Review Thypoch 35mm F1.4 lens
I was asked by importer Movidis to give my honest opinion on the Thypoch Simera 35mm f/1.4 lens. So today I strolled through the center of Roermond with this lens on my Fujifilm X-T3. And, of course, combined it with a nice lunch at restaurant ‘Tante Tilly’. That doesn't feel like work at all ;-)
Thypoch is a relatively new lens brand from China that entered the market around 2023. The Simera series is their first and most important line of manual full-frame fixed-focal-length lenses. They design and manufacture the lenses themselves, focusing on a mix of classic (Leica-like) experience and modern optics.
The bokeh of this lens is soft and cinematic, with a subtle swirl and characterful highlighting. So not perfectly round, but rather slightly oval.
First Impression and Build Quality
The build quality of this lens is surprisingly good. The lens feels entirely metal and has a clear vintage inspiration, with subtle references to classic Leica and Fujifilm designs. The focus ring moves buttery smooth and has a pleasant resistance, making manual focusing almost intuitive. The aperture features no fewer than 14 blades, ensuring the bokeh looks fantastic, even at a smaller aperture opening.
There is a switch on the aperture ring. This switch allows you to choose between precision aperture steps with tactile clicks (circle symbol) for photography, or smooth control without clicks (moon symbol) for video.
What is also interesting is that the depth of field is indicated by small red dots that become visible when changing the aperture. This is a nice aid, but in my opinion, it wasn't necessary. It makes the lens slightly longer; the traditional lines would have been sufficient in my view. Furthermore, there is a small lever on the focus ring that makes focusing over a greater distance slightly easier. Thypoch may be trying to distinguish itself from other manual lenses with this. However, it needs to offer added value. And to be honest, it doesn't really for me. However, it doesn't get in my way either.
The depth of field is indicated by small red dots that become visible when changing your aperture.
Lens Usage
The Simera 35mm f/1.4 is a joy to use on X-mount cameras. It is perfectly balanced on my X-T3 camera and aligns seamlessly with the aesthetic that Fujifilm has so carefully crafted. Thanks to its compact size and light weight, it is suitable for everything from street photography to intimate portraits. It responds quickly and has features that make you want to use it again and again.
The Hypoch 35mm f/1.4 is the kind of lens you don't immediately buy for perfect sharpness or modern features, but primarily for the feeling. From the moment I put it on my Fujifilm camera, you notice that this is not a clinical piece of glass. But above all, a lens with character. You feel that in everything, from the mechanical controls to the way the image style is rendered.
Image Quality
At an open aperture of f/1.4, the Simera offers a captivating character. Even at f/1.4, it is quite sharp. Not excessively sharp, but sharp in a very pleasing way. I would even dare to say that it closely resembles my absolute favorite lens, my Fujifilm 35/1.4. Subjects stand out against soft, flowing backgrounds, creating a painterly atmosphere. This effect is particularly striking in portraits, where the separation between subject and background is easier to control.
The center sharpness is very impressive at f/1.4. More than enough to bring out fine details. It avoids the ultra-sharp, razor-sharp look characteristic of other modern lenses. Instead, the Simera's rendering feels almost organic, a touch softer. This makes it particularly appealing for portraits, documentary, and street photography. At apertures starting from f/2.8, the lens becomes significantly sharper, making it a versatile tool for all kinds of situations without losing its character. If you stop down the aperture slightly, around f/1.8 to f/2, the lens begins to reveal its sweet spot. Details become noticeably sharper, while character is preserved. This makes it particularly versatile: you can choose between artistically soft or usable sharpness, depending on your intention.
The colors are rich and natural, with a slight warmth that flatters skin tones. Meanwhile, the contrast has a pleasant balance that is maintained even in bright light and night shots. But that is, of course, also due to the combination of your camera sensor. When shooting against the light, some lens flare and ghosting may occur. However, these effects contribute to the cinematic quality of the lens rather than diminishing it.
One of the greatest assets of this lens is the bokeh. At an open aperture, the background blurs and forms soft, velvety spheres that retain just enough structure without feeling too busy. There is a subtle swirl that draws the eye in, especially towards the corners, giving images a depth that feels almost three-dimensional. Out-of-focus highlights exhibit a soft cat-eye shape at the edges, which enhances this effect.
Points for improvement
Wide open, the lens is clearly softer than modern Fujifilm lenses, which is of course something you have to want. The lens does have slight vignetting and sometimes a touch of chromatic aberration, but honestly, those imperfections might actually contribute to the atmosphere. Additionally, in my opinion, they should swap the positions of the focus ring and the aperture ring. For people with slightly longer fingers (like I have), the focus ring sits a bit too close to the camera body. That takes some getting used to.
Who is this lens intended for?
The Hypoch Simera 35mm f/1.4 is for the photographer who appreciates character in their lens. It is not for pixel-peepers or those striving for perfect optical performance. On the contrary, it is for those who appreciate the imperfect beauty of a lens that expresses. And for photographers who prioritize atmosphere over technical perfection. If you enjoy shooting with intention and take on the challenge of creating images with a soul, then this lens is perfect. Street photographers will find the lens particularly appealing due to its compact size and responsive handling. Portrait photographers, too, will appreciate the soft, personal, and direct way in which faces are captured. It is a lens that invites use with an open aperture, allowing in as much light and atmosphere as possible.
What ultimately makes this lens special is that it changes your photography. You start working more slowly, looking more consciously, and thinking more about light and composition. It is a lens that doesn't do everything for you, but rather asks something of you. And as a result, often gives more back. For portraits, this produces images with a soft, almost analog look. For street photography, it creates a subtle, cinematic atmosphere that is difficult to replicate with modern lenses.
Conclusion
The Thypoch Simera 35mm f/1.4 for Fujifilm X-mount is a fantastic creative partner. He rewards photographers who approach their work with patience and intention. Photographers looking for those little magical moments that only certain lenses can reveal. It reminds me a lot of the Fujinon 35mm f/1.4, my absolute favorite lens for this system.
The Thypoch 35mm f/1.4 is not a perfect lens, but it doesn't try to be either. He excels in character, and for many of us that is exactly what we are looking for. If you're looking for a lens that's as much a part of your storytelling as the scenes you capture, this lens is an excellent choice. It is a creative tool, a tool that flourishes through the user experience and image style. And that's exactly why it's a lens that made me fall in love with it.
My role as ambassador for Movidis
Movidis asks their ambassadors for an honest opinion about the various products. I think this is the only healthy way of cooperation for all parties. I do not ask for free products or financial compensation in exchange for my opinion. Our added value lies purely in improving their products and user experiences.
Movidis (Mobile Video Distribution) is an international importer and wholesaler of photo and video accessories based in the Netherlands (Goirle). They specialize in items from brands such as Ulanzi, K&F Concept, TTArtisan, Thypoch, Meyer Optik Görlitz and WiWu.
