Completely agree that 28mm and up close just makes it feel really nice and present. But when doing street/doc/journalism type stuff I just feel so anxious about getting as close as I'd realistically like for the most pleasing image. I find that a 35mm is a happy medium for me when I'm photographing real people and locations.
I've only ever felt super comfortable shooting 28mm with a Ricoh GR, it's size and "point and shoot" looks allow me to get much closer without making people wary of it
I think there's a cultural issue at play. In London or New York City, one can use a 28mm and get close enough for an intimate, immersive image. People in major cities are sufficiently passive to allow a photographer in. In most places, though, people aren't comfortable with the closeness required by a 28mm. The subject reacts and ruins the shot -- or the photographer stands too far away and crops. Most (not all) 28mm images look like iPhone shots.
The infinity-lock is actually a remnant from the old screw-mount times. Locking the focus ring helped a lot with unscrewing the lenses back then. I had a Canon 50 1.4 LTM some time ago and this one had the lock ... and I hated it as well ;-)
I have one of this in silver. Because the focus ring is really close to the mount, with the infinity lock it will be easier to attach/remove the lens. It’s an unpopular opinion but I like it 😊
I am using the wide angle adaptor on my x100v taking it to 28 ish mm more and more these days. Shooting from the hip is so much easier than with the 35.
A few months ago, I received the 35mm version of this lens from Typoch, and it's become my go-to lens for my X-Pro 3. I love the way it renders colors. I'm excited to try the 28mm version as well, and I can't wait to take it out for some street photography.
Hey Mike, good to see you got a copy of this lens! If you want a small good f2 get the Voigtlander Ultron 28mm f2 V2. If you want tiny look at the 28mm f2.8 Skopar. All are nice but the Thypoch focuses closer and is of course faster.
Size wise ... when you put it next to the 28MM 1.7 of the Q/2/3, it's significantly smaller... about the same length, but significantly smaller in diameter. Basically I was surprised how "small" it was in person, but yeah, it's a chunky boy when compared to other compact lenses.
Hello Mike. First of all, great video. Thank you for sharing. I'm curious to know where you heard about Thypoch releasing infinity lock-less versions of the M mount 28mm in the future. Wondering if this is just speculation or a confirmed update from Thypoch.
@@MikeChudley Thank you. The lens having infinity lock is literally the only hindrance for me from buying this lens. Good to know they've taken in feedback and are going to make a change for the better.
Thank you for this well done video. I agree regarding your focal length comments. 50mm now seems like a telephoto, and 28 and 35 more closely to how I feel I see my surroundings. I also agree the Thypoch 28mm is very nice and an excellent deal. I also like the slightly more expensive but quite compact Voitglander 28mm f1.5.
28 Elmarit is so awesome, it’s such a sharp tiny lens. Yes it’s 2.8 but for street I don’t really care. I have it paired with an M11 and…😮💨 I love the portability of the setup.
@@MikeChudley I guarantee you’ll make the switch to it if you use it consistently. I’ve never met anyone who uses this lens that isn’t obsessed with it. 🫱🏾🫲🏼
I have both the Leica Summilux-M and Elmarit-M 28 mm lenses. The Lux is impressive optically. The Elmarit is no slouch optically and it’s light and tiny. I’m on overseas travel now, and while I wanted the versatility of the Lux, I took the Elmarit with me for use on my M11 Monochrom and digital CL (with an M-Adapter-L). As was mentioned in the video, I don’t like the bright rim on the Thypoch lens. To my eye, that might look nicer if the lens was silver anodized.
Ooooh they will soon be releasing a version in X-Mount! I look forward to someone making a comparison between the Symera 28mm and the Voigtlander Ultron 27mm!
Why didn’t you just keep using your Q2? I bought a SL3 because I needed a body to use different focal lengths and different lens lines, but I kept my Q2 and always take it with me to be my primary or secondary camera. In Leica pricing terms, a Q2/Q3 costs the same as buying a Leica 28mm SL or M lens. The other advantage is that rather than fiddling around and changing lenses on a SL or M, with a Q2/3 you can pull the camera out of your bag and it is immediately ready to go.
They do a silver ring around the end because sliding the bayonet hood on and off would strip the paint if it was black, but I totally agree. I have sold voigtlander lenses because the silver ring drives me crazy lol. I also agree on infinity locks, especially for street photography I want to be able to change focus quickly without an extra step. If they made a small f2 version I would totally buy it.
