[New test photos released] Leica Summicron 35/2 Eight Element copy made in China

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Originally Posted by jmilkins

Watching this project develop is a real privilege. Thank you to Kevin and the maker for their responsiveness.

I may have missed it but are the accessories (finder and hood) going to match the paint choices of the lens - will they come in all colours?

Thank you for your support!

Currently, there will be two painting options available for the viewfinder and lens hood. First of all, they all made with brass. The first option is like the original, chrome plating on brass. The second option is black paint. I imagine it will match perfectly on your original/replica black paint lenses. You can remove some of the black paint to reveal the brass underneath.

Kevin

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

*I can imagine it would be tough for some people to go through all the pages under this topic. So again, I copy and paste the summary here for your convenience. But I do think it worth to watch all the old posts.


The first batch 8-element Replica:

Use flint lead-glass like the original one (Note: Supply will be limit since flint lead-glass is hard to find now even in China)
Two types of single coating like the original one (Multi-coated as special request with extra cost, + $100 )
The lens body is crafted in brass
Each lens will include brass made front and rear lens caps. The lens will also be stored in an aluminum alloy container (All metal, no plastic will be used in this project.)
Three paint options: Black Paint / Chrome / Brass
Free engraving service for each lens（Numbers/Alphabet, 8/9 spaces)
Retail price will be $499 + shipping (There will be an extra cost if you have a special request that requires extra labor cost. Please understand.)


NOTE:
The buyer will need to fill out an official purchase form (include all the necessary information, lens options, custom engraving, etc.) when the lens is available for purchase
The maker cannot reserve any specific serial number for you, as this is hard for them to manage.
LTM version will be released approximately three months later. It will also come with an LTM-M adapter. (The closest focus of the LTM version will be 1 meter, as the original one.)
The replica lens hood will be sold separately. Asking for around $20/each.
The replica viewfinder will be sold separately. Not sure of the cost yet.
There will be two paint options for the viewfinder and lens hood, original or black paint.


*My PM box is 100% full now... In case I missed any of your messages, please send it to the following email address:

Email:
[email protected]


Kevin


Leica 8-element Replica Engraving Example by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Originally Posted by aizan

I just wanted to double check, but will the placement of the customization text be adjustable? I'd like to be able to insert "SUMMICRON" (9 characters, but "I" doesn't take up too much space, does it?) in between the serial number and the lens specs like in the original:

"LIGHT LENS LAB CHINA 000/500 SUMMICRON 1:2/35"

And can we put "BEIJING" instead of "CHINA"?

Sorry, forget to mention that they cannot engrave summicron on the replica lens since Leica still uses Summicron on their current lenses. As they want to avoid any kinds of unpredictable legal issues. Wish you can understand.

Kevin

[aizan]

I see, that’s understandable. What about the placement of the customized text and place of origin? Can it read something like:

LIGHT LENS LAB BEIJING 000/500 REPLICA 1:2/35

Or maybe drop China/Beijing so the engraving is more visually balanced around the ring?

LIGHT LENS LAB 000/500 REPLICA 1:2/35

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Originally Posted by aizan

I see, that’s understandable. What about the placement of the customized text and place of origin? Can it read something like:

LIGHT LENS LAB BEIJING 000/500 REPLICA 1:2/35

Or maybe drop China/Beijing so the engraving is more visually balanced around the ring?

LIGHT LENS LAB 000/500 REPLICA 1:2/35

The front decorative rings are all manufactured in batches, leaving only blank space for customized content. And they will engrave the customized texts on the blank space after they received the customer's order.

[Ecar]

Hi Kevin,
Can the color of the customized text be specified by the buyer? Nothing fancy, say red instead of white for example.
Thanks.

[jonmanjiro]

Originally Posted by KEVIN-XU 愛 forever

The front decorative rings are all manufactured in batches, leaving only blank space for customized content. And they will engrave the customized texts on the blank space after they received the customer's order.

Hi Kevin, sorry to hit you with yet another question, but could you check whether it would be possible to get Chinese characters engraved in the customizable space?

[aizan]

Originally Posted by KEVIN-XU 愛 forever

The front decorative rings are all manufactured in batches, leaving only blank space for customized content. And they will engrave the customized texts on the blank space after they received the customer's order.

