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

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Just got an email, to confirm the engraving, so my lens was about to ordered Kevin said, however I ordered 3, not one.

Also, multicoated is not available anymore, *** is this?

No comms, extreme long waiting, no brass version, no multicoated. They are out there, but apparently not for us mere RFF mortals? Overpromise, underdeliver.

I cancelled my 3 lenses, I'm out, done with this.

I am sorry that you are disappointed. But I never said you can only buy one... I am really confused what triggers you. They never produced multi-coated version. They tested it but they don’t like the final result. I said except the two single coating order you placed, you could switch to single coating version if you want. Therefore, you could still purchase three lenses. I am sorry if my language caused you misunderstood my response.

Everybody is waiting. There was no promise been made for the delivery schedule. They are still working on the brass version. It’s very hard for a startup company to survive. They are facing many difficulties. Wish people could understand and give more patience.

Kevin

 

[froyd]

Just got an email, to confirm the engraving, so my lens was about to ordered Kevin said, however I ordered 3, not one.

Also, multicoated is not available anymore, *** is this?

No comms, extreme long waiting, no brass version, no multicoated. They are out there, but apparently not for us mere RFF mortals? Overpromise, underdeliver.

I cancelled my 3 lenses, I'm out, done with this.

Good thing you are not out any money!

Kevin has been very fair in this deal... pay only when ready to ship and cancel any time before then. A lot better than many Kickstarter projects.

The way I see it, I'm grateful to have been offered the special opportunity to get this lens below regular price.

 

[valdas]

It was never overpromised. Maybe some unrealistic expectations by some people...

 

[astrobuoy]

I got the call up this morning and paid for mine. Black paint, single-coated. Filled out the form on Dec. 10th, paid Sept. 18th.

I had originally asked for multi-coated, but seeing the results I think I'll be happier with the single amber-coated optic, as I'll primarily use this on black & white film and with a hood.

I can't wait. This is a phenomenal price for a lens that looks to be more than worth it. I know this is probably going to rub some people the wrong way (and I'll admit, it's not that imaginative), but I've half-cheekily, half-seriously asked for it to be engraved "Summicron".

 

[Leica0Series]

I'm patiently waiting for my brass version, which I may not get this year, but this year is 2020 after all, so some change of plans is to be expected. I appreciate all that Kevin has done. All I have invested in this so far is anticipation! If I do get a brass lens, y'all are all going to be jealous when I put it on my black T and go sporting about.

 

[Shac]

Hang in there Kevin. You are doing a great job and your patience is beyond question.

 

[D&A]

Hi Ashwin, IIRC, one of the other differences is the replica has a circular aperture opening through the full range. Apparently a consequence is that the f-stop spacing on the aperture ring is not equalized like on the original.

Regarding Dave's point about color balance with the M9, IMO this might be as much an influence of whether or not a lens code has been set in the camera. And if so, which one.
But it's possible the lens has a different color bias than Leica-made lenses.

I'm still eagerly waiting for mine (form submitted Dec. 9th). 🙂

It's one of the few gear purchases I have not put off this year due to the massive impact Covid has had on my work/business activities.

Hi rscheffler,

Using the replica lens with the M9 (3 different bodies), I did try uncoded, and setting a multitude of different lens codings to see if that had an effect on the blue blobs adjacent to white clouds. I illustrated it in a pic I posted here quite a ways back. No changes were observed. Again for all I know it could be a consequence of the M9 CCD, bayer and or sensor coverglass which has been noted to be a of cool color temp in those M9's that have the new replaced Leica sensors.

Again I preface my comments that its been infrequent in its appearance and except for that observation (and general ones I posted "above"), it has been a phenomenal lens performance and character wise and more than I could have ever have hoped for.

As an aside, it should be remembered that the maker of the lens and his factory had to deal with Covid-19, just as they were gearing up production and no doubt that caused considerable delays. I applaud Kevin for all the hard work he has put into this and straightforward manner handling all the logistics that are involved. It may have taken longer than initially expected but no one I know has been anything but thrilled with their lens once received.

Dave (D&A)

 

[Ccoppola82]

I’ve been using mine on my M2 since it came in. It’s honestly one of the nicest feeling lenses I own. It feels every bit as nice as my 35 2.8 summaron. It’s worth the wait for those on the fence.

 

[xmas_one]

Big thanks again to Kevin and Mr. Zhou’s team for making this possible. This lens is quickly becoming my go to lens on the M2 and M9M. Well worth the wait. Be patient guys.