Nice lens, similar to the Zeiss 28mm f/2, and smaller also. The silver front ring is polished metal, so it will not,show marks from mounting filters or the lens shade. Since this is s locking ring mount, I prefer polished metal here, the lens shade hides the silver ring. Also, you will get better Micro contrast, if you use the lens shade in most situations. It also adds a bit of protection for the lens. I have the Zeiss 28mm with the F mount, and it is also a wonderful lens, and was a favorite of Hollywood Cine photographers. Cheers
Hi Mike, thanks for the review. Very interesting lens, but I finally went with the Voigtländer 28/1.5 Typ II and I’m very happy with it. Absolutely great lens and I share every statement you made about the 28mm focal length. Have made a session in the evening with my girlfriend in low light, was blown away with the look of the pictures and the performance of the lens. Had the Q2 as a reference point to compare and the CV28/1.5 is awesome on the M11. Would be curious though to compare the Thypoch 🧐.
I always hated the silver ring on the voigtlanders as well. Just give me an all black lens! In saying that I’ll be getting this based on the price vs quality benefits!
@@MikeChudley You are correct. I was referencing the iPhone 11, 12, 13 which has a similar 26mm focal length. This is the focal length that many love in the Leica Q series.
Nah, everything is distorted…. no subject concentration and everything is more or less in focus. Too much visual noise as everything is included. All I have seen are snapshot quality photos..
I think most of use are just looking for the best quality in the smallest package, with cost being a smaller factor but still worthy of consideration. M11 is hard to beat for full frame and the way it handles, the Thypoch just happens to basically match the Leica equivalent at a fraction of the cost so seems the easy answer. I don't feel any need to spend more to get the Leica 28, in fact I think I prefer the rendering of the Thypoch anyway.
@@Vladimir-hd5nn What are your reasons for the Summicron 28? It's a great lens, no doubt and handles nicely plus if money is no object then I guess it's nice to have although it is a slower lens and has less aperture blades than the Typoch.
@@HenleyBailey I could have bought a cheaper lens such as the Voigtlander, but I chose the Summicron because I spent a lot of money on my Leica M11. I'm sure the Voigtlander is great, but the Summicron is the one for me, and I didn't spend the full brand new price for it. I bought it used and paid less than half the asking price. That's still more than double of what I would have paid for a Voigtlander, but I don't know. I wanted the Summicron lens. Call me snobby if you want, but I think it's a great lens. I've had a Voigtlander lens in the past, and I just don't like the Voigtlander-ishness of it. I haven’t used the Thypoch though.
If you are really picky you would not say it is as good as a summi 😂😢 I swap your 35 summi for another cheap 35 if you like hehe then you're double happy . Get real man 😂
Completely agree that 28mm and up close just makes it feel really nice and present. But when doing street/doc/journalism type stuff I just feel so anxious about getting as close as I'd realistically like for the most pleasing image. I find that a 35mm is a happy medium for me when I'm photographing real people and locations.
I've only ever felt super comfortable shooting 28mm with a Ricoh GR, it's size and "point and shoot" looks allow me to get much closer without making people wary of it
I think there's a cultural issue at play. In London or New York City, one can use a 28mm and get close enough for an intimate, immersive image. People in major cities are sufficiently passive to allow a photographer in. In most places, though, people aren't comfortable with the closeness required by a 28mm. The subject reacts and ruins the shot -- or the photographer stands too far away and crops. Most (not all) 28mm images look like iPhone shots.
The infinity-lock is actually a remnant from the old screw-mount times. Locking the focus ring helped a lot with unscrewing the lenses back then. I had a Canon 50 1.4 LTM some time ago and this one had the lock ... and I hated it as well ;-)
I have one of this in silver. Because the focus ring is really close to the mount, with the infinity lock it will be easier to attach/remove the lens. It’s an unpopular opinion but I like it 😊
I am using the wide angle adaptor on my x100v taking it to 28 ish mm more and more these days. Shooting from the hip is so much easier than with the 35.
A few months ago, I received the 35mm version of this lens from Typoch, and it's become my go-to lens for my X-Pro 3. I love the way it renders colors. I'm excited to try the 28mm version as well, and I can't wait to take it out for some street photography.
