Light Lens Lab Elcan 50mm f2 Review

[intangiblethings]

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Does anybody know if there are any updated differences between the original batch (v1) and the more recent v2 (v2lc) batch?

 

 

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[hdmesa]

2 hours ago, intangiblethings said:

Does anybody know if there are any updated differences between the original batch (v1) and the more recent v2 (v2lc) batch?

 

 

I don't think the V1 Elcan had many issues the way the 8-element did and was improved over time. As far as I know, it's just another serial number run. But you can message LLL and ask to be sure:

https://lightlenslab.myshopify.com/pages/contact

 

[intangiblethings]

I got a speedy response regarding V1LC vs. V2LC. 

Quote

Optically there is no difference between V1LC and V2LC. But V2LC improves quality control, manufacturing tolerances, and also ergonomics/ease of use (The depth of field indicator and the markings on the V1 is thinner than V2/regular production ELCAN) 

 

[Fred Miranda]

On 1/10/2023 at 4:14 PM, shirubadanieru said:

PS - I had the Summar / Summitar and the Elcan LLL and there is no way it's between those lenses performance wise. The Elcan is way way waaaaaaaay sharper than those two wide open. 

Looking forward to your thoughts as well Fred! 

Sorry, too many images and tests to post here but here are the links to the resolution/contrast/rendering tests. I also compared it to the Leica 50/2 Rigid (v2)

Resolution comparison at infinity wide open: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1625479/11#16155157

My initial impressions: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1625479/12#16155258

Rendering comparison: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1625479/12#16155258

All the best, Fred

[NigelG]

I ordered and received the LTM version from Popflash (still available at a good price) and although the rendering (hate that word!) was intriguing I couldn't quite literally handle the single aperture ring "nub" at 12 o'clock.

The lens itself was well made/centrered/nicely finished and beautifully small for a 50mm f2 but I realised after testing the lens on-camera that the "reversed" direction of the aperture ring wasn't the problem for me (I could have got used to that) but the fact that there was no corresponding 6 o'clock "nub".

Not sure why this is - I know it's as per the original - but I can't really see why there isn't a second tang/tiger foot/ear/what-you-will at the base.

I realised that I instinctively adjust the aperture naturally with my right middle finger on the side or underneath while focussing (with a tab) with my left. I found I had to use my left hand to adjust the aperture ring on the Elcan and couldn't focus at the same time. Maybe that's fine for a set-and-forget lens, but the difference in acutance between wide open and stopped-down is pretty major so I think I would be considering aperture values while shooting even "street" - I had thought this would be a great "one in the pocket"mini lens pair with the TT 28 f5.6

Anyway TLDR I returned the lens to Alex at Popflash and he has already refunded the purchase with no issues - so a wholehearted recommendation for them as a supplier of LLL lenses in the USA. The lens itself is great, I don't know if the rendering is as per the original (though I think if you've a handy $28K to spare they have one to compare...!) it just didn't work for me.

 

 

[MCF74]

I've just bought a black version mainly prompted by FOMO, as they've announced a few weeks ago they're discontinuing the lens! 

[Greenhilltony]

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I want to dip my toe into the 50mm focal length. After a round of research I think this lens tick all my boxes: compactness, budget friendliness, image quality, and the focus tab. I ordered one in China yesterday and I am looking forward to it 

 

[MCF74]

I finally received mine today. Unfortunately, the focus is way out so it's unusable. Close distance, very out; close to infinity, still out. I've emailed LLL. I'm upset since I've paid extra import costs to get the lens and presume now I'm on the hook to send it back at an expense (and then receive another with more import tax). 

[TheBestSLIsALeicaflex]

Although not a 50 guy, I recently picked up one of these 50 Elcan's because of their speed and small, compact size.  Well made, solid lens, just like the 8 element replica.  

Edited April 21, 2023 by TheBestSLIsALeicaflex

[intangiblethings]

I unscrewed my UV filter to put on an orange one and the whole front element screwed off. 

