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

[Erik van Straten]

I have a prototype: black paint, inscription V1LC, blue/purple coating, no beauty ring, uneven spaced f/stops, earliest font. It is an extremely good lens.

gelatine silver print (LLL8 35mm V1LC) leica mp

Erik.

 

[raid]

They are horrible!

There are two versions of the same lens. The early lenses (like mine) are built on a LTM-chassis. The later ones are conform the Summicron.

Many 8 el. Summicrons are built in Canada. They are different from the Wetzlar ones. AFAIK, there are no Canadian Summarons, but there are many versions of almost all the early M-lenses.

Erik.

My Summicron was built in Germany. How is it different from the Summicron built in Canada, Erik?

 

[Erik van Straten]

My Summicron was built in Germany. How is it different from the Summicron built in Canada, Erik?

There are small details different. For instance, the numerals of the serial number are smaller or closer together. I do not have a picture ready, exept the black one owned by Cartier-Bresson. Also the place of the red dot is different.

Erik.

 

[raid]

My chrome Summicron still looks like a new lens. It has goggles. It came to me with the M3 (like new), and both had their boxes. The M3 even had the Leica receipt.

My replica is most likely fine.

 

[oldwino]

I have a prototype: black paint, inscription V1LC, blue/purple coating, no beauty ring, uneven spaced f/stops, earliest font.

Erik.

Mine (nr 114, for what that's worth) is silver, marked V1LC, amber coated, and has uneven f-stops.
I also don't have focussing issues (with the lens anyway...)

 

[james.liam]

V2LC available from Japan camera Hunter for US$1300. Yikes.

 

[raid]

Is V2LC a better lens than a V1LC?
Maybe not.
We got a good deal.

 

[Archlich]

I remember the Miyazaki MS-Optical Sonnetar 50/1.1 and the price it fetched a year later.

 

[james.liam]

I remember the Miyazaki MS-Optical Sonnetar 50/1.1 and the price it fetched a year later.

US$2000 at JCH. Mores Yikes.

 

[rscheffler]

V2LC available from Japan camera Hunter for US$1300. Yikes.

Now as a bonafide commercial product, every hand the lens touches will take a cut.

$500 was likely based on a low (or no) margin non-commercial release and many of us had to wait a year.

 

[kiemchacsu]

and the best thing is we did not to pay in advance any penny,
just only our "verbal commitment" to buy a product.

Now as a bonafide commercial product, every hand the lens touches will take a cut.

$500 was likely based on a low (or no) margin non-commercial release and many of us had to wait a year.

 

[rscheffler]

In case anyone is curious what's happening with my lens... So far nothing. But Kevin did get a reply from the factory and I hope to know more in the next 12-24 hours.

 

[steveyork]

It was Dusk by Steve, on Flickr


Fomapan 100 in Clayton F76/yellow filter

 

[steveyork]

Bottle 'n Dog by Steve, on Flickr

Foma 100 in HC-110 w/ yellow filter

 

[Deleted member 65559]

Check out the Light Lens Lab Henri Cartier Bresson version:

https://www.japancamerahunter.com/product/light-lens-lab-35mm-f2-8-element-hcb-replica/

 

[raid]

Why does this lens cost $2500?

 

[Dan]

Why does this lens cost $2500?

Because many potential purchasers don't know how to properly value items such as this.

 

[Deleted member 65559]

Why does this lens cost $2500?

Marketing Raid, "Limited Edition" "Henri Cartier-Bresson." That's all I can think of.

 

[raid]

Because many potential purchasers don't know how to properly value items such as this.

Do you mean that such an asking price is OK, or is it for people who view a replica like the original?

 

[raid]

Marketing Raid, "Limited Edition" "Henri Cartier-Bresson." That's all I can think of.

Yes, but this is a replica and not the original.