Artizlab revives a 1961 Leica classic with a $399 50mm f/1.4 lens

[Stuart91]

A legendary vintage lens design has been brought back at an affordable price. Digital Camera World reports that Artizlab has launched the Classic-M 50mm f/1.4, based on the 1961 Leica Summilux 50mm f/1.4 known as the E43, for $399

Used originals often sell for thousands. The new lens has seven elements in five groups, twelve aperture blades, weighs 189.3 grams and takes 43mm filters

It focuses down to 0.45 metres, compared with about one metre on the original, although rangefinder coupling only works from 0.7 metres, so closer shots need live view. It is a Leica M mount lens that can be adapted to Sony, Nikon, Canon and Fuji bodies

The lens comes in black or silver aluminium and brass, with a scalloped pineapple style focus ring and a hammer tone hood. It sold out at launch, with more stock expected

Classic lens designs have a character that modern optics often smooth away, so a faithful remake at this price will appeal to many photographers. Closer focusing is a welcome practical upgrade. Selling out straight away shows how much demand there is for affordable vintage style glass

Do you prefer vintage lens character or modern sharpness? And would you buy a remake of a classic lens?

Artizlab resurrects a 1961 Leica classic with its new 50mm f/1.4 lenswww.digitalcameraworld.com