Well done,Matt.Thanks No longer I need not be ashamed mounting this made in China lens on my Western Germany M3 and M6. A fat Spring Roll tinkered to a Jerry Can.
Thankyou for a fair and complete review of this lens. It is a Sonnar, the formula is similar to the Zunow 5cm F1.1 V2 lens of the 1950s. That lens will cost some $5,000 in Leica mount - or more. I bought the 7Artisans when it first came out, optimized mine for the M9 and then bought a second one to optimize for a Yellow filter for the M Monochrom. The Yellow filter cuts out CA, and the lens is even sharper on that camera. Hints: use a 55mm to 58mm step-up ring and vented 58mm hood, OR stick with the 55mm filter and use a clamp on hood. I made my own clamp-on hoods for this lens. This is a fun lens. Now that it is discontinued, readers should grab one fast before it becomes the next cult classic. Like the Canon 50/0.95. Remember when those went for $200? I bought two of those as well.
Thanks Brian! Thanks for confirming the Sonnar origin. I thought that I'd read it somewhere but there is not too much info out there. Yes good tips for hoods. Sadly I don't remember the Canon for $200 otherwise I would have bought a few too! (This lens does seem underpriced currently for what it offers).
Thanks for the technical and historical tips. Very useful (so many take the opportunity of this dialogue just to make a list of all their toys, even if unrelated,🙃 that sometimes I feel I am in a kindergarten ;o).
I own a copy of this lens and use it on my M8, which I shoot in monochrome jpegs mainly. The 50mm is 66mm on the M8, and it is a really great portrait lens on the M8, but also for my streetphotography it did give me stunning results! I really like this lens! The built quality is great, and the results are so pleasing for the eye! It is totally underrated!
Thanks and great to hear! Yes it seems like a sleeper. Not many people taking about it which helps with the low price I guess. I was really impressed. (and nice combo with the M8. I used to use the Nocti on my old M8 for some portraits).
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Funny that many does this lens not even give a chance! But like you say, it keeps the price great for who do want it. Keep up the good work Matt! Always great content 🙌🙏🏼
I gave it a chance but mine came not completely calibrated, at f 1.1 it is definitely soft and prone to a lot of flare. Other than that, I agree great built and no problem using it on my Nikon (instead of my M).
"Character" ? Novlang ("1984") for "optically flawed" ;o) I like the new euphemism that have been invented lately and avoid calling a spade a spade. I do understand what this flaws bring to the table but unfortunately not my taste.
That is the best advice I've heard all week! Spend a little on cheap travel and go exploring with less expensive kit. (Flights from £32 return in January!)
Well, Paul Strand would disagree: the best photos happen on one's doorstep in an environment one has had the time to assess and understand, the time to develop an emotional connection, and the time to photograph at leisure under various lights.
Just picked up a nokton 50mm 1.2. loving it on my m240. Have you seen the voigtlander 28mm nokton 1.5 that's coming out? Hoping to pick one up in January if they release then
Actually, I love to use the 7artisans f1,1 on my Leica M3 the most. On film it is extraordinary painterly wide open, but also very sharp once stopped down a few stops. It shines on film!
How does it compare to the ttartisan 50mm 1.4? Size, weight and image quality. I was thinking of getting the ttarisan 1.4, i already have the 7a 1.1 and the tt 0.95, but thinking of getting a smaller, lighter and more ‘clinical’ lens.
1. Love the "natural evening lighting" re-realization. I know it is dinner/relaxing time for most people, but my most satisfying exterior photos are late afternoons. 2. I have never owned anything bigger than f1.4, so I can't speak to anything below that. But, I am so pleased to live in my old film lens world where I can read the history of the people and processes...and feel a human connection.
You could live in the current digital world and still "read about the history of the people and processes" (in fact I do). As for the human connection it is far more about the photographer than the tools. Let us not fool ourselves.
I just picked up one of these off MPB and am really impressed with it! Mine wasn’t 6-bit coded interestingly enough but it has a lovely rendering, thanks for the suggestion Matt!
Mine was not either. The first generation did not come 6-bit coded. If Matt used a used one it is probable that the previous owner added the 6-bit rear ring to the lens.
Did you ever test the Elmarit 50? Should fit your taste: small, light and has a nice rendering. The only downside is the minimal focus distance of 80 cm
Hi Steve, Leica never made a 50mm Elmarit. They made the 28mm Elmarit but 50s are Elmars. I think that's what you mean. F2.8 lens. Yes I made a video. If you Google it you'll find the blog post too. (Still own it). MFD is 1m on the 50mm if I recall so maybe you mean a different lens. Summarit 50 f2.5? I think that is 0.8m (see review if yes).
It isn’t your gear Matt, it is you and your beautiful models (love your street photography as well btw, beautiful city). Maybe you feel your creative juices flowing with a Leica,but you’d be just as productive with any good camera and lens combination, old and new.
Thank you. I could probably get similar photos if I can use the same lenses on other cameras but part of photography is the enjoyment and I love walking around with Leica M cameras (and Barnacks) especially, (see the new video from last night).. and I feel silly walking around with my Lumix S5.. That shows I must be shallow but I've come to enjoy holding a Leica over the last decade and I worked hard to get to that "level" ..haha I still don't have a house but my priory is photography! :) . .see the Nikon vs Leica older video. I got similar results with both.
Yes probably but the ease and pleasure that one has with a specific camera result in using them more frequently and having a pleasurable experience rather that one feeling like work. That is probably why so many photographers still use M Leica which are not the most versatile cameras on the market.
