What's funny is that Jason's b-roll and overall storytelling has become better than his actual photography because of his youtube channel. His longform motorcycle road trip movies are excellent. The photos...usually not so much.
Photographer Kevin Fickling did something I couldn't do for this review, since I wasn't able to get my hands on a Leica 35mm f/1.4 AA. This is something I had already speculated based on analyzing many images online, so it's great to see a proper side-by-side comparison to confirm it more clearly.
Based on his comparisons, the LLL 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical may resemble the Leica in terms of barrel design and construction, but it doesn't produce the same bokeh signature. As I mentioned earlier in this thread, the version that comes closest to the Leica 35mm f/1.4 AA is actually the current FLE.
In the video, starting around the 3:40 mark, he shows direct comparisons, and the LLL's rendering appears smoother and lower in contrast compared to the original Leica.
Now, whether one prefers the look of the LLL is a different story, but I personally prefer the character and rendering of the original Leica AA, with the FLE being the closest match. The LLL has its own appeal, and I do like the images it produces, but it's definitely not a true replica of the Leica like the LLL 35mm f/2 8-Element and 50mm f/1.2 "1966".
Fred Miranda wrote:
Photographer Kevin Fickling did something I couldn't do for this review, since I wasn't able to get my hands on a Leica 35mm f/1.4 AA. This is something I had already speculated based on analyzing many images online, so it's great to see a proper side-by-side comparison to confirm it more clearly.
Based on his comparisons, the LLL 35mm f/1.4 Aspherical may resemble the Leica in terms of barrel design and construction, but it doesn't produce the same bokeh signature. As I mentioned earlier in this thread, the version that comes closest to the Leica 35mm f/1.4 AA is actually the current FLE.
In the video, starting around the 3:40 mark, he shows direct comparisons, and the LLL's rendering appears smoother and lower in contrast compared to the original Leica.
Now, whether one prefers the look of the LLL is a different story, but I personally prefer the character and rendering of the original Leica AA, with the FLE being the closest match. The LLL has its own appeal, and I do like the images it produces, but it's definitely not a true replica of the Leica like the LLL 35mm f/2 8-Element and 50mm f/1.2 "1966"....Show more →
Very much agree! As noted by you and a number of us here on FM, if anything, the LLL AA version comes closest to the Leica 35mm f1.4 pre FLE lens when comparing optical characteristics, except for the absence of the quite notable focus shift usually observed in the Leica pre FLE lens but minimal if that in the LLL lens.
The FLE is a superb lens but when it comes to bokeh, I personally feel and some do, that pre FLE has the edge due to sometimes slight "busy" or nervous bokeh exhibited by the FLE. Some of this though depends on shooting aperture, lighting and subject matter.
I think it’s optimistic borderline/dishonest marketing to call it a replica when the rendering has been intentionally “improved.” And all sorts have been coping Leica’s lens design and language for years.
Having said that, I am still excited to try the lens—looks like a fun option.
Also curious to me, and has been for years, is the micro-contrast. I can’t think of a 3rd party manufacturer that has produced lenses with great micro-contrast. Even CV didn’t till recently with their 50/1 and APO’s. Just interesting to me—makes me wonder if it’s the proprietary lens coatings and glass elements used. Do we know where/from whom these smaller manufacturers get their lens coatings from? Are they made in house or purchased?
DandA123 wrote:
Very much agree! As noted by you and a number of us here on FM, if anything, the LLL AA version comes closest to the Leica 35mm f1.4 pre FLE lens when comparing optical characteristics, except for the absence of the quite notable focus shift usually observed in the Leica pre FLE lens but minimal if that in the LLL lens.
The FLE is a superb lens but when it comes to bokeh, I personally feel and some do, that pre FLE has the edge due to sometimes slight "busy" or nervous bokeh exhibited by the FLE. Some of this though depends on shooting aperture, lighting and subject matter....Show more →
The Leica 35mm f/1.4 Double-Aspherical and the 35/1.4 ASPH FLE v1 and v2 share similar rendering qualities, and it's great that someone took the time to directly compare the original AA to the LLL "replica". My main point is that, even though LLL used the same optical design, the rendering is quite different. Which is preferred is entirely subjective, and I suspect most shooters would agree with your take. That said, anyone expecting the LLL 35/1.4 lens to produce the output of the Leica AA should be aware that it does not.
nehemiahphoto wrote:
I am with Kevin Fickling on these “replicas.”
I think it’s optimistic borderline/dishonest marketing to call it a replica when the rendering has been intentionally “improved.” And all sorts have been coping Leica’s lens design and language for years.
