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

astrobuoy said:
I also don't remember it being announced. I had just reiterated when I was paying for my lens that I'd like to be on the list for the hood when it gets released, and to my surprise he said he had some in stock and that he could ship one along with the lens, for $75. ....
Click to expand...

Yes - I asked as well. It wasn't announced here but I thought I'd ask as I wanted a matching set.
 
The "New" Version LLL

The "New" Version LLL

KMP_9997edit by Katie Pype, on Flickr

This is the first brand new lens I've ever bought, and I am super excited. I bought mine from Wen at SH Cameras, finding out much too late (only about 4 months ago). I thought I would post, as my lens is different than the first 500 batch. I have an even aperture scale, and half stop clicks in between. The aperture blades retain a circular shape throughout the stops as far as I can tell. My lens is still the 'V2LC' with amber coating and flint glass. Still feels like my old Leica and Nikkor glass; solid as a brick yet so joyful to use. Below is a picture showing the aperture scale better:

KMP_0002edit by Katie Pype, on Flickr

However, according to Wen, the way the lens renders has been tweaked slightly. He tells me that the lens now renders greater shadow details and slightly less sharpness to emulate the original Summicron better. I've got only a handful of pictures left on my first roll of Tri-X to shoot, I'm very curious to see how my images turn out compared to the samples I've seen on this forum. If it shoots anything like the original or if it reminds me of my collapsible 50mm Cron I absolutely adore, I will be thrilled. I should finish up the roll this week and have time during the weekend developing the roll. I'll post some results for comparison!
 
congrats on your purchase.
the lens is much better (on specs) compared to our 1st batch.

Mech-Dragon said:
KMP_9997edit by Katie Pype, on Flickr

This is the first brand new lens I've ever bought, and I am super excited. I bought mine from Wen at SH Cameras, finding out much too late (only about 4 months ago). I thought I would post, as my lens is different than the first 500 batch. I have an even aperture scale, and half stop clicks in between. The aperture blades retain a circular shape throughout the stops as far as I can tell. My lens is still the 'V2LC' with amber coating and flint glass. Still feels like my old Leica and Nikkor glass; solid as a brick yet so joyful to use. Below is a picture showing the aperture scale better:
KMP_0002edit by Katie Pype, on Flickr

However, according to Wen, the way the lens renders has been tweaked slightly. He tells me that the lens now renders greater shadow details and slightly less sharpness to emulate the original Summicron better. I've got only a handful of pictures left on my first roll of Tri-X to shoot, I'm very curious to see how my images turn out compared to the samples I've seen on this forum. If it shoots anything like the original or if it reminds me of my collapsible 50mm Cron I absolutely adore, I will be thrilled. I should finish up the roll this week and have time during the weekend developing the roll. I'll post some results for comparison!
Click to expand...
 
Evening by some of the docks and the Yacht Club in Singapore. LLL replica 8-element Summicron lens. Taken at f2.0, ISO 100, 1/200 sec, M10-R (the original on Flickr can be seen at full size. This is JPG out of the camera with automatic enhancement in photos on an iPad.)

Like Mech-Dragon I arrived much too late at this party (serve me right for not paying attention!) and bought this from SH cameras in Hong Kong. Serial number very close to Mech-Dragon's. V2LC

 
Mech-Dragon said:
However, according to Wen, the way the lens renders has been tweaked slightly. He tells me that the lens now renders greater shadow details and slightly less sharpness to emulate the original Summicron better.
Click to expand...

Great post Mech-Dragon. I would love a new spec version but I'm very satisfied with my first batch lens. It is sharp, full stop. In some ways it is fascinating that the lens is morfing into more refined versions. This Replica may become a collectors item later on. It is a joy to use. It is permanently glued to my Leica M2.

49965381086_837344c49f_z.jpg
 
splitimageview said:
I’d be interested in an LTM version.

For use on mirrorless it would be cool if the lens could focus closer than the typical 0.7m of M cameras.
Click to expand...

