colonel Posted February 12, 2021 Share #1 Ā Posted February 12, 2021 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) I was looking for something special, something different, and I stumbled upon the TTartisan 50mm f0.95. Well the rest is BACS, as they say š Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image hereā¦ Simply register for free here ā We are always happy to welcome new members! This is not a review, there are plenty of those, e.g. Written: Review: TTArtisan 50mm 0.95 - phillipreeve.net Video: (2) TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95 Quick Review by ErickPHOTO - YouTube This is a fantastic lens which almost begs to be part of any collection without a sub 1.2 lens. The box looks more like a luxury watch box, which fits in with the construction of the lens. The lens element map on the front of the box is a nice touch. People often say ācheap Chinese manufactureā, but this is not true. A truer statement is that Chinese manufacturers are masters of any level of quality or precision you pay for. The same factory making breakable Buzz Lightyears can make iPhones on the other conveyor belt. What is not generally known, is that there are many enthusiast Chinese companies making excellent products. Some of these are small companies, some are offshoots of large companies where the owner or director enjoys the hobby. For example the excellent valve amplifiers coming out of China, like MC or Madison: Another example of precision, the lovely Le Jour watches made with Swiss mechanisms: TTArtisan and 7Artisan are just marketers of the lenses built by DJ Optical, and its unclear to me whether they have some design input. Nevertheless, these are Dong Jie Optical lenses, made by a rapidly growing expert in fibre optics glass and connectivity, founded in 2002. No one knows why they turned their attention to the small and less profitable lens market, but one suspects some passion on behalf of the owner/managers, perhaps a corporate funded hobby ? Upon first contact, you get a kind of shock, in that the construction and feel is really superb, the gaps are perfectly uniform and the position of the rings are just right. My copyās box was sealed and on examination, the glass was completely clear with no marks anywhere or dust. The glass is lovely just to look at, and of course one can get lost in opening and closing the aperture - until you snap out of it š The aperture ring clicks in a very smooth and quiet way, almost a compromise between clickless and dĆ©tentes. It has medium resistance and, as a stills shooter, is easy to use. One result of this approach is that you can stop the aperture almost anywhere, so are not just restricted to the click positions. As others have pointed out, the distance between each stop is not the same. The focus ring is stiff but smooth over the entire range. It has a short throw which is the just the way I like it. It is amazing that this can be produced for sale at Ā£800. However, thinking about it, Ā£800 for a Chinese made device is actually quite a lot of money. If you think of the quality available for much less from China, for example third party lenses, jewellery, watches, etc. What this means is that, based on local material and people cost, there is scope for generous quality materials and construction. And thatās what we find, two low dispersion elements, one double sided aspherical (large) and the rest all low refractive. Just to be clear, this isnāt a double gauss knockoff with cheap glass giving that āvintageā glowy (uncorrected) look, this is a modern lens with high quality glass manufacturing. Although we are still glowing wide open š Nightvision ? And the clarity/contrastĀ is a pretty darn goodĀ at 0.95 ... Link to larger picture here:Ā 240, Mill Hill High Street | TTArtisan 50mm f0.95, Leica M-Pā¦ | Flickr This lens isnāt a direct copy, although it takes its inspiration from Leica lenses. The Noctilux has 2 ASPH elements and a different design. After studying MTA charts and reviews, e.g. the Leica rumors comparison, the Noctilux is sharper in the middle wide open, and is slightly sharper to the extreme edges. The TTArtisan MTA chart is not directly comparable to the Leica one, as they use different cycles, but you can see the sharper mid side curve of the TTArtisan giving way to an extreme side drop off, the Noctilux having a smoother downward curve. The fonts are quite nice. The 1980s digital font on the front facing rim, is fun. I guess the mixture is not as consistent as a Leica, but nothing really to comment on. This lens is sharper then expected wide open in the middle, albeit slightly soft and glowy, but a surprising amount of contrast. By 1.1 sharper with more contrast, by 1.4 is very sharp. The sides are very good by 2.8 and superb above. The extreme edges and corners are poor, even at f8 things are not great. This is compounded by being softer at infinity then close up, obviously a design goal of this lens. Saying that, this lens is fine for holidays and landscapes for those that donāt pixel peep at the edges, a big advantage over other wide open designs which are usually ruled out for this use. Never thought of taking pictures of trees down my road, The TTArtisan 50mm 0.95 helps you to re-see the world. Notice bottom right nervousness for pinpoint lights at night A genius feature is being able to adjust the RF focus