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

[raid]

Thanks for the posted images, Erik.
Sharpness is not everything.

 

[sweat100]

Hi Kevin, I have sent you a PM regarding the pre-order. Hope you received it.

 

[Emile de Leon]

I just ordered mine!
Chrome, single coated, 8E FLINT.

 

[raid]

Let's go back to the 35/2 replica. I placed my order for sure. Brass, SC, 8ELEMENTS, ...

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Hi Kevin, I have sent you a PM regarding the pre-order. Hope you received it.

Hi, please send me an email to the following address:

8elementsreplica@gmail.com

My PM box on RFF is 100% full.

Kevin

 

[jshcrlsn]

Simply not true. The Nokton is based on the old Xenon design from Taylor, Taylor and Hobson and provides as such at full aperture an extremely sharp image without any distortion.

The Noctilux f/1 is an original Leitz design and delivers at full aperture a "painterly" image without any sharpness at all.

Thanks for the info and image Erik.
However, the lens design used for the Voigt Nokton f1.1 does in fact mimic the Noctilux f1 (which is original to Leica as you state) and not the Xenon. The 5cm f1.5 Xenon was the first version form of the Summarit 5cm f1.5 ltm and later the 50mm f1.5 M. This later went on to inspire the design for the first version 50mm Summilux early formula (very slightly different) and then the Nocti f1.0 which is also just slightly different in its second element group design. The execution of these designs varies between each lens and version giving each its own unique character.

I agree that they took the design in a different direction than Leica did. The Nocti does in fact carry that surrealistic painterly look I lust over while the Nokton does not. Maybe Voigt was trying to put it somewhere between a Nocti f1 and a Summilux in how it renders. I would like to see how that Nokton does at a portrait from about 10 feet away instead of an image at roughly infinity wide open.

Also, great post of Henri's 1.2 work thank you for that.

 

[raid]

In the end, we have many options for spending our money!

 

[wpb]

I went with the "classic" formula, and chose the single coated version.
I picked the black paint version as I have a black paint ASPH that I (gasp) actually shoot with and love the brass peeking out upon years of use. The idea of being able to run and gun with the 8-element is very exciting. For the engraving: "TYPE11307".

 

[Erik van Straten]

I would like to see how that Nokton does at a portrait from about 10 feet away instead of an image at roughly infinity wide open.

Hi Josh, no black corners, beautiful bokeh, great sharpness.

Erik.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Here's the Nokton 50mm f/1.1 diagram, very close to the Xenon if you ask me.

 

[jshcrlsn]

Oh wow, very nice image Erik and thank you for providing some real world results with this lens on film...It helps guys like me a lot when whittling down all the options out there.

There are maybe too many options to follow what Raid stated! It can be very hard to consume and sift through it all. Such is the problem of modern living.

It is close to the Xenon but it is closer to the the design of the Nocti 1.0 which was the original statement made by me that you placed into question.
The Xenon is closer to the Summarit and Summilux than it is the Nocti 1.0 and so that is why I compared the Nokton to the Nocti f1.0 design. Their layout is almost exactly the same.

I agree that they are all very similar in design.

 

[jshcrlsn]

For the 8E I went for the chrome SC with my custom text “8-ELEMENT” very excited.

 

[splitimageview]

@KEVIN-XU 愛 forever will the bayonet version be in customer's hands prior to the LTM version starting production?

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

@KEVIN-XU 愛 forever will the bayonet version be in customer's hands prior to the LTM version starting production?

Yes, I believe so. The LTM version will be available three months later.

Kevin

 

[Huss]

So it is a progression from 50/1.2 to 50/1 and then to 50/0.95 if sharpness wide open is the ultimate goal.

I have the Nokton 50/1.1.


Ken Rockwell said about the Nokton: A poor performer, introduced as a gimmick for the less critical."

KR must have had a defective copy. When Lensrentals.com bench tested all the 50s the Nokton 50 1.1 was sharper than the Noctilux .95
My copy is very sharp. Bokeh on the other hand is a matter of taste..

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Hi Kevin
Sorry for bothering you
When i filled & confirmed the Form i didn't get any confirmation mail.
Is my order confirmed or i have to do it again?
Thank You

Sorry for the late reply. I am very busy recently.

I just searched your RFF name on my record. I can confirm that you've successfully submitted the response. No worries.

Kevin

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Hello Kevin

I don't remember if it has already been asked , I would like to know something about the SBLOO replica : will you do it with the early stamped foot or the later ( and much nicer IMO ) machined foot ?
Thank you in advance

Vincent

The maker has both of these two versions in hand.


Original SBLOO Viewfinder in two versions by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr


Original SBLOO Viewfinder in two versions by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr

I am not sure which design he will decide to use.

Kevin

 

[eckhardf]

Hi Kevin,

You might have missed an earlier post of mine (I realise you are very busy and understand if you cannot reply..)

I have ordered a black paint 35mm replica and am thinking about a chrome version when they are available in LTM mount.

My questions: Is the chrome version painted or plated?

And do you think the durability between the finishes on the black and chrome versions will differ?

Regards and thanks for all your time. (confirmation you have received my order - I amended it once so hope there are not two versions in the system - would be great too.)

eck.

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Hi Kevin,

You might have missed an earlier post of mine (I realise you are very busy and understand if you cannot reply..)

I have ordered a black paint 35mm replica and am thinking about a chrome version when they are available in LTM mount.

My questions: Is the chrome version painted or plated?

And do you think the durability between the finishes on the black and chrome versions will differ?

Regards and thanks for all your time. (confirmation you have received my order - I amended it once so hope there are not two versions in the system - would be great too.)

eck.

Sorry eck, I did miss your message.

It is plated chrome.

Regarding the durability of the different finishes, it's hard to give you a clear answer. The maker said theoretically the chrome version is more durable.

Yes, I've seen your order.

Kevin

 

[raid]

So the brass version is less durable?