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

[pyeh]

I thought Kevin mentioned the new lens would be made available in single coating and multi coating. Not sure if in the end this choice was offered.
To those who have received them, do you know what you got?

 

[jonmanjiro]

Right, this is my (non) educated guess:

1. Summicron 8 element copy
2. Summicron ASPH
3. Ultron 35mm f2
4. W-nikkor 35mm f1.8

This is a hard one. I don't know either the Nikkor or the Ultron but I've seen lots of photos from them...

Ok, here's my go: 1st image (Japanese murial)
1. Replica Summicron 35/2
2. Voigtlander Ultron 35/2 ASPH
3. Leica Summicron 35/2 ASPH
4. W-Nikkor 35/1.8 LTM

Gavin nailed it straight away, Teddy! You were close though and only mixed up the two ASPH lenses. The key to spotting the Summicron ASPH is the pin cushion distortion and less vignetting than the Ultron ASPH.

Jon, was that train station actually so empty that you could set up a tripod? Or you have an uncanny eye to be able to duplicate (quadruplicate) the view!
Your test show what a capable lens the new Ultron is.

That's what lockdown lite looks like in Japan, Pete. Enough room to set up a tripod at a normally very crowded station!

 

[taemo]

Thanks Jon, great comparison. Much appreciated

The Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f/2 Aspherical Lens is looking GOOD in comparison to the others displayed.

yeah I was surprised by that, Jon's initial wall comparison the 35mm cron ASPH looked sharper, contrastier although with some pin cushion. But his further tests showed that the Voigtlander 35mm is better compared to the Leica.

Jon, are you able to make a comparison between the various 35mm at f/4 or f/5.6?

 

[jonmanjiro]

Jon, are you able to make a comparison between the various 35mm at f/4 or f/5.6?

I took the same shots at f4. Which ones do you want to see?

Edit: the f4 shots of the mural are in this post. I'll post the other f4 shots soon.

 

[jonmanjiro]

Here you go, f4 shots posted in the order below.

1. Replica Summicron 35/2
2. Leica Summicron 35/2 ASPH
3. Voigtlander Ultron 35/2 ASPH
4. W-Nikkor 35/1.8 LTM

 

[teddy]

Here you go, f4 shots posted in the order below.

1. Replica Summicron 35/2
2. Leica Summicron 35/2 ASPH
3. Voigtlander Ultron 35/2 ASPH
4. W-Nikkor 35/1.8 LTM

I can see how the new formulations are more "flat field". I like the character of the Nikkor and the Replica. I'm less inclined to the ASPH types.

 

[zaurus]

Not sure if its replicated (or if replicating it would even be possible), but the replica Summicron looks like it has single coating to me (assuming my eyes aren't tricking me, of course). So in that sense, it is closer to the original than even the reissue Nikon lenses, which are multicoated.

As I mentioned above, these photos are exactly as they came out of my Coolscan 5000 scanner, and other than cropping the borders I haven't adjusted them in any way. Some minor tweaks would change the impression of sharpness considerably. My impression from the images is that the replica performs pretty much as I'd expect a quality lens from the 1950s to perform. IMO the W-Nikkor and the replica Summicron are surprisingly similar in their rendering. A true replica lens.

I have asked Mr.Zhou who say that Coating is been replica too, and is single coating.

 

[jonmanjiro]

I have asked Mr.Zhou who say that Coating is been replica too, and is single coating.

Thank you for checking! Glad to know I guessed correctly, and amazing that Mr. Zhou managed to replicate the coating too. He really did an outstanding job making this replica lens - the attention to detail is superb.

 

[ftlno]

Wow! The replica is so beautiful! How can I order one, or put myself on a waiting list? 🙂

edit - Nevermind, found it!

 

[jonmanjiro]

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

Ahhh so that's what the V1LC engraving means!

 

[teddy]

"Okay, campers, rise and shine, and don't forget your booties 'cause it's cooooold out there today."

Just beautiful, amazing!!! Amazing craftmanship! Extremely happy - now off to shoot!!!
Thank you Kevin and the Light Lens Lab Team! Thank you!

 

[zaurus]

"Okay, campers, rise and shine, and don't forget your booties 'cause it's cooooold out there today."

Just beautiful, amazing!!! Amazing craftmanship! Extremely happy - now off to shoot!!!
Thank you Kevin and the Light Lens Lab Team! Thank you!

My SN is close to you, I am 161/500 but BP copy😀

 

[teddy]

My SN is close to you, I am 161/500 but BP copy😀

That's great Zaurus - I love black paint but I can't have everything, so I picked the Chrome. I do love the chrome look. I wonder how this lens performs on a Sony a7? It's night time - I can't really enjoy my Replica yet. 🙁

 

[Erik van Straten]

In these series I find the Ultron every time the best performer.


Erik.

 

[Mark C]

In these series I find the Ultron every time the best performer.

Erik.

The results here surprised me, and the Ultron was the biggest surprise. I still prefer the 8 element, but the Ultron is a very strong second for me.

 

[teddy]

In these series I find the Ultron every time the best performer.


Erik.

The Ultron is extremely good, in Leica territory respectfully. However not really my cup of tea, quite sterile and clinical modern rendering. Nothing wrong with that particularly.

 

[Erik van Straten]

The replica suffers from vignetting (dark corners).


Erik.

 

[raid]

The replica suffers from vignetting (dark corners).


Erik.

Is the vignetting more than is seen with the Summicron?

 

[jonmanjiro]

The replica suffers from vignetting (dark corners).


Erik.

That's a feature, not a defect, Erik. Saves you having to add it in post!

In these series I find the Ultron every time the best performer.


Erik.

And the Ultron "suffers" from it too 😉

Is the vignetting more than is seen with the Summicron?

Would be interesting to compare. I have a feeling that the difference will be minimal.

 

[aizan]

I might be seeing things, but I like how the replica's aperture blades affect the out of focus circles in the foo dog photos. In the f/4 images, the replica is the smoothest of the bunch. And they're all making bright rings wide open at f/2. Its contrast and sharpness are so-so wide open and nice at f/4. Flare resistance looks pretty decent.

If the Voigtländer was $500 and had the same physical design as the Light Lens Lab 8 element, I would go for that because I prefer it optically. But my priorities are a little skewed, and the 8 element is still a pretty good formula.