RoamingScott wrote:
I've said that about the 35 APO all along, it's 100% a character lens to my eye. Whether or not that's THE character you want is another story.
…
And the Voigtlander 50 APO takes the look even further, if you like the FOV. Their 50 APO is probably my favorite M lens rendering of all time, and one of the few lenses that make images that look like they were shot on a 645 film camera. I’m waiting to repurchase the 50 M until Voigtlander updates it with a black rim instead of silver, and hopefully a slightly closer MFD.
Looks like an update from LLL around production, updating the front ring engraving, adding a magnetic front ring accessory to the titanium version, and some of the availability of the knurled/non-knurled versions. Though I am confused if this update is saying that they will not be making any non-knurled versions aside from a few black paint ones and for those that request to keep their orders that originally were spec'd that way?
endergemini wrote:
Looks like an update from LLL around production, updating the front ring engraving, adding a magnetic front ring accessory to the titanium version, and some of the availability of the knurled/non-knurled versions. Though I am confused if this update is saying that they will not be making any non-knurled versions aside from a few black paint ones and for those that request to keep their orders that originally were spec'd that way?
I am wondering why - is it because of its harder to make smooth? Less people are ordering it ?
Personally I feel like it may make it easier to make fine adjustments while composing..
They likely got feedback that knurled was more desired and maintaining two designs for production runs isn't feasible for them, so they'll make the less popular version on request basis only.
endergemini wrote:
Looks like an update from LLL around production, updating the front ring engraving, adding a magnetic front ring accessory to the titanium version, and some of the availability of the knurled/non-knurled versions. Though I am confused if this update is saying that they will not be making any non-knurled versions aside from a few black paint ones and for those that request to keep their orders that originally were spec'd that way?
highdesertmesa wrote:
I think they meant that moving forward, the smooth ring versions will be by special request only.
From the blog post:
"Customers who would like to keep their order without knurling should contact us directly. All lenses entering shipment after September 30, 2026, will be supplied with the close-focus-knurled configuration."
Combined with: "Updated Shipment Schedule
Black Paint — Without Close-Focus Knurling: September 2026
Titanium Grey Limited Edition — With Close-Focus Knurling: October–November 2026
Black Paint — With Close-Focus Knurling: November–December 2026
Silver Chrome — With Close-Focus Knurling: December 2026–February 2027"
To me the wording sounds like it implies only this first batch of black paint will be without the knurling and ALL orders will be switched to the knurled version unless customers who had originally ordered the non-knurled request that they still want the non-knurled.
I'm going to reach out and see if I can get some clarification. I understand from a cost and operational perspective why this decision would be made, but if this is the route they are going there will be many people who didn't click the email to then be led to the blog post and will receive lenses different from what they ordered.
"Customers who would like to keep their order without knurling should contact us directly. All lenses entering shipment after September 30, 2026, will be supplied with the close-focus-knurled configuration."
Combined with: "Updated Shipment Schedule
Black Paint — Without Close-Focus Knurling: September 2026
Titanium Grey Limited Edition — With Close-Focus Knurling: October–November 2026
Black Paint — With Close-Focus Knurling: November–December 2026
Silver Chrome — With Close-Focus Knurling: December 2026–February 2027"
To me the wording sounds like it implies only this first batch of black paint will be without the knurling and ALL orders will be switched to the knurled version unless customers who had originally ordered the non-knurled request that they still want the non-knurled.
I'm going to reach out and see if I can get some clarification. I understand from a cost and operational perspective why this decision would be made, but if this is the route they are going there will be many people who didn't click the email to then be led to the blog post and will receive lenses different from what they ordered. ...Show more →
Wording in the email I got sounded like everyone that ordered a non-knurled black version will get one (showing sold out), and after that production of the non-knurled will be phased out. But something could have been lost in translation since it can be interpreted more than one way.
highdesertmesa wrote:
Wording in the email I got sounded like everyone that ordered a non-knurled black version will get one (showing sold out), and after that production of the non-knurled will be phased out. But something could have been lost in translation since it can be interpreted more than one way.
That seems to be the case for the black versions, but they also offered the other colors without knurling. I personally ordered the titanium without knurling (also showing sold out now) which is not on their shipment schedule in that post and all titanium shipments have been scheduled for shipping after September 30th which they state as the date past which all lenses shipped will be knurled. I'm sure they will figure it out, this just seems like a slight blind spot in communication.
Response from LLL stating ALL orders will be changed to knurled versions except for that first batch of black paint:
"Hello,
Thank you for your message. We understand our update might be confusing.
To clarify, all orders will default to the close-focus-knurled configuration unless you contact us directly to confirm and commit to keeping the non-knurled version. If you would like to keep your order without knurling, please let us know and we will confirm the request with our production team. As stated in the announcement. This option will only be available on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on our production capacity.
Best
David"
I understand this from a production standpoint but I have to imagine there will be a few people who never open the email or blog post or this thread and end up receiving something different than what they ordered. I do feel like there should be a better effort to reach out to those whose orders will be affected. Now I need to figure out if I want to request to keep the non-knurled and potentially have to wait longer than expected or to just accept the knurled version.
I know it's a crazy size difference, so unlikely to be shopping for both, but since we're adding interesting comparisons, I wonder how the LLL APO will do compared to the Zeiss Biogon T* 35mm?
EDIT: And when did B&H become a LLL "authorized dealer"? Surprised to see this lens there.
blessingx wrote:
I know it's a crazy size difference, so unlikely to be shopping for both, but since we're adding interesting comparisons, I wonder how the LLL APO will do compared to the Zeiss Biogon T* 35mm?
EDIT: And when did B&H become a LLL "authorized dealer"? Surprised to see this lens there.
Yes, B&H Photo is listing all LLL lenses on their site now:
Forgot to mention...a quick plug for the site: If you buy directly from the LLL site, you can use promo code FREDMIRANDA at checkout for 5% off. That saves you $120 on the Titanium model, though there are only 3 days left to order that version!
