Price of the SLR Magic 50 T0.95 LM (Leica Mount) Hyperprime Announced

After all of the guessing and wondering what this new Leica mount T0.95 monster lens will cost, I was informed today by Andrew from SLR Magic that the official price of this lens will be $4288 US dollars. Higher than some thought, and lower than others thought. About $300 more than I thought. As many of you know, I have been reviewing this lens in a “rolling review” and updating is as I go along and use it. I have now shot with this lens on three M9 bodies, including two M9P’s and on each the lens has performed flawlessly. No focus issues, no problems.

What does the $4288 get you? Well, for starters it gets you as close to a Leica Noctilux ASPH f/0.95 as you can get and for about $6700 less. You get a hand-built, hand calibrated lens that is on par with the Leica in weight and feel but no, you will not get a red dot.

This is a T0.95 lens so the widest aperture is equal to f/0.92.

Some more facts about the lens…

• It is faster than a Leica Noctilux ASPH so technically, this is the fastest 35mm lens in production today.
• It is slightly larger and weights slightly more than the Leica Noctilux ASPH
• It will focus as close as .7 meters with very sharp and accurate results. There is no floating element in the SLR magic and it is NOT Aspherical. The Leica focuses to 1 meter but has a floating element and ASPH glass.
• The lens is sharp wide open, and share stepped down. To date, I have not discovered any focus shift in my use of the lens (though further testing is coming)
• The lens will be rangefinder coupled of course, and SLR Magic is also creating a CINE version without RF coupling for $2988, for use on NEX, Micro 4/3, etc.
• The lens is hand assembled in Hong Kong by SLR Magic. Production will be limited. Not mass-produced.
• SLR Magic is including a 3 year warranty with the lens.
• You can order the lens with a black or green ring for the front, so black IS NOW an option.
• Lens will be available to order in September 2012.
• If anyone is in Hong Kong and wants to see the lens, you can visit the SLR Magic shop at — Shop 316, 47-51 Shan Tung Street, Sim City, Mong Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong

You can read and keep up with my review HERE and I will be adding to it weekly. So far the only negative I see with this lens when compared to the $11k Leica is this lens has barrel distortion. If shooting straight lines up close, you will see this distortion. It can easily be fixed in 2 seconds but it is there. There will be samples showing this added to my review soon.

Below are a few newer samples I added to the review this week…

1st one, wide open at T0.95 (f0.92) – just to test wide open performance. 

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This was shot at f4 or f5.6…cant remember! But either way it is sharp Click image for larger and 100% crop

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Shot at T1.4

Just received this roadmap from Sony today which shows the new lenses coming down the pike for their NEX system.

Looks like we have a High Performance G Standard Zoom, a new High Magnification Zoom, a normal standard zoom and wide-angle zoom for 2012. In the prime department we will be seeing a Large aperture standard lens in 2012 as well as a middle tele prime and pancake lens. Looks like Sony is invested in this system and will be delivering what many NEX users have been asking for. MORE LENSES. The G zoom and large aperture standard lens seems the most intriguing to me along with the new pancake. Seems like 2012 is shaping up to be one of the most release filled years ever for photography gear.

The Olympus OM-D EM-5 – It’s OFFICIAL! PRE-ORDER NOW!

Olympus now has the E-M5 live on their web site! It’s for real and it looks fantastic! Check it out NOW, right HERE!

PRE-ORDER NOW at AMAZON OR B&H PHOTO!

You can now pre-order at Amazon! They just put it up so ordering now will get you your camera sooner. The cool thing? Amazon does not charge your card when you place a pre order, and you can cancel at any time if you change your mind. My order for the black with 12-50 is in

Olympus OM-D E-M5 with 12-50 Lens – Black

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Silver with 12-50 Lens – 1299

ALL OM-D E-M5 Pre Order Options!

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B&H PHOTO – BLACK OM-D WITH 12-50 LENS BLACK

B&H PHOTO – SILVER OM-D WITH 12-50 LENS – SILVER

Pre-Order the new cameras! Nikon D800E, Fuji X-Pro 1, Canon G1x, Pentax K-01

The new Nikon D800E

WOW, Nikon has created something special in the newly announced D800E. The new D800E is a full frame 36 megapixel monster without an AA filter! What does this mean? This means the file quality will be insanely sharp and detailed. The Leica M9 does not have an AA filter but most cameras and DSLR’s DO. This Nikon D800E is smaller than a D700 but seemingly packs a crazy punch of IQ, speed, and video capability. My money is on the D800E to be the best DSLR release of 2012. B&H is already taking pre-orders so if you have been waiting for this one, a pre-order now will get you your camera sooner I would take this over a Nikon D4 and you can already pre-order the Nikon D800E HERE at B&H Photo.

