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 p.9 #8 · Thypoch Simera 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. Review | |
Steve Spencer wrote:
After reviewing more pictures from the Simera 35, I think you are right that it really has fairly low contrast even in the center and in that way it is quite different from the Leica M 35 lux Asph FLE, the Leica 50 lux Asph, and the Simera 50 f/1.4. Thanks for pointing that out. If Thypoch was aiming for a similar look for the 35 f/1.4 and 50 f/1.4 Simera then they really didn't achieve that for contrast, perhaps in bokeh and perhaps in more even performance across the frame, but not in contrast which I find pretty crucial.
I really like what I see in this review of the 50 f/1.4 Simera and as always I find Fred has done an excellent job in giving a feel for that lens in this review. I always liked the 50 lux Asph despite its weaknesses (propensity to flare, mid zone softness at narrower apertures, and sawtooth bokeh balls at times) and I think I would like the Simera optically at least as much.
I never fully took to the 35 lux Asph FLE. It was a great lens for contrast in the center especially, but for me the bokeh was too structured (i.e., harsh) at times and the transition zone often wasn't smooth. I also was bothered more by its midzone weakness on the M10. Still I loved its ergonomics and there is a lot to like about this lens even though I found myself wanting an alternative.
It does not look like the Simera 35 f/1.4 will be that alternative. Hopefully Fred will do a full review of that lens and I will know for sure, but it sure doesn't look like I will be interested.
My favorite 35mm that I have used by a pretty big margin is the Zeiss ZM 35 f/1.4, but it is pretty big on a Leica M camera. I am enjoying shooting manual focussing lenses on my Sony A7r V at the moment, however, and I think I might really like that lens on a Kolari modified Sony (especially if I get my A7r V modified at some point). Right now I am using a CV 40 f/1.2 on my Sony A7r V, which I like but has some annoying weaknesses (mainly more axial CA than I like and weaker close up performance than I like).
I am waiting to see if a 35mm for a Leica M camera comes along that I like better. If it does I may in a few years acquire a Leica M10R or M11, but if it doesn't then I will probably just get my Sony A7r V modified with a thin sensor stack and go with the Zeiss ZM and in the mean time live with my CV 40 f/1.2....Show more →
I ordered the lens out of curiosity and because it had an optical lens very similar to the 35 Lux FLE. The bokeh seems to be smother, both in structure and because it's lower contrast from what I could tell, though I did not compare them directly.
One thing about the 35/1.4 Simera, when it's as soft (as in low contrast, resolution is fine), and with the short focus throw from .7 to infinite, cramped focus ring because of the Bolox, it's really easy to misfocus. I have been using EVF to MF fast lenses since the a7 I purchased at launch, and I found this lens exceptionally frustrating. And then add the infinite lock lol.
For me, the 35/1.4 is low contrast with pretty unremarkable color and fairly smooth bokeh. So super boring. The 28/1.4 follows a similar draw. The reason this 50/1.4 interest me is because at least we have strong micro-contrast and punch. As far as M-35mm's, I keep a CV 35/2 ultron as my constant. I like the ZM 35/1.4, 35 Lux FLE as the faster alternatives with a lot of bite. I like the CV 35/1.7 and 35/1.2 vIII, but less so. All have issues--I bounce between them over the years depending on what I want at that moment.
Just a thought, I can't recommend highly enough modding your sensor. I have an a7rII since 2020 and it's been fantastic. But I might look into NKIR over Kolari. Having used both, I much prefer the NKIR, and sebboh, no longer too active, is looking to get another camera modded. He's going with NKIR over another Kolari UT.
What I am very curious about now is how the 21 and 75 will render--closer to the 50 or the 28mm and 35mm's...
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Maybe Leica could try to block imports into the EU and/or US. They might find a more sympathetic audience with the next administration, or not. Recall the previous Trump administration levied a 25% tariff on German optics, which Leica bypassed with their Portugal-made series of lenses. What are the odds we'll see a repeat of that? 
