Thypoch is today introducing a brand new lineup of lenses — and they’re calling them the Eureka. The first of the bunch is the 50mm f2 — and if you’re only obsessed with aperture numbers, then you’re missing out on just how incredible this lens is. It’s an ode to the older Leica 50mm f2 Summicron Collapsible. “When in use, it extends to 41.2mm, but can be collapsed to a compact 27mm, fitting easily into a pocket alongside compact cameras,” says the press release. But that’s only part of the fun with the Thypoch Eureka 50mm f2. It also comes in brass!
The Boring Stuff: Tech Specs
![](https://www.thephoblographer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Thypoch-50mm-f2-Eureka-for-the-Phoblographer-Eureka-770x1027.jpg)
- 0.9m close focus distance
- Classic Appearance Design in the 1950s
- Collapsible structure for easy pocket storage
- Double Gauss structure ensures edge-to-edge sharpness
- A fast f/2 aperture with a 12-blade diaphragm going to f16
- Simulating vintage coating to create a unique old-time flare
- 6 Lens elements in four groups
- Leica M-mount
- Eureka 50mm f/2 comes with a front cap, a rear cap, a UV filter and a photo book.
- The Aluminum Version weighs 120g is priced at 579 USD / 549 EUR
- The Brass Version weighs 218g at 859 USD / 809 EUR.
![](https://i1.wp.com/www.thephoblographer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Thypoch-50mm-f2-Eureka-for-the-Phoblographer-benbenzhang-50-5-770x1027.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i1.wp.com/www.thephoblographer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Thypoch-50mm-f2-Eureka-for-the-Phoblographer-benbenzhang-50-10-770x514.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i2.wp.com/www.thephoblographer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Thypoch-50mm-f2-Eureka-for-the-Phoblographer-Brass-Version-Extended-770x770.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i1.wp.com/www.thephoblographer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Thypoch-50mm-f2-Eureka-for-the-Phoblographer-Brass-Version-Retracted-770x770.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i2.wp.com/www.thephoblographer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Thypoch-50mm-f2-Eureka-for-the-Phoblographer-Aluminum-Version-Retracted-770x770.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.thephoblographer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Thypoch-50mm-f2-Eureka-for-the-Phoblographer-Aluminum-Version-Extended-770x770.jpg?ssl=1)
Compared to the original Leica 50mm f2 collapsible, Karl-Johan states that the Leica lens from 1953 had 10 aperture blades where the new one by Thypoch has 12 blades. Additionally, the original lens had 7 lens elements in 6 groups while this newer one is different by also being ever so larger. Indeed, this the Thypoch Eureka 50mm f2 is an homage to the vintage Leica lenses, but it is also its own thing.
The Thypoch Eureka 50mm f2 Will Be So Much Fun.
![](https://www.thephoblographer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Thypoch-50mm-f2-Eureka-for-the-Phoblographer-Eureka3-770x1155.jpg)
The Thypoch Eureka 50mm f2 is indeed not a copy of the originals that Leica made.
Several years ago, we tested a variant of the Leica 50mm f2 collapsible with the Ricoh A12 — at the time, the world wanted comparison test charts. However, in our real-world tests, we can see that combined with sensors from that time, we got a very different look from what we see today. So instead of trying to copy the original lens for cheaper, they were inspired by Leica and did something different — and that’s very respectable. It includes an ED element and a newer design with either brass or aluminum. Yet at the same time, it’s still a very affordable lens.
More importantly, this doesn’t seem to be a lens for photographers looking to shoot with their cameras like they’re a replacement for a gun. By that, I mean that folks shouldn’t just hold down the shutter button, spray, and pray. Instead, it’s designed for you to be really careful and intentional with getting the photograph. That’s obvious from the manual focus design, small size, and the fact that this lens is what it is. While there are many collapsible design lenses out there, this one is meant to deliver a very specific look. And we’re all about that!
As far as we go, the Japanese lens manufacturers are making things too sharp, too clear, and too much like what they think the reality is. However, the camera is an imperfect device for recreating reality.
Sample Images by Delfina Carmona
All of the sample images provided are from Delfina Carmona. Please check out her website and Instagram for more.