Not sure what happened there. I wasn't paying attention, so I ended up twisting the whole thing off. When I put it back on, it was a pain to align the white dot to mark the aperture and the aperture settings. In the end, I managed to center it properly with just the right amount of tightness so that if I'm changing filters it won't come off. 

The lens otherwise works fine, but pretty shocking. Somebody with more lens disassembly experience can probably explain what/why this happened. 

[tsleica]

Word is..

Never ..ever...order an LLL lens directly from... LLL..

As there is a 50% return rate for defects..from cosmetic..to major..

Order from a dealer who you trust to test the lens out before shipping.

[Anthony Miller]

How long is the focus throw on these?

[MCF74]

36 minutes ago, Anthony Miller said:

How long is the focus throw on these?

Pretty close to 180° with infinity at 8 o'clock (looking at the lens front on), and closest focus at almost 2 o'clock.

[Anthony Miller]

1 hour ago, MCF74 said:

Pretty close to 180° with infinity at 8 o'clock (looking at the lens front on), and closest focus at almost 2 o'clock.

Thanks, looks like an interesting alternative to a 50mm Summicron or 50mm Summarit. Half the cost and maybe the same compact size as the Summarit while still being an f2.

[MCF74]

21 minutes ago, Anthony Miller said:

Thanks, looks like an interesting alternative to a 50mm Summicron or 50mm Summarit. Half the cost and maybe the same compact size as the Summarit while still being an f2.

20 minutes ago, Anthony Miller said:

Thanks, looks like an interesting alternative to a 50mm Summicron or 50mm Summarit. Half the cost and maybe the same compact size as the Summarit while still being an f2.

I had a Summarit 50mm f2.5 about two years ago. From memory, the clear differences would be:

• A more delicate focus on the Summarit. Along with the 35mm f2.4 I had recently, these Summarits are super sensitive to focus, very light. The Elcan is closer to a 70s lens (surprise surprise!) I little stiffer, but not so much it's a problem at all. I'm sure it'll loosen up soon too. Definitely not as stiff as an older 50s or 60s Summicron 50mm.
• There's a classic glow at f2 on the Elcan, no two ways about it. Disappears completely at f2.8 and above. 
• The obvious half-a-stop difference and close focus of 0.7m
• The f-stops going backwards. 
• The Summarit is bitingly sharp on the 50mm and 35mm. Clinically so. The Elcan is also darn sharp at anything past f2. But the rendering is more classical. I shoot predominately at around f8 and I'm still surprised by the sharpness.
• It will flare without a hood in bright sunlight. Nothing crazy and expected of a lens designed from the 70s. The matching hood is nice anyway (IROOA). 

Having been through most 50mm Summicrons and Summiluxs, I've settled on this Elcan because of the size (and rendering). I marvel at the fact it's a 50mm that so compact. I've sold my v5 Summicron thanks to the Elcan (and I hated the flaring on the v5).

BTW, I eventually bought a replacement brand new version from a reseller in Japan, via Ebay. Focusing is spot on, no back or front focusing. 

[Pierre68]

On 5/8/2023 at 4:02 AM, tsleica said:

Word is..

Never ..ever...order an LLL lens directly from... LLL..

As there is a 50% return rate for defects..from cosmetic..to major..

Order from a dealer who you trust to test the lens out before shipping.

I have ordered and received a 50mm Speed Panchro II (silver) and an Elcan 50mm directly from LLL. They were delivered quickly, and nicely packed. Both lens tested and behave as should be. No problem so far. I have a 2nd Speed Panchro II (black brassed finish) on the way... Will sell one of the 2 depending which finish I like the most 😉

[Anthony Miller]

22 hours ago, MCF74 said:

I had a Summarit 50mm f2.5 about two years ago. From memory, the clear differences would be:

