Mild Lens Lab has launched the 50mm f/1.5 “Z21” optic, which pays homage to one of the vital revered and uncommon cine lenses in pictures historical past: the P Angenieux Kind S21 50mm f/1.5.
Only in the near past, I mentioned the Mandler 35mm f/2 M-mount – a replica of the unique Leica Summicron 35mm f/2 lens, named after Leica’s well-known designer Walter Mandler. Now it is Mild Lens Lab’s flip to launch a ‘new’ lens that guarantees to be a contemporary take of the historic optic – whereas being extra inexpensive.
Created within the Nineteen Fifties by the optical legend Pierre Angenieux, the S21 was celebrated for its spectacular aperture velocity of f/1.5 – an unbelievable achievement and a real rarity at the moment.
The replica by Mild Lens Lab seems to be very trustworthy to the unique, one thing I prefer to see when iconic lenses get reintroduced to the fashionable market. The 50mm Z21 is designed for mirrorless full-frame Leica M-mount cameras, whereas the unique S21 was out there in varied mounts together with Leica M39, Exakta and LTM.
When it comes to lens development, Mild Lens Lab intently adopted the unique ingredient design of the S21, utilizing measurement parts organized in a 4-group configuration. Every lens is hand made and assembled in restricted portions to make sure the best high quality.
The 50mm f/1.5 Z21 is now out there for $1,099 / £828 / AU$1,731. This price ticket is nothing in comparison with that of the unique S21, which has turn out to be uncommon and (unsurprisingly) costly. The bottom costs I discovered on-line for this lens in okay situation vary from $7,000-9,000 (round £5,166-6,642 / AU$10,800-13,885).
Now and again, there are S21s out there in higher situation, making a giant value leap. For instance, at Leitz Photographica Public sale, an S21 in B+ situation, believed to be from 1953, was auctioned. It ended with the lens promoting for €40,800 (round $46,637 / £34,427 / AU$71,949).
So… coming again to the 1/fortieth cheaper Z21. Mild Lens Lab made some enhancements for this contemporary reborn model.
These embody enhanced distinction and line switch, in addition to a newly developed rangefinder focusing mechanism that enables for tighter tolerances and extra correct focusing. However the greatest change to the unique design is that the 50mm f/1.5 Z21 helps digital sensor body protection as much as 44x33mm.
Mild Lens Lab 50mm f/1.5 “Z21” specs
– Design body protection: 135 full-frame (24mm x 36mm)
– Variety of lenses/assemblies: 6 parts in 4 teams
– Focus vary: 0.7 m to infinity
– Diaphragm: Setting/Kind: Preset, with half-increment lock setting
– Diaphragm f-stop vary: f/1.5 – f/22
– Variety of aperture blades: 10
– Lens mount: M-Mount quick-change bayonet
– Filter diameter: E52
– Lens Hood: In physique, E52 screw on
– Dimensions & Weight: size: 64.2mm, diameter: 60.7mm, weight: 313g
To view a pattern gallery of photographs taken with the lens, go to Mild Lens Lab’s web site. If you happen to take pleasure in classic homage lenses like this one however sometimes do not use a 50mm optic, Mild Lens Lab may need one thing for you within the upcoming yr.
The lens producer is planning to broaden its sequence to incorporate extra focal lengths, together with the “Basic” and “Trendy” sequence, with the primary “Trendy” sequence lens to be introduced this yr.
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