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

[raid]

The costlier the original lens, the more attractive the replica becomes. I vote for the Hexanon 60 1.2 too.

 

[retinax]

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.

A possible solution could be to simply offer the ltm mounting flange separately so costumers can exchange it on the M mount version to get an ltm lens that focuses down to 0.7 m. Should be technically simple, it's really just the one machined part.

 

[Egguie]

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.

That's right. From a manifacturer perspective it doesn't make sense to produce a replica of a lens when you can buy the -almost- real thing at probably the same cost.

But still... That ASPHERICAL on the front... 😀 😀

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

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.

Thank you for your understanding Raid. 🙂

Kevin

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

A possible solution could be to simply offer the ltm mounting flange separately so costumers can exchange it on the M mount version to get an ltm lens that focuses down to 0.7 m. Should be technically simple, it's really just the one machined part.

I will let him know your suggestion. It could be more complicated than you can imagine when it's come down to manufacturing since we are talking about a lens with two focus range. I am sorry that I think I need to repeat this.

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

That's right. From a manifacturer perspective it doesn't make sense to produce a replica of a lens when you can buy the -almost- real thing at probably the same cost.

But still... That ASPHERICAL on the front... 😀 😀

Yeah, I agree.

To be honest, if there is a chance, I would love to have a Double Aspherical 35 1.4 too.

 

[raid]

That's right. From a manifacturer perspective it doesn't make sense to produce a replica of a lens when you can buy the -almost- real thing at probably the same cost.

But still... That ASPHERICAL on the front... 😀 😀

Can't be; you have only 9 characters allowed!

How about ASPH_ASPH ?

 

[splitimageview]

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.

Yes, exactly. It's really just a choice of the manufacturer of what their priority is.

I would venture to say that replica optics are the most important aspect of the product, and since Leica *did* offer a lens that fit LTM and focused to 0.7m, then it's not violating the originality to any substantial degree.

I will let him know your suggestion. It could be more complicated than you can imagine when it's come down to manufacturing since we are talking about a lens with two focus range. I am sorry that I think I need to repeat this.

There would be only a single focus range, namely, 0.7m to infinity. Same cam, same optics, just a difference in the mounts.

If such a lens were mounted on an LTM body, it would of course RF couple only to 1m, but still be focusable down to 0.7m, and quite useful for those of us that shoot with the three systems: LTM, M, and mirrorless.

No worries at all if the decision is made to go with 1m!

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

.............

If such a lens were mounted on an LTM body, it would of course RF couple only to 1m, but still be focusable down to 0.7m, and quite useful for those of us that shoot with the three systems: LTM, M, and mirrorless.

No worries at all if the decision is made to go with 1m!

Please also consider that the maker is only going to produce a small batch of the LTM version. I think this is one of the important reasons why he thinks it's "difficult" to make it the way you want. Technically, of course, he can make it. Anyhow, he will try his best to balance everything and satisfied his supporter.

Kevin

 

[D&A]

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.

I realize the 50mm f1.2 Noct is more compact that the 50mm f1 Noct but of course that's generally to be expected since its a relatively slower lens. I too love the scalloped focusing ring but what I am most interested in, is how its signature at say f1.2, differs from the f1 version at f1.2? Most know the f1 has a very unique signature whereby the Konica 50mm f1.2 doesn't and yet they are of course f1.2 lenses.

So except for its rarity and subsequent stratospheric price, is there a optical reason/demand for the Leica Noct 50mm f1.2?

Kevin I recall when you mentioned here that you acquired the Konica 60mm f1.2 . That lens has a very unique signature and many have desired one and that's why I wondered and hope a replica is made. Thanks for all the feedback, explanations and hard work you put into all this kevin. We all greatly appreciate it.

Dave (D&A)

 

[raid]

Is the Konica 60/1.2 out of the patent?

 

[aizan]

But there aren’t any cameras with 60mm framelines.

 

[raid]

But there aren’t any cameras with 60mm framelines.

Some digital cameras have LiveView. The rest can guess, using 50mm framelines.

 

[splitimageview]

Please also consider that the maker is only going to produce a small batch of the LTM version. I think this is one of the important reasons why he thinks it's "difficult" to make it the way you want. Technically, of course, he can make it. Anyhow, he will try his best to balance everything and satisfied his supporter.

Yes, it's a manufacturer decision, of course. No worries, this is an amazing project and hopefully it will be a success, ensuring more such projects. 🙂

 

[Platinum RF]

If such a lens were mounted on an LTM body, it would of course RF couple only to 1m, but still be focusable down to 0.7m, and quite useful for those of us that shoot with the three systems: LTM, M, and mirrorless.
No worries at all if the decision is made to go with 1m!

0.7m problem on LTM body you passed 1m, did not realize, then missed the shot......

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

0.7m problem on LTM body you passed 1m, did not realize, then missed the shot......

Indeed, I can imagine that this issue would bother the users a lot.

Yes, it's a manufacturer decision, of course. No worries, this is an amazing project and hopefully it will be a success, ensuring more such projects. 🙂

Thank you for your support!

 

[splitimageview]

It will uncouple when closer than 1m, so if you focus closer than 1m, the RF image will not be in phase; no different than shooting any RF camera and not noticing the rangefinder is out...

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

It will uncouple when closer than 1m, so if you focus closer than 1m, the RF image will not be in phase; no different than shooting any RF camera and not noticing the rangefinder is out...

Sounds good to me if that's the case.

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Some digital cameras have LiveView. The rest can guess, using 50mm framelines.

I believe the maker will also make the 60mm viewfinder if he decides to replicate that lens.

Kevin

 

[Noserider]

Yes I see I am not the only one that has thought of the Elcan 66/2 being made in this manner. Perhaps a well appointed collector in our midsts might graciously make available a copy to examine. The Patent and glass types may be more of a challenge since I think perhaps some aspects of this lens, its performance and most probably the uses (and locations) might be a sensitive subject.

While we are on topic of dreaming of remade replicas of rare glass I would like to add the 180mm f/2 of both Leica and Zuiko and the Nikkor 300mm f/2. With E, F and EF mounts, perhaps the end part of the barrels have those mounts interchangeable.

Thanks again to the maker for the dreams into reality, I very much look forward to the 50mm 1.2 project which was my #1 first thought when this thread was started.