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

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

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)

We will do a comparison test among all the Noctilux lenses. We will see. But I am sure that each of the Noctilux has its own signature.

I also own the Konica M-Hexanon 50 1.2 too. Indeed, it doesn't have a very unique signature. It gives me the modern taste.

Yes, I do own a Konica 60mm f1.2 limited version. It is a very interesting reproduction by Konica before they went out of the camera business, which makes the Konica 60 1.2 Limited more special.

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Big eyes. F/0.95, F/1.2, f1.0 by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr

Here some old photos that I took when I was traveling Taiwan back in 2014

Konica RF + Konica 60mm f1.2 in LTM limited edition + X-Tra 400


臺中. Taichung City. Love Taiwan! by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr

臺中. Taichung City. Love Taiwan! by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr

臺中. Taichung City. Love Taiwan! by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr

Taipei City... 臺北市... Love Taiwan. by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr

Taipei City... 臺北市... Love Taiwan. by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr

臺中. Taichung City. Love Taiwan! by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr

臺中. Taichung City. Love Taiwan! by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr


Here some old photos that I took when I was traveling Taiwan back in 2014

Konica RF + Konica 60mm f1.2 in LTM limited edition + X-Tra 400


Kevin

 

[Applet]

A Konica 60 1.2 replica would be very interesting! 😎

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Konica 60mm f1.2 in LTM limited edition by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr


Konica 60mm f1.2 in LTM + Konica RF Titanium Version

This is a perfect combo.


Kevin

 

[teddy]

Hi Kevin, where could I find the Order Submission Form for the 35/2 Replica?
I sent you a private message but I'm not sure if you've noticed.

Kind regards,

Jose

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Information summarization

Information summarization

*I can imagine it would be tough for some people to go through all the pages under this topic. So again, I copy and paste the summary here for your convenience. But I do think it worth to watch all the old posts.


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.)
The replica lens hood will be sold separately. Asking for around $20/each.
The replica viewfinder will be sold separately. Not sure of the cost yet.
There will be two paint options for the viewfinder and lens hood, original or black paint.


*My PM box is 100% full now... In case I missed any of your messages, please send it to the following email address:

Email:
8elementsreplica@gmail.com


Kevin


Leica 8-element Replica Engraving Example by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr

 

[D&A]

Thank you for posting your images with the Konica 60mm f1.2 . Depending on subject and also camera to subject distance, I've seen where this lens can change characteristics dramatically, especially in the bokeh...going from tame to wild and everything in-between. It apparently has a very strong signature and that's why I feel that it might be a good candidate for a replica lens.

Aside from the Leica 50mm f1.2, I was under the impression that all versions of the Leica 50mm f1.0 Noct. were optically basically the same. That's why I was asking about the Leica 50mm f1.2 lens and whether it different much in its optical signature from the f1.0 versions. This might then help if a replica of the 50mm f1.2 is worthwhile (aside from its rarity.

Dave (D&A)

 

[raid]

I wonder how optical qualities of a replica lens as discussed here differ from say a lens by 7Artisans or similar brand from China.

 

[aizan]

Does it have to be a very expensive lens? One that people want but is hard to get in good condition might be another good candidate. Something like the 50mm Summicron Rigid might be popular.

The 21mm f/4 Super Angulon would be a good complement to the 35mm Summicron.

I know telephotos are less popular, but the 105mm f/6.3 Mountain Elmar with the RASAL frame finder is damn cool looking.

A 50mm f/1.8 Kern-Macro-Switar in M-mount would be exciting, too.

 

[pyeh]

I say any of Nikkor LTM lenses bought by David Douglas Duncan that kickstarted Nikon's fame: the 50/1.5, 85/2 and the 135/4, as well the beautiful 35/1.8 I volunteered earlier.

 

[Ed Schwartzreic]

The Mountain Elmar would be a great choice. I have an original, and it really flares badly, even with its hood in place. I think it likely that flare could be corrected for fairly easily in a replica, even without coating. It is also a simple design.

This lens’ small size and handy focal length would make it very useful IMO.

 

[splitimageview]

I don't see much demand for that.

The appeal of a replica lens as I see it, is rarity as well as utility.

I.e., a rare (or otherwise expensive) lens that few of us would ever have the opportunity to shoot. The 8 Element 35/2 qualifies, as even though it is common (the Canadian version anyway, if not the German) there is a good demand that keeps the price up. One reason for the demand, other than the optical performance, is the focal length.

Replicating a 50/2 rigid Summicron, which is a common lens, wouldn't have the appeal, and the price gap between a replica and the original would not be all that much.

A Mountain Elmar has the rarity, but doesn't have the utility, as few people use lenses that long on a rangefinder, and it's quite slow.

 

[raid]

We will have a 35/2 and a 50/1.2.

To complement these two beauties, a 21mm lens would be a reasonable choice. Then a short Tele such as the Summilux 75/1.4. The lens has to be out of patents.

 

[kiemchacsu]

(null)

We are still waiting for an in-depth review of this replica prototype.
I don't know how many people get access to them.

 

[raid]

(null)

We are still waiting for an in-depth review of this replica prototype.
I don't know how many people get access to them.

Many results on the replica have been posted here in this thread.

 

[james.liam]

We will have a 35/2 and a 50/1.2.

To complement these two beauties, a 21mm lens would be a readable choice. Then a short Tele such as the Summilux 75/1.4. The lens has to be out of patents.

Doubtful on the patents for the 75 Summilux. It was in production until ~2007.

 

[splitimageview]

The 75 lux first shipped in 1980, the optics never changed in any of the versions. Assuming there actually was a patent for that design granted prior to that date, it would have already expired.

 

[raid]

Doubtful on the patents for the 75 Summilux. It was in production until ~2007.

There was an older Hektor 73/1.5. Right?

 

[Egguie]

There was an older Hektor 73/1.5. Right?

There was the Hektor 73/1.9 and the Summarex 85/1.5, but i don't think enough people would be interested in such lenses, unlike a 75Lux or a 60 Hexanon i guess.

 

[Emile de Leon]

The 75 lux