p.7 #3 · Funleader to Release Lens Inspired by Leica 35/1.4 Summilux
lirain wrote:
Another one…
I just watched the video review towards the middle, and I had to chuckle at the complaint about the infinity lock not being at infinity. When adapting this lens to a mirrorless camera, the tolerance of the adapter will naturally affect the infinity focus point. The infinity lock will be accurate only on a Leica M, and even then, only if both the lens and the rangefinder are properly calibrated. Just something to keep in mind.
Is your copy possibly front-focusing? It seems like the subject's face (the person’s face) is softer compared to the background. However, it's difficult to say for certain with the resized image and an uncorrected lens.
p.7 #5 · Funleader to Release Lens Inspired by Leica 35/1.4 Summilux
mikegao wrote:
I got my lens this afternoon. The first impression is the aperture ring is stiff, but the focus ring is smooth. The lens seems to "glow" more than my Voigtlander 40mm 1.4 (from memory not side-by-side impression), but the center is noticeably sharp. I like the transition from center to the edge from the steel rim reissue better (and it "glow" more still).
It seems that this lens’s optical design corrects the image field more towards the center, with less correction off-axis. As a result, the performance away from the center is more in line with lenses like the Leica 35mm f/1.4 Lux pre-asph and the CV 40mm f/1.4 Nokton, while the center resembles the rendering of more modern lenses.
p.7 #6 · Funleader to Release Lens Inspired by Leica 35/1.4 Summilux
One of the issues with these lenses (Summilux, and the Noktons) is focus shift. The pre-aspherical Summilux definitely has it, as does the v1 of the Nokton. Cosina did a great job minimizing it on the v2.
So, how is this new lens?
(This issue may not affect you electronic-camera shooting folks with yer fancy live-view, but for us film-people, it can be a problem.)
p.7 #7 · Funleader to Release Lens Inspired by Leica 35/1.4 Summilux
Oldwino wrote:
One of the issues with these lenses (Summilux, and the Noktons) is focus shift. The pre-aspherical Summilux definitely has it, as does the v1 of the Nokton. Cosina did a great job minimizing it on the v2.
So, how is this new lens?
(This issue may not affect you electronic-camera shooting folks with yer fancy live-view, but for us film-people, it can be a problem.)
Actually, it often does affect shooting with an EVF as it's common to focus wide open or maybe one stop down and then stop down further before taking the shot (it's more difficult to check focus stopped down). So, it's definitely helpful to know how much of an issue focus shift might be even for the "fancy live-view" folks.
p.7 #8 · Funleader to Release Lens Inspired by Leica 35/1.4 Summilux
Fred Miranda wrote:
Is your copy possibly front-focusing? It seems like the subject's face (the person’s face) is softer compared to the background. However, it's difficult to say for certain with the resized image and an uncorrected lens.
It’s more likely due to my poor vision and trying to focus with strong sunlight coming through the window behind me.
p.7 #11 · Funleader to Release Lens Inspired by Leica 35/1.4 Summilux
rollei35_warton wrote:
The above images were shot at controlled lighting environments, same white balance using grey card. All with same exposures, camera is M10R on a tripod.
I have shot from 1.4 all the way to 11.
I haven't clinically analyzed them yet. But couple of points I observed:
1. both are sharp at central even at 1.4 (the focus is on the Mini's right eyebrow, the one closer to the camera)
2. Artizlab is clearly more saturated or contrasty than Steel Rim.
Anyone has more observations?
I feel AL one is kind of 1/3 stop brighter than SR, do you see that? Even though they are at the same exposures setting....Show more →
Yes, in my view, after analyzing many samples, the Artzlab has significantly higher contrast, especially at the center, which also leads to more saturated colors. It is better corrected, giving it a more modern look, although I did notice some glow in areas away from the center (based on other review samples). Technically, the Artzlab is an optically improved version, and many will appreciate this, but others might feel it loses the unique charm and rendering aesthetics of the SR or other 35/1.4 pre-asph versions. The different coatings also result in different color temperatures.
For those who are not a fan of the original Leica’s center glow and lower contrast, the Artzlab and Cosina Nokton are both good alternatives. I should receive my copy soon and will post a review with many comparisons and to make sure this is correct.
p.7 #12 · Funleader to Release Lens Inspired by Leica 35/1.4 Summilux
After just the first two roll, I’m pleased with both the handling and the results from the lens. A couple of caveats, I’m strictly a film user. The Sony is only used to scan film. Not interested in adapting lenses or buying a digital M body. The lens is mounted on a 1967 M4 and it feels right at home. I don’t have focus peaking or finder magnification to assist to nail focus every time. Also, it’s a five hundred dollar lens and will never match the performance of a Steel Rim reissue or an original V2. With that, it’s a nice companion for the Nokton Classic and I’m happy with it.
p.7 #14 · Funleader to Release Lens Inspired by Leica 35/1.4 Summilux
Quick shots wide open. Couple of initial observations from the gut:
- lens is center sharp wide open
- lots of 'character' wide open but also low contrast / flare (even on an overcast day like today)
- difficult to focus around MFD but that could be the friction in the lens. Hope that the lens is not backfocusing or focus breathing. Will check.
