p.25 #1 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
Fred Miranda wrote:
I believe there were some problems with the initial release of this lens. It seems that Leica has improved their tolerance control following the initial complaints. I'm not certain whether the 2024 models will come with the updated hood, which doesn't cause hard vignetting when using a UV filter, but I assume the new production will include the redesigned hood which was sent to previous owners.
The main complaints about the initial batch were a stiff focusing ring when turned towards infinity and a loose aperture ring. My current version, which came from the second or third batch, doesn't have these issues. However, my first copy, which I pre-ordered, did have these problems....Show more →
I gave tried and tried to get my first batch replacement lens hood for about one year now and that is just NOT acceptable.
p.25 #4 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
Hmm maybe Leica is going for black anodized instead of paint after the debacle of the limited edition titanium M-A which flaked its finish the way leaves drop in autumn.
p.25 #5 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
In the Leica world, the availability of this item is so limited that even if we wanted it, we couldn't buy it. The rumor states that only 200 copies will be available worldwide. Good luck!
I've heard it will weigh 185g compared to the 200g of the chrome version. This suggests it's probably made of aluminum. If you have the chrome version, you could always send it for repainting since it's made of brass.
p.25 #6 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
Fred Miranda wrote:
In the Leica world, the availability of this item is so limited that even if we wanted it, we couldn't buy it. The rumor states that only 200 copies will be available worldwide. Good luck!
I've heard it will weigh 185g compared to the 200g of the chrome version. This suggests it's probably made of aluminum. If you have the chrome version, you could always send it for repainting since it's made of brass.
That would be a much better use of the money, to have the chrome removed and then painted with black lacquer by Kanto. I'm really puzzled about the special edition being aluminum. That's essentially the standard Voigtlander lens shell. Yeesh.
I've been hoping Voigtlander will release a Nokton 35 1.4 III in brass with black paint and updated optics with less distortion.
p.25 #7 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
highdesertmesa wrote:
That would be a much better use of the money, to have the chrome removed and then painted with black lacquer by Kanto. I'm really puzzled about the special edition being aluminum. That's essentially the standard Voigtlander lens shell. Yeesh.
I've been hoping Voigtlander will release a Nokton 35 1.4 III in brass with black paint and updated optics with less distortion.
I'm curious about the cost of sending the lens to Kanto to have the chrome stripped and black lacquered. They do excellent work. I already have an M2 Black Paint that they did, but I purchased it later on, so I don't know the time it takes and how much it costs. For a camera it's tougher as all the pieces have to be removed.
p.25 #8 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
Here's an article discussing sending a Leica lens to Kanko Camera Japan for a black paint repaint. Unfortunately, pricing details are not provided, but it's mentioned that the process may take at least 9 months before the job begins.
p.25 #9 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
Fred Miranda wrote:
I'm curious about the cost of sending the lens to Kanto to have the chrome stripped and black lacquered. They do excellent work. I already have an M2 Black Paint that they did, but I purchased it later on, so I don't know the time it takes and how much it costs. For a camera it's tougher as all the pieces have to be removed.
Kanto is around $700 to strip and repaint. They also CLA (required) when they repaint. Turn around time is now 2 years!
p.25 #15 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
When does irrational indulgence cross the line? Is it when you're getting a anodized black aluminum lens for three times the price of the already overpriced silver brass version?
Dpreview constantly discusses the X100 series. They're the biggest fans of that lineup. On their website's first page alone, you'll find around 10 articles dedicated to it. Even on this Leica release they have to put a line for the X100 camera!
p.25 #17 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
There is absolutely no reason for that to not be a regular production lens. It is just a black anodized aluminum shell. It literally could not be made any cheaper. That is how basically all mass production lenses that are not plastic are made.
It should be regular production, and a black paint brass version should be the limited edition one.
p.25 #18 · Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 Steel Rim lens
Desmolicious wrote:
There is absolutely no reason for that to not be a regular production lens. It is just a black anodized aluminum shell. It literally could not be made any cheaper. That is how basically all mass production lenses that are not plastic are made.
It should be regular production, and a black paint brass version should be the limited edition one.
There is rumor that the Leicavit is about to be relaunched.
I would not be surprised if a top dollar, limited, all matching black paint, MP, Leicavit , 35mm Summilux and 50/1.2 Noctilux set was released later this year.
