p.2 #5 · "Polar" replica of the Leica 35mm f/2 Cron 7-Element
. "Fly by night pimps in epic battle against faceless investment capital for soul of photography."
I feel like tens of people across the world are caught up in this incredible story.
p.2 #6 · "Polar" replica of the Leica 35mm f/2 Cron 7-Element
Assuming the optical performance is not too far off the original 35/2.0 Vers. IV lens, I welcome every competition on the market for M-lenses in general. Certainly Chinese M-lens manufacturers are on the rise in recent years - looking at the past, first lens generations of a new upcoming brand needed some improvement. But seeing what e. g. TTArtisan offers now in built and image quality is mostly very good - especially for the price. I own one Chinese M- lens from TTArtisan, the 11/2.8 fisheye which I really like. It is in no way optically behind my much more expensive Canon 8-15/4 L EF lens at 11 mm.
Now what I would really love to see is that a Chinese manufacturer copies some of Leica's rangefinder cameras. Maybe not as first digital versions but already some film camera knock-offs would be great. Imagine a M6 copy for less than $500....
p.2 #7 · "Polar" replica of the Leica 35mm f/2 Cron 7-Element
retrofocus wrote:
Now what I would really love to see is that a Chinese manufacturer copies some of Leica's rangefinder cameras. Maybe not as first digital versions but already some film camera knock-offs would be great. Imagine a M6 copy for less than $500....
p.2 #9 · "Polar" replica of the Leica 35mm f/2 Cron 7-Element
retrofocus wrote:
Yes, good start but would love to see it with a rangefinder patch!
They are working another camera as well, a TTL, that seems to be further along in development. This little m-mount one appears to just be a zone-focus camera and who knows if it'll make it past the prototype stage. It wouldn't be surprising if a few companies are working on M-mount film cameras, though.
p.2 #10 · "Polar" replica of the Leica 35mm f/2 Cron 7-Element
bjhurley wrote:
They are working another camera as well, a TTL, that seems to be further along in development. This little m-mount one appears to just be a zone-focus camera and who knows if it'll make it past the prototype stage. It wouldn't be surprising if a few companies are working on M-mount film cameras, though.
+1. Especially since film M camera prices went through the roof since a while! Certainly makes them an attractive target to copy them with slight modifications from the original. It is currently an open market niche - screw-mount LTM cameras likely not worth to copy since already many cheaper Russian camera copies exist like FED and Zorki for example.
The problem with that is you can already buy the genuine article for $500. And the reason it is so cheap is because people like to have rangefinders to focus with! The LLL version will be more expensive than getting a Leica.
Here’s mine:
It basically collects dust because I never use it. There is nothing it can do that an M or LTM rangefinder camera cannot do. But those can accurately focus which this cannot unless you just use a wide angle lens and let DOF take care of things.
p.2 #13 · "Polar" replica of the Leica 35mm f/2 Cron 7-Element
retrofocus wrote:
+1. Especially since film M camera prices went through the roof since a while! Certainly makes them an attractive target to copy them with slight modifications from the original. It is currently an open market niche - screw-mount LTM cameras likely not worth to copy since already many cheaper Russian camera copies exist like FED and Zorki for example.
A new film M mount camera would be much more useful than an LTM, as it can also use LTM lenses whereas an LTM camera cannot also use M lenses.
I’ve owned Zorkis, Feds and Kievs and the reason for their existence is because you cannot afford a Japanese or German LTM. Yeah you can make nice pics with them, but that is more in spite of the camera, rather than because of. What redeems them are the lenses. I got rid of them after the novelty factor of trying them out wore off.
p.2 #15 · "Polar" replica of the Leica 35mm f/2 Cron 7-Element
j.liam wrote:
Actually, happy with calling you out for shilling.
Hard to position a long time, knowledgeable, and trusted, FM member like Huss as a shill. We are fortunate that he shares his honest thoughts with us and should respect that.
He is funny in a dry British way at times as well. He can't help that it is genetic.
p.2 #16 · "Polar" replica of the Leica 35mm f/2 Cron 7-Element
Desmolicious wrote:
A new film M mount camera would be much more useful than an LTM, as it can also use LTM lenses whereas an LTM camera cannot also use M lenses.
I’ve owned Zorkis, Feds and Kievs and the reason for their existence is because you cannot afford a Japanese or German LTM. Yeah you can make nice pics with them, but that is more in spite of the camera, rather than because of. What redeems them are the lenses. I got rid of them after the novelty factor of trying them out wore off.
Reason for their existence is simply a different in history: Russia vs. Germany in the 40s . I have a FED3, and it is definitely not a bad camera at all. The rangefinder is not on par in quality compared to my Leica IIIc, but good enough. More clunky body of the FED3, not as nicely manufactured, but it works. Actually the "Das Wesentliche" approach fits here well!
. "Fly by night pimps in epic battle against faceless investment capital for soul of photography."
. I have a FED3, and it is definitely not a bad camera at all. The rangefinder is not on par in quality compared to my Leica IIIc, but good enough. More clunky body of the FED3, not as nicely manufactured, but it works. Actually the "Das Wesentliche" approach fits here well! 
?