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

[james.liam]

We’ll call it patina and make it a positive 🤗

Patina...corrosion. Whatevs...

Can always get a new one in 12 months off fleaBay for less that it'll cost to remove the green "patina".

 

[Keith]

I'm fascinated by the reaction here to this lens. Is the enthusiasm at the Leica Forum similar or is it seen as a 'cut price' interloper over there?

 

[james.liam]

I'm fascinated by the reaction here to this lens. Is the enthusiasm at the Leica Forum similar or is it seen as a 'cut price' interloper over there?

Passing mention.
The exuberance seems isolated to this Joint. I think Kevin Forever posted over there too. Don't recall people shouting out order requests.

But by the same token, I doubt the moderators there would have tolerated someone starting and promoting his new import business off of a running thread. Head Bartender here is in the same line of work so I’m puzzled by the free pass.

 

[Doug]

...I doubt the moderators there would have tolerated someone starting and promoting his new import business off of a running thread. Head Bartender here is in the same line of work so I’m puzzled by the free pass.

Just speaking for myself, I'm intrigued by this specialty low-volume item that harks back to a celebrated Leica lens, and would like to see how things develop. MS Optical may be thought in a somewhat similar way, with different goals than Cosina/Voigtlander. I still use my 1967 8-element 35 Summicron, 6-bit coded by DAG for the M8, and see the attraction. 🙂

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Here are a few more pictures that I took using the 35/2 8-element Replica

All wide open @ f/2.0


LEICA M10 + 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype First Version

Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype First Version by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr


LEICA M10 + 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype Second Version

Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype Second Version by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr


LEICA M10 + 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype Second Version
Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype Second Version by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr

 

[froyd]

Maybe I missed it over the many posts in this thread, but did we ever get an assessment of the mechanical feel of the lens? I guess for now Kevin is the only one who could tell us.

 

[Ed Schwartzreic]

I am going to say a few words here, as I have been evaluating two prototypes of this lens for several weeks, the results to be made available in the next issue 0f LHSA’s journal Viewfinder, and perhaps elsewhere.

Handling of the prototypes is identical to handling the original. In fact, overall, I could not find much difference in any particular between the original and the replicas. Trying to find a metaphor for my feelings here, it is like they were twins, albeit twins separated by 60 years. A real tour de force.

 

[froyd]

I am going to say a few words here, as I have been evaluating two prototypes of this lens for several weeks, the results to be made available in the next issue 0f LHSA’s journal Viewfinder, and perhaps elsewhere.

Handling of the prototypes is identical to handling the original. In fact, overall, I could not find much difference in any particular between the original and the replicas. Trying to find a metaphor for my feelings here, it is like they were twins, albeit twins separated by 60 years. A real tour de force.

Impressive! Thanks Ed!

 

[froyd]

On a lighter note, if not too personal, what are some ideas for the personalization service?

I'm thinking of F8beTHERE / F8&BThere. I'm also thinking of my son's initials since I'll be passing on my Leica kit to him in a few years. Obviously, the more personal you get the more you kill resell value, but at $500 that's no great concern.

I don't know how people can decide on tattoo designs... even engraving a lens causes me commitment anxiety!

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

I am going to say a few words here, as I have been evaluating two prototypes of this lens for several weeks, the results to be made available in the next issue 0f LHSA’s journal Viewfinder, and perhaps elsewhere.

Handling of the prototypes is identical to handling the original. In fact, overall, I could not find much difference in any particular between the original and the replicas. Trying to find a metaphor for my feelings here, it is like they were twins, albeit twins separated by 60 years. A real tour de force.

Thank you Ed, I appreciate that you are willing to share your thoughts here.

Kevin

 

[chambrenoire]

I will not be getting any custom engraving.. I will be shooting with the lens.

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

On a lighter note, if not too personal, what are some ideas for the personalization service?

I'm thinking of F8beTHERE / F8&BThere. I'm also thinking of my son's initials since I'll be passing on my Leica kit to him in a few years. Obviously, the more personal you get the more you kill resell value, but at $500 that's no great concern.

I don't know how people can decide on tattoo designs... even engraving a lens causes me commitment anxiety!

The initial intention of the maker is he wants people to keep this lens but not resell it. So he willing to provide free customization service to let people engrave a message on it to make it unique to the owner.

 

[aizan]

Kevin, the next time you take sample photos, can you do some side-by-side shots at f/2 and at f/4? I’d like to see how the bokeh and OOF highlights smooth out with the rounded aperture blades.

Also, any word on the hood?

 

[froyd]

I will not be getting any custom engraving.. I will be shooting with the lens.

I don't think engraving is know to hamper optical performance. Unless, of course, it's on the glass!

 

[raid]

Looking good, Kevin. Thanks.

 

[gramorris]

The initial intention of the maker is he wants people to keep this lens but not resell it. So he willing to provide free customization service to let people engrave a message on it to make it unique to the owner.

Email sent Kevin, just making sure you received. Thanks.

 

[shawn]

On a lighter note, if not too personal, what are some ideas for the personalization service?

I'm thinking of F8beTHERE / F8&BThere. I'm also thinking of my son's initials since I'll be passing on my Leica kit to him in a few years. Obviously, the more personal you get the more you kill resell value, but at $500 that's no great concern.

I don't know how people can decide on tattoo designs... even engraving a lens causes me commitment anxiety!

Sumiclone

Shawn

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Regarding the buying list

Regarding the buying list

NOTE:

The reason why I set up an email account to let people state their willingness to purchase the lens is that there were people who started to leave comments in the thread or sending me private messages. So it's more organized and easy to handle by sending me an email. But please note that at this point, there is no need to let me know your engraving information or place a deposit. This is more like a waiting list to make sure people who like this project in the early stage can get in line since the supply will be limit due to the scale of the maker's team and the difficulty to make this lens. And also the supply of the flint glass is limited as I mentioned before.

But if you have a special request, you can state it in the email to let me know.

Thank you for all your support,
Kevin

 

[raid]

Hi Kevin,
Just out of curiosity, if one day a replica will be made of the I dangly expensive 50/1.0, what price would it be in?

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Hi Kevin,
Just out of curiosity, if one day a replica will be made of the I dangly expensive 50/1.0, what price would it be in?

If they make this lens in the future, there is no doubt that the price will be much affordable. Currently, I cannot tell you what his next project will be and how much it will cost though.