[jrc]

Jono,

We used to chat occasionally about our Kodak SLRn's...Some months ago, I bought an R-D1 as a supplement to my current DSLR, and started collecting lenses. A lot of people on these forums emphasize wides because rangefinders are so good for fast, close-up work. But in collecting lenses, I acquired a Noctilux, the 50mm F1.0; I've been working with it for a while, and I found it a really intriguing lens, especially early and toward the end of day; to me it has an odd, old-timey quality to it, while remaining sharp and flare-free. I can't really tell you exactly what I'm talking about, but if you get a chance, borrow one and try it out. People will tell you that it's too heavy, but compared to Nikon zooms, it feels quite compact. Also, to me it seems quite sharp, and even sharper when stopped down a bit. On my R-d1 it's an f1.0 75mm FOV; on the M8, it'll be a 66mm. I mention this only because you said you might like a bit of compression for landscapes, and the Nocti draws in ways you don't often see...like soft, saturated darks...I don't think you'd find a better lens for a warm, humid summer night in the countryside...

JC