For the provided lens TTArtisan 35/1.4 DJ-OPTICAL ASPH (Leica M-mount, Full Frame, version M35mm f1.4) many thanks the store ProFotoSale.
TTArtisan 35/1.4 DJ-OPTICAL ASPH. Increase.
Navigation
- In short
- Main Specifications
- Assembly
- Focusing
- Image quality
- Sample Photos
- My experience
- Price
- Video review
- Results
- User Comments
- Add your review or question on the lens
In this review, I will abbreviate the full-frame TTArtisan 35/1.4 DJ-OPTICAL ASPH lens with Leica M mount TTArtisan 35/1.4M, so as not to be confused with a “simpler” lens with a similar name TTArtisan DJ-OPTICAL 35 / 1.4, designed for mirrorless cameras with different mounts and APS-C (or smaller) sensor sizes.
TTArtisan 35/1.4 DJ-OPTICAL ASPH. The front protective cover is rectangular, with rounded corners, metal, with a fabric seal on the inside
In short
TTArtisan 35/1.4M – a modern fast lens for rangefinder (mirrorless) cameras with a bayonet mount Leica M. The lens is trying to copy and be a replacement for the original LEICA SUMMILUX-M 1:1.4/35 ASPH lens. E46. The cost of the latter is about 6000 dollars, at the same time TTArtisan 35/1.4M sold new for about 10 times cheaper.
TTArtisan 35/1.4M announced in 2019. The lens is available in three body colors: black (shown in this review), silver and gold (rare version'24K GOLD SKIN Limited')
35 mm is a convenient focal length that allows you to use the TTArtisan 35/1.4M as a standard lens for a huge number of different photographic tasks.
TTArtisan 35/1.4M is interesting due to its low price (compared to the original LEICA SUMMILUX-M 1: 1.4/35 ASPH. E46), high-quality build and good resolution at F/1.4 in the center of the frame. It has significant optical shortcomings, but in general it should satisfy some of the needs of amateur photographers.
Very important: perhaps the first lenses had a different optical design (this, more). The first lenses may not have had the 'ASPH' prefix in their name (view), and some of them might have a red hood centering marker (this). In official materials, the drawings of the optical design and the indications of the number of elements/groups do not coincide with each other. Most likely, no one will know the true state of affairs until they take an X-ray of the lens.
It's important: list of all lenses TTArtisan you can see here.
TTArtisan 35/1.4 DJ-OPTICAL ASPH with a short rectangular “cinema” metal hood. The hood is centered using a special mark
Main technical characteristics of TTArtisan 35/1.4 DJ-OPTICAL ASPH:
| Review Instance Name | Near the front lens: TTArtisan No.83510935 DJ-OPTICAL 35/1.4 Ø49 ASPH
On body: 35 On the lid: TTArtisan On the box: TTArtisan M35mm f1.4 |
| Basic properties |
|
| Front Filter Diameter | 49 mm |
| Focal length | 35 mm |
| Zoom ratio | 1 X (this is a fixed lens, it does not have a zoom) |
| Designed by | for film and digital cameras with Leica M mount |
| Number of aperture blades | 10 rounded petals |
| Tags |
|
| Diaphragm | from F/1.4 to F/16, controlled using the aperture control ring. There are marks for F/1.4, 2, 2.8, 4, 8, 11, 16. The ring rotates with clicks, you can set one additional value between each pair of numbers |
| MDF | 0.7 meters, maximum magnification ratio approx. 1:12 |
| The weight |
|
| Optical design | 10 elements in 8 groups (although the official drawing has an 8/7 layout).
Some sources indicate an 8/7 scheme (view), or 7/6 (view). On the box from under the lens from this review there is actually some other drawing (view). No one knows what is really there. |
| Lens hood | Must be screwed into the external thread near the front filter, included in the package, metal, with a silicone rubber seal and a mark for centering, rectangular, with rounded corners and a special cutout for the viewfinder. You can use both a hood and a filter at the same time. |
| Manufacturer country | Made in China (there is no data on the country of manufacture on the lens itself) |
| Period | Since summer 2019 |
| Price |
It's important: F/1.4 aperture is 'real' here, with light transmission around T/1.6. I compared the TTArtisan 35/1.4M with the lens Sigma 30mm 1: 1.4 DC DN C (Contemporary). At f / 1.4, the lenses give almost the same exposure (ceteris paribus). Lately I've been careful about the maximum relative aperture, there have already been many cases of cheating with the indication of the real maximum aperture by some Chinese manufacturers: 7Artisans 35 / 0.95, 7Artisans 50 / 1.05, Pergear 35 / 1.6 etc.