yourself. There is a tool included to help with this, and a focus chart. What is more useful is the instruction video online: (2) TTartisan 50mm f/0.95 lens for Leica M mount focus calibration - YouTube0 The method of changing is described in the video. So if the lens is back focusing, you adjust the ring counter-clockwise, and for front focusing clockwise. Something between 1-5mm for a small back focus of an inch or so. Its actually easier to adjust on this basis then using any focus chart to get spot on for 0.95. For example, I just took a picture, adjusted, took another picture, adjusted, etc. and obtained perfect focus using the RF at 2 metres. There is some focus shift down the range from 0.95 but not significant. I have never had a 0.95 lens before, and continuously read that its not possible use a RF to focus at 0.95. This is simply not my finding. Although I am sure itās a mm out + or -, I am having no difficulty focusing on eyes, etc. It is indeed difficult to focus when light and natural contrast are low, but that is the case with any lens. Obviously focusing on a running childās eyes at 0.95 is a lost cause. For some reason I get the focus mostly ok at f0.95, after the genius calibration process. Triple cream bokeh! I use my right eye to focus, and its my weak eye, somewhat short sighted. My experience with focusing is that its not the absolute clarity that matters, but whether you can detect the relative change, and the contrast pop of in-focus. What about weight and size. IMHO this lens looks pretty cool on the camera, and net the same overall weight as a Z6 and 24-70 f4. My normal protocol is to carry a camera in my right hand. I use a half leather case and a wrist safety strap for the MP-240, but its not completely comfortable. So I find myself holding the camera by the back, or face up, and occasionally swapping hands. It should also be noted that without a case on, the bottom of the lens is slightly below the base of the camera. So if you put it on a table, the lens is actually resting on the surface. Bokeh is a personal choice, but if you want double cream, this is the place to find it. I find small spots of nervousness show up randomly, but overall itās the creamiest bokeh I have seen. It actually does f5.6 as well, no really!Ā Nice 3D micro-contrast. Into strong sun just to the right. Flare has muted the colours of the landscape somewhat For those that want a 0.95 look, with smooth creamy bokeh and close to Summilux sharpness at 1.4, beautiful deep colours and a large dose of general walk around capability (if you donāt mind the weight) this thing rocks. If you need flat field sharpness at any aperture, look elsewhere. I am excited, toys breed toys. Now I just had to get the multifunction grip for my M240 to make this nicer to walk around with for hours. Still under Ā£1000 š Edited February 12, 2021 by colonel 11 6 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here ā We are always happy to welcome new members! This is not a review, there are plenty of those, e.g. Written: Review: TTArtisan 50mm 0.95 - phillipreeve.net Video: (2) TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95 Quick Review by ErickPHOTO - YouTube This is a fantastic lens which almost begs to be part of any collection without a sub 1.2 lens. The box looks more like a luxury watch box, which fits in with the construction of the lens. The lens element map on the front of the box is a nice touch. People often say ācheap Chinese manufactureā, but this is not true. A truer statement is that Chinese manufacturers are masters of any level of quality or precision you pay for. The same factory making breakable Buzz Lightyears can make iPhones on the other conveyor belt. What is not generally known, is that there are many enthusiast Chinese companies making excellent products. Some of these are small companies, some are offshoots of large companies where the owner or director enjoys the hobby. For example the excellent valve amplifiers coming out of China, like MC or Madison: Another example of precision, the lovely Le Jour watches made with Swiss mechanisms: TTArtisan and 7Artisan are just marketers of the lenses built by DJ Optical, and its unclear to me whether they have some design input. Nevertheless, these are Dong Jie Optical lenses, made by a rapidly growing expert in fibre optics glass and connectivity, founded in 2002. No one knows why they turned their attention to the small and less profitable lens market, but one suspects some passion on behalf of the owner/managers, perhaps a corporate funded hobby ? Upon first contact, you get a kind of shock, in that the construction and feel is really superb, the gaps are perfectly uniform and the position of the rings are just right. My copyās box was sealed and on examination, the glass was completely clear with no marks anywhere or dust. The glass is lovely just to look at, and of course one can get lost in opening and closing the aperture - until you snap out of it š The aperture ring clicks in a very smooth and quiet way, almost a compromise between clickless and dĆ©tentes. It has medium resistance and, as a stills shooter, is easy to use. One result of this approach is that you can stop the aperture almost anywhere, so are not just restricted to the click positions. As others have pointed out, the distance between each stop is not the same. The focus ring