The Fuji X-Pro-1

The new Fuji is one of the hottest cameras of this year. The buzz has been intense, much like last years X100. I am excited about this one but am trying to not get too excited because if it is as quirky as the X100, then I will probably tire of it fast. The X-Pro 1 needs fast AF, amazing IQ and colors and good lenses to succeed. I think it will have all of that but we have to wait and see. I have my body and lenses pre-ordered already but if you didn’t get yours yet, you can still get in HERE. The lenses are also available – The 18mm f/2 – The 35 f/1.4 - The 60 F/2.4 MACRO. Fuji is pushing this as a Pro system, so I have high hopes! If it falls flat, it will be going back.

THE CANON G1-X

This one has been a mixed bag. Lots of the readers here have said they have no interest in this one while others say it is their perfect take along solution. With it’s larger sensor the G1-x has matured over the G12 with some great updates. But is the lens too slow? I think the camera will be good but there is so much competition it is hard to say. At $799 it is priced along the same lines as the Nikon V1 or Olympus E-P3, which I would take over the Canon. But thats  just me The Canon IMO needs a faster lens and better VF solution for me to choose it over some of the competition. Still, it is also available for pre-order!

The Pentax K-01

This 16MP APS-C sized sensor camera is one ugly piece of gear but beauty is in the eye of the beholder This camera may look funky, but my guess is that it will provide quality output. I just hope it has the speed and accuracy to go along with that IQ otherwise this may be dead in the water. Video specs look great, colors are available and for those who want a Tonka Toy like look and feel, this could be YOUR camera You can pre-order the camera at B&H Photo in any color! Black – Yellow – Silver

The Olympus OM-D

This is one that I have already fallen in love with and I will tell you why. The OM-D has evolved from the PEN line and the latest PEN E-P3 is a winner in (almost) every way. The speed is superb, the AF is awesome, the colors are beautiful, the lens selection even better…it’s sleek, powerful and has few weaknesses (those would be sucky low light/high ISO and wobbly video). The new OM-D is the “Pro Pen” and is weather sealed with a solid construction and an old school OM style. The new 16mp sensor is being used with the Olympus tweaks so expect rich color, much better high ISO, better video, and of course a built in EVF. This will be the best micro 4/3 body to date, believe me. I am really looking forward to it. The image above is the new OM-D with the accessory grip, which I will not be purchasing. Without the grip attached it looks like a sweet little solid camera! Like an OM!

You can now pre-order at Amazon! They just put it up so ordering now will get you your camera sooner. The cool thing? Amazon does not charge your card when you place a pre order, and you can cancel at any time if you change your mind. My order for the black with 12-50 is in

Olympus OM-D E-M5 with 12-50 Lens – Black

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Silver with 12-50 Lens - 1299

ALL OM-D E-M5 Pre Order Options!

The specs of the OM-D are impressive and Olympus are boasting a 40% decrease in NOISE compared to the E-P3. WOW. Also, a .92 magnification EVF. 

Saw these on a few websites this morning already along with the detailed info over at 43rumors.com

Memory card: SD Memory Card (SDHC, SDXC, UHS-I compatible, Eye-Fi Card compatible)

Sensor: 4/3 Live MOS Sensor 16.1 million pixels (total pixel 16.9 million pixels)

Dust reduction: Supersonic Wave Filter

Recording format: DCF, DPOF compatible / Exif, PRINT Image Matching III, MPO compatible

File format: RAW (12-bit lossless compression), JPEG, RAW+JPEG, MPO(3D still)

IS system: Built-in (Image sensor shift type for movie & still, 5-axis image stabilization) -> yaw/pitch/vertical shift/horizontal shift/rolling. Effective compensation range maximum 5 EV steps

Shutter speed range: 60 – 1/4000 sec. (Not available when Bulb is selected)

Electronic viewfinder: Eye-level electronic viewfinder, approx. 1.44M

Eye point / Diopter adjustment range Approx. 100% / Approx. 0.92x*1 – 1.15x*2 (-1m-1, 50mm lens, Infinity) *1 : at Finder Style 1, 2 (aspect 4:3) *2 : at Finder Style 3 (aspect 4:3)

Approx. 18mm (-1m-1, Distance from rear lens surface) / -4 ~ +2m-1

Available with Live Preview function button [custom function]

Level Gauge 2-axis level gauge; horizontal /vertical

Finder Style Selectable from 3 types

Brightness / Colour temperature control ±7 levels / ±7 levels

EyeCup Removable, Optional eyecup EP-11 is available.

LCD screen: Live view 100% field of view, Exposure compensation preview, WB adjustment preview, Gradation auto preview, Face detection preview (up to 8 faces), Grid line, Histogram, Magnification display (x5/x7/x10/x14) OFF Grid/ Monitor Display Types, Normal Mode, Grid Line Mode(4 types), Histogram Mode, Magnified View Mode, Magnification Ratio x5, x7, x10 (Default) x14.

