Erik.

I assume he was talking about the rendering, bokeh, so-called the characteristic of the lens. Like I think Leica Asph lenses are kind of boring to me even though they are quite sharp. But I do like the 50mm f0.95 Asph, its performance in low light is fantastic.

Kevin

 

[Ko.Fe.]

[Test photos]

Aperture: f/2.0 wide open

Leica M240 + Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype

NOTE: DNG file convert to jpg file without any post editing


[test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr

First image is what I have been keep on asking for.
Then same circular flare was on 7a 28 1.4, it was considered as the defect and 7a was saying they fixed it in the second batch.

 

[raid]

This is a good catch. I remember the issue with 7Artisans being discussed online then.

 

[neilsdan]

Once built and flare issues fixed (by painting internals) I will buy one in black. Exact same thing I did for the 7artisans 28 1.4, buy the first batch of ones with internal reflections fixed.

 

[Yokosuka Mike]

How can a lens be boring? Is it not the photographer who has to let the lens live?


Erik.

Erik, you've nailed it.

Mike

 

[Yokosuka Mike]

No interest in the Voigtlander. I already have a bunch of boring lenses.

Really? Care to list a few?

Mike

 

[agoglanian]

I've been offline and out of the loop for a bit but I am just seeing this and getting caught up on the thread! How exciting this is, the V1 Summicron was a lens I have long wanted to try but I had no interest in paying the going rate, but this looks like a wonderful option (regardless of it being a "copy"). I can totally appreciate the effort going into this creation and also appreciate the craftsmanship involved.

I don't know if I can commit to buying (without knowing the hard pricing details yet other than the approximate) but I would definitely be an interested party for a black one.

Thank you so much for sharing this with the community and I look forward to the continued development here!

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

I've been offline and out of the loop for a bit but I am just seeing this and getting caught up on the thread! How exciting this is, the V1 Summicron was a lens I have long wanted to try but I had no interest in paying the going rate, but this looks like a wonderful option (regardless of it being a "copy"). I can totally appreciate the effort going into this creation and also appreciate the craftsmanship involved.

I don't know if I can commit to buying (without knowing the hard pricing details yet other than the approximate) but I would definitely be an interested party for a black one.

Thank you so much for sharing this with the community and I look forward to the continued development here!

Thank you very much for your comment and support! Please stay tuned. More details will be released in here.

Best,
Kevin

 

[farlymac]

Very interesting endeavor there, Kevin. I wish the manufacturer luck in the completion of his project. I can see this turning into a boutique market, with the manufacturer offering a la cart service for whatever plating/paint/brass you want. If it goes well, put me down for a classic chrome version.


PF

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Update:

Update:

UPDATE: All the prototype lenses have been shipping around among the test people to seek feedback. Now the maker could finally take a prototype back in the lab, get it tuned, and prepare to send it to me. The package might take a week or so to get to the state. I can't wait to play with this lens.

*Please let me know if you want me to test the lens in specific ways. I will try my best to fulfill your request.

 

[skyjuice]

First of all thanks Kevin for sharing this thread.
I am keen as well on the replica lens.
Aside, I do wish in the future they will produce 50mm noctilux replica and 35mm 1.4 pre-asph steel rim version. Cheers!

 

[Erik van Straten]

Very interesting endeavor there, Kevin. I wish the manufacturer luck in the completion of his project. I can see this turning into a boutique market, with the manufacturer offering a la cart service for whatever plating/paint/brass you want. If it goes well, put me down for a classic chrome version.


PF

The classic - if you mean original - version is not chrome, but aluminium. Only the small ring with the red dot on it is in chrome.


Erik.