Thanks for the explanation, Kevin! I'll try to think of something 8 characters long.

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Originally Posted by Ecar

Hi Kevin,
Can the color of the customized text be specified by the buyer? Nothing fancy, say red instead of white for example.
Thanks.

Yes, you can choose red or white for the customized text.

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Originally Posted by aizan

Thanks for the explanation, Kevin! I'll try to think of something 8 characters long.

No problem. The limit is 9 characters, but 8 characters can fit perfectly in the customization area.

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Originally Posted by jonmanjiro

Hi Kevin, sorry to hit you with yet another question, but could you check whether it would be possible to get Chinese characters engraved in the customizable space?

Hi Jon, yes, you can choose Chinese characters. But will require extra labor costs.

Here is the direct answer from the maker: As for Chinese characters, we generally don't recommend them because many of the Chinese characters are complicated. Whether complicated or simple, workers need to manually trim the edges of Chinese characters to make them fit in the front ring. As you can imagine that complex Chinese characters are engraved in a relatively small custom area, and the strokes would almost be blurred together. So not recommended. Even if you choose the simple Chinese characters, due to the workload of manual trimming and the need for multiple tests, it will require additional labor costs of $ 100.

Kevin

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Leica M10 + Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype First Version



Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype First Version by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr


Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element Replica Prototype First Version by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Leica M10 + Original Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element


Original Leica Summicron 35mm f2 Eight Element by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr

[B-9]

Kevin, great shots!

[rudobra]

hi there,

any release date Kevin ? it's hard to wait ;-)

[Ecar]

Originally Posted by KEVIN-XU 愛 forever

Yes, you can choose red or white for the customized text.

Great - thanks Kevin.
Looking forward to it.

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Originally Posted by rudobra

hi there,

any release date Kevin ? it's hard to wait ;-)

I can totally understand. I am sorry that the project takes a longer time than we expected. I talked with the maker today, asking about the release date of the 8-element replica.

Here is his response: There are three main reasons that make us delay the release date. First of all, We need to further optimize the lens's rangefinder coupling mechanism to achieve more accurate focusing of the lens. After the improvement of this part of the mechanism, the corresponding modification of the lens barrel is also required. These tasks are time-consuming.
Secondly, this time the lens core assembly is different from the previous prototype lenses. Each lens needs to be wiped carefully to be spotless so that it is considered a final product.
And the final reason is that we have further improved the anti-glare performance, some modifications and other little things are added inside the lens, which lengthens the manufacturing time.

Approximately, the lens will be officially released within this month. An official purchase form will be sent to all the people who are on the buying list within this week.

Please allow him several weeks to make this project as good as possible.

Again, I am sorry to keep you guys waiting.

Thanks,
Kevin

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Originally Posted by B-9

Kevin, great shots!

Thank you! I am glad you like my photos.

Kevin

[Swift1]

Originally Posted by KEVIN-XU 愛 forever

I can totally understand. I am sorry that the project takes a longer time than we expected. I talked with the maker today, asking about the release date of the 8-element replica.

Here is his response: There are three main reasons that make us delay the release date. First of all, We need to further optimize the lens's rangefinder coupling mechanism to achieve more accurate focusing of the lens. After the improvement of this part of the mechanism, the corresponding modification of the lens barrel is also required. These tasks are time-consuming.
Secondly, this time the lens core assembly is different from the previous prototype lenses. Each lens needs to be wiped carefully to be spotless so that it is considered a final product.
And the final reason is that we have further improved the anti-glare performance, some modifications and other little things are added inside the lens, which lengthens the manufacturing time.

Approximately, the lens will be officially released within this month. An official purchase form will be sent to all the people who are on the buying list within this week.

Please allow him several weeks to make this project as good as possible.

Again, I am sorry to keep you guys waiting.

Thanks,
Kevin

Hi Kevin,

Thank you so much for sharing this and keeping us up to date on this project.
One of the big reason I am interested in this project is the level of care and detail the maker is putting into the lens.
I am very excited to order one, and am happy to wait.

Colton

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Originally Posted by Swift1

Hi Kevin,

Thank you so much for sharing this and keeping us up to date on this project.
One of the big reason I am interested in this project is the level of care and detail the maker is putting into the lens.
I am very excited to order one, and am happy to wait.