LCD information: Aperture value, Shutter speed, Auto Bracket, AE Lock, AF mode, IS, Shooting Mode, Battery Check, Myset, Internal Temperature Warning, Face / Eye Detection, Histogram, Number of storable still pictures, Record mode, ISO, Sequential shooting, Self-timer, White Balance, Metering Mode, AF confirmation mark, Exposure Compensation Value, Spot metering Area

Flash Mode, Flash Status, Flash intensity Control, Super FP Focusing length, Tone control, Eye-Fi condition Display of Face Detection Max 8 frames of face detection can be displayed.

LCD Specs: 3.0-inch tilting OLED monitor, Approx. 610k dots, Touch control in electrostatic capacitance Type, Touch control Touch shutter release, Touch enlargement, Touch Live Guide, AF area selection, AF area enlargement, Frame advance/backward, Enlargement playback, Touch Super Control Panel, Tilting angle Upward tilting angle : up to 80 degrees / Downward tilting angle : up to 50 degrees, Brightness / Color temperature control ±2 levels / ±3 levels Color tone select Vivid / Natural

AF system: High-speed imager AF

Focus modes Single AF (S-AF) / Continuous AF (C-AF)* / Manual Focus (MF) / S-AF + MF / AF tracking (C-AF + TR) *

Full-time AF Available

Maginified frame AF Selectable from over 800 AF points

Enlarged view check by magnify button

Magnification x5, x7, x10(Default), x14 selectable

Face detection AF / Eye detection AF Available / Available

Eye Detection AF mode : OFF / Nearer-eye priority / Right-eye priority / Left-eye priority

Focusing point / Focusing point selection 35-area multiple AF / All target, Group target area (9-area), Single target

AF illuminator Yes

Manual focus assist Live view image is magnified when the focus ring is rotated. (at S-AF+MF or MF mode)

AF tracking

Metering system: TTL Image sensor metering. Digital ESP metering (324-area multi pattern metering), Center weighted average metering, Spot metering, Spot metering with highlight control, Spot metering with shadow control

Metering range EV 0 – 20 (at normal temperature, 17mm f2.8, ISO 100)

Exposure modes: i Auto, P: Program AE (Program shift can be performed), A: Aperture priority AE, S: Shutter priority AE, M: Manual, Bulb, Time, Scene select AE, Art Filter, Underwater wide / macro* * Selectable from menu as a function on Fn-1/Rec button

Scene Select AE Modes: Portrait, e-Portrait, Landscape, Landscape + Portrait, Sport, Night, Night + Portrait, Children, High Key, Low Key, DIS mode, Macro, Nature Macro, Candle, Sunset, Documents, Panorama, Fireworks, Beach & Snow, Fisheye Conv., Wide Conv., Macro Conv., 3D * * Still image only

ISO sensitivity: AUTO: ISO 200 – 25600 (customizable, Default 200-1600) / Manual ISO 200 – 25600, 1/3 or 1 EV steps selectable. Exposure compensation ±3 EV in 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV steps selectable

AE lock Locked at 1st release of shutter button (can be set to Fn1/Rec button). Metering standard value adjustment 1/6 EV step, +/- 1EV range

Shutter: Computerized focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed 1/4000 – 60 sec. (1/3, 1/2, or 1EV steps selectable.). Bulb: default setting 8min. (1/2/4/8/15/20/25/30 min. selectable.)

Flash: TTL Auto, Auto, Manual, FP-TTL AUTO, FP-MANUAL

Built-in flash: No

Bundled flash (FL-LM2): TTL flash, GN=10 (ISO200・m) / GN=7(ISO100・m). Flash mode Flash Auto, Redeye, Fill-in, Flash Off, Red-eye Slow sync.(1st curtain), Slow sync.(1st curtain), Slow sync.(2nd curtain), Manual（1/1（FULL）～1/64). Synchronization speed 1/250sec. or less* (using the bundled flash) * It depends on flash models or flash mode

FL-50R: 1/180 sec., Exept FL-50R: 1/200 sec., Super FP: 1/125-1/4000 sec.

Flash intensity control Up to ±3 EV in 0.3, 0.5, 1 EV steps selectable

Compatible external flash FL-50/FL-50R, FL-36/FL-36R, FL-30, FL-20, FL-14, FL-300R, FL-600R

Colour Temperature 5500±400°Ｋ

Compatible external flash FL-50R, FL-36R, FL-300R, FL600R

Control method: Triggered and controlled by bundled flash (FL-LM2) ** Available on FL-LM1/ FL-600R. (Olympus Wireless RC Flash system compatible). 4 channels. Group Number 4 groups (External flash 3 groups + a bundled flash)

Drive mode: Single-frame shooting, Sequential shooting, Self-timer. Sequential shooting　 maximum　speed [Sequential shooting H mode] 9.0 fps. [Sequential shooting L mode] 3.5 fps　/　4.2fps 　in case of “I.S. OFF”.