Would love to see a review on MR.Ding 50/1.1 lens and how it compares to this one (as this one seems to be discontinued and impossible to get a new one) or a review on any other 50mm F.95 to F1.2 alternatives out there that is still in production and available
Thanks. I reviewed most fast 50s for Leica M mount. 0.95 from Leica and TTA, f1 from Leica and Voigtlander, 1.2 from Voigtlander etc. Check those videos. Yes if I ever get to test a Mr Ding i'll be sure to share the results. (These 7A lenses are easy to find used).
If you could only choose one 50 mm lens out of all the lenses you've reviewed or used which one would it be? I recall in a very early video you were extremely enthusiastic about the 50 mm 1.2 Voigtlander.
Hi Dave, if you ask me that question for digital photos of female models this 7A lens is close to the top. If I’m shooting film then something more corrected. The 1.2 is a good all rounder for many people but I don’t own it.
Another great video! I also got myself a used copy on mpb a while ago, it is a no-brainer for the money. One thing worth mentioning is, that I can`t focus beyond 5m on my Lumix S5 (using 2 different adapters) but it works perfectly on the Nikon ZF. Also, I find it interesting that it gives you kind of 2 different characters in 1 lens: It is very soft at 1.1 with a lot of flare (if used right, can lead to very dreamy looking pictures), but really improves sharpness and contrast at slightly above f1.4, but maintaining that beautiful bokeh
I have two genuine Noctilux lenses and maybe two dozen 50mm lenses for the Leica cameras, but I'd still want to try one of these some day. If I remember correctly, it was supposed to be a Sonnar adaptation. I don't care about 100% zoom sharpness, but the overall image. What the reviews say is "bad" is very often very good, if the time and subject is right.
Thanks, yes with your mindset you will likely love this lens. Like me, you appreciate the lenses for their character and yes the Sonnar formula gives for some fantastic images. (I have the f1 Nocti and others too). ..and they're cheap!
How can "bad" be "good" elaborate? I have never enjoyed images with too much softness and too much flare whatever the time and subject but I understand when it comes to aesthetic things can become subjective.
Thank you for this video. Your photos are very nice. I have the Leica 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux which is relatively heavy, but its lens elements are glass, not plastic. My guess is that my Leica lens would do well against the Artisan lens in larger photographs - but I don't KNOW that. Also, I have found that if I use a low ISO and shoot at 1/4000 sec I may not need an ND filter even in bright sunlight. Having such a filter on your lens is awkward if you're walking in and out of sunlit areas.
Thanks, I own the f1 classic Noctilux but I’ve used the 0.95 too. Yes the latest Nocti is much better corrected (similar to a 50 Lux look)(I have one). I prefer the less perfect look for some portraits so both lenses have their strengths. Depending on the camera you use, sometimes no ND is possible. I do this with the SL.
I would appreciate a side by side comparison between the 7artisans and the ttartisans fast 50’s. And congratulations on a very positive video about a less than loved lens.
Thanks for such an enthusiastic video, Matt. This lens ended up being my first non-Leica lens. I've got it on an M3 (seems like it should be easier to get critical focus with the greater magnification) and I'm puting a roll of Velvia 50 through it now, slow enough to let me shoot wide open most of the time. I'm really looking forward to seeing the results! 🤩 I also got a great deal second-hand for it at a local camera shop. Interestingly, my copy isn't six bit coded. I think that means that it's an early release.
Thanks James! Haha yes I'm very transparent. If I like something you'll know haha. Good to hear you are using on your M3. If they are both calibrated it should be fine but perhaps stop down for some important photos if it's your first roll. I shot 2 rolls in my M3 in Valencia and some photos with the 1.1. I'll share results on social media when I get time to develop the film!
Well. These Chinese companies are getting really good at these lenses. That’s not an easy one to get right especially no issue with calibration. Would be interesting to do a shootout of all these super fast lenses and include the Voigtlander 50f1.0. A chunky f1.0 lens is not a bad lens to own. Won’t be an every day lens, but for that special look it’s definitely worth it. Taking photos outside is hard. In my photos you can see for the most part people aren’t aware that I’m taking their picture, unless I go to a touristy spot. Also the most difficult part is to consider the whole frame. Put all the elements together because one can get tunnel vision. I find if you have the space to move a small 50mm is the best. At least for me. You can keep things tidy in the frame and you’re not too close or too far away. And think of layers. It’s hard at the beginning but then you get used to it. I shoot mostly f8 in the sun. The way I isolate the subject is by making the frames simple. Minimal. And have good figure to ground.
Thanks Carlos, I think with a black M camera it will be more stealth and yes will a small lens that helps for street too. A small Cron etc. This is an early Chinese lens from all they've released but seems a bit of a forgotten gem. I like it anyway.. and yes I hope to do a test of more fast 50s in January.
I like this lens a lot. Wacky Sonnar rendering wide open, warm color. It’s useless for anything needing corner-to-corner sharpness, though. ☺️ My copy is an early one, and due to rear element protrusion it doesn’t mount (via adapter) on my SL2. It mounts fine on Sony cameras, though, and I’ve even used it in autofocus mode via a Techart adapter. On M cameras I’ve found it tricky to hit focus wide open due to the short throw. So I take duplicate shots when I can…one of ‘em is usually good or at least good enough.
Great review! Yeah, I got this lens in my kit. 35mm/1,4 Distagon and a 85mm/4.0 Tele-Tessar and the big baby Sonnar 7Artisan 50mm/1.1 It covers my Leica/Zeiss needs 😊 I also got a nice Jupiter Sonnar 50mm/1.5 for the vintage look. I only shoot analog with my M6 but are very happy to see your results with the M240 and the 7Artisan 50mm/1.1. Inspiring indeed!