Colton

Hi Colton,

Thank you very much for your understanding and support! I believe with your guys' support, the maker will be able to make this next project come true.

Best,
Kevin

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Here we go, this is the next replica project.

While we are waiting for the first replica 35mm lens, I think it's the right moment to reveal his next replica project, which will be a super-fast 50mm lens. Here is their first optical design. I guess some people may already know what will the lens be after seeing this design.

Kevin


the Next replica project - first optical design by Kevin-Xu, on Flickr

[raid]

A Noctilux? Please tell us.

[raid]

LEICA 50mm f/1 NOCTILUX-M

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Originally Posted by raid

LEICA 50mm f/1 NOCTILUX-M

Very close. Very close, Riad.

[raid]

Is it the 50/0.95?
What is the cost?

[raid]

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Originally Posted by raid

[.....]

Bingo!

The cost is still under determining. It won't "cheap". But I am sure it will be much much more affordable than the original one in the market right now.

Kevin

[raid]

Around $1000?
Such a lens I would love to try out.
I have done many lens comparisons on 50mm lenses.

[bgetty]

thanks for the update, kevin! within the month is sooner than i was expecting, so super excited about that.

it's been so fun following this project from the beginning -- can't wait for what's next.

[raid]

I support this project.

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Originally Posted by bgetty

thanks for the update, kevin! within the month is sooner than i was expecting, so super excited about that.

it's been so fun following this project from the beginning -- can't wait for what's next.

Thank you for your understanding and support!

[Emile de Leon]

I'd be interested in the 50 as well..
Is it the hand ground Noct 1.2?

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Originally Posted by raid

I support this project.

Thank you Raid! Regarding the cost, I just want to let you know that it will be most likely more than $1000, as I know. The cost of making the same type of glass that been use in the original lens and the grinding of the Aspherical glass is very tough and extremely expensive.

Kevin

[raid]

$2000?
I am just guessing, Kevin

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Originally Posted by Emile de Leon

I'd be interested in the 50 as well..
Is it the hand ground Noct 1.2?

Correct! The next project will be the hand-ground Noctilux 50mm f1.2 Double Aspherical.

[D&A]

Hi Kevin,

To say we're all excited for this lens (the 8 element replica) is an understatement. Even your explanations and pictures along the way have been wonderful. Thanks ever so much! In the first batch of lenses to be released later this month, will we be able to order the silver/chrome version? Also in ordering the hood, what was the original color (silver with black)? Lastly when we send an email now with our intent to purchase the lens, will you be sending an ordering form so we can order the lens, hood and type of engraving? Thanks very much!

Dave (D&A)

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Originally Posted by raid

$2000?
I am just guessing, Kevin

Haha. Well, I really can't tell you guys what the cost it will be as right now it is still in its early stage. It won't be cheap. But it will be very affordable for most of the people who were longing for an original 50 1.2, as you may know, the current price of this lens is crazy.

[KEVIN-XU 愛 forever]

Originally Posted by D&A

Hi Kevin,

To say we're all excited for this lens (the 8 element replica) is an understatement. Even your explanations and pictures along the way have been wonderful. Thanks ever so much! In the first batch of lenses to be released later this month, will we be able to order the silver/chrome version? Also in ordering the hood, what was the original color (silver with black)? Lastly when we send an email now with our intent to purchase the lens, will you be sending an ordering form so we can order the lens, hood and type of engraving? Thanks very much!

Dave (D&A)

Thank you very much Dave! It makes me feel that all my efforts are worth it.

I always don't want to speak too much for the lens. But I think the pictures it takes speak for itself. I am glad you like it.

Please take a look at the second post of this page. I've summarized all the important information regarding this project. The first batch will have three paint options available for order, which include chrome, black paint, and brass. So you can choose chrome paint for your replica 8-element. I am sorry the hood will not be available together with the first batch lenses. And Yes, I will send an ordering form to the people on the waiting list through emails.

Kevin

[Noserider]

HA! I totally guessed this next lens way way back. Good to hear that the 50/1.2 is the next one I bet this one will also be a winner!

[CharlesDAMorgan]

All tremendously exciting, and I'm glad the maker is taking all care to get the 8 element sorted in every way before release. Taking the time is essential.