is stiff but smooth over the entire range. It has a short throw which is the just the way I like it. It is amazing that this can be produced for sale at Ā£800. However, thinking about it, Ā£800 for a Chinese made device is actually quite a lot of money. If you think of the quality available for much less from China, for example third party lenses, jewellery, watches, etc. What this means is that, based on local material and people cost, there is scope for generous quality materials and construction. And thatās what we find, two low dispersion elements, one double sided aspherical (large) and the rest all low refractive. Just to be clear, this isnāt a double gauss knockoff with cheap glass giving that āvintageā glowy (uncorrected) look, this is a modern lens with high quality glass manufacturing. Although we are still glowing wide open š Nightvision ? And the clarity/contrastĀ is a pretty darn goodĀ at 0.95 ... Link to larger picture here:Ā 240, Mill Hill High Street | TTArtisan 50mm f0.95, Leica M-Pā¦ | Flickr This lens isnāt a direct copy, although it takes its inspiration from Leica lenses. The Noctilux has 2 ASPH elements and a different design. After studying MTA charts and reviews, e.g. the Leica rumors comparison, the Noctilux is sharper in the middle wide open, and is slightly sharper to the extreme edges. The TTArtisan MTA chart is not directly comparable to the Leica one, as they use different cycles, but you can see the sharper mid side curve of the TTArtisan giving way to an extreme side drop off, the Noctilux having a smoother downward curve. The fonts are quite nice. The 1980s digital font on the front facing rim, is fun. I guess the mixture is not as consistent as a Leica, but nothing really to comment on. This lens is sharper then expected wide open in the middle, albeit slightly soft and glowy, but a surprising amount of contrast. By 1.1 sharper with more contrast, by 1.4 is very sharp. The sides are very good by 2.8 and superb above. The extreme edges and corners are poor, even at f8 things are not great. This is compounded by being softer at infinity then close up, obviously a design goal of this lens. Saying that, this lens is fine for holidays and landscapes for those that donāt pixel peep at the edges, a big advantage over other wide open designs which are usually ruled out for this use. Never thought of taking pictures of trees down my road, The TTArtisan 50mm 0.95 helps you to re-see the world. Notice bottom right nervousness for pinpoint lights at night A genius feature is being able to adjust the RF focus yourself. There is a tool included to help with this, and a focus chart. What is more useful is the instruction video online: (2) TTartisan 50mm f/0.95 lens for Leica M mount focus calibration - YouTube0 The method of changing is described in the video. So if the lens is back focusing, you adjust the ring counter-clockwise, and for front focusing clockwise. Something between 1-5mm for a small back focus of an inch or so. Its actually easier to adjust on this basis then using any focus chart to get spot on for 0.95. For example, I just took a picture, adjusted, took another picture, adjusted, etc. and obtained perfect focus using the RF at 2 metres. There is some focus shift down the range from 0.95 but not significant. I have never had a 0.95 lens before, and continuously read that its not possible use a RF to focus at 0.95. This is simply not my finding. Although I am sure itās a mm out + or -, I am having no difficulty focusing on eyes, etc. It is indeed difficult to focus when light and natural contrast are low, but that is the case with any lens. Obviously focusing on a running childās eyes at 0.95 is a lost cause. For some reason I get the focus mostly ok at f0.95, after the genius calibration process. Triple cream bokeh! I use my right eye to focus, and its my weak eye, somewhat short sighted. My experience with focusing is that its not the absolute clarity that matters, but whether you can detect the relative change, and the contrast pop of in-focus. What about weight and size. IMHO this lens looks pretty cool on the camera, and net the same overall weight as a Z6 and 24-70 f4. My normal protocol is to carry a camera in my right hand. I use a half leather case and a wrist safety strap for the MP-240, but its not completely comfortable. So I find myself holding the camera by the back, or face up, and occasionally swapping hands. It should also be noted that without a case on, the bottom of the lens is slightly below the base of the camera. So if you put it on a table, the lens is actually resting on the surface. Bokeh is a personal choice, but if you want double cream, this is the place to find it. I find small spots of nervousness show up randomly, but overall itās the creamiest bokeh I have seen. It actually does f5.6 as well, no really!Ā Nice 3D micro-contrast. Into strong sun just to the right. Flare has muted the colours of the landscape somewhat For those that want a 0.95 look, with smooth creamy bokeh and close to Summilux sharpness at 1.4, beautiful deep colours and a large dose of general walk around capability (if you donāt mind the weight) this thing rocks. If you need flat field sharpness at any aperture, look elsewhere. I am excited, toys breed toys. Now I just had to get the multifunction grip for my M240 to make this nicer to walk around with for hours. Still under Ā£1000 š ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/317926-the-adventures-of-artisan-in-095-wonderland/?do=findComment&comment=4139080'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted February 12, 2021 Posted February 12, 2021 Hi colonel, Take a look here The adventures of Artisan in 0.95 wonderland. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Guest Posted February 12, 2021 Share #2 Ā Posted February 12, 2021 6 hours ago, colonel said: Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image hereā¦ Simply register for free here ā We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to larger picture here:Ā 240, Mill Hill High Street | TTArtisan 50mm f0.95, Leica M-Pā¦ | Flickr Never thought of taking pictures of trees down my road, The TTArtisan 50mm 0.95 helps you to re-see the world. Notice bottom right nervousness for pinpoint lights at night Ā Ā Ā An nice "real world" review of yet another inexpensive M lensĀ from China. If I didn't already own and rate highlyĀ the Voigtlander 1.1 50mm I'd probably be interested in checking this lens out myself. Really cool what's coming out as third party options for the M's..........Thanks! Related to the image of the bus I do have a question,Ā was that Mill Hill High Street previously known as Mill Hill Broadway, would you know?Ā I grew up in that area long long ago and if it is the same place then we used to go there most Saturdays to shop. There used to be a Woolworths there I seem to recall......Actually, come to think on it the 240 bus gives it away, that was a local route.......But in my day the bus hadĀ an open rear entrance guarded by a bus conductor before someone decided that realĀ doors might be a good idea! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
colonel Posted February 12, 2021 Author Share #3 Ā Posted February 12, 2021 (edited) 3 minutes ago, petermullett said: An nice "real world" review of yet another inexpensive M lensĀ from China. If I didn't already own and rate highlyĀ the Voigtlander 1.1 50mm I'd probably be interested in checking this lens out myself. Really cool what's coming out as third party options for the M's..........Thanks! Related to the image of the bus I do have a question,Ā was that Mill Hill High Street previously known as Mill Hill Broadway, would you know?Ā I grew up in that area long long ago and if it is the same place then we used to go there most Saturdays to shop. There used to be a Woolworths there I seem to recall......Actually, come to think on it the 240 bus gives it away, that was a local route.......But in my day the bus hadĀ an open rear entrance guarded by a bus conductor before someone decided that realĀ doors might be a good idea! well spotted yes Mill Hill Broadway Woolworths went bust many years ago. Its all hairdressers, barbers, beauty, food shops, restaurants & coffee bars. The survivors from internet shopping and covid (maybe!!) .... Ā Edited February 12, 2021 by colonel Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
farnz Posted February 12, 2021 Share #4 Ā Posted February 12, 2021 14 minutes ago, petermullett said: But in my day the bus hadĀ an open rear entrance guarded by a bus conductor before someone decided that realĀ doors might be a good idea! You're referring to the Routemaster buses that were open at the rear with a vertical bar to help trailing passengers to haul themselves on as the bus pulled away. Ā There are one or two left on 'heritage' routes (Oxford Street etc) but the new 'Boris Buses' that were brought in about 10 years ago were based on the classic Routemaster design and have a similar opening with doors at the rear that were intended to be left open. Ā They were operated with the rearĀ doors permanently open (as designed) for a few months until the 'elfansafety' stuck their noses in, decided they were far too dangerous and mandated that all doors be closed before the Boris Buses pull away. Ā My views on that decision are unprintable. Pete. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 12, 2021 Share #5 Ā Posted February 12, 2021 23 minutes ago, colonel said: well spotted yes Mill Hill Broadway Woolworths went bust many years ago. Its all hairdressers, barbers, beauty, food shops, restaurants & coffee bars. The survivors from internet shopping and covid (maybe!!) .... Ā Thanks colonel.........well my time there was in the early 50's to halfway through the 60's...........We lived just north of Apex Corner and I went to Secondary School in Burnt Oak, so I went through the Broadway pretty much everyday on the single decker 240............Nice to know it hasn't been flattened and modernised since then. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 12, 2021 Share #6 Ā Posted February 12, 2021 7 minutes ago, farnz said: You're referring to the Routemaster buses that were open at the rear with a vertical bar to help trailing passengers to haul themselves on as the bus pulled away. Ā There are one or two left on 'heritage' routes (Oxford Street etc) but the new 'Boris Buses' that were brought in about 10 years ago were based on the classic Routemaster design and have a similar opening with doors at the rear that were intended to be left open. Ā They were operated with the rearĀ doors permanently open (as designed) for a few months until the 'elfansafety' stuck their noses in, decided they were far too dangerous and mandated that all doors be closed before the Boris Buses pull away. Ā My views on that decision are unprintable. Pete. Yes Pete, that's the bus I meant, the Routemaster................It's been many years, actuallyĀ decades, since I've lived back in the UK so all these changes have blown by me. Another Boris gift that seemingly keeps on giving. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
