freaklikeme wrote:
The Nikon was exactly what I was thinking of, with its 183mm diameter front and 7.5kg weight.
If the final imported price in the US is close to $6500, I'll be surprised. And that's, of course, assuming LLL plans to make a full production run of them. To me, this sounds more like a specialty cine lens someone requested them to make, but I could be wrong.
I believe a lot of the Nikkors have been cine-converted (I'd guess you would know more than me about this). From what I read on one site, it appears only around 400ish were produced, so they are quite rare. And apparently someone commissioned Nikon to make a new limited set some years ago at $30k a piece. So like many of the ultra-rare collectibles that LLL has reproduced from the vintage Leica ecosystem, this lens would make some sense, bolstered by the apparent mini resurgence of ultrafast telephoto primes like the recent duo from Sigma.
The downside for LLL is that raw material inputs for a 300/1.9 are significantly greater than something like even the 50/1.2 Noctilux replica. I don't know what the market will bear for such a lens but would imagine the sweet spot would be in the $5K-7.5K range. Of course cheaper would be better.
If this thing actually takes off, maybe it will inspire Sigma to make a $10K AF weight-reduced version. I'm pretty sure it would get some traction with certain sports photographers, especially if it was TC compatible (but I guess this is a Sony restriction). And at least an EF version that could be universally adaptable.
They are making/teasing a lot of stuff recently,
-A Barnack type camera but I didn’t see a rangefinder on it so maybe just the hyperfocal type. There is still the Seagull TLR too.
-A 75mm Speed Panchro(I was dreaming hard of this one until I managed to score a 73mm Sonnetar) but that’s quite a nice thing that 75mm Panchro.
-For the announced 35mm 1.4, I still haven’t yet understand what it is, is it the AA or is there another in the work?
-There is still the 40mm f2 Elcan like?
They do try to keep busy, may I suggest a very compact fast 50mm? A man can dream.
catacore wrote:
Hey, please don't say that. I have just listed my LLL Elcan on eBay and have inflated its price due to its "scarcity", so please don't dispell that
On a more serious note, I have prefered to buy it from a US user/seller as a used lens (confirmed to be well calibrated and issues-free) instead of going the ebay or temu gamble and get who-knows what lemon, then start the return hassle involving tax reimbursement and all this....
On a side of this side note, I have had bad recent experiences with new Voigtlander (90mm APO-Ultron) and Leica (50mm Lux Classic new release) lenses, but the returning process was seamless within the EU....Show more →
For anyone interested in the new Light Lens Lab 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical "11873", you can get an extra 5% off using the link below ... the discount will be automatically applied at checkout:
He likes the Z21, he’s part of the team, he’s French now.
Some of the information may not be correct. LLL does not own an optical factory; it uses a well-established contractor for manufacturing. The generous 40-year Clinton-era policies helped China develop a highly integrated and efficient supply chain.
That makes a lot sense. Creating an optical company from scratch is probably ungodly expensive. Much more practical to contract out production. I'm curious (seeing as you seem to have knowledge on the matter), what factory/factories is LLL partnering with?
Dan Chang wrote:
Some of the information may not be correct. LLL does not own an optical factory; it uses a well-established contractor for manufacturing. The generous 40-year Clinton-era policies helped China develop a highly integrated and efficient supply chain.
The most likely partner is this one: The Phoenix Optical Co
The predecessor of Phenix Optical Company Limited was the Jiangxi Optical Instrument General Factory, established in August 15, 1965, jointly approved by the former State Planning Commission and the First Ministry of Machine-Building Industry. The factory was set up in Huangbaiyang Village, Huaqiao Township, Dexing City, Shangrao, Jiangxi Province.
Phenix Optical is primarily engaged in the production and sales of optical components, optical lenses, photoelectric modules, intelligent controllers, lithium batteries, and optical instrument parts and accessories.
It was mentioned on page 79 post #19 and then again on the next page. Nothing much is known...other than that it is not a replica of the 40/2 Summicron. So, it may be novel-ish design.
