Shoten Japan released the first lens in their Tribute series, the Shoten Tribute 01 LTM 50mm f/1.1 lens for Leica M and L39 mounts, based on the Japanese-made Zunow 50mm f/1.1 lens from the 1950s (previously reported here).
The new lens is now available for purchase on eBay – available in black and silver:
Additional information:
This product is the first lens in the TRIBUTE series, a new line from SHOTEN, an original brand of Shoten Kobo. Developed in collaboration with lens creator “Chukyoshi DJ,” it pays homage to the “Zunow 50mm F1.1,” a lens known as a symbol of Japanese-made ultra-large aperture lenses in the 1950s. This lens
reinterprets the appeal of the Zunow 50mm F1.1’s rendering style, making it suitable for modern use. At its widest aperture of F1.1, you can enjoy a soft glow, a hazy atmosphere, and a dreamy expression created by the shallow depth of field. Stopping down the aperture adds sharpness to the rendering, and the ability to enjoy variations in rendering depending on the shooting conditions and expressive intent is another appealing aspect of this lens.
With the included L39-M conversion ring attached, it is compatible with Leica M mounts, and by removing the ring, it can also be used as a Leica screw mount (L39). From
the shape and engraving of the lens barrel to the design of the rear element, the dedicated hood, and even the packaging, every detail has been carefully pursued to create a world reminiscent of the large-aperture lenses of yesteryear. This is SHOTEN’s memorable first lens, allowing you to feel the joy of taking pictures and the pleasure of owning it.
The “Zunow 50mm F1.1,” which appeared in the 1950s, is an indispensable lens when discussing Japanese-made ultra-large aperture lenses. This product was inspired by its unique rendering and reconstructed as a modern lens in collaboration with lens creator “Chūkyōshi DJ.” Taking advantage of
the shallow depth of field unique to a large aperture of F1.1 and the dreamy, soft expression seen at wide open aperture, you can enjoy creating works that suit the subject and light, such as portraits, snapshots, and nightscapes.
The lens barrel, a combination of brass and aluminum, features a design that emphasizes a classic appearance and feel. The aperture ring is equipped with a click mechanism.
The rear of the lens incorporates a shape reminiscent of the large, protruding rear element of the early Zunow 50mm F1.1, also known as the “ping-pong ball.”
The new “TRIBUTE” series logo is featured on the lens body and dedicated lens hood, and the accessories also adopt a classic design. Furthermore, the outer box has been specially designed for this product, and the striking red-based packaging pursues the worldview of “TRIBUTE 01” from the lens body to the accessories and exterior.
This lens features an adjustment mechanism that allows users to fine-tune the rangefinder coupling position. Due to the combination with the camera body and individual differences, there may be a slight discrepancy between the focus position indicated by the rangefinder and the actual focus position.
With this product, it is possible to fine-tune the rangefinder coupling position to correct slight discrepancies such as front focus or back focus by operating the adjustment ring on the rear of the lens. You can adjust it according to the camera you are using, your main shooting distance, and other intended uses.
For details on how to adjust it, please check the product page on the “Focus Studio Online Store” .
This product is compatible with Leica M mount lenses when the L39-M conversion ring is attached. By removing the conversion ring, it can also be used as a Leica screw mount (L39) lens. It
can be enjoyed with Leica M-type cameras and other L39 mount rangefinder cameras.
While most lenses for Leica M-mount cameras have a minimum focusing distance of 0.7m, this product achieves a minimum focusing distance of 0.5m. By getting closer to your subject, you can take advantage of the shallow depth of field and large bokeh that are characteristic of a large F1.1 aperture lens.
By combining the soft rendering seen at wide apertures with the bokeh produced by close-up shots, you can further enjoy the dreamy expression unique to this lens.
| Compatible mounts | Leica M / L39 | Minimum focusing distance | 0.5m |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compatible imaging screen sizes | 35mm full frame | filter diameter | 52mm |
| focal length | 50mm | size | Approximately Φ62 x 44.5 mm (excluding mounting part) |
| focus | MF (Manual Focus) *Rangefinder-coupled | mass | Approximately 308g |
| Rangefinder coupling range | ∞ to 0.7m (varies depending on the camera) | accessories | Lens hood, front cap, lens case, storage bag, L39-M adapter ring |
| Aperture / Aperture blades | F1.1-F16 / 13 blades | Manufacturer’s warranty | 2 years (covers natural failures) |