Max. recordable pictures: on sequential shooting [RAW] Max. 17 frames (in seq. shooting L), Max. 11 frames (in seq. shooting H)

[JPEG] Up to full extent of data strage capacity (in seq. shooting L),

Max. 17 frames ( in seq. shooting H)

(with TOSHIBA SDHC UHS-I card R95-W80 8GB model, under Olympus test standard)

Self-timer Operation time: 12 sec., 2 sec. (cancel available)

Wireless remote control Not Available

Bracketing: Exposure bracketing 2, 3 or 5 frames in 0.3/0.7/1.0EV steps selectable, 7 frames in 0.3/0.7EV steps selectable. White balance bracketing 3 frames in 2, 4, 6 steps selectable in each A-B/G-M axis. Flash bracketing 3 frames in 0.3/0.7/1.0EV step selectable Art Filter bracketing i-Enhance, Vivid, Natural, Muted, Portrait, Monotone, Custom, Art Filters selectable

Art Filter: Mode (Variation / Effect) Pop Art (I, II / a.b.c.d.e.). Soft Focus ( – / c.e.) Pale & Light Color (I, II / a.b.c.d.) Light Tone ( – / d.) Grainy Film (I, II / b.c.d.) Pin Hole (I, II, III / d.) Diorama ( – / d.) Cross Proscess (I, II / b.c.d.) Gentle Sepia ( – / a.b.c.d.) Dramatic Tone (I, II / b.c.d.e.) Key Line (I, II / a.b.c.d.e.) Art Effect a. Soft Focus Effect b. Pin-Hole Effect c. White Edge Effect d. Frame Effect e. Star Light Effect

Movie: Recording format MOV(MPEG-4AVC/H.264) , AVI(Motion JPEG) Movie Mode MOV（MPEG-4AVC/H.264 ），AVI（Motion JPEG）

[MOV] Full HD: 1920(H)x1080(V), 59.94i Recording *3 20Mbps（Fine) *4 / 17Mbps（Normal) *4 : Aspect 16:9 HD: 1280(H)x720(V), 59.94i Recording *3, 13Mbps（Fine) *4 / 10Mbps（Normal) *4 : Aspect 16:9 *3 : Sensor output 30fps *4 : bitrate [AVI Motion JPEG] HD: 1280(H)x720(V), 30fps *4, Aspect 16:9 SD: 640(H)x480(V), 30fps *4, Aspect 4:3 *4 : Except for some of the Art Filters

Maximum Recording Times Full HD : Approx. 29min(Fine) / Approx. 22min(Normal)

HD : Approx. 29min(Fine) / Approx. 29min(Normal)

Movie Effect : One shot echo / Multi echo

Art Filter Movie, Aperture priority Movie, Shutter Priority Movie, Manual Shooting Movie

IS for Movie Built in (Image sensor shift type image stabilization)

IS1. mode only

AE Lock Avarable

Exposure control （Movie）

P: Program AE, A: Aperture priority AE, S: Shutter speed priority AE, M: Manual, Art Filter

* S mode and M mode : Shutter speed is limited in less than 1/30 sec.

Compression ratio Motion-JPEG Format : 1/12(HD), 1/8(SD)

File size:

MOV Format : Max 4GB

Motion-JPEG Format : Max 2GB

Recording format Wave Format (Stereo linear PCM/16-bit, Sampling frequency 48kHz)

Micophone/Speaker:

Stereo/Mono

Microphone function Wind Noise Reduction, Recording Volume

Audio dubbing possible for still pictures (up to 30 sec.)

Picture with Sound: 30sec.

Noise reduction:

At High ISO setting Off, Low, Standard, High

At Slow shutter speed Off, On, Auto

On : effective when shutter speed is slower than 1 sec.

Auto : effective when shutter speed is slower than 4 sec. (at ISO 200 or higher) or 8 sec. (at lower than ISO200)

Multiple exposures:

Number of picture / Function 2 frames / Auto gain, Exposing on Recorded picture(RAW)

INPUT/OUTPUT:

USB/AV/Remote controller connector Dedicated multi-connector [USB: USB2.0 High Speed, Video: NTSC/PAL selectable, Optional Remote cable RM-UC1 can be used.]

HDMI connector Micro HDMI （Type-D)

Flash attachment Hot shoe

Accessory Port 2 Dedicated multi-connector [Available for VF-2/VF-3, SEMA-1, MAL-1 and PP-1.]

