I just bought the rigid version and used it at a wedding last weekend, and I can't tell you enough how much it's exactly what I've been looking for. It just has some magic to it. It's sharp enough but low contrast in a way that just makes digital photos feel perfect and filmy. Highly recommend.
I have the rigid version and the infinity lock used to get in the way initially but it’s easy to get used to it and it’s now muscle memory. It’s an amazing lens and I love it.
Aaaaahhhhh!!! Very, very interesting - thank you so much for this wonderful video!! Now, that the 'original' is ridiculously high-priced, the LLL-cron makes for a 'Summaron-level' outlay - and, although, I do have the 'real thing', a black, 'rigid' LLL is very tempting for the M10P - for more of the 'daily use' in any environment! Therefore, your video was the 'confirmer' I (and I guess, many of us) rally needed to get!! What really ought to excite us, though, is their coming replica of the 'AA' 35-Summilux - a true legend ( - nowadays, a liability all in itself to carry around 'openly', with values around 15K and up, as yo know.. ...have had one, since 1993 - paid an arm & a leg for it, back then, of course.. totally crazy, really, but will never part with it!!).
Thanks for the review. The 35mm focal length on a full-frame camera has been my favorite one-lens/one-body focal length for decades. I had a 35mm f/3.5 for my Pentax Spotmatic SLR. The first lens I purchased for my Nikon F SLR was a 35mm f/2. Later, I upgraded to a 35mm f/1.4 Nikkor. The first lens I purchased for my Leica M6 rangefinder was a 35mm f/1.4. As you can probably guess, I am a sucker for fast lenses, not small lenses. However, if I ever need a small 35mm for my Leica, the Light Lens Lab 35 is on my list.
Great. Yes if you want a smaller setup 35/2 ticks the box for me.. (easily beats the Nokton 1.4 for performance, I sold that lens eventually).. but fast glass is very useful on film if shoot in low light etc. I’ve gone from a 1.4 guy to a 2-2.8 guy over the last 5yrs for film.
Hey Matt, thanks for this informative video. Remember I asked you previously about the aperture index after receiving my collapsible version? Well, the way I register the aperture is by memorizing the letter E and N on the front of the lens. It's a little bit of a pain but at least that works for me until the free lens hood arrives. They 'll send you the hood if you are an existing owner of this lens. You just need to pay for the cost of shipment. Secondly, I 've found this lens to be a tad warmer compared to my Leica Cron AsphericaI on my ME240. I am shooting DNG and using CaptureOne 's M240 Generic profile. I don't have the original Leica 8-element. So based on your assessment, the original seems to produce even warmer tones. I am not sure if I like it when shooting under natural tungsten lighting. I have found skin tones especially for Asian women are a bit too yellowish. All in all, I think the collapsible works great for B&W street photography. Not having the hyperfocal index on the lens barrel is fine because you just need to memorize the degree of turn with your index finger by starting from infinity when doing zone focusing. This is a great little fast lens that produces a punch. I love it despite its shortcomings.
Thanks. Yes I love it too and normally zone focus. The v3 (I think it’s a v3.. one in video) cron was warmer than my copy. V1 is also warmer, I saw on YT!
I always contemplate about getting the LLL 35 2.8 collapsible, because I am a sucker for collapsible lenses! However, I REALLY love my 35mm Nokton Classic SC. That lens is already bloody small, and it is a 1.4!!! Wide open, the bokeh distorted beautifully for a vintage feel. Therefore, I held myself back from buying the LLL a few times now. What is your thought, Matt?
If money is a serious object, I can speak good on behalf of the LTM Canon Serenar 35mm f/2.8. Pretty fast and super tiny, and not that expensive (can be had for about $250 with the original finder). Has some serious vignetting wide open, though. Collapsible lenses seem like a great idea in theory but I feel like unless you have a huge jacket pocket they don't really make the camera usably much smaller. This whole thing has me wondering why third party LTM lenses aren't more common, though. TTartisan makes M-mount lenses for half the price of most Voigtlander lenses. While not the same quality, I'm surprised they don't just do LTM instead and provide the $10 M-mount adapter.
Thanks Ian, I used to have the Canon 35mm f1.8 and agree a good size too. Actually companies are starting to make LTM lenses, Voifgtlander have, TTA have with their 28/5.6 new version.. so finally things are looking good in this area.
As always another informative and excellent video. Has made me reconsider, whether or not to purchase the lens light collapsible eight element 35 mm F2 lens. The first time I realized that there was an issue with newer viewfinders and older Barnack Leicas was when I bought a 50 mm bright line viewfinder, which did not fit my Leica IIIa. One of the lenses that I was considering from my Leica IIIa was the light lens lab eight element, 35 mm Sumichron. I saw that they had a smaller 35 mm viewfinder which I was thinking about purchasing if I decided to go with a 35 mm eight element light lens lab. I was concerned and was going to communicate with them whether this will work with the older Barnacks. Perhaps the best solution would be that they offer several different base attachments that you can exchange for the one that fits your camera.
Hey Matt, I was wondering if you'd be open to reviewing the Zeiss Biogon 35mm F2.8. There aren't that many reviews of this excellent lens on RU-vid. I find its high contrast is ideal for black and white photography (especially in the darkroom!)
I have the collapsible version in M mount which focuses at 0,7m, and really love it. I totally agree on the problem with the aperture ring, which is pia, but probably the price to pay for the compact size. I was thinking about getting the normal version, but opted for the Steel-rim Summilux so cannot justify to get another 35 😂
You are shooting a lot of bugs for LLLC. Apart from the lens test I see you use the M240 over the M9. I like the M9 better, why do you seem to prefer the M240? Another good, in depth, well presented video. Thanks.
