Leica „lens-less“ lens rumor confirmed!

[schattenundlicht]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Leica „lens-less“ lens rumor confirmed! (Part 1 of 4)

On attending the April first preview party in Wetzlar, I can confirm the long standing rumours of this extraordinary lens, now officially announced. I kindly was supplied with a preproduction specimen in order to do some initial testing. For the record, I am not an official ‚Leica Ambassador‘.

As a consistent extension of the vintage line of M-Series lenses, opened by the Summaron 28 mm f/5.6 and the Thambar 90 mm f/2.2 - and fully in line with the company philosophy of reducing to the max („Das Wesentliche“), Leica is proud to present their latest vintage type lens, designated the ‚Refractomar-M‘.

It features some truly remarkable properties:

- Lightweight, low profile ‚ultra pancake‘ design
- Revolutionary non-apo/non-asph formula
- Full metal permanent aperture
- Unique bokeh fingerprint across entire distance range
- Lens body machined from impact-resistant synthetic material (a Leica first)
- Assembled manually by German master craftsmen (individual certificate acompanies each lens)
- Rigurous quality control, as to be expected from this company
- Innovative zero bit coding
- Full compatability with all M bodies from 1953 through 2018
- Perfect match for M10’s high ISO capacity
- No more problems with rangefinder calibration
- Maintenance free construction ensures longevity across generations
- Limited edition of 999 specimen, collectibility guaranteed

First impressions:

Fig. 1: Understatement redefined

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

 

 

Fig. 2: Pocketable form factor

(continued in part 2)
 

[schattenundlicht]

Leica „lens-less“ lens rumor confirmed! (Part 2 of 4)

Now, let’s have a closer look at this opto-mechanic marvel:

- The build quality of the Refractomar-M is up to the exacting Wetzlar standards
- The overall impression is one of high-tec lightweight, yet extremely solid materials
- All surfaces have been machined to achieve a very pleasant haptic impression. I could walk around all day, fondling this lens

Fig. 3: (front view) Immaculate finish

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

 

Fig. 4: (rear view) 18 µm metal alloy permanent aperture; zero bit coding

(continued in part 3)
 

Edited April 8, 2018 by schattenundlicht

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[schattenundlicht]

Leica „lens-less“ lens rumor confirmed! (Part 3 of 4)

- The new Refractomar-M, as befits a true M lens, is optimized for optical viewfinder photography. Framing experience with Live-View or the Visoflex 20 is somewhat impaired by the vintage slow speed of the lens (this may be the only small drawback that has come up during a whole week of intense testing)
- The lens works best in ‚contrast reduced aperture priority‘ (CRAP) mode
- There is no LR lens profile yet
- Due to a non-disclosure agreement, I am not allowed to show MTF graphs here

Fig. 5: Signature focus ambiguity (character!)

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Edited April 8, 2018 by schattenundlicht

[schattenundlicht]

Leica „lens-less“ lens rumor confirmed! (Part 4 of 4)

Fig. 6: Portrait (jpeg ooc) demonstrating unique 4D bokeh

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

 

Fig. 7: Color rendering is elegantly subdued

 

Verdict: This lens brings the M system up to an entirely new level. A harmonious balance between Berek Bloom, Mandler Magic and Karbe Crispness has been achieved. This is a pinnacle of lens design!

According to reliable company sources, the Refractomar-M will be available in Europe as of July 2018. Recommended sales price is said to be 14.950,- € including a specifically designed trashbag keeper, limited to the first 111 orders. Pricing for US remains to be established.

Although no cheapo, this lens will be very desirable to any serious photographer’s repertoire and a must have for any self esteemed collector. Pre orders are available as of today and the waiting list is sure to fill up quick.

This reviewer’s 10 cents: Don’t hesitate! Call Wetzlar now!

 

[schattenundlicht]

[ Hope I will not be banned from the forum for this   ]

[spydrxx]

:D

[leicameter]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I already have this lense, but I only use it on my A7, cause I have only film M's

[Keith (M)]

Ah, the Wetzlar *SLO has finally broken cover - can't wait to try one...  

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Stecknadel Loch Objektiv

[Lukas F.]

Well, it's still better than the Thambar.  I might get one if I can afford it (which I doubt).

[pgk]

At last a lens which is diffraction limited at all apertures .

[schattenundlicht]

At last a lens which is diffraction limited at all apertures .

Rumor has it that it was planned to be named the „Diffractomar-M“ in the first place, but some pending patents from Zeiss got in the way...

[Pyrogallol]

It was specially designed to be used once a year, on the last Sunday in April- World Pinhole Camera Day.

See http://pinholeday.org

[Exodies]

The bokeh is the best I've seen. Can you show us how it handles small highlights.

[schattenundlicht]

It was specially designed to be used once a year, on the last Sunday in April- World Pinhole Camera Day.

See http://pinholeday.org

Thanks for pointing out this adequately rarefied usage for an incredibly rarefied lens!

[schattenundlicht]

The bokeh is the best I've seen. Can you show us how it handles small highlights.

Unfortunately I had to return the lens to the factory, once the testing period expired. I am, however, in marital discussion with regard to regular procurement.

Edited April 8, 2018 by schattenundlicht

[jmahto]

Is there a Noctiless version of this lens?

[schattenundlicht]

Is there a Noctiless version of this lens?

Word of mouth has it, that Leica is working on an upgrade kit to this...

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

 

Unfortunately, it will be even more restrictively priced...

Edited April 8, 2018 by schattenundlicht

[rramesh]

How does it compare with the Rising Standard Pinhole?

[schattenundlicht]

How does it compare with the Rising Standard Pinhole?

Since Red Raven Marketings does not provide a Rising Standard for M bayonet, I have no personal experience with that. Per definition, in this forum, I would like to conclude, even in total absence of evidence, that the Leica will be superior in every respect

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[Ole Fasmer]

The more or less absurd focus on Bokeh has found it’s answer. So maybe the rest of us can concentrate on the lenses rendering of the in focus areas.