Kevinfinity Posted July 26, 2019 Share #1 Posted July 26, 2019 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) Hey guys, A few weeks ago, I heard someone in China started a project to remake the legendary Leica Summicron-M 35mm f2 first version, people also called it 8 element. Actually, it's been two years already since he started. It's not an easy project. Personally, I am very excited when I heard this news because I love classic Leica lenses. I have three Summicron 35mm f2 V1 in my collection. So I really want to compare the replica with my original Leica Summicron. Then I get in touch with the people who started this project. Unfortunately, I cannot get my hands on the prototype of the Summicron 35/2 replica since I am not living in China right now. But he is very kind to share some information about the project with me and send me some test shots taken with this lens. He wants me to share these photos here and to seek some real opinion. Please feel free to comment. Here are the pictures taken with Leica monochrome + the Summicron 35/2 replica prototype at f/2 wide open. I've been told that all the test photos were just slightly adjusted on Lightroom. 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! Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr Enjoy the photos. And we are looking forward to your opinions. Best regards, Kevin Edited July 26, 2019 by Kevinfinity Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr Enjoy the photos. And we are looking forward to your opinions. Best regards, Kevin ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/299630-test-photos-released-leica-summicron-35mm-f2-eight-element-copy-made-in-china/?do=findComment&comment=3785273'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 26, 2019 Posted July 26, 2019 Hi Kevinfinity, Take a look here [Test photos released] Leica Summicron 35mm f/2 Eight Element copy made in China. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Kevinfinity Posted July 26, 2019 Author Share #2 Posted July 26, 2019 Here are the test shots on B&W film. Lens: Leica Summicron-M 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype Film: Kodak 400TX Scanner: Imacon343 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! [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr 1 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/299630-test-photos-released-leica-summicron-35mm-f2-eight-element-copy-made-in-china/?do=findComment&comment=3785275'>More sharing options...
Kevinfinity Posted July 26, 2019 Author Share #3 Posted July 26, 2019 Here are some more sample shots on color film Lens: Leica Summicron-M 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype Film: Fujifilm RDP III 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! [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr 1 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [test samples] Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/299630-test-photos-released-leica-summicron-35mm-f2-eight-element-copy-made-in-china/?do=findComment&comment=3785276'>More sharing options...
darylgo Posted July 27, 2019 Share #4 Posted July 27, 2019 Thanks for this most interesting post. This sent me scurrying to read Puts Leica compendium about this lens. I am looking for an early 35mm lens design with low contrast. Old lenses sometimes have issues, so I am looking at a later (1990's) 35mm Summilux, ver. 1. Any idea on availability of this Summicon replica? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
m410 Posted July 27, 2019 Share #5 Posted July 27, 2019 No thanks. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NRKstudio Posted July 27, 2019 Share #6 Posted July 27, 2019 (edited) The 35/2 Voigtlander Ultron Vintage is a modern remake of the 35/2 8-Element. Just updated though. It’s an awesome lens on center, decent at corners. Cosina made it with 8 elements, double Gauss design (maybe?) but it’s not symmetrical as one side has to take into account the aspheric surface. Also low ED glass is used. The guys at rangefinder forum compared it to the current 35 Cron, and I believe it’s sharper than the Leica. Edited July 27, 2019 by NRKstudio Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaques Posted July 27, 2019 Share #7 Posted July 27, 2019 Advertisement (gone after registration) I have the goggled version of the 8 element summicron- and it is a hard lens to beat for sharpness- my example is possibly sharper than my m240 can render: 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! 1 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/299630-test-photos-released-leica-summicron-35mm-f2-eight-element-copy-made-in-china/?do=findComment&comment=3785843'>More sharing options...
jaques Posted July 27, 2019 Share #8 Posted July 27, 2019 a few 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! more: 2 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! more: ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/299630-test-photos-released-leica-summicron-35mm-f2-eight-element-copy-made-in-china/?do=findComment&comment=3785844'>More sharing options...
