This Chinese produced lens is based on the 1950s Sonnar formula Zunow 5cm F1.1. THAT lens in Leica mount would cost about $5,000 today. In the 1950s, it was priced at what the 7Artisans 50/1.1 costs now. If you want a super-speed lens, and "don't want to pay a LOT for it", get one. Most likely- no one else will ever make a lens like it again.
I recently took this lens on my newly rebuilt Leica M9, with brand-new CCD in it to the Marine Museum at Quantico. I also packed the Nikon Df with the 55/1.2 Ai Nikkor. The latter lens traces it's design back to the Nikkor 5cm F1.1. The Nikkor is a double-Gauss 7 elements in 5 groups (symmetric design), the 7Artisans is a 7 elements in 6 group Sonnar (Asymmetric -telecentric) design. The Sonnar formula is known for being a compact design, it is a much smaller lens than the 50/1.1 Nokton.
Wide-Open, on the Leica M9.
L1000013 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr
I recently took this lens on my newly rebuilt Leica M9, with brand-new CCD in it to the Marine Museum at Quantico. I also packed the Nikon Df with the 55/1.2 Ai Nikkor. The latter lens traces it's design back to the Nikkor 5cm F1.1. The Nikkor is a double-Gauss 7 elements in 5 groups (symmetric design), the 7Artisans is a 7 elements in 6 group Sonnar (Asymmetric -telecentric) design. The Sonnar formula is known for being a compact design, it is a much smaller lens than the 50/1.1 Nokton.
Wide-Open, on the Leica M9.