 

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Thank you so much for everybody’s understanding and support.

I am with you guys. I’ve placed an order for brass version long ago. And I am still waiting. Fingers crossed.

Kevin

 

[jonmanjiro]

Back to some photos! Here's a couple taken in Yokohama back in late July, when summer finally kicked in after a lengthy rainy season. That's condensation on the windows from the air conditioning in the second photo. Pretty sure these were @ f2 with a Leica MP and Fujifilm Superia 400 (or maybe 800?).


Light Lens Lab 35mm F2 Summicron V1 replica by Jon, on Flickr


Light Lens Lab 35mm F2 Summicron V1 replica by Jon, on Flickr

 

[kiemchacsu]

Some people will get their lens earlier than expected since you're out

Just got an email, to confirm the engraving, so my lens was about to ordered Kevin said, however I ordered 3, not one.

Also, multicoated is not available anymore, *** is this?

No comms, extreme long waiting, no brass version, no multicoated. They are out there, but apparently not for us mere RFF mortals? Overpromise, underdeliver.

I cancelled my 3 lenses, I'm out, done with this.

 

[aizan]

Just got an email, to confirm the engraving, so my lens was about to ordered Kevin said, however I ordered 3, not one.

Also, multicoated is not available anymore, *** is this?

No comms, extreme long waiting, no brass version, no multicoated. They are out there, but apparently not for us mere RFF mortals? Overpromise, underdeliver.

I cancelled my 3 lenses, I'm out, done with this.

hehe, i can appreciate the rare person who doesn't go in for the sunk-cost fallacy, even if the situation hasn't cost him any money. 😀

 

[Vobluda]

Hello Kevin, I have mailed you several times with the interest in the lens with no reply. Please if you can look perhaps in the spam folder for it.

Thank you so much for everybody’s understanding and support.

I am with you guys. I’ve placed an order for brass version long ago. And I am still waiting. Fingers crossed.

Kevin

 

[xasthur]

You know shueido is offering a fully brass M3.. I wonder what type of coating they use and maybe the people in charge of this lens could contact them if he/she is having issues with coating. Just a idea.

 

[ashwinrao1]

Finally got around to doing an extensive A-B test of the original 8 element summicron vs the replica. I come to the conclusion that the replica is very slightly more contrasty and maybe slightly a longer focal length (by a tiny bit). Otherwise, they are quite hard to distinguish. I have posted sample images here in a variety of settings, at all apertures:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/8elementsummicron35mmf2vslightlenslab8elementreplica


A few comparisons to follow

 

[ashwinrao1]

Here are some unedited examples, with various focal zones attempted, at f/2. Other apertures available on the link above. Linked files are available to download as large enough file sizes for pixel peeping (2500 x 2500 at 360 dpi). All images were shot using the Leica M9 Monochrom, manually set to the 35 mm f/2 lens code via menu.



Landscape scene at infinity:

8-element summicron at f/2

Replica at f/2

Friend in foreground of boat scene at f/2
8 element at f/2

Replica at f/2

" Alma" Boat siding at f/2
8 element cron at f/2

Replica at f/2

"Alma Boat from Front at f/2
8 element cron at f/2

Replica at f/2

 

[Larry Cloetta]

Pretty close, Ashwin, thanks. In the very last pair, the main thing I notice, over and above the contrast, is that focus seems to fall off much faster on the original than the replica. Note the basket in the upper right corner of the frame. Maybe that’s a thing, maybe not. Am not complaining, just noticing.
Anyway, thanks for taking the time to do some realistic comparisons.

 

[ashwinrao1]

Thanks, Larry, and yes, you are right. I feel that this may be slightly scene dependent, and unfortunately, the boats were not 100% static, so some boat drift may be at play as well...but the lenses are really, really close...and I think you are right about the fall off differences, but I would need to do shoot more scenes where fall off would come into play.

 

[teddy]

Thank you so much for everybody’s understanding and support.

I am with you guys. I’ve placed an order for brass version long ago. And I am still waiting. Fingers crossed.

Kevin

Kevin, you have dealt fairly with everyone. This is a great project to be part of. I have not taken my Replica off my M2, I think it is stuck there for ever.

You know there's a book called "Men Are From Mars and Women Are From Venus". Well, there should be a book called "Some Men are From Mars - Others Are From Jupiter or Uranus"... ...

Is it misunderstanding, mis-reading information or just a sense of entitlement? I don't want to be rude, I'm just looking at the funny side of peoples expectations. GET A GRIP PEOPLE!

You have done an excellent job Kevin.