Watching this video, I found myself idly thinking: 35mm is the “normal” focal length (~40° horizontal angle of view) on my Pixii, and I use a normal lens a lot… so a collapsible 35 would give me a nice briefcase-size package. But then I realized: if I need to add a hood just to get an aperture index mark, then there goes the size advantage… especially compared to the tiny 35mm f/2 Canon LTM lens that I already own. Looks as if I can keep my 1000 GBP in my pocket!
I’ve just bought my first Leica in the M9 and looking for 1 lens for starters and won’t buy another for quite some time. As someone who just wants to enjoy taking pictures would you recommend either of the LLL 35 or 50 lenses as their only lens? Or perhaps I should just go for a voigtlander ultron. The LLL is roughly twice as much as what I could get a 35 ultron for but I don’t mind paying a little more for something I won’t just replace in less than a year. I could also get a 50 apo lanthar for the price of an elcan
I can’t answer this for you, you’ll need to decide if you see 35 or 50 first of all. Many use 35 as one lens setup. Ultron is more modern, 8E has more character. Again personal preference. Same for 50s with APO being perfect, Elcan more arty.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom yes I figured that would be the case for the 35 vs 50 question. Are both the ultron and the LLL equally “good” at their respective image goals? I understand they’re different in the types of images they’re trying to create.
This lens had me very curious. I know the Nokton f1.4 won’t be my forever 35. I just don’t like the feel of the lens (focus and aperture). I’m used to the smoothness of my 50 Summicron. So I know eventually I’ll get a 35 Leica. The prices of the LLL are getting pretty high. I think I’ll probably go on to buy the current 35 Summicron. The vintage ones are too expensive. The KOB has the issue where the front elements get loose so the whole front of the lens rotates slightly. Don’t want that. I’m also avoiding the high contrast look of the Ultrons. That’s why I skipped the 35 Ultron.
All sensible answers Carlos! Agree the LLL are not overly cheap vs a used Leica lens. I just bought a v5 Cron so you’ll be seeing new videos for that to come. I used to own it. (Got a great price so couldn’t say no)(you can buy/sell leica on the blog now)
I have an issues with your criticism the LLL 35mm viewfinder for Barnack cameras. It would be very easy to file the front edges of the base of the viewfinder to fit any camera. However, I just bought one for $68. That's cheap. And maybe your criticism drove the price down.
Thanks David, don't worry after I spoke to them they have now modified the finders so they should fit most cameras. (I feedback to them on their products to help them see what works and what doesn't). The new hood for the 35mm now works really well for example.
So much good stuff in this video Matt, thank you 🙏 From my own experience borrowing yours and Tobi's LLL (btw now I understand why he took the filter off indeed!), you do get used to the finicky handling. Just have to pretend this lens was designed for a time when things were just moving slower in general! Do you think the original Summicron was designed with a warmer coating so it would look nicer on b&w film, like say the Summilux V2 and earlier 90mm Summicron? Seriously looks like something to add to the collection one day 🙈 Also pro tip for you, 10:31 you're way off with your framing man 🤣
Maybe Im just the ultimate camera snob, but when it comes to putting lenses on any Leica body, it doesnt feel complete unless it's a Leica lens. That translates in some awfully subjective way to the images that come out as well. Don't get me completely wrong - some of my all time fav 35mm film images are from a cheap Zuiko lens on a cheap OM-10, or a basic Canon 50mm 1.8 on a Canon AE-1, or my most favourite - industar 52mm on a Fed / Zorki But I just gotta run Leica lenses on my Leica bodies :)
Nothing wrong with that Steve, we’re all different. I’m just as bad in a way.. I feel silly using the Lumix S5 yet it takes similar photos to the SL (the VF is crap and it’s not built as nice and and and.. but regardless I like using Leica for digital. Strangely I don’t mind most cameras for film and have various Nikon etc)
I’ve NEVER found a particularly good Leica lens. My 28 Elmarit M is sharp, but I just don’t like its image quality. Same for 50mm Summicron M. The “Bokeh King” 35 is beneath contempt. So I wouldn’t have much hope for these “replicas”. PS. Zeiss sux too. (Though I have found ONE good one, the C/Y 28mm f2.8 Distagon. That one is a shade better than Canon EF and the Nikkkor Ai-s.). But still not world class like my APO Lanthars. They’re VASTLY better than ALL this shite...
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom. Can’t argue with success! If you’re getting what you want from those lenses........YOU WIN. I’ve never tried the 50 Summicron APO, but have seen great results from the 35 Summilux ASPH. But glad to hear you’ve had better luck with the Leitz APO’s than I have with their older models.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom To do it cleanly, you may want to remove the bottom plate off the finder and put it in a clamp with only the area you want to file off exposed. I would mark the area with a sharpie first though.
I have the rigid LLL 35mm, not sure if I should pick up a collapsible one. I do like it, the price tag is asking me to reconsider for having a second exact lens. I’m sure I will probably eventually get one.
Thanks, can I ask what you’re listening with? I now use professional stereo headphones to check sound before posting. Speech is put through AI tool to remove background noise then per a comment in a previous video I recorded white noise and layered that in. I’m not sure what else I can do.
I'm listening on an iPhone Pro Max 13 and wireless Sony over ear headphones and it's still wonky on mine. There are just these wild low notes in there. My guess is the AI is adding in some weirdness. I'd try it without that. I never much mind a little background noise.
To be fair, it is much better than videos in the past. It's just something happens on especially low notes in your speaking. They go way low for a moment. But I'd say this video is watchable still, which is nice!
I would never touch a Chinese lens. Never ever. Especially a copy of a lens that whas created by the inventor of 35mm photography. But also China has no hertitage in photography.
