Double Negative Posted May 14, 2012 Share #1 Posted May 14, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) "An eagerly awaited review of a new lens that's been generating a lot of buzz. We take an in-depth look at one of only six in the world currently. Long and short of it is - it's GOOD. For half the cost of the Noctilux, how does it compare? We'll answer that question and more." SLR Magic HyperPrime LM 50mm T0.95 Review! Enjoy, fellow forum members! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted May 14, 2012 Posted May 14, 2012 Hi Double Negative, Take a look here SLR Magic HyperPrime LM 50mm T0.95 Review!. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Phil U Posted May 14, 2012 Share #2 Posted May 14, 2012 "With a maximum aperture of F0.95" Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Double Negative Posted May 14, 2012 Author Share #3 Posted May 14, 2012 "With a maximum aperture of F0.95" That "description" is exactly how SLR Magic's "product page" words it. I think you and I know they meant "T0.95" (which works out to roughly f/0.92)... But I would say that whole page needs some serious work. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Double Negative Posted May 14, 2012 Author Share #4 Posted May 14, 2012 Guess everybody's "HyperPrimed out" by the silence... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy Posted May 14, 2012 Share #5 Posted May 14, 2012 Guess everybody's "HyperPrimed out" by the silence... Fast is no longer sexy. Going forward, bragging rights are all about absolute precision and überquality. F2 without compromise is the new thinking man's bling. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kokoshawnuff Posted May 14, 2012 Share #6 Posted May 14, 2012 I think you have the first legitimate review of this lens so congrats on that. I'll say it's worthwhile reading (in conjunction with the Noctilux and Summilux reviews also on lavidaleica.com) for anyone considering the purchase of a new 50mm--always great subjective and objective information. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Double Negative Posted May 15, 2012 Author Share #7 Posted May 15, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) LOL, Ian! I think you may have hit the proverbial nail on the head. Thanks a lot, Alex! We do try to keep things unbiased and interesting for all without being too casual or too technical. I'll go on the record saying that of those three you mention, the Lux is "the bomb." Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
algrove Posted May 15, 2012 Share #8 Posted May 15, 2012 I find the review very informative. Thanks. Now I will read the 50/0.95 and 50/1.4 reviews. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Double Negative Posted May 15, 2012 Author Share #9 Posted May 15, 2012 Cool. Really glad people are finding them useful and informative. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LVSBB6 Posted May 15, 2012 Share #10 Posted May 15, 2012 Finally a review that proves that Noctilux is better than HyperPrime, thanks for the writeup! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
01af Posted May 15, 2012 Share #11 Posted May 15, 2012 Finally a review that proves that Noctilux is better than HyperPrime, thanks for the writeup! If a report doesn't prove your opinion, order a new report. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
3D-Kraft.com Posted July 15, 2012 Share #12 Posted July 15, 2012 As after quite unrefined bashing the thread "SLR Magic 50mm f0.95 M Mount Lens" was closed now, I would like to clarify some things: There are two versions of that lens. Both (yes, so far only two!) negative user reports were related to the LM version (the version with rangefinder coupling). Both got a replacement by SLR Magic. Some of the prototypes were the "CINE" version without rangefinder coupling. This version is mechanically different (less complex), does not need calibration and so has a lower price tag. I got one of these CINE prototypes in February and used it 4 months on several mirrorless cameras and enjoyed it especially on the NEX-7. In that time it went on several trips, e.g. one round trip through Cuba. You can read reviews and comparisons here, here and here. The reviews may not be representative for everyone but in my opinion the pros and cons between the CINE and the Noctilux 50/0.95 are balanced at least on the cameras that were used for the reviews. It had only some minor mechanical issues that I would call acceptable for that early prototype state: The aperture ring was a bit too loose and there was some dust inside. Meanwhile SLR Magic also replaced my copy and the new one is in perfect condition so that I guessed that SLR Magic learned from the early volunteer reports. They were always very helpful. I see no reason for a warning about the CINE version of the HyperPrime 50/T0.95 or SLR Magic in general. I can not speak for the LM version but for me the days of lenses needing a rangefinder couling are counted anyway. (That is my personal opinion, as I see the days of mechanical rangefinders needing continous care and recalibration counted in times were fullframe cameras start having 36 MP). I think SLR Magic should be given the time needed to optimize quality or perhaps think about the future of the LM version in general. So far, the question is not, if it is the better lens compared to the Noctilux. The question is, in which application areas a specialized lens like this has it's strenghts and weaknesses. Best regards Helge Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
3D-Kraft.com Posted October 9, 2012 Share #13 Posted October 9, 2012 Anyone who was insecure due to the bashing caused by Stephen Pattersons biased posts in this closed thread about that lens and SLR Magic in total should take a look update at the beginning on Steve Huffs review: The SLR Magic Hyperprime 50 LM T0.95 Leica Mount Lens “Rolling Review” | STEVE HUFF PHOTOS You also should take a look at comments #65 to #67 at the end of that review. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianv Posted October 10, 2012 Share #14 Posted October 10, 2012 I "unfollowed" Steve Huff's site after reading the article with all of the accusations and name calling. I've read complaints and problems about the lens from more than one user, on multiple sites. Steve Huff sold his own copy of the lens, and advertises SLRMagic on his site. I do not consider him unbiased or in a position to provide long-term feedback on a lens that he sold off rather quickly and for more than he paid for it. Until the company submits the lens to a reputable camera technician for a complete tear-down and assessment of mechanical and optical quality, buying the lens based on fan-boy mentality is ill-advised. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