- lovely small lens, fits and looks great on the M
- I am already challenged by the infinity lock, and the buttons locking the shade are annoyingly close to the aperture ring.
Not sure if this lens is great for landscaping but I can't wait to take it into the city.
Wide open on M10R, mild LR adjustments. Vignetting untouched. 35mm Summilux coding on the lens and in LR.
Click on the image if it doesn't fit your screen.
p.7 #16 · Funleader to Release Lens Inspired by Leica 35/1.4 Summilux
Can someone explain the draw to this lens?
You have companies that have been making lenses for decades and doing a fine job of doing it (Voigtlander)-
Why are we starting to funnel money into these new companies that are just copying designs of classic lenses. At some point, there isn't going to be enough money to go around to the brands we want to continue to design and deliver optics.
Am I alone in thinking this? The pictures coming from the lens all look fine but are they really worth shelling our money to?
The Action sports market has seen this happen a few times where there gets to many small startup companies fighting for dollars and no one survives. No trying to offend or knock anyone for buying the lens, just looking for others view point-
p.7 #17 · Funleader to Release Lens Inspired by Leica 35/1.4 Summilux
RustyRus wrote:
Can someone explain the draw to this lens?
You have companies that have been making lenses for decades and doing a fine job of doing it (Voigtlander)-
Why are we starting to funnel money into these new companies that are just copying designs of classic lenses. At some point, there isn't going to be enough money to go around to the brands we want to continue to design and deliver optics.
Am I alone in thinking this? The pictures coming from the lens all look fine but are they really worth shelling our money to?
The Action sports market has seen this happen a few times where there gets to many small startup companies fighting for dollars and no one survives. No trying to offend or knock anyone for buying the lens, just looking for others view point- ...Show more →
Voigtlander is busy updating their lenses with better performance on digital bodies. With that, they have a different character than the earlier designs that were based on lenses from the film era. I would love to have a Steel Rim but have other priorities for the money. When Light Lens Lab started offering their version of classic Leica lenses at a fraction of the cost of the originals, it tapped in to the market of users who were looking for a character lens but didn’t want to spend a lot of money on a sixty year old Leica version.
It also opens the possibility that once someone tries one of these copies, they may be more willing to spring for the original.
p.7 #18 · Funleader to Release Lens Inspired by Leica 35/1.4 Summilux
madNbad wrote:
Voigtlander is busy updating their lenses with better performance on digital bodies. With that, they have a different character than the earlier designs that were based on lenses from the film era. I would love to have a Steel Rim but have other priorities for the money. When Light Lens Lab started offering their version of classic Leica lenses at a fraction of the cost of the originals, it tapped in to the market of users who were looking for a character lens but didn’t want to spend a lot of money on a sixty year old Leica version.
It also opens the possibility that once someone tries one of these copies, they may be more willing to spring for the original....Show more →
I hear you- I hope you are enjoying the lens!!!
I do however feel there are already so many clones in the market of the Steel Rim- For Example Voigtlander already has the 35 1.4 in SC or MC- Fred even did a thread comparing that lens vs the Steel Rim and they where very close-
So the market already has lenses similar to what you are talking about-
Again don't need to go down a rabbit hole- You also don't need to justify your purchase, you have taken some nice pictures already with the lens.
Its just starting to get concerning that the companies we love are going to move out of the market due to there not being enough money. LLL looking at doing film hopefully doesn't spell the end of Kodak. We will see
p.7 #19 · Funleader to Release Lens Inspired by Leica 35/1.4 Summilux
rollei35_warton wrote:
You are not the only or first one having this kind of questions, and they are all legitimate questions. But I don't know the answer.
My take is just a reminiscent feeling towards the old lenses created this market. The old leica lenses are decade old and the quality is a hit and miss depending on the conditions. Now someone made a quite good replica with almost identical aesthetic appearance for a fraction of amount of money, so the market reacts accordingly.
I mean, myself, a few hundreds bucks into a fake Leica-look-and-feel lens with quite good performance is not going to keep me awake in the night, why not?
I think most buyers think this way.
Look at LLL, they are 2-3 times more expensive than this ArtizLab lens and they are selling ok anyway.
I personally have 5 LLL lenses, 1 ArtizLab, 6 Leica lenses, and a couple of Voigtlander. And I don't lose any sleeps after buying them. So to conclude, it's my money and I am having fun, why not....Show more →
100%!!!
Spend your money however you want! I sure AF do!
Just a broader question as it feels like the path we are going down, has played out in other industry's with not so good consequences in the long run for the consumer (that would be you and I) .
p.7 #20 · Funleader to Release Lens Inspired by Leica 35/1.4 Summilux
Just something to keep in mind. These lenses, like LLL, ArtzLab, and others, are designed to recreate the feel and aesthetics of classic Leica lenses that are no longer in production. Some, like LLL, even go as far as replicating the original optical designs, including special elements used in the past. The optical patents for these designs have already expired, allowing them to be reproduced legally. They do not really compete with Leica’s current lineup or take away from their sales. In that sense, I do not see how they could be harmful to Leica in any way.
The only area where I see overlap is with Leica's recently reissued designs, such as the Steel Rim and the 50mm f1.2 Noctilux.
