lens review on Thypoch Simera

[opinion] Thypoch Simera 35mm f1.4 FLE

Simera 35mm f1.4 ASPH was launched in 4th quarter of 2023, and it's available in Z/E/X/RF.  The one I have is in M mount. I got the lens from PlasticPhoto.hk 

  

Thypoch Simera 35mm f1.4 on Leica M10
Though Thypoch is a new name in photography, but the guys behind it is DZOfilm . They are known for making great cinema lenses, so basically they should know what they are doing. So have faith. 

 

This is NOT a sponsor post. I bought the lens out of my own pocket, because it looks like an Alpa Kern Switar. 

 

Thypoch Simera 35mm f1.4 Thypoch Simera 35mm

 

You won't see any sample shots made by this lens. It will take ages to thoroughly test the lens in real world and in different scenarios, and time is something I cannot afford.  I have, however, being using this Simera as a cinema lens, mounted on my trusted Sony FX30, to film myself doing yoga. 

 

Thypoch Simera 35mm f1.4

 

The lens does what it says it does, nothing more nothing less. I actually enjoy using it because of its compact size. This Simera is my yoga lens, I would bring my setup to all my yoga sessions. You can see my workout  HERE , and all videos are made with the lens at wide open f1.4. 

 

Thypoch Simera 35mm on Sony FX30

 

After some extensive use, the lens remains problem free.  The lens housing is really well made, it has a dial-like switch that allows you to turn the aperture into a step-less ring, like in the real cinema lens. Switch it back, and it returns to the traditional click-click-click. I think Thypoch made this to show off their workmanship. 
Thypoch Simera 35mm f1.4

 

The only complaint I have is the focusing knob. The knob locks when the focus is set to infinity, which is unnecessary from a practical POV. I prefer a clean focusing ring.  From a video lens POV, I suspect the knob would get in the way for a focus puller.

 

But it does look nostalgic, quite a handsome fella. So all the bads are forgiven. 

The Thypoch Simera 35mm f1.4 is unique in its own right. For Hong Kong dollars 5 grand plus, it isn't a cheap lens either. If I were to be honest, I would feel more comfortable if the price was set at the lower end of 4 grand. But the argument is, this lens is a FLE, floating element design that supposedly makes the image a tad sharper. 

 

 

In case you're curious about Thypoch Simera and its specifications, check out their official website . Official information is much more reliable than I. 

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