Thank you Hans! Yes when I tested the Distagon I was so impressed. Easily the best fast 35mm I've used (and I've used Leica). I just wish it was smaller! I have the J3 Sonnar too. I must make a video for it in 2024. (See tonight's video, I just when all in on M cameras) :)
That looks really good, especially for the price. LLL 1966 looks interesting, too, but of course that’s much more expensive, if nowhere neer the used prices of the original. I like your street photos, though I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks shooting pictures of people I don’t know and I’ll never see again is a bit strange. Though I really enjoy looking at street photography, so who knows?
Yes! I was really impressed. Hopefully I can test the LLL at some point to see how it does. I would expect it to be more corrected (but still great). Yes the light in the streets was a lot of fun!
Thanks Dave! Great stuff. Yes I missed them when they were in production then a student brought one to a workshop about 12 months ago. I took about 3 photos and saw the potential instantly. Took me until now to get around to buying one.
nice street shots! I generally shoot more stopped down because I am shooting more than one person in the frame, or musicians where I need somore of the instrument showing, but I am waiting on the delivery of a Voightlander 50mm 1.2, so I may be heading for more bokeh.
Thanks Peter, you are the 2nd person in the comments to just get the 1.2 lens! They must sell well. The fast aperture can give some interesting results and great in low light.
Yes, side by side of those two would be nice. The street shots are great! You have an untapped resource there. Your past ones have been good, too, but I like the color of these. This lens does color nicely. And you have convinced me to use the M240 more. Thanks for another professional, concise informative review. The street shots on color are just great.
Thanks Sandy, yes the light helped with the street photos for sure. Stay tuned about M cameras, this lens had more of an impact on me than anticipated!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Don't start. I am avoiding 50's. I have a few, and that nice 1941 CZJ f/1.5, but . . . That 7Artisans lens is out of production but all over eBay. Not on B&H. I'll poke around. I do like the Bertele, but, . . . I was reviewing your chat with Peter Coulton and I am not sure I agree with his dismissal of the X HB's. The X2D has all the hoo-hah on the screen one would wish for. I do not think he had yet tried one. I'll recheck the chat you guys had. Thanks for your continuing excellent work. And I hope Father Christmas gets a double hernia carrying what is yours to you for Christmas. And you've got dark hair so you can go out for first-footin' fae Hogmanay. Cheers!
@@zoltankaparthy9095 ha thanks! You saw what Santa brought me in last nights video! To confirm Peter had the X2D and owns previous models. The SL2-S offer more tools in the VF and B&W view that we both love.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom indeed. As a Leica fan and shooter I have to say that those overprice days to get Leica look are getting closer to an end. A lot of the Voigtlander lenses I own give some of my Leica counterpart a run for their money. Paired to some of the quality issues that Leica is having is time stop believing the hype a bit. Great Points Matt
Great review, it would be interesting to see how it compares with a Voigtlander 50 f1.2 for those of us with a wife who is also the financial controller
Haha, I know that area of work well from my past jobs! The 7A lens is cheaper. If I can get a 1.2 in 2024 to compare I will. (On the list but after tonight's video the list just got a lot longer!)
(I guessed right;) A specialized portrait lens, so an obvious try for you, wild character @1.1, gentle @1.4. Not versatile at all (borders). My quest for fast 50mm prime has ended with Mr/Dr DING (perhaps;), thanks to Bastian @PhilipReeve, creamy bokeh and versatile. The optical formula is close to the CV Nokton 50/1.1 I told you about last time (and so, close to the Noct 50/1.0), but with a diametrically opposed rendering. (This unloved lens is a keeper for me).
[sigh] Watching this video gives me "seller's remorse" -- I owned a 7Artisans 50/1.1 six years ago (back before there were so many interesting Chinese-OEM lenses on the market) and eventually got rid of it! Reason: I also had (and still have) an M-converted Canon 50mm f/0.95 lens which gives rather similar-looking images, and I didn't feel I could justify owning two "exotic" 50s. Now I wish I'd hung onto it, if only because it's so much smaller and lighter than the Canon, which as you know is quite a chunky beast. Of course, I could try to find the 7Artisans lens on eBay, but top-condition used ones have gotten expensive-ish... and probably will get a lot more expensive as more people watch your video!
Got this lens and sold it again very soon. This lens was the biggest disappointment I had with a lens ever. Way too soft wide open and outside the center terrible soft. Usable from F4 up only. Sorry Matt can not agree at all. Tried the lens on the M10 and the M9. Lens calibration was not the issue to add
Hi Matt, I do not know whether you shot everything at f 1.1 with the 7artisans. If not it would be useful for us viewers to know. As you may have noticed the lens is soft at f 1.1 and viewers be warned it does not always come aligned with range-finder (calibration) straight out of the box (fortunately 7artisans provides screw driver, scale and instructions). By the way, it is the artist that produces the art, not the tool-otherwise anyone using the same tool would suddenly become an artist... hmmm somewhat problematic. Flare, bokeh, shallow depth of field do not suddenly turn any photograph into art, it is the way we use them... and by the way, sharpness, absence of vignetting and flare are also the ingredients of many art photographs. Now regarding the street photography vs portrait debate you understand that the former embraces life and humanity at large, one that does not need to be paid or exhibit itself out of vanity ;o). You are also less likely to be accused of voyeurism, as a white male photographing busty young women, photographing street life than with the type of portait photography you specialise in ;o) ... just a thought. I agree with you though street photography, just like any other type of photography, requires practice both in technique and in human relationships, and it is somewhat harder to organise all the information available in a meaningful and aesthetic photograph than dealing with any close-up portrait, especially a posed one. Cheers and all the best for 2024 Matt.