Having said that, I am still excited to try the lens—looks like a fun option.
Also curious to me, and has been for years, is the micro-contrast. I can’t think of a 3rd party manufacturer that has produced lenses with great micro-contrast. Even CV didn’t till recently with their 50/1 and APO’s. Just interesting to me—makes me wonder if it’s the proprietary lens coatings and glass elements used. Do we know where/from whom these smaller manufacturers get their lens coatings from? Are they made in house or purchased?...Show more →
I have to be honest, I wish Light Lens Lab had stuck with the original formula to recreate the same look as the Leica. They proved it was possible with the 35/2 "8-Element", 50mm f/2 "Rigid" and 50/1.2 "1966", and to me, that's what set them apart from other Chinese lens makers. Unfortunately, they didn't quite do the same with some of their other lenses, including this one.
This doesn't mean it's not a great lens, which I do think it is, just that it doesn't produce images similar to the Leica double-aspherical.
Fred Miranda wrote:
I have to be honest, I wish Light Lens Lab had stuck with the original formula to recreate the same look as the Leica. They proved it was possible with the 35/2 "8-Element", 50mm f/2 "Rigid" and 50/1.2 "1966", and to me, that's what set them apart from other Chinese lens makers. Unfortunately, they didn't quite do the same with some of their other lenses, including this one.
This doesn't mean it's not a great lens, which I do think it is, just that it doesn't produce images similar to the Leica double-aspherical.
Yup. I am with you 100%--especially as they call it a replica Like I said, I am looking forward to trying it. Looks like good glass with nice build and specs. But another lens sadly that has trended to having "better" rendering with less character.
Do you have any thoughts/knowledge on the micro contrast question I posed?
Received my Ti AA and looking forward to taking it through its paces. The construction feels very solid and fortunately no hood rattle. Presentation is quite impressive too, with the leather pouch, manual, and all the layers of boxes.
I owned the asph pre-FLE and the FLE. I definitely felt some 'magic' from the pre-FLE but it might be rose tinted nostalgia from my first serious Leica M lens.
I prefer the rendering of the LLL to the AA, perhaps they should have called it an homage rather than a replica. If funds were more liquid I'd pick one up for sure.
weatherproof wrote:
_jim_ pointed out that there was a Korean review comparing the LLL AA, Leica AA (11873) and Leica pre-FLE (11874): https://gigantoptik.com/1924
I have a 11874 that's on loan to a friend otherwise I'd offer to send it to you for comparison.
I forgot..._jim_did mention this comparison and at the time I had a look at all the posted images in the article Quite comprehensive and considerable useful info to sift through. Thanks for the reminder!
weatherproof wrote:
_jim_ pointed out that there was a Korean review comparing the LLL AA, Leica AA (11873) and Leica pre-FLE (11874): https://gigantoptik.com/1924
I have a 11874 that's on loan to a friend otherwise I'd offer to send it to you for comparison.
That's pretty cool, I missed that one. Thanks for posting.
In terms of rendering, based on the side-by-side comparisons, the LLL seems to look more in line with the pre-FLE, especially in the outlining of the specular highlights, though it adds a slightly "gritty" texture to their inner structure. It also shows lower contrast and resolution than both Leica lenses. If the FLE had been included in that test, I'm pretty sure it would align closely with the Leica AA.
So, for those who really like the Leica pre-FLE rendering, the LLL is a great option. It's more affordable and has less focus shift. If you're after the Leica 35mm f/1.4 AA look without the price, the FLE is next in line.
Had some nice angular light hitting the windows this morning, got a nice product pic of the titanium AA. The titanium lens on a black body is a very handsome combo.
icarus_ wrote:
Had some nice angular light hitting the windows this morning, got a nice product pic of the titanium AA. The titanium lens on a black body is a very handsome combo.
Still deciding if worth purchasing the LLL 11873 while owning the 35 FLEII. For those who own both...
Main question- can I achieve mostly the same look, taking into account thoughts on bringing down clarity/structure in Capture One and potentially adding a 1/4 promist or glimmerglass?
Or.. do you appreciate owning both and find each worthwhile.. and why?
Many of my favorite reviewers talk up the 11873 (jonas rask, matt osborne, kevin fickling, etc). But I still can't quite see how it surpasses the FLEII. When it seems I can closely emulate the 11873, by lowering clarity/structure/ detail.... while also having the option of the FLE's crisp modern, bold character which I love. (this in regards to people shooting.. not landscapes)
One never knows with a new lens release if at least part of the praise relates to the newest tool/toy on the block.