Hey Mike, good to see you got a copy of this lens! If you want a small good f2 get the Voigtlander Ultron 28mm f2 V2. If you want tiny look at the 28mm f2.8 Skopar. All are nice but the Thypoch focuses closer and is of course faster.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom interesting, thank you! I’ll take a look
@@MikeChudley the f2 Ultron is amazing and compact 👍🏻 ..it replaced my Leica 28/2 to give you some perspective (see video)
Size wise ... when you put it next to the 28MM 1.7 of the Q/2/3, it's significantly smaller... about the same length, but significantly smaller in diameter. Basically I was surprised how "small" it was in person, but yeah, it's a chunky boy when compared to other compact lenses.
Hello Mike. First of all, great video. Thank you for sharing.
I'm curious to know where you heard about Thypoch releasing infinity lock-less versions of the M mount 28mm in the future. Wondering if this is just speculation or a confirmed update from Thypoch.
Thanks for the kind words - good question! Thypoch told me directly as I was editing this video and communicating with them.
@@MikeChudley Thank you. The lens having infinity lock is literally the only hindrance for me from buying this lens. Good to know they've taken in feedback and are going to make a change for the better.
Thank you for this well done video. I agree regarding your focal length comments. 50mm now seems like a telephoto, and 28 and 35 more closely to how I feel I see my surroundings. I also agree the Thypoch 28mm is very nice and an excellent deal. I also like the slightly more expensive but quite compact Voitglander 28mm f1.5.
28 Elmarit is so awesome, it’s such a sharp tiny lens. Yes it’s 2.8 but for street I don’t really care. I have it paired with an M11 and…😮💨 I love the portability of the setup.
I played with a 28mm elmarit this weekend… the size is gooooood
@@MikeChudley I guarantee you’ll make the switch to it if you use it consistently. I’ve never met anyone who uses this lens that isn’t obsessed with it. 🫱🏾🫲🏼
I have both the Leica Summilux-M and Elmarit-M 28 mm lenses. The Lux is impressive optically. The Elmarit is no slouch optically and it’s light and tiny. I’m on overseas travel now, and while I wanted the versatility of the Lux, I took the Elmarit with me for use on my M11 Monochrom and digital CL (with an M-Adapter-L).
As was mentioned in the video, I don’t like the bright rim on the Thypoch lens. To my eye, that might look nicer if the lens was silver anodized.
They should make one now for L-mount, pls thanks.
The size probably isn't just the 1.4 but the closer than 70cm at 40cm. Love the zone focus dots.
I thought about buying the lens in this video, but since I prefer a light lens, I chose the Voigtlander 28mm F1.5 Type 1 (250g).
Ooooh they will soon be releasing a version in X-Mount!
I look forward to someone making a comparison between the Symera 28mm and the Voigtlander Ultron 27mm!
I wish though they had 28mm equivalent instead 😔, otherwise it looses its appeal (at least to me :()
Did anyone confirm whether or not the M Mount will actually get a focus tab???
Why didn’t you just keep using your Q2? I bought a SL3 because I needed a body to use different focal lengths and different lens lines, but I kept my Q2 and always take it with me to be my primary or secondary camera. In Leica pricing terms, a Q2/Q3 costs the same as buying a Leica 28mm SL or M lens. The other advantage is that rather than fiddling around and changing lenses on a SL or M, with a Q2/3 you can pull the camera out of your bag and it is immediately ready to go.
Wonderful review, glad you stayed away from specs and just spoke about the experience itself
Let the photos and experience do the talking
They do a silver ring around the end because sliding the bayonet hood on and off would strip the paint if it was black, but I totally agree. I have sold voigtlander lenses because the silver ring drives me crazy lol. I also agree on infinity locks, especially for street photography I want to be able to change focus quickly without an extra step. If they made a small f2 version I would totally buy it.
Nice lens, similar to the Zeiss 28mm f/2, and smaller also. The silver front ring is polished metal, so it will not,show marks from mounting filters or the lens shade. Since this is s locking ring mount, I prefer polished metal here, the lens shade hides the silver ring. Also, you will get better Micro contrast, if you use the lens shade in most situations. It also adds a bit of protection for the lens. I have the Zeiss 28mm with the F mount, and it is also a wonderful lens, and was a favorite of Hollywood Cine photographers. Cheers
Mike Chudley, You're so talented! I had to hit the like button!