TTArtisan 35/1.4 DJ-OPTICAL ASPH. The box in which the lens comes. The box has stylish rounded corners on one side
Assembly
The lens arrived for review in very good condition. The box design is stylish and beautiful. The package includes a tool and instructions on setting up the rangefinder.
Overall the lens is very well assembled. TTArtisan 35/1.4M has metal mount for bayonet, and the lens case itself is completely made of metal.
All marks and labels on lenses engraved and filled with paint.
The front lens cap is metal, without latches, it just fits tightly to the hood. There is a special fabric seal on the inside of the lid. The lid is fixed tightly. Removing and installing the cover is a pleasure. The lid is rectangular with rounded corners.
Near the external thread for the hood there is a white rubber (silicone) seal that can be removed. The hood must be screwed into the external thread near the front filter (which is very rare). This allows you to use both the hood and the filter at the same time. The lens hood is included in the delivery set, metal, with a mark for centering, rectangular, with rounded corners and special cut for the viewfinder (which is a small thing - but very pleasant, clearly shown well by old Kenny).
The lens weighs almost 400 grams. In your hands, the lens feels like a solid thing. The diameter of the filters is 49 mm. The TTArtisan 35/1.4M itself is quite compact.
The diaphragm consists of 10 blades and forms a fairly round hole at any value. The diaphragm can only be controlled manually using a special ring. Aperture ring rotates with clicks. The aperture control ring has special ears for a comfortable grip.
TTArtisan 35/1.4 DJ-OPTICAL ASPH. A white rubber (silicone) seal is visible near the external thread for the hood
Focusing
The focus ring is metal, ribbed, comfortable. The ring spins on 90 degrees (1/4 of a full turn). Focusing is smooth and pleasant. The ring has a special protrusion (“ears“) under your finger, which makes focusing easier.
During focusing, the trunk of the lens runs forward but does not spin. During focusing, the entire lens block moves.
There is a scale on the ring with the focusing distance in meters and feet. There is a depth of field scale. The minimum focusing distance is 70 centimeters, and the maximum magnification ratio is approximately 1:12. This distance is associated with pairing with a rangefinder.
TTArtisan 35/1.4M has a slight 'Focus Breathing' effect (changing the viewing angle while focusing). When focusing towards the MDF, the viewing angle decreases.
Focus Shift (change in focusing distance due to aperture) is missing.
Users note that there are no problems with the rangefinder + it is possible to fine-tune it.
Focus peaking with LEITZ SUMMICRON-M 1:2/90 and Sony a7, Sony a3500 works well at F / 1.4.
TTArtisan 35/1.4 DJ-OPTICAL ASPH. Front lens slightly concave (rare)
Image quality
TTArtisan 35/1.4M is ambiguous. It is possible that on original Leica digital rangefinder cameras the image quality will be better in the corners and edges of the image due to the sensors being better optimized for wide angle lenses. Digital Leica is famous for its filters for digital sensors.
Sharpness
- The F/1.4 lens has good resolution in the center of the frame (both at close and long focusing distances)
- with aperture down to f/2.8 resolution becomes excellent
- there is a strong drop in sharpness towards the edges and corners of the frame; in the far corners the situation returns to normal only after F/4
- good contrast
- severe coma (view)
- the copy from the review leaned more towards the left edge of the image (the usual reason is poor centering)
Distortion
- barrel-shaped distortion
- distortion is unified, easy to edit in the editor
- distortion is visually felt in photographs
Vignetting
- a strong vignetting at F/1.4 (example)
- vignetting almost completely disappears at F / 4.0
- vignetting easily fixable in the editor
Aberration
- small amount of spherical aberrations in the central area of the frame
- there is a large number of chromatic aberrations (example)
- there is a noticeable frigging (the color of contrasting elements in the out-of-focus area is purple or green)
Rest
- with closed apertures it’s easy to achieve a beautiful 10-pointed star effect
- from bright light sources you can get a lot of glare, while they can be of enormous size
- the lens can create pleasant bokeh, including lemons (cat's eyes) in the bokeh
Important: At the time of writing this review, there was no TTArtisan 35/1.4M profile for popular RAW converters. You can create a profile yourself or wait for its release.
