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

[raid]

Thanks, Kevin.

It may be much more difficult to build a lens that is a true replica compared to crafting a lens that is "similar" to the original Leica lens.

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Thanks, Kevin.

It may be much more difficult to build a lens that is a true replica compared to crafting a lens that is "similar" to the original Leica lens.

You are right. The maker told me he realized the difficulty of making the lens right when the project went further. That's why he keeps working on it and improving it to make it as close as to the original lens.

 

[Huss]

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

One has nothing to do with the other.

 

[miloss]

If more people want to state the willingness to buy the lens, please send your message to the following email address since it's more convenient and easy to organize. My RFF private message box is full now...

email:
8elementsreplica@gmail.com


Best,
Kevin

Kevin,


I just sent an e-mail with my request. Thanks

 

[maartenmoerman]

Will the lens come properly pre-calibrated? So I can immediately use it on film M cameras. My TT/7Artisan lenses never came calibrated, and it's a bit of a pain to be honest. Also, they (TT/7artisan) go beyond infinity, I'm assuming these won't have those issues?

 

[Ed Schwartzreic]

Because the images I have regarding bokeh will likely NOT be published in my LHSA's Viewfinder article, I will attempt to load them here. I have to say that subjects interesting for bokeh are not that available right now in Vermont, with snow and leafless plants all around, but for these images, I focused on a target about 3 feet in from of a potted lemon grass plant. There are pairs of clips at 66% or 100% at f/2 and then f/4. The latter were taken at a slightly different time, with less sun on the leaves. So sorry if this is not definitive.

 

[Ed Schwartzreic]

I have put the images up on flickr. Hope this works.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/imagere/49085810951/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/imagere/49086028357/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/imagere/49086028397/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/imagere/49086028437/in/dateposted-public/

 

[raid]

Hi Ed,

How do you find the results? All OK?

-----------------

"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."
__________________

 

[aizan]

Thanks for the test shots, Ed! They answer my question perfectly.

 

[Ed Schwartzreic]

I could see only a little difference between the bokeh of the two lenses. What did you learn from what I put up?

 

[Ed Schwartzreic]

What I looked at in my time with the lenses was how they performed in my hands, then somewhat informally at such things as flare, vignetting, flatness of field, focus shift, Bokeh, coma, and sharpness center and corner at various apertures. I did this only as a comparison between the original 8-element, and the replicas, not de novo with the new lenses.

You will have to wait until it is all put together and published, but you already have my verdict above.

 

[raid]

I have a Summicron 35/2, so I now know what to expect from the clone. Thank you.

 

[aizan]

I could see only a little difference between the bokeh of the two lenses. What did you learn from what I put up?

While it is just one rough comparison, it’s enough to see that the replica’s supposedly more rounded aperture does lead to rounder OOF highlights in the f/4 photos. As expected, the photos from both lenses at f/4 also have smoother bokeh than when they are wide open.

I’m assuming we’ll see the same thing in further test shots. I’ll just wait and see!

 

[james.liam]

I have a Summicron 35/2, so I now know what to expect from the clone. Thank you.

Curious why you’d get a clone when you’ve got the real deal on your hands?

 

[raid]

Curious why you’d get a clone when you’ve got the real deal on your hands?

My Summicron has goggles. I want one without such goggles.
Plus, it will be a unique lens.

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Will the lens come properly pre-calibrated? So I can immediately use it on film M cameras. My TT/7Artisan lenses never came calibrated, and it's a bit of a pain to be honest. Also, they (TT/7artisan) go beyond infinity, I'm assuming these won't have those issues?

The maker said, "Each of our lenses is fine-tuned to ensure the accuracy of Rangefinder coupling." And by my experience, I have the first version prototype. It focuses 100% accurate in all ranges on my Leica M10. I only use the rangefinder to focus, by the way. And the second version is also accurate on my M10. So I believe they have the ability to make sure all the lenses calibrated correctly.

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

NOTE:

Some forum members request the custom serial number in emails. But I am sorry that they cannot reserve any specific serial number for you as this is hard for them to manage.

Kevin

 

[yossi]

If more people want to state the willingness to buy the lens, please send your message to the following email address since it's more convenient and easy to organize. My RFF private message box is full now...

email:
8elementsreplica@gmail.com


Best,
Kevin

email sent for a BP 8E replica. xie xie

 

[vincentbihler]

Looks like the original version bokeh produces wider blobs... Does that mean the replica has a smaller T stop aperture ?

 

[MaZo]

And by my experience, I have the first version prototype. It focuses 100% accurate in all ranges on my Leica M10. I only use the rangefinder to focus, by the way. And the second version is also accurate on my M10.

Hi Kevin, can you please clarify the differences between first and second version prototype? Thx