@mintcheerios

Thanks for the report. I'm afraid I have to agree, it's a deal-breaker. In all my years I've never seen that issue before. This lens is obviously intended to be used by serious shooters with a follow-focus kit, so the manufacturer's "budget lens" excuse is lame to say the least. Unfortunate, since this looked like a useful, inexpensive bit of glass.

Can they put out a lens on the first gen that doesn't have a problem?

@RatLabProductions

I was expecting the same focus repeatability as every manual lens I've ever owned (many of which were far cheaper than the SLR Magic). Even manual toy lenses have repeatable focus points. I'm not asking for Leica optics here.

A big selling point of this lens is the built-in FF gear, but what's the use if you can't reliably focus between multiple points?

That said, it won't be a deal breaker for people who don't rely on repeatable focus positions. Everything else about the lens is fantastic. It's got a clickless aperture, sturdy build, round and creamy bokeh, and minimal breathing. Regardless, I'm still going back to my Canon 35mm nFD.

Which is the better lens ? The upcoming SLR Magic 25mm 0.95 or the Voigtlander 25mm 0.95

I think that buyers all have different levels of acceptable flaws or limitations in the products they buy. Very few products are perfect in every way but it's up to the buyer to say if they can accept the flaw or limitation of a product. This is especially so with lenses. The SLR Magic 35mm T1.4 may not be perfect, but neither is the Samyang 35mm, which we all know has breathing issues. For some this issue will be a deal breaker and for others not a big deal at all.

It is an odd thing tho. I wonder what could be the cause of such a problem?

I was about to buy the lens in question. I might still because as others point out, it (otherwise) seems very well constructed. And the images people have posted (to me) look quite outstanding considering the price

Having seen the recent (approx 15min) Andrew gave, the company has quite a few products due to be released. Unfortunately I doubt that fixing this problem will be there first priority.

Could some of the more experienced shooters out there give me there thoughts......

1) Is this a "back focus" issue?

2) Given the choice of ordering the lens "as is" or missing out entirely because it is withdrawn from production. What would you do?

Thanks for such a great source of knowledge.

Long term Listener / First time poster

If I were the CEO, I'd have addressed this issue immediately. I was happy with the 35mm 1.4 and pondering about getting their upcoming 25mm 0.95 but this issue totally killed the appetite.

IMO people should use a product for it's strengths, if the product meets a need you have. But, if a products limitation or flaw is a problem for how you work then don't use it. I don't really have an issue with the flaw in the SLR Magic 35mm T1.4 for how I work, but I would have more of an issue if the flaw was in the basic image. It all depends on the user and how they work or what they're willing to put up with. Goodness knows I live with tons of limitation on my GH1, T2i, HF S21, HG 20 etc. The unique lens flairs of the SLR lenses actually don't bother me either, but for some it may be too much.

I'm hoping SLR Magic makes more budget lenses like this, cuz I need Cine Lenses with quality and character for a low price. I think it's great that Samyang and SLR Magic are giving such a small niche market such products. I can actually afford to have not just one line of the lenses but both SLR Magic and Samyang Cine lenses for the variety of looks. No one in my area uses these lenses, it's all Canon down here. So I know i'd have a different look from everyone else. It already started when I got my GH1 so I might as well continue being unique :)

I paired the SLR Magic 1.4 together with the Kowa Prominar 8Z. It's just as wide as you can go without vignette

I just received my 35mm T1.4, what can I say, I couldn't resist just checking this thing out for the price and I can always return it if I don't like it this time. I need a replacement for my Rokinon 35mm because there's no way to pull focus without it looking crazy. Anyways, first impressions, way to go on the packaging SLR! This might be the best packaged lens I've seen in a long time. Not sure how Voights come but I hope they come like this. Second thing, breathing. That's the main purpose for the purchase. Compared to the Rokinon, this thing looks like a real damn cine lens! Now don't get me wrong, there's movement but I'm just comparing to the Rokinon here. I'll throw up some test with each one as soon as I get a chance. I'm not sure if I'm concerned about the repeated focus issue here. Not for what I intend to use this lens for so it might be a winner and for the price, it's well than worth the chance.

Mine is tight as a drum. It has just a microscopic hint of movement in the lens itself but leaps and bounds better than my 12mm 1.6. Can't wait to go play with it.

@P13DM LoL. That's not near miss train footage. That's just a framing technique. Setting the vintage point on the corner and low camera angle would do that. 35mm is slightly telephoto range, too. And who says .95 is more professional? :) It is just what it is. One is 1.4, the other is .95.

True. Plus MSB :)