myinoshi Posted October 10, 2012 Share #15 Posted October 10, 2012 I "unfollowed" Steve Huff's site after reading the article with all of the accusations and name calling. I've read complaints and problems about the lens from more than one user, on multiple sites. Steve Huff sold his own copy of the lens, and advertises SLRMagic on his site. I do not consider him unbiased or in a position to provide long-term feedback on a lens that he sold off rather quickly and for more than he paid for it. Until the company submits the lens to a reputable camera technician for a complete tear-down and assessment of mechanical and optical quality, buying the lens based on fan-boy mentality is ill-advised. Way to bring back a dead thread. But I totally agree with brianv here. The lens is a dead fish. Worse, it was a dead fish during shipping. <-- so fragile, the glue couldn't even hold itself together during shipment. Sad to say SLRMagic failed on this lens miserably Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
3D-Kraft.com Posted October 10, 2012 Share #16 Posted October 10, 2012 I've read complaints and problems about the lens from more than one user, on multiple sites. So far, there seemed to be two users complaining and they were the same across multiple sites. So you seem to extrapolate from a quite unfirm basis. Steve Huff sold his own copy of the lens, and advertises SLRMagic on his site. I do not consider him unbiased or in a position to provide long-term feedback on a lens that he sold off rather quickly and for more than he paid for it. Steve Huff's site contains a lot of advertising so that would mean he must be considered unbiased about most of the gear he writes about. There is nothing wrong about a lens that is sold for more than he paid for. When I sell gear that I tested before, it does not automatically mean that I am unsatisfied. If I had a HyperPrime LM (or CINE) T0.95 as well as a Noctilux, I propably would realize that it makes no sense to keep both lenses that perform so close to each other and I also would keep that item that I paid so much more money for and that has a longer history as a status symbol. Again this says nothing about the quality of these lenses. Until the company submits the lens to a reputable camera technician for a complete tear-down and assessment of mechanical and optical quality, buying the lens based on fan-boy mentality is ill-advised. If the company submits a sample to such an institution, many fan-boys of other brands would imply that this must have been an especially prepared sample and this would not help getting more objectiveness. I have no doubt about the quality of a lens that uses adhesives in assembly as I see this daily also in the construction of security relevant parts of aero planes and cars (and lenses of other manufactures as well). It is just a matter of how it is used and I am sure, if there were issues with early prototypes that SLR Magic will have learned from objective feedback. I can not await putting that magic piece of glass in front of my desperately awaited "M". Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
myinoshi Posted October 10, 2012 Share #17 Posted October 10, 2012 I’m not a friend of Stephen nor do I know much about him. But I have to disagree with Judd Weiss with his comments about Stephen. I’m not taking sides with anyone but I think it’s very true when said that “…[the optics of this lens are wonderful, but the rest is a nightmare.]...” I was a part of a test group that bought and reviewed the lens. I have written an extensive, non-technical review back in July but refrained myself to publish it due to the early detrimental effects it may cause the company. It has been months and I’ve noticed that the issues with my particular Hyperprime lens is not an isolated case; it is not uncommon due to its poor construction nonetheless. I will be posting the review tomorrow accompanied with pictures and images. (Unless someone can convince me to not otherwise). slrmagichyperprime (at) gmail.com Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IWC Doppel Posted October 10, 2012 Share #18 Posted October 10, 2012 So far, there seemed to be two users complaining and they were the same across multiple sites. So you seem to extrapolate from a quite unfirm basis. Steve Huff's site contains a lot of advertising so that would mean he must be considered unbiased about most of the gear he writes about. There is nothing wrong about a lens that is sold for more than he paid for. When I sell gear that I tested before, it does not automatically mean that I am unsatisfied. If I had a HyperPrime LM (or CINE) T0.95 as well as a Noctilux, I propably would realize that it makes no sense to keep both lenses that perform so close to each other and I also would keep that item that I paid so much more money for and that has a longer history as a status symbol. Again this says nothing about the quality of these lenses. If the company submits a sample to such an institution, many fan-boys of other brands would imply that this must have been an especially prepared sample and this would not help getting more objectiveness. I have no doubt about the quality of a lens that uses adhesives in assembly as I see this daily also in the construction of security relevant parts of aero planes and cars (and lenses of other manufactures as well). It is just a matter of how it is used and I am sure, if there were issues with early prototypes that SLR Magic will have learned from objective feedback. I can not await putting that magic piece of glass in front of my desperately awaited "M". Anyone serious about considering this lens, should spend the time reading the numerous threads and feedback from users and would be users with varying levels of failure and disappointment. If they part with their money then I have no sympathy I note the 3D-Kraft has only commented in a binary fashion to support SLR Magic and comments on this forum have only been in this respect, read into that what you will. Huff's independence was correctly bought into question. I thought this disaster was over Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianv Posted October 10, 2012 Share #19 Posted October 10, 2012 3D does not own the lens in question and champions a lens without first-hand experience in using it. I have no first hand experience with the lens, and will trust feedback from the users posting here. The lens needs to be submitted to a professional for mechanical and optical evaluation. I doubt the company would manufacture a one-off lens for this purpose, that would be much too expensive. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
myinoshi Posted October 10, 2012 Share #20 Posted October 10, 2012 I can not await putting that magic piece of glass in front of my desperately awaited "M". Kinda sad that you'll only get to use live view with that lens... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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