• A more delicate focus on the Summarit. Along with the 35mm f2.4 I had recently, these Summarits are super sensitive to focus, very light. The Elcan is closer to a 70s lens (surprise surprise!) I little stiffer, but not so much it's a problem at all. I'm sure it'll loosen up soon too. Definitely not as stiff as an older 50s or 60s Summicron 50mm.
• There's a classic glow at f2 on the Elcan, no two ways about it. Disappears completely at f2.8 and above. 
• The obvious half-a-stop difference and close focus of 0.7m
• The f-stops going backwards. 
• The Summarit is bitingly sharp on the 50mm and 35mm. Clinically so. The Elcan is also darn sharp at anything past f2. But the rendering is more classical. I shoot predominately at around f8 and I'm still surprised by the sharpness.
• It will flare without a hood in bright sunlight. Nothing crazy and expected of a lens designed from the 70s. The matching hood is nice anyway (IROOA). 

Having been through most 50mm Summicrons and Summiluxs, I've settled on this Elcan because of the size (and rendering). I marvel at the fact it's a 50mm that so compact. I've sold my v5 Summicron thanks to the Elcan (and I hated the flaring on the v5).

BTW, I eventually bought a replacement brand new version from a reseller in Japan, via Ebay. Focusing is spot on, no back or front focusing. 

Thank you for the detailed response. I did place an order for a black paint Elcan just last night (and an 8-element as I recently sold a boat load of camera gear). I had cancelled my Panchro order last week. For me, at least right now the Panchro is far too large and likely too close in rendering to my 50mm f1.5 Summarit-M. The compact size and 50s to 70s renderings of the Elcan and 8-element are more to my taste.

My other favorite "keeper" lenses are the 35mm f3.5 Elmar, 90mm f2.8 Elmarit and an early 135mm f6.3 Hektor.

I would love to see a pic of the Elcan, a ver. 3 or 4 Summicron and the Pancro side  by side to gauge the relative sizes.

 

 

 

 

[Anthony Miller]

My Elcan and my 8-element arrived today and I am quite impressed. Nice feel to them, smooth focus, clicky aperture and just feel well made. only had time for some quick test shots but very happy with the first results. Did not see any front or back focus issues. Wide open the Elcan had a wonderful glow but still a sharp enough image to make me happy and a very nice look that I enjoy. By f2.8 everything sharpened up nicely and the sharpness held up all the way to f16 with few signs of diffraction hurting the image.

The 8-element had a bit less glow wide open but still very nice and again sharpened up by f2.8.

Love the tiny size of these and I already feel my other 50s and 35s may not see as much use.

Glad I went with these and happy that I cancelled my Speed Panchro order and went this direction instead.

Now if they could do a Thambar clone.......

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[hdmesa]

2 hours ago, Anthony Miller said:

My Elcan and my 8-element arrived today and I am quite impressed. Nice feel to them, smooth focus, clicky aperture and just feel well made. only had time for some quick test shots but very happy with the first results. Did not see any front or back focus issues. Wide open the Elcan had a wonderful glow but still a sharp enough image to make me happy and a very nice look that I enjoy. By f2.8 everything sharpened up nicely and the sharpness held up all the way to f16 with few signs of diffraction hurting the image.

The 8-element had a bit less glow wide open but still very nice and again sharpened up by f2.8.

Love the tiny size of these and I already feel my other 50s and 35s may not see as much use.

Glad I went with these and happy that I cancelled my Speed Panchro order and went this direction instead.

Now if they could do a Thambar clone.......

Does infinity with the rangefinder align with the hard stop on the 8 element? I couldn't get a copy that didn't focus past infinity by the time it hit the hard stop.

[69xchange]

5 hours ago, hdmesa said:

Does infinity with the rangefinder align with the hard stop on the 8 element? I couldn't get a copy that didn't focus past infinity by the time it hit the hard stop.

My 8e LLL at infinity mark on the rangefinder patch is also slightly misaligned, but only by a hair. I’ve, tested it and it doesn’t seem to have any issues with focus wide open close or far range. My old LLL Elcan was spot on but the focus ring wasn’t smooth when doing micro focusing.

To be honest F2 isn’t “that” shallow to notice something that very small misalignment, but maybe a lux or nocti would definitely show.

Edited June 10, 2023 by 69xchange