TTArtisan 35 / 1.4 DJ-OPTICAL ASPH
Sample Photos
Camera used Sony a7 (24 MP Full Frame Exmor HD CMOS sensor). On the camera Sony a7 I used TTArtisan 35/1.4M using a regular adapter Leica M -> Sony E/FE/NEX.
Original photos in RAW format (Sony '.ARW' compressed) can be download / watch this link (30+ photos, Google Drive gallery). The file name indicates the aperture value. Principles ZEROJPEG.
TTArtisan 35 / 1.4 DJ-OPTICAL ASPH
My experience
TTArtisan 35/1.4M is very pleasant to use, with a pleasant design and thoughtful details. But TTArtisan 35/1.4M could be better. Strong chromatic aberration, vignetting, noticeable distortion. Perhaps on black and white film the lens will show its character much better.
Definitely, for users of the Leica M system, the TTArtisan 35/1.4M is an interesting replacement for the original LEICA SUMMILUX-M 1:1.4/35 ASPH. E46.
But I don’t like that the inscriptions on the camera near the front lens TTArtisan 35/1.4M are so oriented that the cacophonous “DJ-OPTICAL” is on top. For aesthetic pleasure “Leikoy”/”Laykoy” I would prefer a used “Japanese” Voiglander Nokton Classic 35mm F1.4 (about $300). Or wait, save up for the new Voiglander Nokton Classic 35mm F1.4 II (about $600).
TTArtisan 35 / 1.4 DJ-OPTICAL ASPH
Price
TTArtisan 35/1.4M costs around $350. The easiest way is to buy TTArtisan 35/1.4M at Aliexpress.comFor example, here.
TTArtisan 35 / 1.4 DJ-OPTICAL ASPH
Results
TTArtisan 35/1.4M can be a cheap replacement/alternative for LEICA SUMMILUX-M 1:1.4/35 ASPH. E46 (and earlier solutions from Leica/Leitz).
If the TTArtisan 35/1.4M is considered in conjunction with an adapter for other mirrorless systems, then for $400-500 you can find better and more functional solutions.
10 main advantages
- very good build quality
- attention to detail (“window” in the hood, “ears” on the aperture and focus rings, hood seal, etc.)
- stylish delivery box, rectangular metal hood included
- smooth focusing ring
- compact dimensions, filter diameter is only 49 mm (greetings from Sigma 35mm 1:1.2 DG DN A)
- ten aperture blades
- possibility of precise adjustment to the rangefinder, tools and instructions included in delivery
- about 10 times cheaper original LEICA SUMMILUX-M 1:1.4/35 ASPH. E46
- can create nice bokeh
- good sharpness in the center of the frame starting from F/1.4 at any focusing distance
10 main disadvantages
- not the most beautiful/euphonious prefix 'DJ-OPTICAL' in the name of the lens (and the lens is intended for LEICA/LEITZ owners!)
- filter diameter 49 mm (versus “standard” 46 mm for the original LEICA SUMMILUX-M 1:1.4/35 ASPH. E46)
- heavy weight (almost 400 grams, for example, a modern Voigtlander NOKTON CLASSIC 35mm F1.4 II for Leica M weighs less than 200 grams)
- there is no 6-bit encoding for automatic operation with the lens profile with corresponding Leica cameras
- focus ring rotates only 90 degrees
- large MDF, 70 centimeters (versus 40 centimeters for LEICA SUMMILUX-M 1:1.4/35 ASPH. E46)
- strong chromatic aberration, including freezing
- significant drop in sharpness at F/1.4 at the edges and corners of the image
- noticeable distortion
- noticeable vignetting
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Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram
Still, do I understand correctly that the lens on the Sony A7 does not produce sharp angles at any aperture value?
Well no, here the lower right one is already at F/4. The problem is that the left side is always littered (you can see in the photographs that the left edge of the image, including the corners, goes into a mess).
Yeah I got it, thanks. Here I can advise, if possible, to loosen the rear group of lenses, then shake it slightly in the direction perpendicular to the axis, and tighten it again, shaking the lens so that the lens fits on the axis. Especially the last one.
You can also diagnose skew by the asymmetry of a small defocus spot on an open aperture.
