Here at Blue Moon we often have the opportunity to try out something new and exciting in the world of film photography. Over the last few weeks, we have been testing a new, high-end Leica 35mm f2 Summicron replica lens made by Light Lens Lab, a new player in the industry that builds modern recreations of some of the rarest and most sought-after vintage lenses on the market. How does this modern recreation stack up against the classic optic it is based on, and what imaging qualities does this new Light Lens Lab 35mm f2 possess? Read on to find out!

So, what is this lens? The new Light Lens Lab 35mm f2 is a modern recreation of the legendary eight element Leitz 35mm f2 Summicron. Featuring eight lens elements in a symmetrical double gauss design, the optics of the LLL 35mm f2 are constructed with leaded flint glass, just like the 1957 original. Each aspect of this lens has been carefully considered to make it as similar to the original as possible-- the lens is even single coated (modern lenses are multi coated) to produce comparable colors and contrast to the v1 35mm Summicron.

*Leica M4 / LLL 35mm f2 / Kodak Gold 200*

The mechanical construction of the Lens Light Lab 35mm f2 matches its optical quality. Built of solid brass, the LLL 35mm f2 has excellent fit and finish and carries an inspiring heft. The focus ring, featuring a large tab with an infinity lock, is beautifully damped. The aperture ring clicks through its detents nicely, but is perhaps not quite as precise as the Leitz original. Otherwise, the lens feels just like the original Leitz optic both in hand and mounted to a camera body - a truly remarkable feat. In fact, because the lens has identical mechanical construction to the original, the lens elements were manufactured to be 1mm wider (outside of the optical path) so that they could not be used to replace optics in original Leitz lenses!

*The finish of the LLL 35mm f2 matches original Leica chrome nicely.*

Why did Lens Light Lab go to these lengths to create this replica? Leaded flint glass is rare and dangerous to make, and full-brass construction is expensive. The reason lies with the sheer excellence of the eight element Leitz 35mm f2 Summicron. When Leica introduced this lens in 1957 the company was near the peak of its market dominance, having introduced the Leica M3 in 1954. Leitz needed a top-tier 35mm lens for its lineup, and spared no expense in creating the first 35mm Summicron (the "v1"). Utilizing eight lens elements allowed Leitz to almost completely eliminate distortion -- in fact, the original eight element 35mm Summicron has less geometric distortion than even the latest Leitz 35mm f2 Summicron ASPH. The Leitz eight element 35mm f2 has excellent sharpness stopped down, and shot wide open produces a distinctive and ethereal "glow." In short, the Leitz eight element 35mm f2 is legendary for its build quality, technical imaging capability, and its unique character shot wide open. The Leitz 35mm f2 v1 commands strong demand in the used market, with sold prices in the $4000+ range.

The Light Lens Lab 35mm f2 produces images that have a very similar tone and quality to the lens it is based on. The leaded flint glass construction and single coating give the lens a slightly more "vintage" color palette than the most modern lenses -- bright tones are softly muted, and contrast is lower than some modern optics. Despite being single-coated, the lens shows good flare resistance, even without the lens hood. Shot wide open, the LLL 35mm f2 cannot match the airy glow of the original Leitz lens, but does produce an attractively "soft" look suitable for portraiture. Bokeh is circular and pleasing, with some edge outlining. Stopped down, the lens is sharp and contrast improves. Overall, the LLL 35mm f2 does a good job emulating the dual nature of the Leitz 35mm f2 v1's rendering characteristics.

*Shot wide open, bokeh quality is smooth and pleasing. Leica M4/ LLL 35mm f2/ Kodak Gold 200.*

*The LLL 35mm f2 produces finely-pointed sunstars, as well as higher contrast and detail, when stopped down. Leica M4 / LLL 35mm f2/ Kodak Gold 200*

Light Lens Lab packages their lens in a handsome white box. Inside, a Leica-style genuine leather case holds the lens with brass front and rear caps. An extensive manual, complete with MTF charts, accompanies the lens. While LLL does produce a replica of the Leitz IROOA lens hood, it does not come included with the lens. The packaging and presentation of the LLL 35mm f2 match its premium price and easily exceed the quality of offerings from brands like Voigtlander.

The shallow depth of field at f2 allows the LLL 8-Element replica to create pronounced background separation from a portrait subject, even with a relatively wide 35mm focal length. Thanks to staff member Anna for posing for this shot. Leica M4 / LLL 35mm f2 / Kodak Gold 200

The Light Lens Lab 35mm f2 eight element replica represents an exciting new era in the manufacturing of Leica M-mount lenses. LLL has already moved to recreate other rare and expensive M lenses, such as the Leitz 50mm f2 Elcan, Zeiss 16mm Hologon, and the Cooke 50mm f2 Speed Panchro. Far from diminishing these legendary optics, these recreations allow a much greater section of the film community to access the special qualities of these lenses. If the forthcoming Light Lens Lab products are anything like the LLL 35mm f2, they will be welcome additions to the world of film photography.

Availability of the Light Lens Lab 35mm f2 is currently very limited in the United States. Blue Moon Camera is pleased to offer both the Silver Chrome and Gloss Black LLL 35mm f2 lenses for sale in our store. Light Lens Lab also produces this lens in special paint options, such as a "vintage" black paint with brassing, safari green paint, and even bare brass finish. Please contact Blue Moon to place a custom order for LLL lenses in special paint finishes.

Meanwhile, if you want to pick up a silver or black finish, we have them in stock right here.

Light Lens Lab 35mm f2 8-Element Summicron Replica - Review & Sample Images