Well Matt you couldn't be more wrong cause this lens is a DOG and the worst in an overall 50mm lens test for Leica lenses. Now this is an in depth test of a quality you will never seer on the internet anymore. It's not shooting a girl with fake boobs and than tamper with the raws by a preset so that the real quality of the lens (or lack of) is obfuscated but a serie of subject shots that will proof quality in every task . Here are the verdicts of this lens: *PROS* Speed Really reasonable price Ehr…oh, dear! *CONS* De-clicked aperture Handling cumbersome in changing lenses Horrible performance at infinity Dramatic focus shift Coma and astigmatism intrusive until F2 Chromatic aberrations can be intrusive till F2 Bad flare handling Distortion is noticeable and complex All to be seen with excellent images without tampering. You probably know where to find it
Thanks Rob, I think there are 2 versions. The early one is said to be bad at infinity and have several issues and doesn't fit some cameras. Mine wasn't sharp sharp at infinity but as you saw from all the RAW unedited photos of street and everyday scenes (+some models) this lens can perform great. You just need to use the flaws as strengths. I loved the flare. I agree with some of your list but only perhaps 50% and I was very pleased with the real images which is what counts. (I shared mostly unedited photos in this video with you in mind!)(and tbh I was happy with the out of camera RAWs anyway). Not a lens for everyone but a fun flawed lens if you know how to use it. It's a keeper for me for sure. It's good people have different tastes in lenses, it keeps life interesting! Have a great Christmas!
I think it is safe to say that you buy this lens to utilize its flaws in an ' artistic ' manner. Soft under corrected lenses do better for women portraiture than anything else, and one more proof that shooting a beautiful model with a modern APO-ASPH lens is not the best practice. Come to think of it, I am not quite sure if I like super sharp clinical lenses for landscape photography either, when a digital camera is used. The results are just too sharp and digitally, for my taste. With film is another story.
Again, how can flaws or qualities for that matter be "artistic"??? Art comes from artists, people that use tools, sometimes flawed ones, sometimes excellent ones to produce their art. It is not the tool that makes the art but the user. There is that tendency to use the wrong adjectives/expressions these days: this lens has got "character", is "artistic"... noooo, it has optical flaws that one may use to be creative or even "artistic." The same applies to excellent lenses (sharp everywhere even in corners, minimal flare, minimal vignetting): in the right hands great art can happen, but neither (flawed or excellent) is "artistic" in any way..
Did you even bother to read what I wrote or you just wanted have a rant? I did put artistic between quote marks, meaning it is implied. And yes, we do buy ' flawed ' lenses to use the flaws in a creative way. That is genius of photography for you. I think you are confusing technical ' perfection ' with artistry. For your information one of the greatest portrait lenses ever produced is not a Leica Apo whatever, but the Nikon 135mm F2 DC, and DC here stands for DeFocus. The lens uses an disc to induce controlled and variable softness and imperfections in an otherwise razor sharp lens. Sharpness is just a small technical aspect of photography. @@BrunoChalifour
Well done,Matt.Thanks No longer I need not be ashamed mounting this made in China lens on my Western Germany M3 and M6. A fat Spring Roll tinkered to a Jerry Can.
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Well done,Matt.Thanks
No longer I need not be ashamed
mounting this made in China lens
on my Western Germany M3 and M6.
A fat Spring Roll tinkered to a Jerry Can.
Thanks!
Thankyou for a fair and complete review of this lens. It is a Sonnar, the formula is similar to the Zunow 5cm F1.1 V2 lens of the 1950s. That lens will cost some $5,000 in Leica mount - or more. I bought the 7Artisans when it first came out, optimized mine for the M9 and then bought a second one to optimize for a Yellow filter for the M Monochrom. The Yellow filter cuts out CA, and the lens is even sharper on that camera. Hints: use a 55mm to 58mm step-up ring and vented 58mm hood, OR stick with the 55mm filter and use a clamp on hood. I made my own clamp-on hoods for this lens. This is a fun lens. Now that it is discontinued, readers should grab one fast before it becomes the next cult classic. Like the Canon 50/0.95. Remember when those went for $200? I bought two of those as well.
Thanks Brian! Thanks for confirming the Sonnar origin. I thought that I'd read it somewhere but there is not too much info out there. Yes good tips for hoods. Sadly I don't remember the Canon for $200 otherwise I would have bought a few too! (This lens does seem underpriced currently for what it offers).
Thanks for the technical and historical tips. Very useful (so many take the opportunity of this dialogue just to make a list of all their toys, even if unrelated,🙃 that sometimes I feel I am in a kindergarten ;o).
6 bit coded? What lens-profile does it bring up?
Good question. I had the 7A adapter on my SL so no data collected from that. I'll see if the EXIF data is turned on for the M240 and check next time.
I own a copy of this lens and use it on my M8, which I shoot in monochrome jpegs mainly. The 50mm is 66mm on the M8, and it is a really great portrait lens on the M8, but also for my streetphotography it did give me stunning results! I really like this lens! The built quality is great, and the results are so pleasing for the eye! It is totally underrated!
Thanks and great to hear! Yes it seems like a sleeper. Not many people taking about it which helps with the low price I guess. I was really impressed. (and nice combo with the M8. I used to use the Nocti on my old M8 for some portraits).
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Funny that many does this lens not even give a chance! But like you say, it keeps the price great for who do want it. Keep up the good work Matt! Always great content 🙌🙏🏼
@@ferv5470 thanks!
I gave it a chance but mine came not completely calibrated, at f 1.1 it is definitely soft and prone to a lot of flare. Other than that, I agree great built and no problem using it on my Nikon (instead of my M).
This was one of my first M lenses and I've loved it ever since. Above all, I can so easily recognize its character that for me is so attractive!
"Character" ? Novlang ("1984") for "optically flawed" ;o) I like the new euphemism that have been invented lately and avoid calling a spade a spade. I do understand what this flaws bring to the table but unfortunately not my taste.
Great! Yes I was very happy to discover it!