PC interface USB 2.0 High Speed

TV interface HDMI (HD/Stereo Sound), VIDEO-OUT(SD/Mono Sound)

DC-in – [Optional Power Battery Holder HLD-6 has DC-IN jack for AC-3.]

Power requirements:

Battery BLN-1 Li-ion battery (included)

Power battery holder (Option) Power Battery Holder HLD-6

AC adaptor (Option) AC adapter AC-3 *Optional HLD-6 has DC-IN jack for AC-3.

Sleep mode Available (1/3/5 min. off selectable)

Number of recordable pictures Approx. TBD shots [IS ON, CIPA test standard]

(with BLN-1 and TOSHIBA super high-speed Class 6 SDHC 4GB card)

Weights/Dimensions:

Dimensions 4.8 inch (W) x 3.5 inch (H) x 1.7 inch (D)

[CIPA guideline compliant, excluding protrusions]

Weight Approx. 15 ounces [CIPA guideline compliant, with BLN-1 battery and Memory card]

Approx. 13 ounces [body only]

Temperature 32 ~ +104 (operation) / -4 ~ +140 (storage) Farhenheit

Humidity 30 – 90% (operation) / 10 – 90% (storage)

Box contents Body, Flash FL-LM2, Li-ion battery BLN-1, Li-ion battery charger BCN-1, USB cable, AV cable, Shoulder strap, OLYMPUS Viewer 2 (CD-ROM), Instruction manual, Warranty card

The Sony NEX-7

What happened to the Sony NEX-7? This one had the most promise for 2012 but the devastating floods delayed the camera by months. The camera is just now starting to ship to customers and we are seeing some great results. I should have my own NEX-7 in the next couple of weeks so I will be testing it again alongside all of the newer cameras above (eventually). B&H PHOTO AND AMAZON HAVE TAKEN HUNDREDS, if not THOUSANDS of pre-orders for this camera so for now they are holding off. But you can keep an eye on the product page HERE as they may open back up again in the next week or two. Look for more shots with the NEX-7 on this site soon.

Photos from the Los Angeles workshop Attendees!

Hello to all! Sorry for the delay in the updates today…I was in beautiful Sedona AZ with my fiancé for the weekend and just arrived back home. I wanted to share with everyone some photos shot by a few of the Los Angeles workshop attendees as there were some truly great images captured. This was the BEST workshop yet with amazing presentations, a great group and amazing food Looking forward to the next!

For those who attended who do NOT see your images here, send me an e-mail with 2-3 of your best shots.

Thanks!

Without further ado, here are the images!

Various images shot at the workshop..courtesy of Todd Hatakeyama

The group inside just one of the many rooms in Todd’s studio/gallery..

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Jay’s presentation on Day 2

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Sean Armenta giving his talk on Fashion Photography

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Getting ready to photograph the model in the studio on Day 2

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On the way to lunch

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Actor/Comedian Jeff Garlin giving his talk on Street Photography (which had us ALL laughing) – I will be posting the video of Jeff’s talk soon!

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The prize giveaway – Dave Grady won the $200 B&H Photo gift card!

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Elizabeth with Andrew from SLR Magic as she tries out the Hyperprime on the Ricoh GXR (Todd shot this with the Leica Noctilux)

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and one from Greg Townsend…

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…and now onto the images shot on the street from all who attended the workshop. These were taken during day 3 which focused on Street Photography

Stephen Patterson using a Leica M9

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Shane Phillips with his Ricoh GRD III

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Jay Bartlett shooting with a Leica M8

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Brent Matsuno – Nikon D3s

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Dave Grady

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Judd Weiss with his Sony NEX-5n and SLR Magic LM T0.95 Hyperprime

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Tyson Kindstrom – Olympus E-P3

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Joel Scheiner

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Dawen Huang

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Elizabeth Wang Lee – Leica M9

…and her GXR with SLR Magic Hyperprime T0.95 LM lens

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Rinzi Ruiz – Fuji X100 and Nikon D90

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Todd Hatakeyama  - Leica M9

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Alexander Getty

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David Valera

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I will add more as I get more photos from the group!

The SLR Magic Hyperprime 50 LM T0.95 Lens Rolling Review…let’s get it started

With all of the hype and craziness this lens has been causing since the Los Angeles workshop I decided to start writing a rolling review for the SLR Magic Hyperprime 50 T0.95 LM lens. Basically this means I will be adding to this review, right here on this page instead of making posts every day about it. As I get new images and new thoughts I will add them here. Almost like a diary of my use with the lens over the next few months as I put it through its paces before its official release.

