I bought an Artizlab 50mm f/1.4 lens in China, and what disappointed me most was its build quality. As soon as I picked it up, I could feel something moving inside. When you get a new lens, you should be thinking about the images it can produce, not trying to figure out what is loose.
Given the condition of the copy I received, I find it hard to understand how this level of assembly quality could have passed the final inspection. After mounting it, I also found that the rangefinder focusing was inaccurate, with a very noticeable focus shift. Given that even the lens elements seemed to move when I handled the lens, the focusing issue was hardly surprising. I suspect the optical axis may be misaligned. I also noticed that the front ring could rotate freely, even though it should have been fixed. In that respect, the build quality was extremely poor.
I contacted the company’s customer service team. They explained that the movement inside the lens was normal because some play had been left in the assembly to achieve a minimum focusing distance of 0.45 m. I found that explanation hard to believe. I returned the lens and requested a refund.
Fortunately, I was able to handle the after-sales process conveniently because I was in China. If I had bought this lens after returning to the United States, I would have serious concerns about whether the company could provide adequate after-sales support. This experience has left me with serious doubts about the company’s manufacturing and quality-control capabilities.
Max Leon wrote:
I bought an Artizlab 50mm f/1.4 lens in China, and what disappointed me most was its build quality. As soon as I picked it up, I could feel something moving inside. When you get a new lens, you should be thinking about the images it can produce, not trying to figure out what is loose.
Given the condition of the copy I received, I find it hard to understand how this level of assembly quality could have passed the final inspection. After mounting it, I also found that the rangefinder focusing was inaccurate, with a very noticeable focus shift. Given that even the lens elements seemed to move when I handled the lens, the focusing issue was hardly surprising. I suspect the optical axis may be misaligned. I also noticed that the front ring could rotate freely, even though it should have been fixed. In that respect, the build quality was extremely poor.
I contacted the company’s customer service team. They explained that the movement inside the lens was normal because some play had been left in the assembly to achieve a minimum focusing distance of 0.45 m. I found that explanation hard to believe. I returned the lens and requested a refund.
Fortunately, I was able to handle the after-sales process conveniently because I was in China. If I had bought this lens after returning to the United States, I would have serious concerns about whether the company could provide adequate after-sales support. This experience has left me with serious doubts about the company’s manufacturing and quality-control capabilities....Show more →
When did you purchase? Wondering if they worked the kinks out. Some of these manufacturers are producing some interesting lenses, but there are severe downsides to most options outside of Leica
rsolti13 wrote: Max Leon wroteI bought an Artizlab 50mm f/1.4 lens in China, and what disappointed me most was its build quality. As soon as I picked it up, I could feel something moving inside. When you get a new lens, you should be thinking about the images it can produce, not trying to figure out what is loose.
Given the condition of the copy I received, I find it hard to understand how this level of assembly quality could have passed the final inspection. After mounting it, I also found that the rangefinder focusing was inaccurate, with a very noticeable focus shift. Given that even the lens elements seemed to move when I handled the lens, the focusing issue was hardly surprising. I suspect the optical axis may be misaligned. I also noticed that the front ring could rotate freely, even though it should have been fixed. In that respect, the build quality was extremely poor.
I contacted the company’s customer service team. They explained that the movement inside the lens was normal because some play had been left in the assembly to achieve a minimum focusing distance of 0.45 m. I found that explanation hard to believe. I returned the lens and requested a refund.
Fortunately, I was able to handle the after-sales process conveniently because I was in China. If I had bought this lens after returning to the United States, I would have serious concerns about whether the company could provide adequate after-sales support. This experience has left me with serious doubts about the company’s manufacturing and quality-control capabilities.When did you purchase? Wondering if they worked the kinks out. Some of these manufacturers are producing some interesting lenses, but there are severe downsides to most options outside of Leica
Since domestic shipping in China is pretty fast, I actually received the items on October 20. I’m not sure whether they’ve managed to resolve the issue, but honestly, their after-sales service has left quite a bit to be desired.
Indeed, there have been some genuinely interesting lenses coming out of China recently. Brands like Mandler and Thypoch, for example, are definitely worth keeping an eye on.
Of the third party, I feel Voigtlander has been the best as far as QC. Some lenses come out slightly decentered, but I’ve had a very high rate of great copies. LLL I tried the 35 8e, no issues, bought the 11873 and had major issues with three different copies. Now with the APO the focusing is off. Only Mandler lens I’ve tried is the 50, I personally find the flare to be off-putting how I want to use it. Thypoch made a mess this year with the Ksana 35 f/2. Even Leica - bought the 35 Nocti and right out of the box the focusing was off.
This is why Leica charges more for a rangefinder than an EVF, so much harder to calibrate, especially when every users bodies can be slightly different
How does the rendering on the Peace Lens compare to the original V2? I saw a chinese review online and it showed their copy was significantly less sharp than the OG, which deterred my from purchasing.
I had it in my cart about to purchase, as I love the concept of having the rendering of the V2 in the body of the V1 (black), with the MFD of .7
I much prefer .7 over what's being offered with Mandler and Artizlab, as I exclusively shoot through the rangefinder and dislike having to be cognizant of it being able to focus closer than the rangefinder.