Shoten Kobo 50 mm f/1.1 full-frame lens promises retro photos for the equivalent of $849
The brand-new Shoten Kobo Lailens 50 mm f/1.1 KP lens features an unusual retro design with a barrel that is partly silver and partly black. Even the octagonal lens hood is unusual, as is the coating on the front element, which gives the glass a golden sheen.
The lens was inspired by the Hugo Meyer Kino Plasmat 5 cm f/1.5 from the 1920s, which currently costs around €13,200 on the secondhand market. The newer lens is slightly larger, with a diameter of 62 millimeters, a length of 44.5 millimeters, and a weight of 308 grams, but it is also one full f-stop faster. The lens features a 52-millimeter filter thread and can focus on subjects from a distance of 0.5 meters or closer. As is typical for Leica M lenses, it supports autofocus only and is rangefinder-coupled.
As the manufacturer’s sample photos illustrate, the Shoten Kobo Lailens 50 mm f/1.1 KP isn’t particularly sharp. The slightly soft bokeh and the edges that aren’t clearly defined give photos a dreamy look. However, those shooting in color will have to accept purple fringing along high-contrast edges. Thirteen aperture blades ensure that the bokeh remains round even when the aperture is stopped down.
Pricing and availability
The Shoten Kobo Lailens 50 mm f/1.1 KP lens is limited to just 70 units worldwide. The lens is available in the manufacturer’s online store for ¥138,800 (approx. $849) and can also be shipped internationally via services like ZenMarket. This full-frame lens is available exclusively with a Leica M mount, but can also be used with Sony E-, Canon RF-, Nikon Z-, and Leica SL-mount cameras via an adapter.
Source(s)
Shoten Kobo, via PetaPixel
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