Thank you!!
Is there any way to remove the infinity lock on the M?
Hi Mike, thanks for the review. Very interesting lens, but I finally went with the Voigtländer 28/1.5 Typ II and I’m very happy with it. Absolutely great lens and I share every statement you made about the 28mm focal length.
Have made a session in the evening with my girlfriend in low light, was blown away with the look of the pictures and the performance of the lens. Had the Q2 as a reference point to compare and the CV28/1.5 is awesome on the M11.
Would be curious though to compare the Thypoch 🧐.
Thnx for the vid man! Interesting lens
I always hated the silver ring on the voigtlanders as well. Just give me an all black lens! In saying that I’ll be getting this based on the price vs quality benefits!
My thoughts exactly. The benefits are very good
Why not just unscrew the infinity lock on your lens?
Ciao come si chiama il modello di Laica? Grazie
Thanks! I agree 97%. Weight and size are very important to me.
This thing looks like an absolute peach. On my wishlist alongside an M11...
Starting to think Benj Haisch was right and your kit should be just a 28mm Summicron and a 50 Summilux.
Are they releasing a 28mm equivalent on Fuji X mount or the exact same 28mm? In my opinion that focal length on Fuji is way overpopulated.
They released 28mm X mount now
28mm (or wider) rules!
23-28mm is just 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼
I hear the Voiglander Ultron 28mm f2 is Amazing lens
Torn between this and the Voigt 28 1.5
So 18mm APS-C?
Sorry Mike. It retails for £684 in the UK!
Thanks for clarifying - I've seen a few different options! Maybe people can just find the best price haha
Ahhh now we now why they’re on sale at B&H
Same focal length as an iPhone. Does that make it less special?
Which iPhone is 28mm? None of the recent ones.
@@MikeChudley You are correct. I was referencing the iPhone 11, 12, 13 which has a similar 26mm focal length. This is the focal length that many love in the Leica Q series.
Nah, everything is distorted…. no subject concentration and everything is more or less in focus. Too much visual noise as everything is included. All I have seen are snapshot quality photos..
Why a M11 and cheap lenses? Seems the wrong way around.
I think most of use are just looking for the best quality in the smallest package, with cost being a smaller factor but still worthy of consideration. M11 is hard to beat for full frame and the way it handles, the Thypoch just happens to basically match the Leica equivalent at a fraction of the cost so seems the easy answer. I don't feel any need to spend more to get the Leica 28, in fact I think I prefer the rendering of the Thypoch anyway.
M11….some Voigtlander and Zeiss lenses are excellent. True I wouldn’t go cheap on M11. Vintage lenses are another way…
This is not the lens to get. You should get the 28mm Summicron.
@@Vladimir-hd5nn What are your reasons for the Summicron 28? It's a great lens, no doubt and handles nicely plus if money is no object then I guess it's nice to have although it is a slower lens and has less aperture blades than the Typoch.
@@HenleyBailey I could have bought a cheaper lens such as the Voigtlander, but I chose the Summicron because I spent a lot of money on my Leica M11. I'm sure the Voigtlander is great, but the Summicron is the one for me, and I didn't spend the full brand new price for it. I bought it used and paid less than half the asking price. That's still more than double of what I would have paid for a Voigtlander, but I don't know. I wanted the Summicron lens. Call me snobby if you want, but I think it's a great lens. I've had a Voigtlander lens in the past, and I just don't like the Voigtlander-ishness of it. I haven’t used the Thypoch though.
Nah that lens is way tooo big
Give me 35 or give me death 😅
Your insult of the 50mm is unacceptable.
glad you liked it.
You say nothing about CA and about image quality wide open up to f4 and about distortion.....
Elmarit is the best, size wise.
97% perfect😂😂😂 LOL🤣🤣🤦♂️
is there a reason my comments are getting deleted?
They shouldn’t be getting deleted? What did you comment?
None of these images is immersive. Too far away, even with the 50mm. If you want immersive, GET CLOSER!! A LOT closer!
No...
Sorry
If you are really picky you would not say it is as good as a summi 😂😢
I swap your 35 summi for another cheap 35 if you like hehe then you're double happy .
Get real man 😂
Quality is as good.
@@MikeChudley for someone without any knowledge of optics and does not know where to look for
My eye balls have worked wonderfully so far.