I am lucky to have one with me for the next few months (a black stealth edition no less) so I can test it, use it, abuse it and put it through its paces. One thing to note..this is a taste of what is to come of this lens. SLR Magic is still tweaking and improving on the lens and if I run into any issues they will fix them before going into production. They are already making a couple of improvements before shipping lenses out to the workshop attendees who agreed to be volunteers for lens testing as well. Yes, the lucky ones who were at the workshop had 1st crack

I already know that the image quality holds up extremely well to the $11,000 Leica Noctilux ASPH. In fact, I may prefer the rendering from this lens over the Leica, and that right there is saying a lot. Actually, now that I read that back, that is HUGE. My curiosities with the Hyperprime is to see if the build quality holds up. By the look and feel, it feels like a solid tank but you never know. Not everyone associates SLR Magic with high quality but it appears with this and their 12mm Hyperprime they have decided to go with quality, and I welcome it.

BTW, for reference you can see my Leica Noctilux ASPH review HERE that was done when the lens was first released.

If you did not see the posts I have already made about this SLR Magic lens you can see those HERE, HERE, HERE,  HERE and finally HERE.

A Brief History Of This Lens

Probably close to a year ago I heard from SLR Magic and they told me they were designing a new Leica M mount lens from the ground up. A 50mm f/0.95 lens for the Leica M mount. This was not going to be a copy of their old Hyperprime that they sell for the M4/3 mount and NEX mount. Those lenses are nice, but not “amazing” because they are soft and glowy when wide open. They are also smallish but at the same time very well built and made. Still, SLR Magic wanted to create something special that more Leica M shooters could afford. A lens much like the Leica Noctilux but at a more reasonable price.

After they mentioned their ideas they started sending me pictures of prototypes that looked great. The lens started out semi small (smaller than a Leica Noctilux ASPH) and beefy. But the images that they were happy with that they snapped with the M9 and their lens, I was not so happy with. I told them if they were going to do a lens like this, they needed to do it right. I mean, Leica users shoot with Leica for quality. We do not want to spend money on crappy or overly soft lenses. If a lens has a .95 aperture, then we want to be able to use it at that aperture! As it was at that time, the lens they were creating was really good, but it did not have any magic to it in the image quality dept. They built the lens and it was built like a tank. Solid, smooth and heavy. BUT the lens vignetted strongly and wide open it lacked sharpness and contrast. The color was a bit dull as well and I told them that I would not buy that lens for what they would have to charge for it.

They decided to go back to the drawing board, keeping me in the loop with samples, prototype images, etc. Then one day I received a couple of shots, that to me, looked pretty damn close to the $11,000 Leica. I asked them to send me a lens as soon as they could and a month or two later they did just that. When it arrived I immediately made a quick post on it as I found it very impressive. The build, the feel, the heft… it was all LEICA LIKE. It was performing scary close to the $11,000 Noctilux ASPH. Yes, the lens that has up to a year waiting list and is almost impossible to find used. If you do find one used the prices are usually jacked up to $13k. Crazy. $13,000 for a lens.

Once I saw the quality I immediately sent SLR Magic an e-mail telling them that this is a lens they should be extremely proud of. The only negatives I found with the lens was that it had some evident barrel distortion and that damn green ring on the front. I mean, the green ring looks pretty cool on my SLR Magic 12mm 1.6 for Micro 4/3 mount but on a lens of this caliber…well, it deserved a black ring! Other than that I found the lens to be pretty damn amazing even though it was one of only 6 in existence and basically still a prototype. The lens ring is even stamped with the word “concept”. With the LA Workshop approaching, Andrew from SLR Magic decided to join us and fly down with all 6 lenses. This way, you guys wouldn’t have to take my word for it but you could see what other shooters came away with who were able to shoot with the lens. If it was a bad lens, they would say so as most of these guys love their Leica lenses. I even told Andrew we could do a Noctilux/Hyperprime shootout and he welcomed it. Shows he has confidence in their design. I will in fact be doing that shootout soon so we can see just how much difference there is with sharpness, flare, bokeh, and build.

The Lens In Use  - from me and others

If you have been reading my blog posts on this lens then you know that the lens was a huge hit in Los Angeles. There were quite a few guys trying to give Andrew the cash for the lens because we all saw it the same way. The SLR Magic Hyperprime is a well built, well made, nicely engineered hunk of glass. It is not cheap and it is not a toy. In fact, it is quite the opposite of what most people thought it would be. The lens is not perfect due to the barrel distortion but it is pretty close to the Leica $11k monster. In some ways it is BETTER than the Leica, and in others it is a bit weaker.

