No More New Lenses: I keep reminding myself that my Sony A7 only exists as a platform for my existing legacy lenses. Through the years, I have acquired samples sporting Pentax Screw (M42), Pentax K Bayonet, Minolta SR, Nikon AI and non-AI, and most recently, four Zeiss lenses with Contax/Yashica mounts. I thought I would be content with these manually focused SLR lenses, and swore I wouldn't buy any dedicated Sony full-framed E mount lenses. I broke my own promise when I purchased a Tamron 24mm F 2.8 auto focus lens, which I would use on those rare occasions when I wanted to free myself from the manual-focusing rituals. But that would be it. I thought I could stop this addiction to buying additional lenses cold turkey.
My friend Shawn, in his infinite wisdom, loaned me three Voigtlander lenses, prompting me to get adapters for both the Leica screw mount (M39) and Leica bayonet. After playing with those lenses, I decided that I absolutely had to own a 25mm Snapshot Skopar of my own. I got a used one with the Leica screw mount as it was designed to be zone focused and therefore wasn't manufactured with a focusing cam. I passed on the optical viewfinder because I could accurately compose using the Sony's electronic viewfinder. For the record, I love this lens, but it did make me think about buying/using some of the new and inexpensive Chinese made Leica mount lenses. I found a 7Artisans 35mm Pancake Lens at Seawood Photo in San Rafael, and I bought it for a bit of dumb fun. While it wasn't expensive, the 35mm focal length was a bit too long for my taste. I proved too difficult to actually use, and can only conclude that it was purchased as a gag gift for a rich uber-enthusiast.
The TTArtisan Esthetic: Shawn suggested that I should consider purchasing one of the new Chinese lenses that attempted to duplicate the look and feel of those elegant Leitz lenses for a fraction of the cost. One of the lenses , the TTArtisans, copied the look and feel of the expensive Leitz Sumarron-M 28mm F 5.6. It was designed with the film shooting Leica enthusiast in mind, as it comes with a rangefinder cam to aid in critical focusing. I must admit that the lens is attractive, and those who have reviewed it have commented on how well the manufacturer has simulated the true rangefinder experience. Improper calibration of this focusing cam is one problem that my digital workflow has deftly sidestepped, since I use the focus peaking feature when viewing through the electronic viewfinder.
The 7Artisans Functionality: The other serious contender was one made by 7Artisans, one with the same 28mm F 5.6 performance specifications but a different optical formula, was my ultimate choice. The overall design was more reminiscent of the most current lens esthetic, while the TTArtisan lens looked more at home mounted on an older, pre-M series body, which I believe are called Barnack bodies after the original designer. Several bloggers gave this lens the performance edge over the TTArtisan interpretation. So I was primed and ready.
The spur to action came from an email from B&H Photo announcing a major discount on the 7Artisans lens if I was willing to wait on delivery. I placed my order on November 28, and didn't receive the lens until January 4, about 5 weeks later. I had paid a total of $145.50 (tax and shipping included) at a time when the suggested retail was closer to $300.00. It was nicely packaged in a flip-top box containing both front and rear lens caps, instructions, and a slip-on lens hood. Also included was the small screwdriver necessary for adjusting the focusing cam. Missing were the instructions on how that was to be done and the special calibration target, an omission I discovered after viewing some YouTube videos. I wasn't concerned about the calibration of the focusing cam because I was using the lens on a mirrorless camera with an electronic viewfinder, but heard that Leica users weren't happy with the having to do the calibration themselves.
On January 24, 2024, the lens still costs less than the TTArtisan at B&H Photo if you are willing to wait.
The Frame Line Issue: Another irritant for Leica users was the apparent mismatch of the bright frame finder with the actual focal length of the lens. According to a YouTube video (below), the 7Artisans lens, when mounted, signaled the body to display the 35mm frame lines, while the TTArtisans lens brought up the proper 28mm lines, as one should expect. Perhaps this flaw may have initiated a sell-off of existing lenses so that a corrected, "Mark II" version could be introduced. I am sure this would be good news to the Leica contingency, but as I mentioned, not something I was concerned about.
Filter Size: The 35.5mm filter thread must be part of a Leica compatibility issue. Filters in this size are expensive and difficult to source. In lieu of a protective filter, I'm going to look for an inexpensive screw-on lens hood, just to keep my fingers off of the front element of the lens.
The Pudding: I have played with the lens a bit, good weather being a little scarce right now.
Lucky Drive in Kentfield, Marin County
Lucky Drive in Kentfield, Marin County
Lucky Drive in Kentfield, Marin County
17th Street, San Francisco
Cole Valley, San Francisco
So far, I've found the lens very satisfactory, although its specifications are very close to my Snapshot Skopar, which is a full stop faster. Still, the 7Artisans is a fun lens, and one that I will use from time to time. Neither the Snapshot Skopar nor this 7Artisans lens would be my first choice for an early morning walk where slow maximum aperture might be an issue. But for daytime walks, either will work just fine.
Comparison Video: Matt Osborne's video gives a good comparison between the TTArtisan and the 7Artisans lenses. During the summary, I heard the blogger speaking glowingly of the TTArtisan, but cites mostly the physical attributes and the appearance of the lens, while deigning to acknowledge the slightly better contrast of the 7Artisans. I cannot confirm the bright frame issue, and am sure the calibration concerns are valid. However, it certainly is $140.00 worth of fun, especially since it can cover a full frame.