TomB_tx Posted July 28, 2019 Share #9 Posted July 28, 2019 I noticed the cross-posts on RFF, where there is a lot more discussion. I would probably buy this reproduction - if in chrome finish - in either M or ltm mount. I have a goggled 8-element for my M3, but don't like the VF effects of the goggles on other models. I also have a 2.8 Summaron in M2 mount, which I like a lot. Since I doubt if Leica would make an 8-element again at price I could afford, this is interesting. I note most of the RFF replies suggest bare brass or black paint preference; but I wouldn't buy either. I like the durability of chrome, so prefer it for both cameras and lenses. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cronilux Posted July 28, 2019 Share #10 Posted July 28, 2019 Sorry, but those photos are not only slightly post processed. I would really love to see honest results without that massive sharpening. 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecar Posted July 29, 2019 Share #11 Posted July 29, 2019 Regarding the lens: sample pictures here appear over-processed, but some extra samples on RFF show good potential. It will be interesting to see if newer coatings can reduce the veiling flare that sometimes appears on pictures taken with the original lens - or if the project is indeed aimed at replicating its characteristics and performance. If it's a straight replica, I wouldn't buy it - IP concerns notwithstanding and irrespective of price (which will probably be very attractive) or build quality (which is unknown) - only because I own a near-mint copy of the original. But I can definitely see the appeal. Having said that, a black finish (chrome or, better, paint) with red markings would be nice. Edit: a DIY adjustment feature "à la 7artisans" would be useful too. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaques Posted July 29, 2019 Share #12 Posted July 29, 2019 (edited) I don't think there would be any 'IP concerns' to speak of, unless maybe if they mill in the 6 bit coding pits- any patents in that lens design should have well and truly expired by now. Anyone is free to make exact reproductions of it now as far as I can tell.... same goes for all vintage pre-1980's (ish) leica lenses... Assuming it performs nearly as well as the original- it would be a fantastic lens to have on the market. I truly love mine- and have always lusted after the one without goggles (though in is the goggles are kind of great on digital M's.) OH- and I really don't like the look of the brass one- unless you have a brass Leica- which I don't. Black or silver please. Edited July 29, 2019 by jaques politics removed Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaques Posted July 30, 2019 Share #13 Posted July 30, 2019 I don't mind that the political part of my post was edited out of existence- but I do mind the double standard where the post I was responding to was not also censored? That seems to me to demonstrate political bias and hypocrisy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Del-Uks Posted March 3, 2020 Share #14 Posted March 3, 2020 On 7/26/2019 at 4:56 AM, Kevinfinity said: Hey guys, A few weeks ago, I heard someone in China started a project to remake the legendary Leica Summicron-M 35mm f2 first version, people also called it 8 element. Actually, it's been two years already since he started. It's not an easy project. Personally, I am very excited when I heard this news because I love classic Leica lenses. I have three Summicron 35mm f2 V1 in my collection. So I really want to compare the replica with my original Leica Summicron. Then I get in touch with the people who started this project. Unfortunately, I cannot get my hands on the prototype of the Summicron 35/2 replica since I am not living in China right now. But he is very kind to share some information about the project with me and send me some test shots taken with this lens. He wants me to share these photos here and to seek some real opinion. Please feel free to comment. Here are the pictures taken with Leica monochrome + the Summicron 35/2 replica prototype at f/2 wide open. I've been told that all the test photos were just slightly adjusted on Lightroom. 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! Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype made in China by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr [...] Enjoy the photos. And we are looking forward to your opinions. Best regards, Kevin What happened to this project ? Where and when will it be possible to (pre-)order this lens ?... and at what cost ? Thank you for your attention. Cheers, A. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecar Posted March 4, 2020 Share #15 Posted March 4, 2020 9 hours ago, Del-Uks said: What happened to this project ? Where and when will it be possible to (pre-)order this lens ?... and at what cost ? Thank you for your attention. Cheers, A. There's a 40+ p. thread on this lens on RFF. I believe the coronavirus has brought everything to a standstill. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Del-Uks Posted March 4, 2020 Share #16 Posted March 4, 2020 🤧🤭 Wait and see then. Thanks Ecar ! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaeger Posted March 6, 2020 Share #17 Posted March 6, 2020 Chinese made lenses are like... dashcam quality. It seems to capture something but you can't even read the license plate of the car in the front. I've tried 2 or 3 copies of 7art fast lenses but all failed. maybe f/2 will work better but again - micky mouse. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdlaing Posted March 6, 2020 Share #18 Posted March 6, 2020 1 hour ago, jaeger said: Chinese made lenses are like... dashcam quality. It seems to capture something but you can't even read the license plate of the car in the front. I've tried 2 or 3 copies of 7art fast lenses but all failed. maybe f/2 will work better but again - micky mouse. Bullshit. 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! 3 1 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/299630-test-photos-released-leica-summicron-35mm-f2-eight-element-copy-made-in-china/?do=findComment&comment=3925985'>More sharing options...
jaeger Posted March 6, 2020 Share #19 Posted March 6, 2020 (edited) that was rude and personal. Anyway, was that iPhone photo? I think iPhone can do better. Edited March 6, 2020 by jaeger Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdlaing Posted March 6, 2020 Share #20 Posted March 6, 2020 1 minute ago, jaeger said: that was rude and personal. Anyway, was that iPhone photo? I think iPhone can do better. Double bullshit. 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! 2 2 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/299630-test-photos-released-leica-summicron-35mm-f2-eight-element-copy-made-in-china/?do=findComment&comment=3926001'>More sharing options...
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