TTArtisan

TTArtisan (Shenzhen Mingjiang Optical Technology Co., Ltd.) is a modern Chinese lens manufacturer that has rapidly become a staple in the Leica M-mount ecosystem. Often confused with their rival 7Artisans, TTArtisan distinguishes itself by aiming for a slightly more "premium" aesthetic, focusing heavily on heavy brass construction, ultra-fast apertures (f/0.95), and unique vintage tributes.

For the rangefinder user, TTArtisan represents the ultimate "low risk, high reward" proposition. They allow photographers to experience exotic specifications—like a Noctilux-style f/0.95 or a bubble-bokeh Trioplan—at roughly 5% of the cost of the German originals. While they lack the strict quality control of Leitz, they have won over the community by offering user-adjustable focus mechanisms and 6-bit coding support.

History

The company is a very recent addition to the photographic world, but its impact has been immediate.

The Shenzhen Origins (2019 to Present)

TTArtisan was established in 2019 in Shenzhen, China. The "TT" and "Artisan" naming convention often causes confusion with 7Artisans (founded nearby a few years prior). While the two companies are separate entities, they share a similar philosophy of disrupting the market with affordable manual focus glass.

• The Strategy: Unlike other budget brands that started with safe, slow lenses, TTArtisan launched aggressively with complex, high-speed optics (like their debut 35mm f/1.4). They quickly identified that Leica users value tactile feel, leading them to prioritize heavy brass barrels and distinct "click" stops over the lightweight aluminum used by competitors.

The 6-Bit Innovation

One of TTArtisan's key contributions to the budget sector is their embrace of 6-bit coding. Recognizing that digital M users (M10, M11) want Exif data, many TTArtisan lenses come with specific holes drilled on the mount flange or a layout on the rear cap, allowing users to easily paint in the code for a similar Leica lens [[1]].

Product Lines (M-Mount Native)

TTArtisan lenses are generally divided into "Modern High Speed" and "Vintage Tribute" categories.

The "Noctilux" Chasers

• TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95 ASPH: The brand's flagship lens.
  • Concept: A massive, heavy lens designed to offer the "dreamy" look of the Leica Noctilux 0.95 for under $800.
  • Performance: While it lacks the absolute corner resolution of the $12,000 Leica version, it delivers a surprisingly similar center sharpness and background obliteration. It is widely considered the best "bang for buck" super-speed lens on the market.
• TTArtisan 90mm f/1.25: A dedicated portrait monster. It is exceptionally heavy (over 1kg) and requires careful focusing, but it produces a razor-thin depth of field that mimics medium format aesthetics.

The Vintage Tributes

• TTArtisan 28mm f/5.6: A blatant and beloved homage to the Leica Summaron-M 2.8cm f/5.6.
  • Design: It replicates the tiny, brass "retro" form factor of the original Summaron almost perfectly, including the infinity lock and square metal hood.
  • Render: Unlike the original, it uses modern coatings and glass, resulting in higher contrast while maintaining the classic vignette and deep depth of field [[3]].
• TTArtisan 100mm f/2.8 "Bubble Bokeh": A native M-mount recreation of the Meyer-Optik Trioplan. It is designed specifically to create "soap bubble" highlights.

The Standard Primes

• TTArtisan 35mm f/1.4: Their first major hit. A compact, fast wide-angle that balances decent sharpness with significant character (vignetting and swirl) wide open.
• TTArtisan 50mm f/1.4 ASPH: A modern, high-contrast standard lens that competes directly with the Voigtländer Nokton series.

Technical Specifications

Feature	Specification Details
Native Mount	Leica M-Bayonet
Focus Coupling	Coupled (Standard rangefinder coupling). Note: Many lenses include a small screwdriver and chart to let users calibrate focus accuracy at home.
Build Materials	Brass (Black Paint/Silver) or Anodized Aluminum. They are notably heavy.
Filter Thread	67mm (50mm f/0.95), 37mm (28mm f/5.6).
6-Bit Coding	Supported. Mounts often feature recessed pits for users to paint in codes (white/black paint often not included).
Coatings	Multi-coated (Modern, high contrast).

Why Photographers Choose TTArtisan

• The "User Calibration" Feature: Rangefinder drift is a common annoyance. TTArtisan turns this into a feature by designing their focus mechanisms to be easily adjusted by the user with a simple screwdriver, eliminating the need to send the lens away for service [[2]].
• The "Black Paint" Aesthetic: Leica users love brassing (when paint wears off to reveal gold brass). TTArtisan produces affordable "Black Paint" versions of their lenses that are designed to wear and patina beautifully over time, a feature usually reserved for $5,000+ Leica optics.
• Entry to Super-Speed: For 99% of photographers, a Leica Noctilux is financially impossible. The TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95 allows enthusiasts to experiment with ultra-shallow depth of field photography without taking out a second mortgage.

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Sources

• [1] TTArtisan (Official History & About): https://ttartisan.com
• [2] 35mmc (Calibrating TTArtisan Lenses): https://www.35mmc.com/15/07/2020/adjusting-the-ttartisan-50mm-f-0-95-rangefinder-coupling-a-how-to/
• [3] Phillip Reeve (TTArtisan 28mm f/5.6 Review): https://phillipreeve.net/blog/review-ttartisan-28mm-5-6-m-mount/
• [4] Leica Rumors (TTArtisan vs Leica Comparisons): https://leicarumors.com