I very recently bought the TTArtisan 28mm f5.6 lens and I love it. REALLY love it. Aside from the gorgeous and abominable included lens hood the lens is stellar. For $10 I got a screw on lens hood which works wonderfully. When 7Artisans introduced their 28mm lens I wondered if the larger lens would be better. Thanks so much for this review which stopped my palms from sweating.
I have 3 TTA Lenses (APS-C) 23/1.4, 35/1.4, 50/1.2 all black. The M-Mount Series however, the 28/5.6 M 7Artisans is optically a bit weird, but better Optics than the TTA 28/5.6 M, which looks from the outside like a Leica Summaron-M 28/5.6 II Clone. For the record, the 7Artisans 35/1.4 M is also from it's looks a bit odd, but optically also better, sharper, better Microcontrast (check ErickPhoto 1:1 comparsion - 2020, btw) vs. the TTA 35/1.4 M, therefore, i bought the 7A Lens into 2021.
I used the TTArtisan 28 5.6 for a bit and was very happy with the image and it's great for outdoor sunny days, but not so much for low light/indoors. I ended up purchasing a CV 28 f2 Ultron II and so happy I did as it is a great lens. Sold the TT lens this week... Thanks Matt for all the great video's..
I forwarded an online Popular photography (U..S) article about this lens to a long time friend and pro photographer. His reply to me was, suddenly it's 1939 again!. Keep up the good work.
It seems that the lens is modelled after the Minolta CLE Rokkor 28mm which also brings up the 35mm frame lines on the M mount bodies. As much as there was a Minolta Leica co-operation, even then, there were anomalies in standardization. As for my lens, I get the 35mm frame lines on my M2 rather than the 90 I would expect. It doesn't matter as I am just using the full finder as a guide for framing which works fine.
Just an update. 7Artisans is providing a new rear mount which actuates the 28mm frame lines. It is a simple job to change and they send it out by tracked courier upon request if needed.
The TT Artisans looks like a no brainier for someone wanting an old style 28. That Lumix kit lens is very underrated. Got it with my second hand and mint gx80 for 300
Thanks for that - glad I've got the TTArtisan 28mm f5.6 already! Looks like 7Artisans have lost their way a bit - the 28mm f1.4 is superb but has a lot of gravity so don't carry it around as much as I could and I've got one of their earlier Leica lenses - the 35mm f2 (that they don't offer any more) that is excellent and I do drop in the bag and I've been hoping they would do 28 and 50mm f2's to complement it. Smaller and lighter is always good and it's an area of the budget end of the market that is (surprisingly?) empty.
I bought the 7 Artisans 28mm f5.6 secondhand because I found one at a buy now price of £80 on Ebay, and I don’t shoot on a rangefinder. I've used it on Canon M, Fuji, Lumix and Olmypus bodies ... great looking and a bargain.
@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom ... That's exactly what I thought, and it was just such a no-brainer. I've got several TT Artisans and 7 Artisans lenses for different mounts, and I certainly have no quibbles at all.
If you have a chance, you should visit my hometown Puerto Rico. You’re going to love walking around Old San Juan. It’s like being in an old city in Spain or Italy. Plus you go to the ATM and American dollars come out 😀… Actually, let’s coordinate and make it a photo walk with Mr Leica. I’ll help with the Spanish. Another rare honest review in the world of TH-cam camera channels. Keep it up!
Nice review. Question, how do you deal with uncoded 6-bit lenses? Do you set them to "uncoded" on the camera? Or do you use the closest Leica lens in he list? I ask because I have run into trouble using the closest Leica lens with a 6-bit flange attached or by manually entering it in the camera. I get darker images.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom OK, I have been doing this and find it works better than a "close" Leica lens profile. But I wanted a trusted pro opinion. Thank you.
I am happy with my Rokkor-M 28mm/2.8 and also with the Kobalux 28mm/3.5 ltm. I don't see a reason to buy a 28/5.6 from these two lens makers (TTartisan and 7Artisan). Both of my lenses were bought years ago for around a similar price as for what the 28/5.6 lenses discussed here would cost.
Great question! being f5.6 most things are in focus so the lenses are supplied without tools (I think) and the lenses are good to go. I'll do blog post for the TT28 very soon so see MrLeica.com for full res examples including film.
Yes they make f5.6-f8 28mm lenses as a walkabout P&S lens as most things are in focus. Try liberating and for all the street shooters using a fast 28mm at f8 this is what they should be using to enjoy a compact setup. (There is now a smaller f2.8 too , see my other videos)
@@jc.baptiste I’ve had great results from the TT on film and digital. There are better 28s yes if only want perfection but perfection gets boring real fast.