The best photos come when you don't buy something you can't afford so you can leave the UK weather behind
That is the best advice I've heard all week! Spend a little on cheap travel and go exploring with less expensive kit. (Flights from £32 return in January!)
Well, Paul Strand would disagree: the best photos happen on one's doorstep in an environment one has had the time to assess and understand, the time to develop an emotional connection, and the time to photograph at leisure under various lights.
Just picked up a nokton 50mm 1.2. loving it on my m240. Have you seen the voigtlander 28mm nokton 1.5 that's coming out? Hoping to pick one up in January if they release then
Nice Simon, the 1.2 is a good do most things lens. Yes if I can get the 28mm f1.5 to test I will!
Actually, I love to use the 7artisans f1,1 on my Leica M3 the most. On film it is extraordinary painterly wide open, but also very sharp once stopped down a few stops. It shines on film!
Yes a great lens for sure!
How does it compare to the ttartisan 50mm 1.4? Size, weight and image quality. I was thinking of getting the ttarisan 1.4, i already have the 7a 1.1 and the tt 0.95, but thinking of getting a smaller, lighter and more ‘clinical’ lens.
Get TTA 1.4 if want a cheap Lux. See that video
This is an arty lens *
The TTartisan is a better lens.
1. Love the "natural evening lighting" re-realization. I know it is dinner/relaxing time for most people, but my most satisfying exterior photos are late afternoons.
2. I have never owned anything bigger than f1.4, so I can't speak to anything below that. But, I am so pleased to live in my old film lens world where I can read the history of the people and processes...and feel a human connection.
Thanks Terry! Yes I like morning or evening light too (or more to the point daylight light looks very uninspiring in comparison!)
Yes small vintage lenses are great fun!
You could live in the current digital world and still "read about the history of the people and processes" (in fact I do). As for the human connection it is far more about the photographer than the tools. Let us not fool ourselves.
@@BrunoChalifour Where do you think the tools come from?
@@terryallen9546 Germany, Japan, Sweden, more and more China... why?
I just picked up one of these off MPB and am really impressed with it! Mine wasn’t 6-bit coded interestingly enough but it has a lovely rendering, thanks for the suggestion Matt!
Great stuff! I got mine there too. (There is a £20 off code on the blog if you use them again)
Mine was not either. The first generation did not come 6-bit coded. If Matt used a used one it is probable that the previous owner added the 6-bit rear ring to the lens.
Great video, Matt, as always! So happy to have shared with you some photography moments in Valencia!!
Thanks Victor! I hoped to do "our video" before NY :)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom hope so!! Can’t wait to watch it!!! Happy Xmas, my friend!!
@@CAMSMORE thanks you too!
Did you ever test the Elmarit 50? Should fit your taste: small, light and has a nice rendering. The only downside is the minimal focus distance of 80 cm
Hi Steve, Leica never made a 50mm Elmarit. They made the 28mm Elmarit but 50s are Elmars. I think that's what you mean. F2.8 lens. Yes I made a video. If you Google it you'll find the blog post too. (Still own it). MFD is 1m on the 50mm if I recall so maybe you mean a different lens. Summarit 50 f2.5? I think that is 0.8m (see review if yes).
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom yes, sorry, I mean the 50 Summarit.
are you converting to bw in post raw?
I just add my MrLeica presets to all RAW files and select the B&W preset. Super easy
It isn’t your gear Matt, it is you and your beautiful models (love your street photography as well btw, beautiful city).
Maybe you feel your creative juices flowing with a Leica,but you’d be just as productive with any good camera and lens combination, old and new.
Thank you. I could probably get similar photos if I can use the same lenses on other cameras but part of photography is the enjoyment and I love walking around with Leica M cameras (and Barnacks) especially, (see the new video from last night).. and I feel silly walking around with my Lumix S5.. That shows I must be shallow but I've come to enjoy holding a Leica over the last decade and I worked hard to get to that "level" ..haha I still don't have a house but my priory is photography! :) . .see the Nikon vs Leica older video. I got similar results with both.
Yes probably but the ease and pleasure that one has with a specific camera result in using them more frequently and having a pleasurable experience rather that one feeling like work. That is probably why so many photographers still use M Leica which are not the most versatile cameras on the market.
Would love to see a review on MR.Ding 50/1.1 lens and how it compares to this one (as this one seems to be discontinued and impossible to get a new one) or a review on any other 50mm F.95 to F1.2 alternatives out there that is still in production and available
Thanks. I reviewed most fast 50s for Leica M mount. 0.95 from Leica and TTA, f1 from Leica and Voigtlander, 1.2 from Voigtlander etc. Check those videos. Yes if I ever get to test a Mr Ding i'll be sure to share the results. (These 7A lenses are easy to find used).
If you could only choose one 50 mm lens out of all the lenses you've reviewed or used which one would it be? I recall in a very early video you were extremely enthusiastic about the 50 mm 1.2 Voigtlander.
Hi Dave, if you ask me that question for digital photos of female models this 7A lens is close to the top. If I’m shooting film then something more corrected. The 1.2 is a good all rounder for many people but I don’t own it.
bonjour
c'est quoi votre Viewfinder est ce qu'il va sur un M11 ?
MERCI
Yves
See next video for the viewfinder. Light Lens Lab brand
viseur
Yes please. Would like to see a comparison between the TTArtisan and the 7Artisans lens.
Thanks, I will when I get a chance. I'm interested too.
Another great video! I also got myself a used copy on mpb a while ago, it is a no-brainer for the money. One thing worth mentioning is, that I can`t focus beyond 5m on my Lumix S5 (using 2 different adapters) but it works perfectly on the Nikon ZF. Also, I find it interesting that it gives you kind of 2 different characters in 1 lens: It is very soft at 1.1 with a lot of flare (if used right, can lead to very dreamy looking pictures), but really improves sharpness and contrast at slightly above f1.4, but maintaining that beautiful bokeh
Thanks Danny, great points about dual use and interesting about the S5. That will be due to the depth of the lens. I’m glad you’ve got one too!
