The Light Lens Lab 50mm f/2 Rigid: A New Chapter in a Classic Story

A Familiar Form with a Modern Approach

We all know the allure of Leica glass. That unique blend of optical excellence, mechanical precision, and, let’s face it, a hefty price tag, has long been a draw for many of us. It’s an experience, a feeling as much as it is a tool. But what if that experience could be had without breaking the bank? Enter Light Lens Lab and their new 50mm f/2 Rigid lens. It’s a lens that’s sparking a lot of conversation, and for good reason.

• The Legacy: This isn’t just another 50mm. The design is an homage to the classic rigid Summicron 50mm f/2, a lens revered for its rendering and compact size. We’re talking about a lens that helped define an era of photography. Light Lens Lab has clearly done their research here, capturing the essence of what made that original lens special.
• Why a “Rigid”? For those not familiar, the “rigid” designation refers to the lens’s construction. Unlike the later collapsible Summicrons, the rigid version’s lens barrel doesn’t retract into the mount. This gives it a solid feel and contributes to its optical alignment, and potentially its performance. There’s a satisfying heft to a lens like this, one that translates to confidence in the field.

Digging into the Details

• Optical Formula: While details are still emerging, we know that the Light Lens Lab 50mm f/2 Rigid is designed with a similar optical formula to the original. This means we can expect that classic look – smooth bokeh, a pleasing sharpness wide open and tack sharp when stopped down. It’s a look that’s hard to replicate digitally.
• Build Quality: From what I’ve gathered, Light Lens Lab has a reputation for producing lenses with high-quality construction, and the early images of the lens look promising. The focus ring and aperture ring are reported to have a smooth, damped feel, which is essential for precise control.
• Price: Here’s where it gets interesting. Light Lens Lab lenses are not cheap, but they are considerably less expensive than the equivalent Leica options. This opens up the door to experience the magic of classic Leica optics without the prohibitive cost. This price point could make the Leica system attainable for photographers who might have only dreamed of owning one

Why This Matters to Us as Photographers

• Creative Potential: For Leica shooters like us, this lens presents an opportunity to explore a classic aesthetic without needing to delve deep into the vintage market. The 50mm focal length is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for everything from street photography to portraits, and even landscapes.
• User Experience: I can already imagine the satisfying click of the aperture ring and the smooth rotation of the focus ring – a tactile experience that’s often missing in modern lenses. It’s these details that enhance our connection to the craft of photography.

• Is It “Leica” Quality: It’s a fair question, and one we need to explore. I’m sure early adopters of the lens will begin to post comparison images and provide real-world experience. This will be critical to determining how well this lens does compared to the original.
• My Personal Angle: I’ve always been drawn to the Leica system. The idea of a compact, high-quality setup that just feels right is very appealing. While I’ve been hesitant to invest due to the cost, a lens like the Light Lens Lab 50mm f/2 Rigid makes the prospect of jumping into the Leica world that much more realistic.

Comparable Options

• Original Leica Summicron 50mm f/2 (Rigid): The gold standard, of course, but also the most expensive and can be difficult to find in great condition.
• Current Leica Summicron 50mm f/2: The modern iteration, with its own advantages, but still much more expensive.
• Other Third-Party 50mm Options: There are other third-party options out there, but many of them lean towards modern designs, not a classic like this.

LLM Announcement: https://lightlenslab.com/blogs/upcoming-project/light-lens-lab-50mm-f-2-rigid-announcement

Let’s Hear From You

Have you used other Light Lens Lab lenses? What are your thoughts on their build quality and optical performance? We’d love to hear your opinions as we explore this new option. If you have any experience with Light Lens Lab, please drop us a line at teamlula@luminous-landscape.com.

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