My post from August of 2019...any more updates on the LTM version, @KEVIN-XU 愛 forever? Patiently waiting, posted a photo I found online of an LTM (see earlier in the thread) a few weeks ago but nothing further about placing an order...please advise! Thanks.
 
Even Aperture Scale Sample Photos

Even Aperture Scale Sample Photos

Gotta love PNW fall and winter. Dark at 4:00PM, heavy overcast for the season...So! Most of these (all?) were shot at 5.6 and wider, and around 1/15-1/125th.

All these are from the same roll of Tri-X, shot at 400. Developed in HC-110 Dilution H, 70*F for 7 minutes. Scanned with a Epson V600, and only cleaned up the dust in PS; no editing of the sharpness or tonal range. I am very new at film developing so I still need to get the hang of finding my sweet spot!

I'm so far pretty pleased from these pictures from the first roll, especially considering that all were handheld and for the most part were shot at around 1/30th-1/60th. Subjects are sharp, especially the ones that stood still. 😀

I believe my lack of shadow detail in some pictures was from underexposure and the higher contrast of the Tri-X. I'm curious how it'll do with T-Max or a lower contrast film.

Look at the larger images (JPEG uploads) on my Flickr album:https://flic.kr/s/aHsmSzi836

The first image is my personal favorite:

Light Lens Lab 35mm f2 First Roll by Katie Pype, on Flickr

I didn't use a hood, and there's no real flare from the light. It may have accounted for the lack of contrast on my Dad's face here?

Light Lens Lab 35mm f2 First Roll by Katie Pype, on Flickr


I really enjoy the separation of the subject and the background here. This may have been f/4?

Light Lens Lab 35mm f2 First Roll by Katie Pype, on Flickr

Light Lens Lab 35mm f2 First Roll by Katie Pype, on Flickr

Still subjects reveal the sharpness of this lens much better at the slower speeds lol. I can't wait for more light (or get higher speed film) and use some more stable speeds. Or a tripod!

Light Lens Lab 35mm f2 First Roll by Katie Pype, on Flickr

I am not nearly experienced enough to compare my photos with others from the first batch of lenses to see any real differences. I will leave that to the more trained eye. So far though? I like what I see! I do believe I need to brave the cold again and get more familiar with this lens.
 
splitimageview said:
My post from August of 2019...any more updates on the LTM version, @KEVIN-XU 愛 forever? Patiently waiting, posted a photo I found online of an LTM (see earlier in the thread) a few weeks ago but nothing further about placing an order...please advise! Thanks.
Click to expand...


Reading between the lines Robert, I would guess that no answer is your answer. For a myriad of reasons, I'm pretty sure this project has been more hassle for Kevin than he ever imagined. Wouldn't surprise me if he's just happy to ship out the lenses that have been promised and then leave it at that. If anyone wants something else, there's always eBay, Aliexpress etc.
 
I haven't checked in here for a while, but has anyone who ordered a brass lens from last year received it yet? I haven't heard anything about my order. Thanks 🙂
 
Just received mine a few minutes ago. What a well-made and beautiful lens! And guess what? Mine has very lucky numbers🙂
Many thanks to Kevin for all the effort and arrangements.

50681469048_41fd7428d0_b.jpg
 
jonmanjiro said:
Reading between the lines Robert, I would guess that no answer is your answer. For a myriad of reasons, I'm pretty sure this project has been more hassle for Kevin than he ever imagined. Wouldn't surprise me if he's just happy to ship out the lenses that have been promised and then leave it at that. If anyone wants something else, there's always eBay, Aliexpress etc.
Click to expand...

Yes, appears to be so, considering @kevin has logged in to the forum recently but not posted since September.
 
jonmanjiro said:
Reading between the lines Robert, I would guess that no answer is your answer. For a myriad of reasons, I'm pretty sure this project has been more hassle for Kevin than he ever imagined. Wouldn't surprise me if he's just happy to ship out the lenses that have been promised and then leave it at that. If anyone wants something else, there's always eBay, Aliexpress etc.
Click to expand...

I had the same thoughts since a while. I cannot blame Kevin.
 
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