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

[Huss]

"I already have boring black and chrome Leica lenses." Huss

.....i'll pay the shipping...😎

adopt Leica

I already traded them for some magic beans.

 

[Deleted member 65559]

"I already traded them for some magic beans." ....single origin, fair trade organic i hope?
....

 

[teddy]

The replica lens simply transmits more light at what ever diaphragm opening, perhaps 1/2 stop more on average... I think.

I also think that too, Ed, and I said it too. It's improved, whether it be a thing of chance, or left over increments that The Maker saw with today's knowledge of modern optics - and he said, why not - I've got more room to push it further. And, why not? More light is just a good thing anyway.

 

[raid]

Is the true aperture 2.8 for the old Summicron and is i 2.0 for the replica?

 

[teddy]

Semi-plagiarism warning!

So glad I picked the brass version. The other versions look "inferior" in comparison! I already have many black and chrome Leica lenses.

It’s going to look fantastic on the M3!

GASP!!! The brass one looks AWESOME!!! 😕

 

[retinax]

Hmm, original4 by Ed Schwartzreic is definitely sharper all around than replica4. Take a look at the detail in the lamp base and also in the lines of the measuring stick.

Sharpness at the edge of the frame is dramatically better for the original on the face of the wall-mounted clock.

Indeed, I think there was camera movement, pretty clear if you look at the lettering on the multi-colored chocolates (?) at the bottom right. Maybe bad focus too. If the lens performed like that it would be sad, but I'm pretty certain that's not it.

 

[teddy]

Well, I decided first to try another camera body with the 2 lenses, here a Sony A7r.

Interesting Ed but I warn others not to base their opinions of the Replica on a Sony a7 sensor, it's not optimal. I use a Sony and love the Zuiko's on it, the most practical but the Leica design is just not made for this sensor. I would still stick it on myself but I would be realistic.

 

[aizan]

Kevin, given the state of lens manufacturing capability in China, what’s the likelihood of new (non-large format) film cameras being produced in the next decade?

 

[Emile de Leon]

Interesting to note..

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Interesting to note..
That the glass is different in this lens from the original..

So really not..an exact replica...in regards to its most important facet..
Or was the glass merely extended in diameter..
Or completely reformulated..

The replica optical formula is 100% identical to the original Leica 8-element 35/2. The glass type and coatings are matching with the original one. And you are right, the glass merely extended in diameter to make it not possible to replace the original 35/2 element.

Kevin

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

I just have a phone call with the maker, and he shared lots of information with me regarding the manufacturing of the 8-element Replica and other projects. I will update more information in the following days. Please stay tuned.

 

[splitimageview]

Thanks for the continuous updates.

Question about the 35mm viewfinder: will they be available separately from the lens?

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Kevin,

What will be the payment arrangements?

Also, what's the procedure to update the order forms if one has already been submitted?

I will send out a further update email to each of the people who submit the order forms. At that time, people will know their final cost, and we will confirm the order details.

Kevin

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Thanks for the continuous updates.

Question about the 35mm viewfinder: will they be available separately from the lens?

Yes, the 35mm viewfinder will be available separately.

And by the way, the replica IROOA lens hood will be available in late March 2020.

Kevin

 

[Deleted member 65559]

Thank you Kevin, I'll be using the 12504 for unobstructed viewfinder coverage....but the SBLOO replica in black is high on my wish list. Thanks for your work on this project

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Leica 35mm f2 Summicron 8-element Replica final retail product.

Leica 35mm f2 Summicron 8-element Replica final retail product.

Finally!!!!! These are the first example of each version of the final retail product. (Note: the serial number is random.)



The first example of the final retail product by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr


The first example of the final retail product by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr

The first example of the final retail product by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr

The first example of the final retail product by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr

The first example of the final retail product by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr

The first example of the final retail product by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Wow, look great. Really I have been checking the thread at least hourly now to see when you will give us the good news about shipping date��

There will be a small number of the first batch Replica lenses available within ten days. People will be getting notice in order.

Thank you for your support.
Kevin

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Quick update:

Quick update:

The first batch flint lead glass 8-element Replica 35mm f2 has totally no more than 500 groups of lens core in stock. All been reserved long ago. (Please note that the final complete product will be less than 500 since the maker will only pick the lens core that could meet their standard to make them into the final retail product.) The maker is now putting all his effort into producing as much as lenses he can. He is a perfectionist. And Leica really has set the standard very high. So it will take time for the maker to manufacture the replica lenses that on par with the original Summicron 35 2 quality. There will be a small number of the first batch Replica lenses available within ten days. People will be getting notice in order. Thank you for your patient.


Kevin

 

[raid]

Thank you Kevin. I am excited about getting eventually my lens. I will then later order the hood for it. I may not need a VF.

 

[Swift1]

Thanks for the update Kevin, and thanks for sharing more photos of the lenses.