Hi Don, not really, TTA is much nicer made and size but 7A has less vignetting, more contrast. I like the filmic look of the TTA. I'll try to do another video on it to share some portraits and film shots.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Matt, I went ahead and ordered the 7A 28/5.6 it was supposed to arrive today but there is a shipping delay so won't be here until tomorrow. I'm interested in doing my own comparison of the two since they are not that expensive..
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Nope. 35mm frame lines but since 28mm uses up most of the viewfinder I don't find it a problem. I like the physical form factor of the TT Art 28 better but the 7 Art is definitely a better performing lens, or at least the copies I have it is. 7 Art is sharp to the corners, beautiful colors, and better contrast.
The new mount has arrived from 7artisans for the 28mm f5.6. Here is a video of the repair. Works like a charm now! th-cam.com/video/6hKiTdf3IYg/w-d-xo.html
Nothing looks super amazing with these cheapos. When it comes to 28mm I prefer to use the stellar Super-Angulon-M 1:4 lens on my M8. Just love the results. The nine aperture blades give nice sunstars, the close focus distance of 0.3 meters is superb for a M lens, sharpness is top notch, the bokeh and colour rendition is excellent. It also has absolutely no distortion thanks to the symmetrical design plus it is super short and compact. Build quality is top notch with its chrome finish.
nice review, again very nice photos but 7 or TTArtisan is not my way. Sure you can make photos with this lenses, like my iPhone 6 does. The working condition in china are also not my. So I prefer Voigtländer or Leica. But that’s just my way
Working condition in China lol, of course, another dirty trick for boycotting Chinese manufacturers, have you found that mass killinh weapon in Iraq? Plus, it's lens bro, I am sure the working condition is much better than that of where you shoes and shirts are made today.
A fellow came into our shop wanting to know if there were any other lenses for his Leica because the prices of Leica lenses were a bit too steep for him. The following conversation went something like this. Why would you buy a Porsche and then run around on (expletive deleted, this is a family show) remolded tires? The customer was then shown the door (thrown out), the manager, a very keen Leica user and friend of the then head of Leica, went into the office and spent the rest of the day sobbing in the corner rocking on his back clutching his knees and shouting why me? why me? why me? and smoking like a refinery fire. Leica tends to have that effect, I got the slight impression it was Leica or nothing, scary.
Haha I’m not so polarised. I use Leica as I like the cameras, I use any lens that creates nice photos. I’ve sold some flagship Leica glass as I’ve found better alternatives.
Only Leica v 3rd party lenses are not as different as prime and remould tyre. If you want to use that sort of allegory they are more like having all season tyres so you can drive your Porsche in the winter rather than not use it. I have got a range of lenses for my (second-hand) M10-P - a Voigtlander 15mm f4 and a 21mm f4 Color Skopar, a TTArtisan 28mm f5.6 and a 7Artisan f1.4 a 7Artisan 35mm f2, a Voigtlander 40mm Nokton Classic and 7Artisan 50mm f1.1 and 75mm f1.25 for a total of £2218 and can explore Leica use a lot more than if I just had (say) a used 35mm ASPH that would have cost me about the same. Which is really 'better'?
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Yes, I think with modern technology others companies can catch up, and Leica lenses are on the edge of what the human eye can resolve anyway. I love this channel btw.
@@FFVoyager The manager of the shop was a very keen supporter and Leica user as were a lot of the customers to the extent some had a black body for b&w and a silver body for slide and all the lenses for each camera, and Porsches, Bentleys, Helicopters, private jets, large mansions and yachts, and one even had a criminal record, after the law caught up with him, couldn't have happened to a nicer bloke, it's his wife I felt for sorry for, talk about stop the traffic drop dead gorgeous, hay ho, happy days. Maybe I could be persuaded about lenses, but never tires.
@@malfunction8165 folk should do whatever they want with their money - but they don't deserve to be thrown out of a shop because they asked a sensible question. Clearly the manager has some personal issues over which they need to get a grip. I notice you don't answer my question - is it better to have one Leica lens or make use of the camera by having a range of non-Leica lenses?
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I very recently bought the TTArtisan 28mm f5.6 lens and I love it. REALLY love it. Aside from the gorgeous and abominable included lens hood the lens is stellar. For $10 I got a screw on lens hood which works wonderfully. When 7Artisans introduced their 28mm lens I wondered if the larger lens would be better. Thanks so much for this review which stopped my palms from sweating.
Thanks Hiram! Yes I love the TT too!
