I’ve been getting a lot of questions about wide open performance of the The 7Artisans 50mm f/1.1 (Leica M mount), since revealing that it is my Undisclosed Lens #7.
So, I thought I would show another example image, followed by a central crop.
The last time I did this was when I was comparing this lens to the Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH. Despite making that comparison, I don’t believe there is any value in such head-to-head tests when considering this lens, because it is not an optic that one purchases for checklist attributes. Instead, the 7Artisans 50/1.1 should be regarded much like the Leica Noctilux f.1 and the Zeiss Sonnar f/1.5 lenses, which are coveted for their artistic rendering.
Having said that, the 50/1.1 is often mistakenly labelled as “soft” when used at f/1.1. Though it is not razor sharp wide open (and can be “glowy” at near distance — see the aforementioned comparison), it is certainly sharp enough for me. I would, in fact, caution anyone who believes that this lens is “soft” at f/1.1 to make sure they have calibrated it correctly (or are practicing good technique).
Case in point, here is another image taken at the time of the Night Light photo I recently posted, photographed at f/1.1:
↑ Leica M10 + 7Artisans 50mm f/1.1.
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Now, here is the magnified central portion of the frame (focus is on the eyelashes of the near eye):
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I will let you decide if it is sharp enough for you and whether — in the case of an f/1.1 lens — it really matters.
—Peter.
Prosophos 
Ordered it along with the 28mm…….. really like the 35mm 2.0 and you should try it if you haven’t already.
ACG
Thank you Aaron. Enjoy the 28 as well!
Have you shot with the 35mm Peter?
ACG
Yes, I’ve shot with all of the 7Artisans M lenses.
And how did you like the 35mm?
Loved it.
The 28mm looks fairly impressive.
Yes indeed.
Certainly sharp enough for me. Would you have any reservations recommending this lens for use on a M3?
I can’t recommend it only because I have no direct experience using it on an M3. However, I’m sure someone out there has done it.
As a follow-up for anyone with an M3 considering this lens; there are reports that early versions of the lens doesn’t fit the older M3 DS due to the lens release button getting in the way. They have since adjusted the lens slightly to allow room, however… My ‘newer’ copy (6565XX) still scrapes the lens release button collar before locking into place. My M3 is from 1956 (843,6XX). Interestingly, however, is that this same lens doesn’t fit on a friends M3 DS (806,9XX). It is very tight and can’t turn far enough to lock in place. Anyway, enjoying the lens so far. Surprisingly sharp and pleasant rendering on a M Monochrome. Still waiting on scans from the M3. Hope that helps someone!
That is very helpful, thank you for following up Will!
Incidentally, your M3 is in the “sweet spot” of the production range… congratulations.
Really? Why is that? It’s easily my favorite camera, but I thought the preference was for single stroke bodies with serial numbers greater than 1,000,000.
My favourite Leica M3 is the 1957 double stroke (serial numbers 854000-858000). Yours comes close and has many of the features that make these M3 cameras special.
Read more in my previous post, here:
https://prosophos.com/2017/04/20/1957-leica-m3/
Had no idea. Thanks for sharing!
No problem!