Why the Thypoch Simera 75mm Might Be Your Next Favorite Lens

The Thypoch Simera 75mm f/1.4 ASPH lens offers a unique focal length option, giving a little more versatility than traditional choices like 50mm or 90mm, especially for portrait and street photography. Here's a look at how it performs.

Coming to you from Hashem McAdam of Pushing Film, this practical video examines why the Thypoch Simera 75mm f/1.4 stands out. McAdam immediately notes that the lens produces images with smooth transitions from foreground to background, impressive sharpness, and pleasing bokeh. He particularly highlights the lens’ performance in low-light conditions due to its wide f/1.4 aperture. If portrait photography is your focus, McAdam's examples clearly illustrate how this lens creates distinct, character-rich results. 

Further insights from McAdam stress that the lens is larger than previous Simera models, yet it remains comfortable to handle. Its physical characteristics, such as the decllickable aperture ring, high-quality build, and included metal hood, contribute positively to the overall experience. He also appreciates subtle design updates, like the black front ring, suggesting Thypoch genuinely listens to user feedback. For those using rangefinders without live view, the lens’s design offers a practical minimum focus distance marked clearly with a stop at 0.7 m, enhancing usability.

Key Specs

• Focal Length: 75mm

• Maximum Aperture: f/1.4

• Minimum Aperture: f/16

• Lens Mount: Leica M

• Angle of View: 33°

• Minimum Focus Distance: 2' (61 cm)

• Optical Design: 9 Elements in 8 Groups

• Aperture Blades: 16

• Manual Focus

• Filter Size: 58mm (Front)

• Dimensions: ø 2.4 x 3.1" (62 x 78 mm)

• Weight: 0.8 lb (372 g)

McAdam also compares the Simera 75mm to other options, like the Voigtlander Nokton 75mm and the significantly pricier Leica Summilux 75mm. He finds the Simera competitively priced at $849, notably less expensive than alternatives without sacrificing quality or performance. McAdam even mentions practical experiences with missed focus at wider apertures—an honest reminder of challenges when using this lens type, especially with film cameras. He suggests taking extra shots for reliability, a useful tip if precise focus is essential for your workflow.

Another strength highlighted by McAdam is the lens' versatility beyond portraiture. He shares insights into using the Simera 75mm for street photography, emphasizing how the lens helps achieve precise compositions and offers creative options for isolating subjects. The optical characteristics of this lens create compelling layers within the frame, bringing distant elements closer and crafting images with a unique visual presence.

If you're deciding whether the 75mm focal length fits your photography, McAdam's real-world experience provides an invaluable resource. He emphasizes practical considerations over theoretical specs, giving a balanced viewpoint based on everyday shooting scenarios. Check out the video above for the full rundown from McAdam.