farnz Posted February 12, 2021 Share #7 Ā Posted February 12, 2021 Advertisement (gone after registration) 2 hours ago, petermullett said: Yes Pete, that's the bus I meant, the Routemaster................It's been many years, actuallyĀ decades, since I've lived back in the UK so all these changes have blown by me. Another Boris gift that seemingly keeps on giving. It's real name is the "New Routemaster" and there are good pictures in the link. Ā It's a bit of a Marmite bus - most people either love or loath it. Ā (Put me down as one of the former. š) Ā Apologies for the distraction and back to Wonderland ... Pete. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnkunstadter Posted February 12, 2021 Share #8 Ā Posted February 12, 2021 1 hour ago, farnz said: It's real name is the "New Routemaster" and there are good pictures in the link. Ā It's a bit of a Marmite bus - most people either love or loath it. Ā (Put me down as one of the former. š) Ā Apologies for the distraction and back to Wonderland ... Pete. Double apologies for pulling away from the theme of the thread, but couldn't resist putting in a word for the RM's predecessor, the RT, with a vertical radiator grill.Ā In the early 60's enjoyed riding the RTs on the 9, 11, 14, 22, 30, 49, 137...Always regretted seeing the the RTs fade away. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Vonn Posted February 12, 2021 Share #9 Ā Posted February 12, 2021 The best place on the RMs was at the back on top next to the stairs. Anyway, thanks for the review, much appreciated. Certainly an artistic lens and to my mind far nicerĀ than the flat rendered corner to corner sharpness, etc of a lot of current lenses. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ko.Fe. Posted February 13, 2021 Share #10 Ā Posted February 13, 2021 Looks like totally usable lens @0.95. All shots are in focus!Ā Wow.... Something which I struggleĀ to find in the thread with slower Noctilux (sorry don't know how it is called exactly) wide open. 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 13, 2021 Share #11 Ā Posted February 13, 2021 Love the old bristol lodekka bus,a real classic. Built in bristol my home town by bristol cars. Hate it when bus thread goes off topic and talks about lenses from china!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
colonel Posted February 13, 2021 Author Share #12 Ā Posted February 13, 2021 19 hours ago, Ko.Fe. said: Looks like totally usable lens @0.95. All shots are in focus!Ā Wow.... Something which I struggleĀ to find in the thread with slower Noctilux (sorry don't know how it is called exactly) wide open. have you checked the focus on a tripod, i.e. is the RFĀ aligned ? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
colonel Posted February 14, 2021 Author Share #13 Ā Posted February 14, 2021 (edited) 20 minutes ago, Al Brown said: My point exactly. It is all "great & precise barrel focus smoothness" or "solid tank-like build" on the outside and then the iris blades collapse, because they were held together by plastic holders. First hand experience on such a Chinese lens. Which company ? which lens ? do you have pictures or link ? Sure plastic holders would warp, but also wouldn't give such good performance as they would be inconsistent between blades, and wouldn't be consistent in usage Would need to see some more info Many disassembledĀ DJ Optical lenses on the web, for example the cheapest one I could find, aĀ 55mm F1.4 lens 7Artisans one: Disassembly ā 7artisans 55mm F1.4 lens ā yukosteel ā photo equipment blog (wordpress.com) Doesn't take out the iris blades, although does disconnect the ring that moves the irises (strictly irides), Very nicely made for a Ā£100 lens !!! Ā Ā Edited February 14, 2021 by colonel 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan.y Posted February 15, 2021 Share #14 Ā Posted February 15, 2021 (edited) (delete, wrong msg) Ā Edited February 15, 2021 by alan.y Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cobbu2 Posted February 16, 2021 Share #15 Ā Posted February 16, 2021 On 2/12/2021 at 5:03 AM, colonel said: ... What is not generally known, is that there are many enthusiast Chinese companies making excellent products. Some of these are small companies, some are offshoots of large companies where the owner or director enjoys the hobby. For example the excellent valve amplifiers coming out of China, like MC or Madison... Ā Ā Ā Ā Another example is ZWO ASI, maker of excellent planetary and deep-sky CMOS cameras for astrophotography. Thanks for the excellent detailed review! I'm seriously considering this now. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJH Posted February 16, 2021 Share #16 Ā Posted February 16, 2021 (edited) Hereās a very decent review I believeĀ https://www.35mmc.com/16/02/2021/ttartisan-50mm-f-0-95-asph-review/ Ā Edited February 16, 2021 by SJH 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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