This is my favorite 50mm on my Leica 240
Great to hear! I loved it on my M240 too.
How many have you seriously tried?
I have two genuine Noctilux lenses and maybe two dozen 50mm lenses for the Leica cameras, but I'd still want to try one of these some day. If I remember correctly, it was supposed to be a Sonnar adaptation. I don't care about 100% zoom sharpness, but the overall image. What the reviews say is "bad" is very often very good, if the time and subject is right.
Thanks, yes with your mindset you will likely love this lens. Like me, you appreciate the lenses for their character and yes the Sonnar formula gives for some fantastic images. (I have the f1 Nocti and others too). ..and they're cheap!
How can "bad" be "good" elaborate? I have never enjoyed images with too much softness and too much flare whatever the time and subject but I understand when it comes to aesthetic things can become subjective.
Was looking forward to this review since mentioning this lens to you! I figured it’s insane art forward look would suit you!
Thank you! Yes very much so. Loved it for that arty imperfect style!
Thank you for this video. Your photos are very nice. I have the Leica 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux which is relatively heavy, but its lens elements are glass, not plastic. My guess is that my Leica lens would do well against the Artisan lens in larger photographs - but I don't KNOW that. Also, I have found that if I use a low ISO and shoot at 1/4000 sec I may not need an ND filter even in bright sunlight. Having such a filter on your lens is awkward if you're walking in and out of sunlit areas.
Thanks, I own the f1 classic Noctilux but I’ve used the 0.95 too. Yes the latest Nocti is much better corrected (similar to a 50 Lux look)(I have one). I prefer the less perfect look for some portraits so both lenses have their strengths. Depending on the camera you use, sometimes no ND is possible. I do this with the SL.
By the way the 7artisans lens is all metal and glass.
@@BrunoChalifour, then it should be just as heavy as Leica's f/0.95 Noctilux lens, right?
@@Gravitys-NOT-a-force Yes it is close.
I would appreciate a side by side comparison between the 7artisans and the ttartisans fast 50’s.
And congratulations on a very positive video about a less than loved lens.
Thank you! Yes I have that comparison on my todo list (It's a long list but I'll get there!)
You should try the Mr Ding 50mm 1.1. It's 399 and I love the renderings.
Thanks! Yes I know of it. Perhaps I’ll get to try one in 2024.
Thanks for such an enthusiastic video, Matt. This lens ended up being my first non-Leica lens. I've got it on an M3 (seems like it should be easier to get critical focus with the greater magnification) and I'm puting a roll of Velvia 50 through it now, slow enough to let me shoot wide open most of the time. I'm really looking forward to seeing the results! 🤩
I also got a great deal second-hand for it at a local camera shop. Interestingly, my copy isn't six bit coded. I think that means that it's an early release.
Thanks James! Haha yes I'm very transparent. If I like something you'll know haha. Good to hear you are using on your M3. If they are both calibrated it should be fine but perhaps stop down for some important photos if it's your first roll. I shot 2 rolls in my M3 in Valencia and some photos with the 1.1. I'll share results on social media when I get time to develop the film!
Well. These Chinese companies are getting really good at these lenses. That’s not an easy one to get right especially no issue with calibration.
Would be interesting to do a shootout of all these super fast lenses and include the Voigtlander 50f1.0. A chunky f1.0 lens is not a bad lens to own. Won’t be an every day lens, but for that special look it’s definitely worth it.
Taking photos outside is hard. In my photos you can see for the most part people aren’t aware that I’m taking their picture, unless I go to a touristy spot.
Also the most difficult part is to consider the whole frame. Put all the elements together because one can get tunnel vision. I find if you have the space to move a small 50mm is the best. At least for me. You can keep things tidy in the frame and you’re not too close or too far away. And think of layers. It’s hard at the beginning but then you get used to it.
I shoot mostly f8 in the sun. The way I isolate the subject is by making the frames simple. Minimal. And have good figure to ground.
Thanks Carlos, I think with a black M camera it will be more stealth and yes will a small lens that helps for street too. A small Cron etc. This is an early Chinese lens from all they've released but seems a bit of a forgotten gem. I like it anyway.. and yes I hope to do a test of more fast 50s in January.
I like this lens a lot. Wacky Sonnar rendering wide open, warm color. It’s useless for anything needing corner-to-corner sharpness, though. ☺️ My copy is an early one, and due to rear element protrusion it doesn’t mount (via adapter) on my SL2. It mounts fine on Sony cameras, though, and I’ve even used it in autofocus mode via a Techart adapter.
On M cameras I’ve found it tricky to hit focus wide open due to the short throw. So I take duplicate shots when I can…one of ‘em is usually good or at least good enough.
Thanks David, a few people have me mentioned an early copy that fits less cameras. Noted. (And yes, not for corner sharpness!)
Great review! Yeah, I got this lens in my kit. 35mm/1,4 Distagon and a 85mm/4.0 Tele-Tessar and the big baby Sonnar 7Artisan 50mm/1.1
It covers my Leica/Zeiss needs 😊
I also got a nice Jupiter Sonnar 50mm/1.5 for the vintage look. I only shoot analog with my M6 but are very happy to see your results with the M240 and the 7Artisan 50mm/1.1.
Inspiring indeed!
Thank you Hans! Yes when I tested the Distagon I was so impressed. Easily the best fast 35mm I've used (and I've used Leica). I just wish it was smaller! I have the J3 Sonnar too. I must make a video for it in 2024. (See tonight's video, I just when all in on M cameras) :)
That looks really good, especially for the price. LLL 1966 looks interesting, too, but of course that’s much more expensive, if nowhere neer the used prices of the original.