Thank you. But I won’t touch the review lens (not mine)
I took a closer look at the photos I took. In the photo with pure bokeh, you can see that the right edge of the disks in the center is brighter than the left. So there really is decentralization))
Perhaps not the most successful example.
Same old Kenny praises this lens, literally “This is a great little hunk of a lens.” It’s good enough optically and built like a Swiss tank — just like LEICA.”
Well, how can it be that ancient helios worth $10 cannot be decentered, but a brand new Chinese one worth $430 in 2024 can have “unsuccessful” specimens?
Helios is also not allowed
And one more thing: the 7/6 scheme on the box was clearly a fool; a full-frame lens with such parameters cannot be made using such a scheme :)
Now the box has the correct diagram (box view). They were up to something there; in advertising materials, in addition to the 7/6 picture, the 8/7 option was also sometimes indicated (view).
Then I don’t understand at all. The table in this review indicates that the optical design is 10/8. In the picture - 8/7. From an optical point of view, this is a logical scheme. But what is written on the box is again an obvious mess, where one lens was accidentally thrown off. TTOpticalCollective Farm.
Haha, I didn't notice that there was one missing from the box. This is really very funny
Well, just if you want to shoot with a rangefinder, but can’t afford pennies, then Voyts are more interesting, and not these Chinese crafts (except perhaps for light lens lab). There is no point in hanging this on the BZK - there is a carriage with a trolley of other optics.
Just on the BZK there are almost no modern non-Chinese manuals (old ones, especially mirror ones, are a different story)
Really, there’s really nothing to choose from. Either the Foyts or the Chinese. But, to be honest, the price between the new China and the Voyt aftermarket does not differ much, and in some cases the Foyt is better.
You can also look for various rare options, but now the guys are selling wonderful, wonderful KONICA M-HEXANON LENS 28mm F2.8 JAPAN
The main problem with these lens lenses is the strong non-telecentricity of the rays going to the matrix. Because of this, the quality at the edges drops significantly when used on a UPC. There's no point in spending money. The Chinese at least have special versions, as in the case of 28/1.4 7art there was a version conditionally “for Sony”, that is, taking into account the matrix filter, the recalculation was done.
I shoot fifty kroner on the SL2-S, there is no drop in quality at the edges.
Well, it’s fifty dollars, not shirik.
I never imagined that Chinese small-scale optical manufacturers (read collectively, as noted above) are trying to produce optics for cameras that are leaders in the photo market. As if there had been a level with the number of these cells, then there would have been nothing. And so, below average lousiness. Of course, what is good is worth less. And now it’s no longer 50 or 70 $, but completely decent. I understand that the Chinese are buying a little more Leica cameras, not for the world. For those who bought Leika, I think it would be better to buy a decent lens before it, and not something like this from the Chinese optical industry. How long will it take for these “masterpieces” of optical equipment and their detectors to emerge? If you want for the domestic market, you can cleave and cleave)), this is how the course of the party and the order of those there ends up like this)) I think there is a pitiful soul for those who vibrate the “objectives” for Leika and would like to take a side note for as long as this world brand))
Don't worry about the country. Think about it. We all know that some producers from the Middle Kingdom can produce good products, incl. And I’ll look at how we can be a worthy alternative to these very brands.
And according to the optical design, it’s not clear. All the diagrams on the little ones do not correspond to what is written - 10 lenses in 8 groups. The scheme in the table is 8/7. Is it true?
TTArtisan feels great and has already switched to autofocus optics. Yes, and TTArtisan has some interesting manuals at a low cost (the same 50/1.2 for $ 70).
As for the scheme, they screwed it up. Most likely it is not indicated correctly anywhere, most likely it was stolen from somewhere (most likely from 7Artisans 35/1.4 wen or 7Artisans 35 / 1.4). And so that no one suspects, they publish just about anything.
As for the fact that only Leika is bought at Leica, this is not always the case. 6000 dollars for the original and 400 dollars for this TTArtisan with perfect mechanics - bribes users. Same 7Artisans 75mm F / 1.25 и 7 Artisans 50mm F/1.1 They sell very well under Leica M.
The scheme most likely indicated correctly is the one that is 8/7. Still, the other 35 1.4 are completely different, either in design or in execution. The mentioned wen seems to have internal focusing in general, and not very successful.