The ways this lens is better is that it will be coming in at many thousands of dollars less than the Leica. I do not know a price but if I had to guess I would say it will run about $3500-$4000 (The price has now been announced at $4288.00 US). Others at the workshop were thinking it would be $5500. No one knows yet but if you are someone who is into the whole Noctilux ASPH lens look, then saving $7000 or so and picking this lens up would be a pretty sweet option because the Hyperprime can focus closer, is actually faster at f/0.92 and has the same great color and sharpness as the Noctilux. The areas that are weaker is that this lens has distortion (barrel) so shooting straight lines up close will reveal this. Then again, we do not buy a lens like this for architecture. It is also longer and a little but heavier though when holding both in each hand, they feel about the same. No dount about it, this is a specialty lens, and for speed and special effect freaks. Not everyone’s cup of tea. BUT for Bokeh lovers, this lens is the creamiest 50mm lens ever made for 35mm. Click the images below for larger and sharper views…

As I sat there last weekend at the workshop looking over shots with this lens as well as the Leica Noctilux I was thinking “WOW…pretty amazing that a small company such as SLR Magic were the ones to create something like this”. This lens is serious competition to the Leica, and I am not exaggerating. Here is a comment from Bill Fulcher who shot with the Hyperprime at my LA Workshop:

“ Shot both and saw many images with both last weekend. The Hyper is at least as sharp at all apertures as the 0.95 Noct. The Noct has slightly better ergonomics for still shooters and is more compact. It is also backed by Leica. The Hyper has slightly better IQ, focuses closer, is much better for video and is a skosh faster. It will also be a lot less expensive. All around the pre-production Hyper impresses me as the superior lens. But I wouldn’t really argue the point if someone heavily values the areas where the Noct has the edge. Best, Bill”

So if you do not care about the name, and the slightly larger build you could save thousands of dollars by going with the HyperPrime. If the Leica name, backing and reputation is worth up to $7k then go for it. It’s all personal pref but as for performance, this lens is just about equal to the mighty Leica in regards to sharpness, and as for Bokeh it is even more creamy. Color is about the same as is the contrast.

Andrew told us that some of the lens elements come from Germany and other China. The lens is assembled in Hong Kong by hand and will NOT be able to be mass-produced due to the tight tolerances and calibration required. The 6 samples at the workshop had no issues focusing, which I found to be pretty amazing as I have had Noctilux’s that were all over the place. Not sure how they managed to pull off what Leica can never seem to do reliably. Then again, there were actually only 4 RF coupled versions there and they were each the 1st lenses made so I am sure special care went into them. I was told that each lens made will have that same special care in regards to build and calibration. I can say that Andrew was a fascinating and very passionate guy and he was truly excited about this product.

SLR Magic? Green Rings?

So who the hell is SLR Magic and why the hell are they called SLR Magic when they do not make ANY SLR products? I wondered the same thing so I asked Andrew when they started and how. SLR Magic are based in Hong Kong and started up 6 years ago making adapters for cameras and SLR lenses. They also started selling hand-made leather straps and other fun products. Soon they started the toy lenses that came in for great prices and provided fun results. They decided to start building lenses from the ground up and released a couple of NEX lenses and the fantastic 12mm 1.6 for Micro 4/3 that I LOVED. When they started telling me about this lens and showing me versions with green rings I asked for a black ring and suggested that for a Leica mount lens they may want to sell it with black instead of neon green. At the workshop mostly wanted black, but a couple liked  the green. After much thought Andrew decided on selling a “stealth” edition with some other goodies possibly to be included. Ahhhhh…much better

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Who needs a lens Like this?

The easy answer? No one really NEEDS a lens like this. Just like no one NEEDS a Leica Noctilux ASPH. Lenses like this are purchased with the heart because they are special..they are unique..they can give a look like no other lens and it’s also super fast for this nights you want to shoot in the dark. I used the Leica Noctilux last year on tour with Seal and came away with some great stuff. I made his new album cover as well. All with the Noctilux. Lenses like this are very useful and can provide results that help separate you from the crowd but it is also very easy to get carried away with the shallow depth of field. Use it wisely and lenses like this can deliver magical results. Overuse it and it gets gimmicky. It is also NOT an everyday lens due to the weight and size, but for those times you want some magic injected into your photos a lens like this or the Leica will give it to you in mass quantities.

Some readers were commenting how this lens has no real use, but I disagree. It was a lens just like this Hyperprime (The Leica Noctilux ASPH) that gave me this shot and made me some much-needed money in 2011. These lenses do have their place and I enjoy having a super fast special effect lens on hand and in my stable.

QUICK comparison with the Leica 50 Summilux ASPH at 1.4

Below are two straight from camera shots. The 1st from the SLR Magic at T1.4 and the 2nd from the Leica 50 Lux ASPH at f/1.4 – Click each image for the full size 18PMP file. What do you think?

New Sample Images – Full size and crops – and shooting stopped down…

More updates! The images below are all out of camera (from RAW) images using the SLR Magic lens. The T stop is written on the image and you must click each image to see the full size file. Check out how sharp it is when stopped down! This lens is simply amazing and I am loving shooting with it. I took some personal shots and it was  the only lens I shot with while in Sedona AZ for the weekend.

