Thypoch Simera 28mm & 35mm X Mount Lenses Review

For those who aspire to add Leica Summilux or Summicron lenses to their collection, the Thypoch lenses offer similar quality and output at a fraction of the cost.

It’s also worth noting that the Thypoch Simera lenses are available for X, RF, Z, E, and M mounts without the need for fiddly adaptor rings.

Let’s get into the Thypoch Simera 28mm f/1.4 and 35mm f/1.4 review.

Thypoch Simera 28mm Specs

• Focal length – 28mm (43.2mm FF equivalent focal length)
• Maximum aperture – f/1.4
• Minimum aperture – f/16
• Filter size – Ø49mm
• Lens configuration – 11 elements in 7 groups
• Dimensions – Ø70.1 × 83.7mm (2.76 x 3.3″)
• Weight – 347g (0.77lb)

Thypoch Simera 35mm Specs

• Pros

  • Same premium build quality
  • Excellent image output
  • Appealing background effects
  • Stylish metal lens hood and cap
  • Gorgeous focus and aperture rings
  • Natural 35mm (50mm full frame) focal distance

  Cons

  • Front-heavy on Fuji X Mount cameras
  • Manual focus requires patience

• Focal length – 35mm (52mm FF equivalent focal length
• Maximum aperture – f/1.4
• Minimum aperture – f/16
• Filter size – Ø49mm
• Lens configuration – 9 elements in 5 groups
• Dimensions – Ø64.3 × 77.9mm (2.53 x 3.07″)
• Weight – 297g (0.65lb)

Build & Ergonomics

Thypoch Simera 28mm f/1.4 and 35mm f/1.4

In this review, I cover the Thypoch 28mm f/1.4 and 35mm f/1.4 for Fujifilm X Mount. 

Given that the two lenses are nearly identical, I’ll refer to them as a collective—Thypoch Simera—and point out the minimal differences as they arise.

The Thypoch Simera lenses are made entirely from aluminium alloy and metal components. When I say entirely, I most definitely mean the entire lens barrel, focus ring, aperture ring, lens cap, and retro-inspired square lens hood.

As a result, the Thypoch Simera lenses are incredibly durable and have a significant heft that invokes confidence in their quality.

While they’re not weather-sealed, they could quite literally hammer in nails as part of a DIY project!

Thypoch Simera 28mm f/1.4

The Simera 28mm f/1.4 measures Ø70.1 × 83.7mm (2.76 x 3.3″) and weighs 347g (0.77lb), and the Simera 35mm f/1.4 measures Ø64.3 × 77.9mm (2.53 x 3.07″) and weighs 297g (0.65lb).

For comparison, the Fujifilm 33mm f/1.4 measures Ø67 x 73.5mm (2.63 x 2.89″) and weighs 360g (0.79lb).

Yet it’s funny that even though they’re lighter, the Simera lenses feel heavier in the hand. Perhaps it’s the feeling of the all-alloy build.

The Thypoch Simera lenses are also available for Leica M, Nikon Z, Canon RF, and Sony E mounts, each featuring slightly different dimensions.

The design of the Thypoch range, including these Simera offerings, is undoubtedly inspired by the classic and current Leica lens series.

Thypoch Simera 28mm f/1.4 and 35mm f/1.4

Putting aside comparisons, the Thypoch Simera lenses are absolutely gorgeous to gaze upon and use.

The lenses are an excellent length and width to hold with the left hand while shooting with the right. That’s important because they are manual focus lenses, and you will become very familiar with hands-on shooting.

The manual focus ring features a sublime glide with just the right resistance, and a crescent-shaped focus tab allows for quick location and control.

One criticism I have is that, given the entire build’s metallic nature, there’s an audible clunk at each end of the focus turn that would become obvious in video recording.

The aperture ring, too, is all metal and has a soft glide throughout the f/1.4 to f/16 range. The aperture click can be turned on and off to accommodate videography.

Thypoch Simera 28mm f/1.4

As a throwback to classic lenses, the Simera features full aperture stops and focal distances in meters and feet marked on the barrel.

A neat feature is the visualization guide that displays the in-focus range dependent on the selected aperture. It’s especially handy for street photographers using hyperfocal distance to frame sharp compositions.

Available in silver or black, each Thypoch Simera lens includes a circular lens cap and a square lens hood with a snug-fitting hood cap.

In summary, the build and ergonomics of each Thypoch Simera lens are incredible, making them a worthy competitor to Red Dot lenses.

Precision engineering is the most apt term here!

Focus Performance

Fujifilm X-E4 + Thypoch Simera 28mm f/1.4

The pair of Thypoch Simera lenses offer manual focus only. 

I’m not going to lie; I first found that a little intimidating! Isn’t it interesting how reliant we are on modern conveniences such as autofocus, Optical Image Stabilization, and automatic ice dispensers?

Even though I was taught my craft on film cameras with manual focus lenses, I was like a fumbling fool when first shooting with the Simera lenses.

It took me some time to get back into the groove of adding manual focus to my usual set-up of manual ISO, shutter speed, and aperture on my X Series camera.

However, after some time out and about on the street, I became increasingly comfortable with the manual focus system. I began relying on the focus distance indicator on the lens barrel.

It wasn’t always perfect, but that is the artistic beauty of a lens like this. Despite what we’re led to believe (often by articles written by people like me), the focus doesn’t always have to be tack-sharp for it to be appealing.

Image Quality

Fujifilm X-E4 + Thypoch Simera 35mm f/1.4

I consider the pair of Thypoch Simera lenses to be artistic tools over professional workhorse optics.

Don’t get me wrong, the Simera lenses could be applied to any pro-level genre, but they feel artsy.

