The Light Lens Lab 35mm f/1.4 '11873' Lens: Vintage Character for Modern Photographers
Experience Classic Optics Without the Premium Price Tag
The Enduring Appeal of the Leica M 35mm f/1.4 '11873' and Its Modern Successor
Among the various iterations of Leica M 35mm f/1.4 Summilux lenses, the '11873' model has consistently stood out. Revered for its distinctive optical character and ethereal glow at wider apertures, this double-aspherical design has become a collector's item, driving its market price to extraordinary levels. Recognizing this demand, Light Lens Lab has introduced its own version, providing an accessible alternative for enthusiasts.
Light Lens Lab's Approach: Blending Heritage with Innovation
Light Lens Lab's philosophy involves honoring classic lens designs while adapting their optical formulas for contemporary camera systems. Their 35mm f/1.4 '11873' lens, priced significantly lower than the original, aims not to be an exact replica but rather a refined homage. During a recent trip to Japan, the lens underwent practical testing, revealing its unique attributes and confirming its status as a compelling option.
Ergonomics and Craftsmanship: A Near-Identical Feel to the Original
The tactile experience of the Light Lens Lab 11873 closely mirrors that of its Leica predecessor. Apart from subtle Chinese engravings on the barrel and internal inscriptions, one might easily mistake it for a product of Wetzlar, Germany. The precision of its machining and paint finish is exemplary, with the aperture ring and focusing barrel offering a satisfying, fluid operation. Its compact size and light weight (approximately 9.5 ounces or 270 grams) ensure it integrates seamlessly with cameras like the Leica M11P, without obstructing the viewfinder. A more exclusive titanium version is also available. The aperture ring features precise half-stop increments, utilizing a finely crafted 10-blade design. However, it's important to note that the 11873 does not support 6-bit coding, meaning no EXIF data is transmitted to the camera.
Optical Design Evolution: Modern Adaptations for Enhanced Performance
Light Lens Lab has moved beyond simple replication, instead re-engineering the lens to better suit modern camera sensors while preserving its classic appeal. While retaining core elements such as lanthanide-infused glass, a double-aspherical design, and the original number of optical elements and groups, the 11873 incorporates enhancements to address certain optical limitations present in the original design.
Capturing Light: The Distinctive Imaging Characteristics
One of the most striking features of the 11873 is its propensity for vibrant flare. While contrast is generally well-maintained, noticeable ghosting and rainbow patterns frequently appear in images. Though less pronounced than in the original, this characteristic remains distinct and often adds an artistic element. The lens particularly exhibits large purple flares when stopped down. The subtle rainbow patterns are also a captivating effect, encouraging photographers to embrace rather than avoid these unique flare behaviors.
Detail and Illumination: Sharpness, Vignetting, and Low Contrast
At f/1.4, the lens displays notably low contrast in the center of the image, accompanied by significant vignetting in the corners. Stopping down the aperture considerably improves detail and reduces light fall-off. However, corner sharpness remains relatively soft at f/1.4, and even at f/2.8, while vignetting lessens, the corners still exhibit a noticeable blur.
Artistic Light Patterns: Unique Sun Stars for Creative Expression
The 11873 creates intriguing sun stars. At f/9, the aperture blades form a clear star shape, though large light sources may yield less impressive results. Conversely, small, pinpoint light sources can produce dramatic sun stars, even at wider apertures. This characteristic makes the lens particularly well-suited for night photography in urban environments, where traffic and streetlights can transform into mesmerizing fields of stars.
Background Rendering: Characterful Bokeh with a Unique Aesthetic
The lens delivers a bokeh rich in character, featuring specular highlights with noticeable onion rings and a pronounced soap bubble effect. At f/1.4, significant optical vignetting in the corners creates a pleasing cat’s-eye appearance, contributing to a swirly corner effect that draws the eye towards the frame's center. However, this distinct bokeh, often presenting backgrounds with a noticeable double-image blurred effect, may not appeal to all. While some might find the overall look somewhat harsh, this is a deliberate part of the lens's charm, evoking the strong, rounded background highlights for which the original was famous. Its visual signature truly stands apart from many contemporary optics, offering a captivating aesthetic.
Color Fidelity: Managing Chromatic Aberrations
The 11873 produces images with a classic glow at wide apertures and demonstrates good correction against lateral chromatic aberrations, surpassing the original in this regard. However, it does exhibit noticeable longitudinal chromatic aberration (LoCA), or color fringing, which can be challenging to correct in post-production. While shooting in black and white effectively bypasses this issue, the lens maintains clear color reproduction in high-contrast areas. Partially stopping down the aperture can mitigate LoCA when needed.
The Enduring Allure of Vintage Optics: A Modern Perspective
Light Lens Lab has masterfully re-envisioned the original Leica double-aspherical design, preserving its playful character and inherent quirks while enhancing sharpness and chromatic aberration correction for modern sensors. The lens offers the quintessential Leica handling experience without the prohibitive cost. Its rich, distinctive character, though not universally appealing, provides a delightful and often unpredictable photographic journey. This blend of classic charm and contemporary performance makes it a compelling choice.
Reimagining a Classic: Justification and Recommendation
Some may view the replication of an existing design as unconventional. However, considering that Light Lens Lab makes an otherwise unattainable photographic experience accessible to a broader audience, their endeavor is commendable. With additional optical improvements that surpass the original Leica 11873, the Light Lens Lab version warrants serious consideration. For those who believe imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, this lens offers a unique opportunity to explore a celebrated aesthetic.
Exploring Alternatives: Other Lenses with Distinctive Character
While acquiring the original Leica lens might offer a similar experience, its cost and scarcity are significant barriers. The Omnar Bertele 5cm lens, though not a 35mm, provides a comparable character-rich photographic journey. For a more affordable alternative with its own unique aesthetic, the Voigtlander Nokton Classic 35mm f/1.4 SC II is an excellent choice.
Final Verdict: Embrace the Vintage Charm
Yes, if you desire a meticulously crafted lens that delivers the vintage Leica experience without the exorbitant price tag, the Light Lens Lab 11873 is an exceptional recommendation.