I have 3 TTA Lenses (APS-C) 23/1.4, 35/1.4, 50/1.2 all black. The M-Mount Series however, the 28/5.6 M 7Artisans is optically a bit weird, but better Optics than the TTA 28/5.6 M, which looks from the outside like a Leica Summaron-M 28/5.6 II Clone. For the record, the 7Artisans 35/1.4 M is also from it's looks a bit odd, but optically also better, sharper, better Microcontrast (check ErickPhoto 1:1 comparsion - 2020, btw) vs. the TTA 35/1.4 M, therefore, i bought the 7A Lens into 2021.
@@marcp.1752 thanks Marc, yes I like the 7A 35/1.4.. I’m trying to get another 7A lens once in stock.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Glad you like it, Matt.
I used the TTArtisan 28 5.6 for a bit and was very happy with the image and it's great for outdoor sunny days, but not so much for low light/indoors. I ended up purchasing a CV 28 f2 Ultron II and so happy I did as it is a great lens. Sold the TT lens this week... Thanks Matt for all the great video's..
Thanks, yes TT is not suited to be the only 28mm but great as a second lens.
I forwarded an online Popular photography (U..S) article about this lens to a long time friend and pro photographer. His reply to me was, suddenly it's 1939 again!. Keep up the good work.
Haha, thanks!
It seems that the lens is modelled after the Minolta CLE Rokkor 28mm which also brings up the 35mm frame lines on the M mount bodies. As much as there was a Minolta Leica co-operation, even then, there were anomalies in standardization. As for my lens, I get the 35mm frame lines on my M2 rather than the 90 I would expect. It doesn't matter as I am just using the full finder as a guide for framing which works fine.
Good info, thanks for sharing
Just an update. 7Artisans is providing a new rear mount which actuates the 28mm frame lines. It is a simple job to change and they send it out by tracked courier upon request if needed.
Thanks Clive! Great info. I’m glad they are trying to correct their oversight although it took a while.
Been loving 28mm lately! I use a Leica 28mm 2.8 Elmarit V3 🙌
The v3 is my fav too, especially in b&w.
@@davidkieltyka9 Haha yes I primarily shoot Bnw!🙌🙌
Nice!! Very good 28. I have it
@@davidkieltyka9 I have the latest small Elmarit, really nice but I need f2 for weddings
As always; superb images and video! Enjoy the weekend / Ulf
Thanks Ulf! You too!
WOW, exactly what I want, thanks Matt. I thank I will buy TTArtisan 28mm. Very good looking and price worth performance.
Thanks Eric, TT gives nice filmic look and beautifully crafted
..I’ll do written post with full res film and digital samples on MrLeica.com soon
The TT Artisans looks like a no brainier for someone wanting an old style 28.
That Lumix kit lens is very underrated. Got it with my second hand and mint gx80 for 300
Thanks Paul. Yes love the TT and yes Lumix stuff offers great value
I'm still rocking my VM 28mm f2 Ultron V1 and won't be changing it. Lovely lens
Yes it is good, I had it for years and only sold when I got the v2
Thanks for this.
Thanks, no problem! I still enjoy my TTA28
Thanks for that - glad I've got the TTArtisan 28mm f5.6 already!
Looks like 7Artisans have lost their way a bit - the 28mm f1.4 is superb but has a lot of gravity so don't carry it around as much as I could and I've got one of their earlier Leica lenses - the 35mm f2 (that they don't offer any more) that is excellent and I do drop in the bag and I've been hoping they would do 28 and 50mm f2's to complement it. Smaller and lighter is always good and it's an area of the budget end of the market that is (surprisingly?) empty.
Yes I hear the big 28 is good but heavy. I might try to test at some point. Yes agreed we need more smaller less fast good price lenses.
I bought the 7 Artisans 28mm f5.6 secondhand because I found one at a buy now price of £80 on Ebay, and I don’t shoot on a rangefinder.
I've used it on Canon M, Fuji, Lumix and Olmypus bodies ... great looking and a bargain.
Great price
@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom ... That's exactly what I thought, and it was just such a no-brainer. I've got several TT Artisans and 7 Artisans lenses for different mounts, and I certainly have no quibbles at all.
Battle of the Artisans!!! 🤺
Was a knock out before they even entered the ring!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom lol. For sure!
has anyone ever tried the mitakon 28mm 5.6? there are not many reviews of this one…
I've not sorry, I use the TTA 28/5.6 . Love it
Agree the TT looks better! Still, the 7 looks slightly sharper to me vs the Lumix zoom, but maybe it's due to the contrast..
