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

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

35mm viewfinder is under developing

35mm viewfinder is under developing

35mm viewfinder is also under developing.


35mm viewfinder is under developing by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr

Original 35mm viewfinder breakdown

Original 35mm viewfinder breakdown by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr

 

[aizan]

The hood is on the way. 🙂 All brass.

Whoaaaaa...I'm speechless. 😀

 

[aizan]

V1LC 中國製造（made in China) by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr


Here is the final retail version engraving on the lens barrel with traditional Chinese characters "中國製“ on it.

V1LC:
V1 = Version One
L = Flint Lead-Glass
C = Single Coating

Nice touch!

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Whoaaaaa...I'm speechless. 😀

Part Sample by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr

Here is another part sample. The final version will not engrave IROOA on it I guess. He just making this for fun.

 

[raid]

35mm viewfinder is also under developing.


35mm viewfinder is under developing by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr

Original 35mm viewfinder breakdown

Original 35mm viewfinder breakdown by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr

What is the expected cost? I have an original finder.

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

What is the expected cost? I have an original finder.

The maker said surprisingly it is difficult to make the 35mm viewfinder. The expected cost would be around $70. He is trying to make it affordable for most people.

 

[teddy]

The maker said surprisingly it is difficult to make the 35mm viewfinder. The expected cost would be around $70. He is trying to make it affordable for most people.

Well, I'm in - for the Screw Mount version with the 35mm Finder and Hood. I like how the font is being replicated. As long as the spacing is neat and correct, the lens will look handsome. I can't wait till it is realised.

 

[punkzter]

It would be neat if you kept the different lenses that the hood works with on it. That is always useful.

Also, wow. The hood and now the viewfinder. I'm definitely curious how it compares to the leica viewfinder, but I'm impressed.

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Well, I'm in - for the Screw Mount version with the 35mm Finder and Hood. I like how the font is being replicated. As long as the spacing is neat and correct, the lens will look handsome. I can't wait till it is realised.

Thank you very much for your support! Please stay tuned.

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

It would be neat if you kept the different lenses that the hood works with on it. That is always useful.

Also, wow. The hood and now the viewfinder. I'm definitely curious how it compares to the leica viewfinder, but I'm impressed.

There are more projects to come. Please stay tuned!

 

[kiemchacsu]

hi kevin,

haven't seen anybody mentioned here.
is the hood included in the lens set?
any extra cost for the hood? or it will be order separately?

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

hi kevin,

haven't seen anybody mentioned here.
is the hood included in the lens set?
any extra cost for the hood? or it will be order separately?

Sorry, the hood will not be included in the lens set. The lens hood itself will be asking for around $20. You will need to order it separately. Most likely, the lens hood will be available in the middle of December.

Kevin

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

*Here again I summarised some important information for the first batch 8-element replica.


The first batch 8-element Replica:

Use flint lead-glass like the original one (Note: Supply will be limit since flint lead-glass is hard to find now even in China)
Two types of single coating like the original one (Multi-coated as special request with extra cost, + $100 )
The lens body is crafted in brass
Each lens will include brass made front and rear lens caps. The lens will also be stored in an aluminum alloy container (All metal, no plastic will be used in this project.)
Three paint options: Black Paint / Chrome / Brass
Free engraving service for each lens（Numbers/Alphabet, 8/9 spaces)
Retail price will be $499 + shipping (There will be an extra cost if you have a special request that requires extra labor cost. Please understand.)


NOTE:
The buyer will need to fill out an official purchase form (include all the necessary information, lens options, custom engraving, etc.) when the lens is available for purchase
The maker cannot reserve any specific serial number for you, as this is hard for them to manage.
LTM version will be released approximately three months later. It will also come with an LTM-M adapter. (The closest focus of the LTM version will be 1 meter, as the original one.)
The replica lens hood will be sold separately. Asking for around $20/each.
The replica viewfinder will be sold separately. Not sure of the cost yet.


*My PM box is 100% full now... In case I missed any of your messages, please send it to the following email address:

Email:
8elementsreplica@gmail.com



Kevin

 

[raid]

Thank you Kevin.

 

[rudobra]

So, the last question is: do you already have a release date ?
��

 

[jnalepa]

Hi Kevin,

Will either version be available in the special white paint or safari options in the future?

Looking forward to getting one of these in my hands!

Thanks,

Justin

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

So, the last question is: do you already have a release date ?
��

Hi Kevin,

Will either version be available in the special white paint or safari options in the future?

Looking forward to getting one of these in my hands!

Thanks,

Justin

I will ask the maker regarding your questions.

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Thank you Kevin.

You are welcome, Raid. 🙂

 

[Montag]

Thanks for the updated summary Kevin.

Two types of single coating like the original one (Multi-coated as special request with extra cost, + $100 )

Can I ask a bit more about the multicoated option?

Does it mean extra surfaces inside the lens are coated over the normal lens. Or… ?
And if to ask just one question - what would be the practical effect of this?
Reduced flare? Different colours (i.e.; more vivid/realistic)?

Thanks.

 

[Bill Blackwell]

... Can I ask a bit more about the multicoated option?

Does it mean extra surfaces inside the lens are coated over the normal lens. Or… ?
And if to ask just one question - what would be the practical effect of this?
Reduced flare? Different colours (i.e.; more vivid/realistic)?

My expectations on the multi-coating would be that the lens would be less flair-prone (depending on the coatings used), but minimally produce higher contrast and better color saturation.

But I'm not sure it's worth a 20% bump in price. If shot digitally, contrast and color can generally be adjusted in post-processing.