The 1st shot is at T/2 which is more like f/1.8. Click image for the full size and check out the blue duster, which is where I focused. Wow. 

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Below is a full size out of cam shot at T/4…click image to see the full size!

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Another at T/4  - not full size but you can click for larger

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Wide open at .7 meters…

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At f/5.6 this lens is just as razor sharp as it is at any aperture – click image for large size with 100% crop embedded

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Love the rendering wide open…

The price of this lens…

SLR Magic has announced that this lens will come in at $4,288.00 US. Quite a hefty amount of cash outlay for a lens made by SLR Magic. But, they are not mass producing this lens, and each one will be hand assembled and calibrated for rangefinder use. For a Leica M mount that has the build, feel and IQ of the $11k Leica, the price of this lens is fair. BUT at this price point you have to start to think a little. Would you prefer a Leica 50 Summilux ASPH at $4k? It’s smaller..and a Leica. But, it is not f/0.92. Speed is expensive, just take a look at the Noctilux. IMO, this lens is better than the Noctilux F1, better than the Voigtlander 50 1.1 and just about equal to the Leica $11k Nocti. Just about but not quite. So at $4288 vs $11,000, one can now have an alternative to spending that huge sum of cash for a lens like this.

SLR Magic is giving a 3 year warranty with this lens and it will be available in September 2012, after Photokina. 

COMING SOON to this rolling review:

What is a T stop? This is an f/0.92 lens!

Sucking in the Light! 

Shooting the Hyperprime on your NEX, Micro 4/3 and Fuji X-Ppro 1

Shooting Video with the Hyperprime

The Barrel Distortion – Is it really BAD?

Noctilux ASPH vs Hyperprime Shootout – The real differences will be shown in this test 

The Hyperprime or the Nokton?

Others who have shot with the lens, what do they think?

and more…..bookmark this page and check back weekly!

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Just got this info from Tony at popflash.com. It appears Leica is changing the covering on the black M9 and the black and chrome M9-P due to the fact that the vulcanite covering is no longer available. It is being changed from a vulcanite to a “leatherette” which is more smooth.

Not sure if the photo above of the new Olympus OM-D is legit or not (I call fake, but maybe not) but I have to say that if the camera looks like the one above I will be in heaven…and I think that the rendering above is pretty damn accurate to what we will be seeing in a few days. This will be the camera to replace my PEN for all of my Micro 4/3 lenses and I have no doubt that this will be the best Olympus to date.

It’s no secret that I love the Oly Micro 4/3 cameras, namely the E-P series. The OM-D IS IN FACT that “Pro Pen” many of us have been waiting for. Weather sealed body, 16Mp sensor, built in EVF, classic OM looks with a modern flair, speed, speed and more speed, manual dials and buttons, swivel LCD….this one seems to have it all for $1200. The big “official” announcement is less than a week away and I am sure that pre-ordering will be available that same day.

2012 is already gearing up to be the year of the camera. NEX-7′s are starting to ship, the Fuji X-Pro 1 is coming soon, the new Pentax I posted about yesterday is also arriving soon and now the Olympus OM-D. Wow. We haven’t even heard from Leica yet but my senses tell me they are planning something soon. I mean, they have to be. If they sit back much longer they will be losing more and more of their X1 customers who will move on and buy one of these bad boys. Time will tell!

Oh and Kenko-Tokina also announced a new 300mm f/6.3 mirror lens for Micro 4/3 and I must say, it is looking mighty fine on the white E-P3…

I want to share my short sudden trip to Kuala Lumpur on 30-31st Jan 2012..

Since I suddenly be called to comes there..

Only pack 1 ransel to go , shirt for 2 days.

I only bring my GF2 and Pannie 25 mm F1.4..

After the long meeting.. I had 1 chance to travel arround for just few hours..

I decided to try learning how to shoot in the real street… in a place I never been before..

This is my first time to Kuala Lumpur and without any preparation … since everything is so sudden.

I grab my little bag , containing my passport , some cash and GF2 + Pannie 25 mm F1.4 for warm up.. I shot a nice gentleman that is so serious doing text messaging in hotel lobby … then off I go , by myself,

I didnt even know where to go … I just said to the driver.. I want to see their traditional market..

He took me to this street called Petaling street..

then I wonder around in that street from 6 – 8 PM… before it rains….

I strengthen myself to take pictures in places I am not familiar with then trying to interact to people with different languages and culture.

After 2 hours wandering arround in Petaling street, it start to get raining so I went back to hotel to rest since I got very early flight the next day..

I want to share my first experience shooting in the real street… close to all the people.. since I got the 25 mm Pannie only…

Thank you for encouraging advices that I learn from this site from all the wonderful people.

I wish I will keep growing in capturing the moments through the glass

Sincerely

William

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