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

[chambrenoire]

Kevin, what is mr Zhou's history, has he made lenses before? Some history about the man would be interesting! Cheers.

 

[Bendj]

Hi Kevin, do you have any idea how many lenses the maker is able to manufacture for the first batch? I am trying to work out if there’s a chance I’ll make the cut!

Cheers,
Ben

 

[raid]

Hi Kevin, do you have any idea how many lenses the maker is able to manufacture for the first batch? I am trying to work out if there’s a chance I’ll make the cut!

Cheers,
Ben

I have seen Kevin's reply to someone's request to get a lens. It was basically that the first batch is sold out. Any new lens requests will be for the second batch.

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Hi Kevin, do you have any idea how many lenses the maker is able to manufacture for the first batch? I am trying to work out if there’s a chance I’ll make the cut!

Cheers,
Ben

Sorry Ben, there are already many people waiting to be put in the first batch. Please wait for the second batch. Or more precisely we should call it the regular batch.

Best,
Kevin

 

[Bendj]

Hi Kevin,

I was one of the earlyish ones and have filled out the form etc. I am just wondering if it will come about given recent comments about limited numbers etc.

Many thanks,
Ben

 

[Bendj]

Actually looking back you mentioned there would be 200-300 copies going overseas so hopefully I should be OK.

Cheers,
Ben

 

[froyd]

Does having received a Google Order Form signify that one will receive lenses from the first batch?

 

[raid]

Does having received a Google Order Form signify that one will receive lenses from the first batch?

I would say YES. Congrats.

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Hi Kevin,

I was one of the earlyish ones and have filled out the form etc. I am just wondering if it will come about given recent comments about limited numbers etc.

Many thanks,
Ben

Hi Ben,

Since you've received the google form and submit your response, then you are in the first batch. And I see your response on my record. No worries.

Best,
Kevin

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Does having received a Google Order Form signify that one will receive lenses from the first batch?

Yes, you will receive the lens from the first batch.

I would say YES. Congrats.

Thank you for helping me answer the question Raid.

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Kevin, what is mr Zhou's history, has he made lenses before? Some history about the man would be interesting! Cheers.

This is the first time that Mr. Zhou is trying to make lenses. Quite surprised when I heard it the first time. He is a successful businessman. And he does have many connections to the optical and lens industry in China. That's why he can group up a professional team and could find the machines, facilities, and the rare glass to make his project come true.

Kevin

 

[raid]

This is very interesting. Thanks for the information on Mr. Zhou.

 

[yossi]

Apparently, the Chinese started making Leica clones way back in early 70's:

Hong Qi - Red Flag 20 camera

After 50 years, I am sure the quality of these 8E clones would be even better. Can't wait to see how it performs.

 

[jmanivelle]

Apparently, the Chinese started making Leica clones way back in early 70's:

Hong Qi - Red Flag 20 camera

After 50 years, I am sure the quality of these 8E clones would be even better. Can't wait to see how it performs.

Here is one set available on eBay !

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Shanghai-D...995236?hash=item3d9b173824:g:6xcAAOSwxVReGPHf


The 35 1.4 focusses down to 0.65m .

A bargain 🙂

 

[Platinum RF]

Maybe Mr. Zhou can make Red Flag 20 replica in quality on a par with Leica M3/M4, I am sure the current manufacture capacity in China can do it.

 

[jmanivelle]

Maybe Mr. Zhou can make Red Flag 20 replica in quality on a par with Leica M3/M4, I am sure the current manufacture capacity in China can do it.

It'd be nice to source some shots taken with these Red Flag 20 cameras !

 

[jszokoli]

OK, now I'm a little confused. On December 8th I filled out a Google form. Is that the form that means that I will be in the first batch, or was there another subsequent Google form?

Joe

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

OK, now I'm a little confused. On December 8th I filled out a Google form. Is that the form that means that I will be in the first batch, or was there another subsequent Google form?

Joe

The google form are for the first batch only.

Kevin

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

It'd be nice to source some shots taken with these Red Flag 20 cameras !

I know someone in China who use the replica 35 1.4 and 50 1.4 on film camera. The results looks really good. Sadly these lenses were not made for the mass public.

Kevin

 

[yossi]

Looking at the Red Flag 20 红旗 20 pictures, I feel that the front ring of the 8E replica should mark 中国制 rather than 'CHINA'. 😛

I look forward to that day when the Chinese can design and produce a great lens on their own, as good if not better than a Summicron. If the Japanese can do it (think ltm W-Nikkor 35/1.8), I have confidence the Chinese can do it too. 加油 !!