Thanks Thomas, I think the brighter 7 photos helped make look better, up close I think the Lumix might be slightly sharper.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom little Lumix seems to be on a winning streak lately 😅
@@sunny16portraits yes I only use them as the results are good. I have other cameras if not.
Hi Matt I'm to buy me an Canon 50mm LTM. Do you recommend the 1.4 or 1.8 for the CL?
Smaller vs 1.4?
Sharpness / caracter?
Thanks in advance
Per
1.4 is sharper and a bit bigger. As CL is APS-C I think 1.4 makes sense for more bokeh/ DOF
What bag is that, the one next to the Billingham? Looks good!
Ha thanks, you will laugh. See my last bag video, you see it at the start. It’s nothing special! (But glad you like it too!)
If you have a chance, you should visit my hometown Puerto Rico. You’re going to love walking around Old San Juan. It’s like being in an old city in Spain or Italy. Plus you go to the ATM and American dollars come out 😀… Actually, let’s coordinate and make it a photo walk with Mr Leica. I’ll help with the Spanish.
Another rare honest review in the world of TH-cam camera channels. Keep it up!
Thanks Carlos! And for the invite/ idea. If I ever get the chance to come I’ll be sure to write!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Let me know way in advance because I live in Thailand 😀 … But will visit mom for sure.
@@carlosmcse thanks. I don’t think it will be any time soon but I made a mental note!
Hi Matt is there a screw on version ...for Canon P's
Sadly no, I wish there was a TTA 28 LTM version. See my recent Canon 28/2.8 LTM video as an alternative.
Soft and softer .
Vs Leica and Voigtlander yes
what did u shot the video with b roll bokeh looks nice 👍
Thanks! My new setup, I’m glad you noticed. I’ll share in a future video :)
So they did the same thing for the now 35mm v2
Sometimes they drive me crazy!
Nice review. Question, how do you deal with uncoded 6-bit lenses? Do you set them to "uncoded" on the camera? Or do you use the closest Leica lens in he list? I ask because I have run into trouble using the closest Leica lens with a 6-bit flange attached or by manually entering it in the camera. I get darker images.
Thanks Zoltan, I tend not to use lens profiles as change lenses all the time.
You can set to a similar Leica lens yes.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom OK, I have been doing this and find it works better than a "close" Leica lens profile. But I wanted a trusted pro opinion. Thank you.
@@zoltankaparthy9095 I’m just a regular guy :) ..but happy with results with no profiles
I am happy with my Rokkor-M 28mm/2.8 and also with the Kobalux 28mm/3.5 ltm. I don't see a reason to buy a 28/5.6 from these two lens makers (TTartisan and 7Artisan). Both of my lenses were bought years ago for around a similar price as for what the 28/5.6 lenses discussed here would cost.
Yes Rokkors are some nice lenses. I have the small 40mm. It should be better for sure. Not tried Kobalux yet.
Do they both come calibrated or do you have to do this?
Great question! being f5.6 most things are in focus so the lenses are supplied without tools (I think) and the lenses are good to go. I'll do blog post for the TT28 very soon so see MrLeica.com for full res examples including film.
why is a 5.6 lens even desired in a 28mm? anyone please tell me what I am missing? I'm sure i am missing the answer!
Yes they make f5.6-f8 28mm lenses as a walkabout P&S lens as most things are in focus. Try liberating and for all the street shooters using a fast 28mm at f8 this is what they should be using to enjoy a compact setup. (There is now a smaller f2.8 too , see my other videos)
From my experience TTartisan lenses in general seem a bit better than the 7artisan lenses.
Less worse I would say. Both are terribly bad, seriously.
@@jc.baptiste the ttartisan 50 0.95 for m mount is a fantastic lens and far from bad.
Agreed
@@jc.baptiste I’ve had great results from the TT on film and digital. There are better 28s yes if only want perfection but perfection gets boring real fast.
@@0action847 yes love that lens too! Gives my Noctilux f1 a good contest
Any noticeable characteristics the 7 Art 28/5.6 might have over the TT Art 28/5.6 now that you had the chance to put a bit more use on them?
Hi Don, not really, TTA is much nicer made and size but 7A has less vignetting, more contrast. I like the filmic look of the TTA. I'll try to do another video on it to share some portraits and film shots.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Matt, I went ahead and ordered the 7A 28/5.6 it was supposed to arrive today but there is a shipping delay so won't be here until tomorrow. I'm interested in doing my own comparison of the two since they are not that expensive..
@@d30gaijin great, hopefully yours gives 28mm framelines.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Nope. 35mm frame lines but since 28mm uses up most of the viewfinder I don't find it a problem. I like the physical form factor of the TT Art 28 better but the 7 Art is definitely a better performing lens, or at least the copies I have it is. 7 Art is sharp to the corners, beautiful colors, and better contrast.