I like your street photos, though I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks shooting pictures of people I don’t know and I’ll never see again is a bit strange. Though I really enjoy looking at street photography, so who knows?
Yes! I was really impressed. Hopefully I can test the LLL at some point to see how it does. I would expect it to be more corrected (but still great). Yes the light in the streets was a lot of fun!
one of the first m mount lens I bought a few years ago, best £160 I ever paid
Thanks Dave! Great stuff. Yes I missed them when they were in production then a student brought one to a workshop about 12 months ago. I took about 3 photos and saw the potential instantly. Took me until now to get around to buying one.
Note: the bottom right of a thumbnail is always covered by the time on youtube, so the 50mm f/1.1 text was obscured.
Thank you, Luckily I put the M10 text on the other side on last night's video. Noted!
I have a 7artisans 50mm f1.05 for my Nikon Z6, same feeling.
Great, yes love this 1.1!
nice street shots! I generally shoot more stopped down because I am shooting more than one person in the frame, or musicians where I need somore of the instrument showing, but I am waiting on the delivery of a Voightlander 50mm 1.2, so I may be heading for more bokeh.
Thanks Peter, you are the 2nd person in the comments to just get the 1.2 lens! They must sell well. The fast aperture can give some interesting results and great in low light.
Yes, side by side of those two would be nice. The street shots are great! You have an untapped resource there. Your past ones have been good, too, but I like the color of these. This lens does color nicely. And you have convinced me to use the M240 more. Thanks for another professional, concise informative review. The street shots on color are just great.
Thanks Sandy, yes the light helped with the street photos for sure. Stay tuned about M cameras, this lens had more of an impact on me than anticipated!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Don't start. I am avoiding 50's. I have a few, and that nice 1941 CZJ f/1.5, but . . . That 7Artisans lens is out of production but all over eBay. Not on B&H. I'll poke around. I do like the Bertele, but, . . .
I was reviewing your chat with Peter Coulton and I am not sure I agree with his dismissal of the X HB's. The X2D has all the hoo-hah on the screen one would wish for. I do not think he had yet tried one. I'll recheck the chat you guys had. Thanks for your continuing excellent work. And I hope Father Christmas gets a double hernia carrying what is yours to you for Christmas. And you've got dark hair so you can go out for first-footin' fae Hogmanay. Cheers!
@@zoltankaparthy9095 ha thanks! You saw what Santa brought me in last nights video! To confirm Peter had the X2D and owns previous models. The SL2-S offer more tools in the VF and B&W view that we both love.
Nice lens Matt ... Very nice Bokeh ; I love it.
Thanks Chris, yes I loved it and at a great price too.
Lovely photos. ❤
Thank you Richard!
literally just got in from shooting with this lens all day on my M8 in Toronto
Amazing Jay! Great minds think alike and all that! Hope you got some good shots.
Thanks for this very interesting video. Your photos look excellent. I would be interested in a comparison with the TTartisan 50mm 0.95
Thank you! Yes I'm interested too so I must do that. I think the TTA will be better corrected and perhaps a happy middle ground for some.
I've also been hearing positive reviews about the Brightin Star 50mm f0.95, which is roughly half the cost of the TTartisan. @@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom
In the Bokeh comparison the 7Artisan had a smoother rounder bokeh. Where the Summilux shows facets in the Bokeh balls
Yes the 7A kicked ass for bokeh! :) Very good lens if you like bokeh pics. (Leica Lux and Nocti both give nasty bokeh stopped down from f2)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom indeed. As a Leica fan and shooter I have to say that those overprice days to get Leica look are getting closer to an end. A lot of the Voigtlander lenses I own give some of my Leica counterpart a run for their money. Paired to some of the quality issues that Leica is having is time stop believing the hype a bit. Great Points Matt
@@GastonShutters yes you probably saw my old selling Leica video. I happily replaced some Leica glass with excellent Voigtlander glass and no regrets.
Great review, it would be interesting to see how it compares with a Voigtlander 50 f1.2 for those of us with a wife who is also the financial controller
Haha, I know that area of work well from my past jobs! The 7A lens is cheaper. If I can get a 1.2 in 2024 to compare I will. (On the list but after tonight's video the list just got a lot longer!)
oh well, another lens to buy :)
luckily I can get this used for pretty cheap
Ha sorry Eric! This one IS worth it. I still love mine!
Yes side by side ttA f0.95 to f1.1 please 🙏 ❤
Thanks, OK I will do!
(I guessed right;) A specialized portrait lens, so an obvious try for you, wild character @1.1, gentle @1.4. Not versatile at all (borders).
My quest for fast 50mm prime has ended with Mr/Dr DING (perhaps;), thanks to Bastian @PhilipReeve, creamy bokeh and versatile. The optical formula is close to the CV Nokton 50/1.1 I told you about last time (and so, close to the Noct 50/1.0), but with a diametrically opposed rendering. (This unloved lens is a keeper for me).
Ha yes! Good guess. Yes I’ll try to test that lens in 2024. There is the Brightin Star one too.
Yes, side by side video please, thx.
Thanks, I've added it to the list. (The list just got longer after tonight's new video!)
Sold out.😢
Keep looking on MPB and eBay. More will come up.
[sigh] Watching this video gives me "seller's remorse" -- I owned a 7Artisans 50/1.1 six years ago (back before there were so many interesting Chinese-OEM lenses on the market) and eventually got rid of it! Reason: I also had (and still have) an M-converted Canon 50mm f/0.95 lens which gives rather similar-looking images, and I didn't feel I could justify owning two "exotic" 50s. Now I wish I'd hung onto it, if only because it's so much smaller and lighter than the Canon, which as you know is quite a chunky beast. Of course, I could try to find the 7Artisans lens on eBay, but top-condition used ones have gotten expensive-ish... and probably will get a lot more expensive as more people watch your video!
