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

[Bill Blackwell]

I would prefer if this lens were multi-coated - not single coated. If there is such a variance I would be interested enough to put my name in.

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

I would prefer if this lens were multi-coated - not single coated. If there is such a variance I would be interested enough to put my name in.

Maker can produce the multi-coated version as a special request order. But there will be an extra cost for the multi-coated version.

 

[Bill Blackwell]

Maker can produce the multi-coated version as a special request order. But there will be an extra cost for the multi-coated version.

Got it. Check your email.

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

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

I didn't notice any difference when testing and comparing the replica with the original. And the maker told me the replica has the same aperture as the original.

 

[raid]

Maker can produce the multi-coated version as a special request order. But there will be an extra cost for the multi-coated version.

What is the extra cost, Kevin?

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

What is the extra cost, Kevin?

The maker can fulfill the multi-coated order as a special request with extra cost since it will require extra labor costs. It will add around $100 to the final price.

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

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

Here is the official answer from the maker, "We measured it with the professional instrument. The real aperture value of the replica is the same as the original one. In fact, the replica's maximum aperture is even about 1% larger."

 

[splitimageview]

Any news on LTM version or did I miss a post? This is a long thread!

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Any news on LTM version or did I miss a post? This is a long thread!

Regarding the LTM edition, the maker just told me that it would be released approximately three months later. Currently, they are concentrate on the production of the first batch replica lenses. He also said each of the LTM lenses would come with an LTM - M adapter. And he will make sure their adapter match with Leica quality.

 

[splitimageview]

Excellent news!

 

[Bill Blackwell]

Maybe this has already been asked and I missed it. ... Will the flange be milled for 6-bit coding?

 

[rcubed]

Regarding the LTM edition, the maker just told me that it would be released approximately three months later. Currently, they are concentrate on the production of the first batch replica lenses. He also said each of the LTM lenses would come with an LTM - M adapter. And he will make sure their adapter match with Leica quality.

Will the minimum focus distance be the same as the M-Mount (0.7m)? or limited to 1m like the original LTM?

 

[raid]

The 8 element Summicron may be best used as a single coated lens for B&W images. The additional multicoating may change its characteristics.

 

[Bill Blackwell]

... The additional multicoating may change its characteristics.

Yes, I'd be counting on it! I've never been a fan of the 8-element's low-contrast renderings.

 

[Montag]

I may have missed it, apologies if I did. Is there any current ETA on the first batch of the lens?

I love the low contrast look of the 8 element for people pictures but I can see how tastes and usage might vary on that and after 50+ years each lens will surely have wide variation in performance too.
Having said that, I'm plumping for a multicoated one, since I already have an original 8 element. I'm up for something old and new combined.

 

[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.)

email:
8elementsreplica@gmail.com



Kevin

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Will the minimum focus distance be the same as the M-Mount (0.7m)? or limited to 1m like the original LTM?

The minimum focus distance will be the same as the original LTM, which is 1 meter. It is limited by the LTM rangefinder.

 

[raid]

*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 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 1M, as the original one.)


Kevin

Thank you for this information, Kevin.
I am struggling with the multicoating versus keeping the clone a real clone.

 

[splitimageview]

The minimum focus distance will be the same as the original LTM, which is 1 meter. It is limited by the LTM rangefinder.

Ideally, the LTM versions should also focus to 0.7m, so they can work to full capability on M bodies as well as LTM bodies. It's the body that is the limitation, not the lens...

There are factory dual mount versions of the 35/2 8 Element Summicron that do this; i.e., focus to 0.7m.

Here is a photo showing the removable bayonet (secured via a set screw.) Note the close focus distance on the lens is 0.7m.

 

[Ed Schwartzreic]

I own one of the ones with the factory-attached SM—> M adapter, which focuses to 0.7m. I have also held in my hand one of the true SM ones, which only goes down to 1 meter. It is not clear to me why Leitz made both types, but the 0.7m one was sold as an M lens, not a SM one FWIW. Maybe they just had extra SM fittings and decided to use them up. There are also SM 50/2 Rigid Summicrons (very rare) and IIRC, their minimum focus is the same as the M version. While it is clear to me that Leitz was phasing out SM bodies at the time these lenses were issued, why they did what they did with the 25/2 V1 is not clear.