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

[analoged]

(The closest focus of the LTM version will be 1 meter, as the original one.)
Kevin

Really wanted an LTM version until seeing this! Why? Because the original min. focus distance 1m? Why not make it focus closer like M mount 0.7m?! :bang:

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

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

Hi Justin,

The special white paint and safari paint, along with the LTM version, will be available approximately three months later.

Best,
Kevin

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Thanks for the updated summary Kevin.

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.

The pictures taken by the multi-coating version are slightly sharper and have higher contrast. The single-coating version is closer to the original 8-element. If you like black and white, I think the single coating version would be the best choice. But don't get me wrong, single-coating is also good on colors, as you can see its performance in my sample photos.

Regarding the color difference between single and multiple, I think they are similar because the optical structure and glass type have basically determined their performance on color.

Kevin

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Really wanted an LTM version until seeing this! Why? Because the original min. focus distance 1m? Why not make it focus closer like M mount 0.7m?! :bang:

The maker heard your voice, he will consider it. I will update more information about the LTM version in the future. It will be most likely to be released within three months.

Kevin

 

[raid]

Hi Justin,

The special white paint and safari paint, along with the LTM version, will be available approximately three months later.

Best,
Kevin

Hi Kevin,

Will the flint glass be used in the later batches of lenses? You mentioned more than once that such glass has become hard to get in China.

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Hi Kevin,

Will the flint glass be used in the later batches of lenses? You mentioned more than once that such glass has become hard to get in China.

Hi Raid,

Now in China, It does become hard to get the same kind of glass that been used in the original 8-element. After all the stock of lead flint glass been used up, the maker before told me he would start to use Eco-friendly glass. This kind of glass does not consist of lead but still very close to the original. So I am afraid that lead flint glass will not be used in the later batches.

Kevin

 

[raid]

This is what makes the first batch special.
It is like getting a Takumar 50 1.4 with Thorium.
I am planning on an M mount brass lens with brass lens hood and single coating.

 

[taemo]

Already have a CV 35mm Ultron f2 for modern rendering and a Leica 35mm 3.5 Summaron w/ Google and I was saving for the 7artisans 28mm 1.4 next but I've been silently following this from the start and would like to support such an awesome project.
Please put me down for the lens, hood and finder.

Kevin, I've emailed you already but can you please answer my question about the custom engraving here in case other RFF members asks as well?
Where is the custom engraving going to be on the lens?

 

[analoged]

The maker heard your voice, he will consider it. I will update more information about the LTM version in the future. It will be most likely to be released within three months.

Kevin

Much appreciated!

 

[raid]

Is the cost of a finder $70? Why would you get a finder? Don’t t most cameras have 35mm frames shown? It would be needed in my Leica Standard.

 

[B-9]

Taemo,

A page or two back Kevin shows the engraving will be on the front face/name plate along with the maker and lens info.

 

[taemo]

Is the cost of a finder $70? Why would you get a finder? Don’t t most cameras have 35mm frames shown? It would be needed in my Leica Standard.

In my case, this lens will be used on an M3 which doesn't have a 35mm frame line

Taemo,

A page or two back Kevin shows the engraving will be on the front face/name plate along with the maker and lens info.

Thanks, I see the post now from 2 weeks ago.

 

[raid]

One possible choice: 8ELEMENT. If 8 characters are allowed.
Or maybe: YOUR NAME

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Already have a CV 35mm Ultron f2 for modern rendering and a Leica 35mm 3.5 Summaron w/ Google and I was saving for the 7artisans 28mm 1.4 next but I've been silently following this from the start and would like to support such an awesome project.
Please put me down for the lens, hood and finder.

Kevin, I've emailed you already but can you please answer my question about the custom engraving here in case other RFF members asks as well?
Where is the custom engraving going to be on the lens?

Hi Earl, thank you for your support! I am sorry for the late reply. I have things to do so I was not able to answer the question here in time.

Here I upload an example to show you what exactly the front decorative ring will look like.

Best,
Kevin


Leica 8-element Replica Engraving Example by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Taemo,

A page or two back Kevin shows the engraving will be on the front face/name plate along with the maker and lens info.

Thank you very much for helping me answer the question!

Best,
Kevin

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Is the cost of a finder $70? Why would you get a finder? Don’t t most cameras have 35mm frames shown? It would be needed in my Leica Standard.

Raid, I think there are some good reasons for having a 35mm viewfinder. The original Leitz 35mm viewfinders in good condition are sold for around $150~200 nowadays. The maker told me that even though the viewfinder looks tiny, but it is complicated to make. And I think the viewfinder will be a good accessory to come with the LTM version in the future as the 35mm viewfinder is kind of necessary for the classic Barnack cameras.

Here is an example:

Leica IIIG + Leicavit by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr

 

[aizan]

Leica 8-element Replica Engraving Example by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr

I just wanted to double check, but will the placement of the customization text be adjustable? I'd like to be able to insert "SUMMICRON" (9 characters, but "I" doesn't take up too much space, does it?) in between the serial number and the lens specs like in the original:

"LIGHT LENS LAB CHINA 000/500 SUMMICRON 1:2/35"

And can we put "BEIJING" instead of "CHINA"?

 

[jmilkins]

Watching this project develop is a real privilege. Thank you to Kevin and the maker for their responsiveness.

I may have missed it but are the accessories (finder and hood) going to match the paint choices of the lens - will they come in all colours?

 

[B-9]

I’m pretty sure it’s been clear that any customization that would require special handling (ie: summicron in a different location than expressed) will either not be welcome or at the very least additional cost.

I think the offering is exceptionally fair in both terms of price and customization.

Customization that’s never really been offered to the end user for a lens atleast.

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

I just wanted to double check, but will the placement of the customization text be adjustable? I'd like to be able to insert "SUMMICRON" (9 characters, but "I" doesn't take up too much space, does it?) in between the serial number and the lens specs like in the original:

"LIGHT LENS LAB CHINA 000/500 SUMMICRON 1:2/35"

And can we put "BEIJING" instead of "CHINA"?

Except for the customization text, all the other texts are not adjustable. Even though 8 characters are standard, 9 characters are also acceptable, as I have stated in my highlight summarisation above. They will adjust the size of the text and make them fit into the customization area.