As a result, I was delighted to find that the image quality is sublime, with excellent edge-to-edge sharpness stopped down to f/5.6 or f/8.

Wide open at f/1.4 or f/2, subject separation is excellent, and the focus falling off towards the background is sublime.

Background blur and bokeh effects are pleasing and not distracting – greatly aided by the 14-blade iris aperture.

There’s no evidence of aberration or much distortion, especially with the narrower 35mm f/14 Simera lens.

I did see a hint of vignetting from both lenses upon closer inspection.

The square lens hood effectively controls flair and ghosting in bright light.

The minimal focus distance of the Simera 28mm f/1.4 is 0.4m (1.4′), and the 35mm f/1.4 is 0.45m (1.45′).

Internally, the Simera 28mm assembly has 11 elements in seven groups, including one ED, one Aspherical, and two HRI glass elements.

The Simera 35mm assembly includes nine elements in 5 groups, including one aspherical lens and three HRI glass elements.

Thypoch Simera 28mm & 35mm Sample Images

Here are some sample images taken with the Thypoch Simera 28mm f/1.4 and the 35mm f/1.4, using a Fujifilm X-E4.

Fujifilm X-E4 + Thypoch Simera 28mm f/1.4

Fujifilm X-E4 + Thypoch Simera 28mm f/1.4

Fujifilm X-E4 + Thypoch Simera 28mm f/1.4

Fujifilm X-E4 + Thypoch Simera 28mm f/1.4

Fujifilm X-E4 + Thypoch Simera 28mm f/1.4

Fujifilm X-E4 + Thypoch Simera 35mm f/1.4

Fujifilm X-E4 + Thypoch Simera 35mm f/1.4

Fujifilm X-E4 + Thypoch Simera 35mm f/1.4

Fujifilm X-E4 + Thypoch Simera 35mm f/1.4

Fujifilm X-E4 + Thypoch Simera 35mm f/1.4

How I Tested The Thypoch Simera 28mm & 35mm

Fujifilm X-E4 + Thypoch Simera 35mm f/1.4

I tested the Thypoch Simera lenses over several weeks with my Fujifilm X-E4. It features a 26.1MP X Trans 4 image sensor and X processor 4.

I set the camera to Shoot Without Lens and switched focus over to manual for the duration of my testing.

Given their premium build, manual focus, and image quality, I approached my shots with an artistic mindset. Or at least I tried to!

Paired with the Fujifilm X-E4, the Thypoch Simera lenses felt well-balanced, if not a little front-heavy.

At the same time, I had a loan Fujifilm X-H2S and dropped the Simera 35mm f/1.4 on it for comparison. With its deep grip, it certainly felt better balanced on the larger X Series camera.

Remember that both Simera lenses are available for larger full-frame mount cameras from Canon, Nikon, Leica, and Sony. They would balance perfectly on those bodies.

Alternatives

If you’re a Fujifilm X Series photographer looking for a manual-focus lens, the Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO for Fujifilm X Mount is a great alternative.

Its 33mm focal range equates to a 49.5mm full-frame equivalent, and the wide f/0.95 aperture delivers exceptional low-light performance and subject separation.

Like the Thypoch Simera lenses, the Laowa 33mm is manual focus and an ideal option for those working with video and cinematography.

The Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO retails for around US$450.

Fujifilm’s XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR is the best native X mount alternative due to its premium build quality, fast linear motor focus performance, and excellent image quality.

Pair the XF 33mm f/1.4 with any current-gen X Processor 5 mirrorless Fuji, and you’ll recall why modern conveniences like autofocus, stabilization, and ice machines make sense.

Fuji’s 33mm f/1.4 retails for around US$800.

Value for Money

Available in black or silver, the Thypoch Simera 28mm f/1.4 and 35mm f/1.4 retail for around US$650 a piece.

Is that good value for money? The answer depends on many factors.

Given the build quality, durability, and optical assembly of the Simera lenses, the asking price certainly matches the overall package.

Add the image clarity, wide maximum aperture, and overall image outcomes, and you’re onto a winner.

However, manual focus isn’t for everyone, and I certainly wouldn’t recommend such a lens to a newcomer to any camera system.

Optimizing the shooting experience and optical outcomes with a manual lens requires extensive practice and muscle memory.

Putting that aside, if you’re after a premium quality lens that’ll likely outlive your X Series camera (and probably you), the Thypoch Simera lenses are an easy recommendation.

This is especially true if you’re after a unique shooting experience that allows you to slow down, ground yourself, be present, and master your craft.

Apparently, the Thypoch lenses are also excellent for bearded hipsters on a budget who crave the Red Dot experience.

Thypoch Simera 28mm & 35mm Review | Conclusion

I was excited and apprehensive about testing and reviewing the Thypoch Siera 28mm f/1.4 and 35mm f/1.4 lenses.

My apprehension was all about building the necessary skills and muscle memory to add manual focus to my manual-setting repertoire.

As for the excitement, who doesn’t love the opportunity to occasionally test a premium quality and optically excellent lens?

I’m not knocking the Fujifilm XF lens range. Still, it’s a unique experience, and that, in turn, creates a different mindset and the opportunity to build upon existing skills and see the light a little differently.

Thypoch Simera 28mm f/1.4 and 35mm f/1.4

The Thypoch Simera 28mm and 35mm lenses are among the best manual-focus lenses for the Fuji X mount (RF, Z, E, and M mounts).

While they carry many similarities to premium Leica lenses, fortunately, they don’t carry the same price tags.

Regardless of the system, I encourage anyone to get their hands on a manual focus lens and build upon their existing skill set.

The Thypoch Simera experience heightened my awareness of composition and forced me to slow down, breathe, and appreciate the overall experience.

My creativity and joy of photography were awakened, which is priceless.

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