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

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

I personally would LOVE to see the 35mm 1.4 AA, the double aspherical, as the next project after the Noctilux. With the 35AA, the 8 Elements replica and my Canon 35 1.5 i would complete my 35mm collection 😀

Just my point of view, I think the image taken with the Summilux-M 35mm f1.4 Double Aspherical is identical with the later regular Asph version. I saw a few personal compare double Aspherical with the Asph version. To be honest I really can't tell the difference. So I think 35mm f1.4 AA is more like a collectible item.

Kevin

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

I found the answer from earlier on in this thread...full stop aperture clicks.

Yes, the replica lens has full stop aperture clicks.

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

This copy lens seems to creat lots of interest. I want to know if they can reproduce lenshood for Noctilux V1 (58mm Filter thread),like the original?

If the maker successfully replicates the Noctilux 50mm f1.2 AA, then he will definitely reproduce the original hood. It's much easy to replicate a metal hood than a high precision optical lens.

Kevin

 

[Ed Schwartzreic]

I was involved in a direct comparison between the two version of the 35/1.4 aspherical (I own the first version). They are almost identical.

What I would like to see is a copy of the 66/2 Elcan, which was famously used for surveillance purposes. I have seen 2 examples of this lens, and was able to try one of them out for a few shots. The one I did not borrow was on the camera around the neck of Andreas Kaufmann. I asked him why Leica did not produce this lens, and he said “It would cost over $20,000 apiece to do so”. I strongly suspect that the 50/2 Apo Aspheric was designed to do the same thing as the 66/2. I emailed Dr. Kaufmann about this specific question, but as usually happens, I got no answer.

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

I've often wondered if the Noct 50mm f1.2 has a unique signature that's both unique and desirable apart for the Noct 50mm f1.0??

Two lenses that I'd love to see replicas for is the Leica 35mm Lux pre asph in both silver and black but equally desire the Konica 60mm f1.2 . Now there's a lens with a very unique look and exorbitant pricetag.

Dave (D&)

One unique signature of the Noctilux 50 1.2 AA I love is its compact size. And it's built like the lager version Summilux 50 1.4 with scalloped focusing ring design, which makes it looks terrific.

We did discuss the Konica 60mm f1.2 Limited before, as I also have this lens. And the maker did express his willingness to replicate this lens. It will be easier for him to replicate the Konica 60 1.2 than the Noctilux 1.2 AA.

 

[raid]

Raid, are you mentioning the Hektor 73mm f1.9? I saw one sold for around $800. I guess you could find one at a reasonable price if you are patient enough. I more hope the maker could replicate those collectible lenses that are asking crazy prices right now. Just my personal thought. 🙂

Kevin

Isn't there a Hektor 50/2.5 ltm?

I agree with you that best chances for success in marketing such replica lenses is to create some of the most costly Leica lenses that are impossible for most of us to buy these days.

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

I was involved in a direct comparison between the two version of the 35/1.4 aspherical (I own the first version). They are almost identical.

What I would like to see is a copy of the 66/2 Elcan, which was famously used for surveillance purposes. I have seen 2 examples of this lens, and was able to try one of them out for a few shots. The one I did not borrow was on the camera around the neck of Andreas Kaufmann. I asked him why Leica did not produce this lens, and he said “It would cost over $20,000 apiece to do so”. I strongly suspect that the 50/2 Apo Aspheric was designed to do the same thing as the 66/2. I emailed Dr. Kaufmann about this specific question, but as usually happens, I got no answer.

Right, that is what I am thinking. Thank you for proving my point. If they are so identical, maybe it's better just get the relatively much affordable version 35mm f1.4 Asph instead.

When we were discussing the Elcan 50mm f2, we also talked about the extremely rare Elcan 66/2. But it's hard to find the patent and would not possible to get our hands on the real 66/2. Just imagine how difficult it will be if we want to do some research on this lens.

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Isn't there a Hektor 50/2.5 ltm?

I agree with you that best chances for success in marketing such replica lenses is to create some of the most costly Leica lenses that are impossible for most of us to buy these days.

Yeah, I believe so. It took 2 years for the maker to make his first project into final production. I think it's better to let him make something rare and special as he needs to spend lots of effort and time on each project.

 

[splitimageview]

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

But he will try his best to make the LTM version has the ability to focus down to 0.7m with the adapter.

There is lingering ambiguity in this thread regarding the close focus of the upcoming LTM version. Ideally, it should focus to 0.7m, that way there is full capability when used on an M body with the promised included LTM adapter.

Can we get a clarification on this? As I'd buy a 0.7m LTM but won't order if it's only 1m close focus.

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

There is lingering ambiguity in this thread regarding the close focus of the upcoming LTM version. Ideally, it should focus to 0.7m, that way there is full capability when used on an M body with the promised included LTM adapter.

