Archlich
Well-known
I wonder why is it considered a old lens copy when it has a high refrective index element and an ED element? We're referring to the Thypoch Eureka right?
Thypoch lenses from China
- Thread starter Duofold RF
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boojum
Ignoble Miscreant
I understand that this lens is a replica of the TTH 2" f/2.0 designed to be used on the Reid, a Leica copy The Eureka is an updated replica. The SBS is an updated '34 CZJ Sonnar in that it uses modern coatings but the SBS is, I understand, pretty much a '34 CZJ built to today's standards. So I guess we can say that while the Eureka is not a repeat of the TTH 2" it does rhyme, to steal a quote from Mark Twain.
Regardless, it does seem a pretty good lens. The photo of the Buck & Ann at f/8.0 shows good color and sharpness without making your eyes bleed like so many of the current sharp lenses do.
boojum
Ignoble Miscreant
If you really want to know, talk to Sonnar Brian. He knows lenses. I just use them.
boojum
Ignoble Miscreant
OK, shot at f/2.0. low tide king tide. This is about an hour after low tide tonight. A usual shot of a fishing boat unloading at Bornstein's. That's not grain, we have some heavy weather this weekend and it was coming down when I shot this. F/2.0, EC -1/3. The more I shoot this lens the more I like it.
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cboy
Well-known
Btw If anyone still considering this lens or any of thypochs lenses now's the time as they have their black friday / singles11.11 day sales still on. Probably what I think should actually cost tbh
I'm not affiliated. But always good to get a deal
Here's another review
I'm not affiliated. But always good to get a deal
Here's another review
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wrs1145
A native Texan living far from home.
I might buy one when they decide to come out with a one in LTM.
Archiver
Veteran
A follow up review of the Thypoch cinema lenses. I may have to invest at some stage.
Duofold RF
Well-known
DZO Group | Optics | Camera Lens | We Capture Light
Welcome to DZO Group——We are contributing optical innovation to societal progress, which is offering products like machine vision imaging(DZOPTICS®), film and media(DZOFILM®), and consumer optics(Thypoch®).
www.dzoptics.com
DZ optical is the maker of thypoch lenses, they also make cinematic optical lenses
Duofold RF
Well-known
I think Thypoch, despite its unusual name, signaled the beginning of an era where “Made in China” transitioned from being synonymous with low-quality knock off goods to becoming a hallmark of quality products in lens making.
My opinion- The DJ Optical lenses are original optical formulas, and the lenses have held up for me. They are well made, and at an incredible price-point. The 50/1.1 7Artisans is a Sonnar/Ernostar family lens- but is an original configuration, and priced to the Zunow 5cm F1.1 when new. The latter- went up in price. The 75/1.25 7Art, great lens. The TTArtisans 50/0.95- an original formula. 90/1.5 Mitakon, also an original formula. TTArt 50/1.4, also an original formula. I do not consider these as "knock-offs".
The Thypoch lenses are not original formula, but are closely based on classic designs.
The Thypoch lenses are not original formula, but are closely based on classic designs.
rfaspen
[insert pithy phrase here]
Just looked at the Eureka. Intrigued and mildly interested. But how do folks get this connection to the Reid/Taylor Hobson?
Too many lenses catching my eye nowadays 😕
Too many lenses catching my eye nowadays 😕
Godfrey
somewhat colored
A lot of quality things have been manufactured in China for a good long while. But let's not go down that rathole.
When I was looking for another 50mm (.. because I acquired yet another M body, and a good 50mm is always my baseline lens with these cameras ..) I considered the Thypoch because of its compact, collapsible design. However, when I looked at the many examples made with it, I didn't see much to distinguish it from my existing recent Summicron-M 50mm, Color-Skopar 50mm, and 1954-ish Elmar 5.0cm.
However, the Voigtländer Heliar Classic 50mm f/1.5 VM examples had an interesting rendering signature, was reasonably priced, and is nicely made, so I decided to give one a try. I'm fair pleased with it.
Lots of good choices is not a problem... 😉
G
When I was looking for another 50mm (.. because I acquired yet another M body, and a good 50mm is always my baseline lens with these cameras ..) I considered the Thypoch because of its compact, collapsible design. However, when I looked at the many examples made with it, I didn't see much to distinguish it from my existing recent Summicron-M 50mm, Color-Skopar 50mm, and 1954-ish Elmar 5.0cm.
However, the Voigtländer Heliar Classic 50mm f/1.5 VM examples had an interesting rendering signature, was reasonably priced, and is nicely made, so I decided to give one a try. I'm fair pleased with it.
Lots of good choices is not a problem... 😉
G
Duofold RF
Well-known
LLL is the king of knock off lenses
boojum
Ignoble Miscreant
IIRC early reviewers made the connection to the lens which was on the Reid by TTH. Regardless of where the design originated or how, it has been a fine lens for me. And the price is really good. I have a 50mm Simera f/1.4 coming and I will see how that one works. Reviews have been good and I got a slight discount. OTOH I could have done just as well at B&H. But I just checked B&H and see that their price has gone up $100. If Chinese goods are tariffed they will be even higher.
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WoodallP
Pragmatist Barnack lover
Or maybe the king of good quality replicas of lenses that aren’t made anymore ; carefully ensuring that components can’t be swapped to the originals and occasionally adding new features such as the 35mm 8 bit collapsible.
Ok the 1966 was a bit of a knock off as Leica had just reintroduced similar.
WoodallP
Pragmatist Barnack lover
I think it was stated pretty clearly by them at the start and the looks are quite similar (well as much as an extensible tube with glass at both ends can be).
Duofold RF
Well-known
China has long history of copy good design but made in poor quality, such as Seagull 4 TLR copied Rolleiflex/cord, Seagull DF copied Minolta SR, et al. recent year China started produce good quality lenses, LLL initial replica did not have good QC
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boojum
Ignoble Miscreant
I cannot speak to the quality of the old Seagull cameras. I have read that early LLL lenses had bad QC but do not remember seeing that demonstrated. I do have a Thypoch Eureka and a LLL Elcan and they have both been pretty good lenses. I have shot some with the Eureka and little with the Elcan. But I post first a Eureka and then an Elcan for your appraisal. Hopefully I will soon have better Elcan pics. These are only examples of the lenses not of artistic skill. I guess that is obvious. ;o)
L1003480 M9 + Thypoch Eureka 50mm f/2.0 @ f/8.0 by West Phalia, on Flickr
L1003538 M9 + LLL Elcan @ f/5.6 by West Phalia, on FlickrDuofold RF
Well-known
Knock-offs are quite popular in China, and this is a copy of the Rolleiflex 3.5 with a 5-element Planar lens. It was designed to replace the older 3-element lens used on the Seagull TLR. While LLL had plans to replicate the Planar lens, smaller mom-and-pop shops had already brought it to market ahead of them.
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WoodallP
Pragmatist Barnack lover
You wonder how some of these projects start. It must be so hard to gauge the market for some of these weird products like the TLR lens. In spite of China’s size it must be a pretty limited market in these days of smartphones.
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