Japanese optics manufacturer MS Optical has been renowned for quite some time for their conversions of all kinds of lenses from and to all kinds of different mounts. A while ago, they created the smallest ever 35mm lens for Leica M-mount, the MS Optical Super Triplet Perar 35mm f/3.5, a lens which was instantaneously recognized for its optical qualities. After the original version of the 35mm Perar had sold out, MS Optical introduced version II with slight modifications. This lens is recognized as one of the best 35mm lenses for Leica M-mount ever.
Meanwhile, it seems the lens’ creator Miyazaki-san has been busy working on new designs. As rangefinderforum.com-member jonmanjiro reports, MS Optical have just finished development of another minute M-mount lens, one even smaller then the previous. The new lens is a 28mm f/4 lens and shares the designation “Super Triplet Perar” with its predecessor. And just like its 35/3.5 sibling, it sports a modern three-element “Cooke-Triplet” design that is highly corrected for ultimate performance on digital M-mount cameras.
 MS Optical Super Triplet Perar 28mm f/4 on a Leica M7 | Picture by jonmanjiro An interesting feature of the lens is that its aperture blades are position in front of the front lens element. Since this would effectively expose them to outside influences, I am very curious to hear from the first actual users of the lens if this will eventually pose a problem. The reason behind this is that this way the optical formula could be further perfected, since there had no space to be left for the aperture between the lens elements.
According to the thread on rff, the new lens will be available shortly via Japan Camera Hunter. Since MS Optical products have previously been sold via Japan Exposures, I believe the lens will also be available there soon.
UPDATE: More info on the lens and on how to order it is now available at Japan Camera Hunter.
B&H currently has a number of interesting items either in stock or available for pre-order. For those into mirrorless cameras, and Micro Four Thirds and Leica M in particular, read on!
Currently in stock at B&H
- –> Panasonic Lumix GX1 Micro Four Thirds camera (black) + X 14-42mm kit lens — $ 949.–
–> silver body only $ 699.–
- –> Olympus M.Zuiko 12-50mm for Micro Four Tirds (black) — $ 499.00
–> silver version $499.99
- –> Voigtländer “knock-your-socks-off” Nokton 50mm f/1.1 for Leica M — $ 1049.–
Available for pre-order at B&H
- –> Fujifilm X-Pro1 mirrorless X-mount camera (black body) — $ 1,699.-
- –> Fujinon 18mm f/2 (27mm-equivalent) aspherical lens for X-mount — $ 599.–
- –> Fujinon 35mm f/1.4 (53mm-equivalent) aspherical lens for X-mount — $ 599.–
- –> Fujinon 60mm f/2.4 (90mm-equivalent) macro lens for X-mount — $ 649.–
Just recently, Hongkong-based lens manufacturer SLR Magic, best known for their affordable alternative manual lens options for Micro Four Thirds and Sony NEX, have announced production of a new super fast 50mm T0.95 lens for Leica M mount. The lens is thus a direct competitor to the crazy expensive yet legendary Leica Noctilux 50mm f/0.95.
 The new SLR Magic 50mm T0.95 lens for Leica M The “T” designation means that the lens’ actual maximum light transmission is that of a theoretical f/0.95 aperture opening with now light loss. In a typical photographic lens, the number of lens elements and glass-air-surfaces as well as the quality of the coatings has an effect of how much light is actually being transmitted. The “f” designation in these lenses simply states the physical size of the maximum aperture opening. “T” designations have so far been reserved for cinema lenses, where the actual light transmission capability of the lens is more important than its factual aperture size.
Steve Huff, Leica aficionado and passionate gearhead has now obtained one of the first samples of the lens, and wrote a short article about his first impressions. Attendants of his January Los Angeles workshop will also have the opportunity to try the lens first hand.
Only a quick update, as I’m currently at work and don’t have time to write a full article. Two interesting new cameras have just been announced, one that has long been rumored, another one that comes as a surprise. Also, Sigma has announced two interesting new lenses.
Canon G1 X
 The Canon G1 X The Can0n G1 X is the latest iteration of Canons acclaimed G-series enthusiast’s compacts that started with the G1 back in 2000. Traditionally, the G-series models have been advanced point-and-shoot cameras with small sensors, medium-fast lenses, a complete range of knobs and dials for fully manual operation as well as integrated optical viewfinders. The G1 X continues in that tradition, with one major exception: it features a completely new, almost DSLR-sized 14 megapixel sensor that measures 18.7 x 14 mm and is thus slightly larger than even (Micro) Four Thirds sensors.
You can find the complete press release as well as all relevant information on the new G1 X at Imaging Resource. A preview of the camera can be found on dpreview. Continue reading Camera news: Canon G1X, Fuji X-Pro1, Sigma lenses
Olympus today announced a new Micro Four Thirds zoom lens, the M.Zuiko Digital 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3. The lens covers a range of 24-100mm in 35mm full-frame terms, which is 2mm (4mm-eq.) wider and 8mm (16mm-eq.) longer than the current kit lens offering, the M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6. On the downside, the initial aperture at the long end is only f/6.3, which is only usable in good light or with a flash.
 M.Zuiko Digital 12-50mm f/3.5-5.6 The lens adds the powerzoom feature already known from Panasonic’s new X lens series, which means the zoom is operated via a rocker instead of via twisting the zoom ring. As a bonus, the lens has macro capabilities with a minimum focusing distance of 20 cm / 0.66 ft. It is also completely weather sealed — something which many Micro Four Thirds users have been waiting for, although this would make most sense on an equally weather seales body, which is not available as of yet.
The estimated retail price of the new lens is US-$ 499, with shipping commencing early 2012. The lens will be available in black and silver colours.
Read more at dpreview.com.
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Today’s gear Camera: Pentax ME
Lens: Revuenon 50/1.4
Film: Kodak VR Plus 200
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February 2nd, 2012, 8:52 am | 