Sorry to hear James. Buy one quick, mine was super cheap (and mint!)(from MPB too)
Got this lens and sold it again very soon. This lens was the biggest disappointment I had with a lens ever. Way too soft wide open and outside the center terrible soft. Usable from F4 up only. Sorry Matt can not agree at all. Tried the lens on the M10 and the M9. Lens calibration was not the issue to add
Sorry to hear, maybe a bad copy. You saw my sample photos shot mostly at f1.1 and I could see eyelash detail and all.
Same experience here.
😊
Thanks!
Hi Matt, I do not know whether you shot everything at f 1.1 with the 7artisans. If not it would be useful for us viewers to know. As you may have noticed the lens is soft at f 1.1 and viewers be warned it does not always come aligned with range-finder (calibration) straight out of the box (fortunately 7artisans provides screw driver, scale and instructions). By the way, it is the artist that produces the art, not the tool-otherwise anyone using the same tool would suddenly become an artist... hmmm somewhat problematic. Flare, bokeh, shallow depth of field do not suddenly turn any photograph into art, it is the way we use them... and by the way, sharpness, absence of vignetting and flare are also the ingredients of many art photographs.
Now regarding the street photography vs portrait debate you understand that the former embraces life and humanity at large, one that does not need to be paid or exhibit itself out of vanity ;o). You are also less likely to be accused of voyeurism, as a white male photographing busty young women, photographing street life than with the type of portait photography you specialise in ;o) ... just a thought. I agree with you though street photography, just like any other type of photography, requires practice both in technique and in human relationships, and it is somewhat harder to organise all the information available in a meaningful and aesthetic photograph than dealing with any close-up portrait, especially a posed one. Cheers and all the best for 2024 Matt.
Thanks Bruno! I’ll try to do a fast 50 video comparison when I get a chance. (Similar to the new video last night)
Well Matt you couldn't be more wrong cause this lens is a DOG and the worst in an overall 50mm lens test for Leica lenses.
Now this is an in depth test of a quality you will never seer on the internet anymore.
It's not shooting a girl with fake boobs and than tamper with the raws by a preset so that the real quality of the lens (or lack of) is obfuscated but a serie of subject shots that will proof quality in every task .
Here are the verdicts of this lens:
*PROS*
Speed
Really reasonable price
Ehr…oh, dear!
*CONS*
De-clicked aperture
Handling cumbersome in changing lenses
Horrible performance at infinity
Dramatic focus shift
Coma and astigmatism intrusive until F2
Chromatic aberrations can be intrusive till F2
Bad flare handling
Distortion is noticeable and complex
All to be seen with excellent images without tampering.
You probably know where to find it
Thanks Rob, I think there are 2 versions. The early one is said to be bad at infinity and have several issues and doesn't fit some cameras. Mine wasn't sharp sharp at infinity but as you saw from all the RAW unedited photos of street and everyday scenes (+some models) this lens can perform great. You just need to use the flaws as strengths. I loved the flare. I agree with some of your list but only perhaps 50% and I was very pleased with the real images which is what counts. (I shared mostly unedited photos in this video with you in mind!)(and tbh I was happy with the out of camera RAWs anyway). Not a lens for everyone but a fun flawed lens if you know how to use it. It's a keeper for me for sure. It's good people have different tastes in lenses, it keeps life interesting! Have a great Christmas!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom the test was the 2017 version. Merry Christmas and looking forward to your M10 shots.
Agreed but mine was the first generation (and I do. not know about the latest one)... it has "character" and is deemed to be "artistic" by some ;o)
Don’t really understand what this lens offers. 🤷🏻♂️
Imperfect images so it won't be for all Leica users but I love it.
I think it is safe to say that you buy this lens to utilize its flaws in an ' artistic ' manner. Soft under corrected lenses do better for women portraiture than anything else, and one more proof that shooting a beautiful model with a modern APO-ASPH lens is not the best practice. Come to think of it, I am not quite sure if I like super sharp clinical lenses for landscape photography either, when a digital camera is used. The results are just too sharp and digitally, for my taste. With film is another story.
Correct yes! I own APO lenses if I want sharp film photos but for digital I’m trying to help the camera create more interesting photos.
Again, how can flaws or qualities for that matter be "artistic"??? Art comes from artists, people that use tools, sometimes flawed ones, sometimes excellent ones to produce their art. It is not the tool that makes the art but the user. There is that tendency to use the wrong adjectives/expressions these days: this lens has got "character", is "artistic"... noooo, it has optical flaws that one may use to be creative or even "artistic." The same applies to excellent lenses (sharp everywhere even in corners, minimal flare, minimal vignetting): in the right hands great art can happen, but neither (flawed or excellent) is "artistic" in any way..
Did you even bother to read what I wrote or you just wanted have a rant? I did put artistic between quote marks, meaning it is implied. And yes, we do buy ' flawed ' lenses to use the flaws in a creative way. That is genius of photography for you. I think you are confusing technical ' perfection ' with artistry. For your information one of the greatest portrait lenses ever produced is not a Leica Apo whatever, but the Nikon 135mm F2 DC, and DC here stands for DeFocus. The lens uses an disc to induce controlled and variable softness and imperfections in an otherwise razor sharp lens. Sharpness is just a small technical aspect of photography.
@@BrunoChalifour
Well done,Matt.Thanks
No longer I need not be ashamed
mounting this made in China lens
on my Western Germany M3 and M6.
A fat Spring Roll tinkered to a Jerry Can.
Thanks Jaco, yes I had it on my M3 too 👍🏻
😊
Thanks!