The new mount has arrived from 7artisans for the 28mm f5.6. Here is a video of the repair. Works like a charm now! th-cam.com/video/6hKiTdf3IYg/w-d-xo.html
Thanks Clive, I'll be honest, I much prefer the TTA version so I use that and sold the 7A lens. Thanks for the link though.
I have the lens and it shows the correct 28mm lines. 😱
Ooo interesting! That’s a good sign that maybe I have a bad copy and rest are ok. Thanks for sharing!
Wait…TT artisan and 7 artisan are 2 different brands!!?!
Ha yes!
Nothing looks super amazing with these cheapos. When it comes to 28mm I prefer to use the stellar Super-Angulon-M 1:4 lens on my M8. Just love the results. The nine aperture blades give nice sunstars, the close focus distance of 0.3 meters is superb for a M lens, sharpness is top notch, the bokeh and colour rendition is excellent. It also has absolutely no distortion thanks to the symmetrical design plus it is super short and compact.
Build quality is top notch with its chrome finish.
Thanks, I’ve not tried that one but agree there are better options. Elmarit 2.8 is really good too but I need f2 for weddings.
nice review, again very nice photos
but 7 or TTArtisan is not my way. Sure you can make photos with this lenses, like my iPhone 6 does. The working condition in china are also not my. So I prefer Voigtländer or Leica. But that’s just my way
Yes totally understand. Strangely I often prefer to carry the TT over Leica and Voigtlander. I like the design and the filmic look.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Yes the filmic look is nice, I use the great presets from Matt Osborne for that ;)
Working condition in China lol, of course, another dirty trick for boycotting Chinese manufacturers, have you found that mass killinh weapon in Iraq? Plus, it's lens bro, I am sure the working condition is much better than that of where you shoes and shirts are made today.
Meaga fail LMAO. Thanks for the comp!
Thanks!
I'm going to have to stop watching your videos. They make me want to buy stuff.😎
Haha sorry!
good video ... on the top ... the 7artisan is very ugly vs TT artisan...
So I'll stick with my Summaron 28mm LTM f5.6 :-)
Nice yes you have best option I think! :) Thanks Jerome
A fellow came into our shop wanting to know if there were any other lenses for his Leica because the prices of Leica lenses were a bit too steep for him. The following conversation went something like this. Why would you buy a Porsche and then run around on (expletive deleted, this is a family show) remolded tires? The customer was then shown the door (thrown out), the manager, a very keen Leica user and friend of the then head of Leica, went into the office and spent the rest of the day sobbing in the corner rocking on his back clutching his knees and shouting why me? why me? why me? and smoking like a refinery fire. Leica tends to have that effect, I got the slight impression it was Leica or nothing, scary.
Haha I’m not so polarised. I use Leica as I like the cameras, I use any lens that creates nice photos. I’ve sold some flagship Leica glass as I’ve found better alternatives.
Only Leica v 3rd party lenses are not as different as prime and remould tyre. If you want to use that sort of allegory they are more like having all season tyres so you can drive your Porsche in the winter rather than not use it.
I have got a range of lenses for my (second-hand) M10-P - a Voigtlander 15mm f4 and a 21mm f4 Color Skopar, a TTArtisan 28mm f5.6 and a 7Artisan f1.4 a 7Artisan 35mm f2, a Voigtlander 40mm Nokton Classic and 7Artisan 50mm f1.1 and 75mm f1.25 for a total of £2218 and can explore Leica use a lot more than if I just had (say) a used 35mm ASPH that would have cost me about the same.
Which is really 'better'?
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Yes, I think with modern technology others companies can catch up, and Leica lenses are on the edge of what the human eye can resolve anyway. I love this channel btw.
@@FFVoyager The manager of the shop was a very keen supporter and Leica user as were a lot of the customers to the extent some had a black body for b&w and a silver body for slide and all the lenses for each camera, and Porsches, Bentleys, Helicopters, private jets, large mansions and yachts, and one even had a criminal record, after the law caught up with him, couldn't have happened to a nicer bloke, it's his wife I felt for sorry for, talk about stop the traffic drop dead gorgeous, hay ho, happy days. Maybe I could be persuaded about lenses, but never tires.
@@malfunction8165 folk should do whatever they want with their money - but they don't deserve to be thrown out of a shop because they asked a sensible question. Clearly the manager has some personal issues over which they need to get a grip.
I notice you don't answer my question - is it better to have one Leica lens or make use of the camera by having a range of non-Leica lenses?