Can we get a clarification on this? As I'd buy a 0.7m LTM but won't order if it's only 1m close focus.

I can totally understand that some people want to have an LTM version that could focus down to 0.7m. But the maker only has the official original LTM version, which is the real LTM lens. As the original LTM version is for the Barnack camera only, that is why the LTM version exists. The Barnack camera itself only allows the lens to focus down to 1m. The maker does hear your voice. He will try his best to make it possible. But most likely, you have to guess the focus between the 0.7m-1m range.

Kevin

 

[analoged]

There is lingering ambiguity in this thread regarding the close focus of the upcoming LTM version. Ideally, it should focus to 0.7m, that way there is full capability when used on an M body with the promised included LTM adapter.

Can we get a clarification on this? As I'd buy a 0.7m LTM but won't order if it's only 1m close focus.

A big +1 to this...

 

[splitimageview]

There is no technical reason why the LTM version could not also focus to 0.7m, as original dual mounts can do.

It is fully understood (and completely acceptable) that the rangefinder would be uncoupled from 1m to 0.7m on any camera body that only focuses to 1m, and coupled all the way to 0.7m on bodies that focus to 0.7m.

Thanks Kevin for your efforts!

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

There is no technical reason why the LTM version could not also focus to 0.7m, as original dual mounts do.

It is fully understood (and completely acceptable) that the rangefinder would be uncoupled from 1m to 0.7m on any camera body that only focuses to 1m, and coupled all the way to 0.7m on bodies that focus to 0.7m.

Thanks Kevin for your efforts!

You are very welcome.

I totally get your point. But the reason why I mentioned the official LTM version is that when we are talking about replicate the real stuff, the original 1m LTM version is the one we should replicate. The dual mount one is more like a special case. Leica even hasn't mentioned it officially. And I believe that the maker will only make a small batch of the LTM version, too much effort to make it into the dual mount lens is unrealistic I should say.

Please let me know if there is any suggestion that could help the maker to make the LTM version right.

Kevin

 

[raid]

I think that we should try to make it easier for the lens maker to get his work done efficiently and at a manageable selling price. Anything done "custom" should have a custom selling price too. We don't want to have special requests slow him down. Sorry guys, but this is a special project, and I say that we support him.

 

[splitimageview]

It's the same exact lens, Raid. They are already committing to an LTM version, it's just a change of the mount, all they have to do is leave the RF coupling as-is for the LTM version.

 

[Platinum RF]

?.........So I think 35mm f1.4 AA is more like a collectible item.

Kevin

Is leitz 50mm f1.2 also a collector’s item?

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

It's the same exact lens, Raid. They are already committing to an LTM version, it's just a change of the mount, all they have to do is leave the RF coupling as-is for the LTM version.

It will be more complicated than you can imagine when it's come down to manufacturing. It's too difficult for me to explain to you why it's hard for the maker to fulfill your request. I did already explained to him the existence of the dual mount 8-element and how it could be used on both M camera and Barnack camera. He may need to redesign some parts to make it work. This will also require fine-tuning with other components, which will bring a lot of work and re-adjust the production line. This is what he told me before.

Kevin

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Is leitz 50mm f1.2 also a collector’s item?

Yes, it is. But what I mean by saying 35mm f.14 AA is more like a collectible item is because you could find a 35 14 Asph instead, they are almost identical. Performance-wise, you are not necessary to own a 35 1.4 AA to get the image you want. It will make sense if you are a collector and want to own the extremely rare version.

But regarding Leitz 50 1.2, there are no existing Leica lenses that can replace it. No matter size-wise or performance-wise. I am not saying Leitz 50 1.2 has much superior performance as I haven't done the comparison test yet, but for sure it does have its own signature.

Kevin

 

[splitimageview]

It will be more complicated than you can imagine when it's come down to manufacturing. It's too difficult for me to explain to you why it's hard for the maker to fulfill your request. I did already explained to him the existence of the dual mount 8-element and how it could be used on both M camera and Barnack camera. He may need to redesign some parts to make it work. This will also require fine-tuning with other components, which will bring a lot of work and re-adjust the production line. This is what he told me before.

Kevin

All that work has to be done whether it's redesigned for 1m, or designed for 0.7m...it's just a difference in the cam. For 0.7m, it would use the same cam as the bayonet version...

In any case, it's just a suggestion. 🙂 Up to the team to decide what is the best plan.

 

[rscheffler]

Regarding the LTM version, it may be a conflict of philosophy. The maker's intent might be to remain faithful to the original, in part by cloning the original parts. Your interest (which I fully understand) is an LTM version of the M design for the practical, functional purposes of closer RF focus capability, but which deviates from the 'spirit' of a faithful reproduction.


On another tangent, I also vote for the Hexanon 60/1.2 at some point down the road.