[Test photos released] Leica Summicron 35mm f/2 Eight Element copy made in China

[Einst_Stein]

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I don't like the donuts in the background. and I don't like the over-processing.

May be try the Jpg straight out of the camera for both Leica and the replicate? 

I would not worry the outlook color for now. They should use the material that is best for manufacturing and handling. Focus on the quality and reliability.

With those donuts, I think they still have a long way to go. 

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[jdlaing]

Quadruple BS.

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[james.liam]

16 hours ago, colint544 said:

I bought one in 1998 for £350. It was mint and in its perspex cylinder, with original caps and hood. Ended up selling it on eBay in 2011, and was astonished to get £1650 for it. It's a lovely lens, well made and sharp. But the background blur isn't as smooth as you get with the Summaron, and it can flare quite badly if you're not careful.

£3400!

I think that now, almost a quarter century (!!!!!!!) since you bought yours, fewer clean samples are to be found. The haze is deadly (as in partially or completely unremovable) to these ancient lenses and seen way more often now. Had my costly encounter with one a few years back. Agree with your preference for the Summaron, BTW. 

Edited March 12, 2020 by james.liam

[anachronist]

On 3/11/2020 at 5:38 AM, Ecar said:

Perhaps a commission sale on behalf of someone who overpaid in the first place and ended up not liking the bokeh? 😁

Btw, I fully agree that the oof rendering of this lens is nothing to write home about, although I haven't found it too bad in terms of flare resistance (I always use a hood, though).

The prices of the 35/1.4 v1 ("steel rim") are also ridiculous these days - for a lens that is not truly "rare" after all - and the Summaron 35/2.8 also seems to reach new price heights every day.

Truth be told, these lenses look gorgeous and are a joy to use...

I'm monitoring 35mm focal length lenses for Leica M and LTM on eBay US (auction only) and I can only echo this.

Summaron 2.8/35 $1,000+ (cheaper in M3 version)

Summaron 3.5/35 $500+ for a decent one, claimed without haze (cheaper in M3 version)

Summicron V1, I stopped monitoring, but somewhere beyond $2,300

Summilux V2 $2,400+ for a decent one, $1,800+ with fungus; V1 I haven't seen for a while

Anything Japanese (Zeiss, Voigtlander) with F2 & F2.8 around $600

Anything Chinese around $200

Nikon, Canon ltm lenses depending on rarity and condition they vary a lot, but I've seen Canon ltm 2/35 for around $360. I've snagged one up a year or so ago and I couldn't be happier. If I ever get my hands on a Summicron V1, I'd love to test them side by side.