Noctilux 1.0

[Clandrel]

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I can get a 2007 black Noctilux, coded, and as new, for $4000.

 

Should I do it?

 

C

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[adan]

Well - do you want it? (A lens at a cheap price is no bargain unless it is a lens you really want anyway)

 

$4000 US sounds pretty good - I see a lot offered at $5-6K+ these days.

[efftee]

I can get a 2007 black Noctilux, coded, and as new, for $4000.

 

Should I do it?

 

C

 

Only you'd know. And if you are, it's as good a price as I've heard.

[Clandrel]

Well, I'm not sure.

I was thinking of getting the 50 lux, when it is actually possible to get one.

 

But then I saw this, read a few reviews, and everybody is raving about this lens.

 

Two things that may put me off, is the size and weight.

 

The price is OK.

 

How does this lens work as an allround 50mm? Or is it just for use in the dark?

[tom in mpls]

Well, I'm not sure.

I was thinking of getting the 50 lux, when it is actually possible to get one.

 

But then I saw this, read a few reviews, and everybody is raving about this lens.

 

Two things that may put me off, is the size and weight.

 

The price is OK.

 

How does this lens work as an allround 50mm? Or is it just for use in the dark?

 

You can easily find a used 50 lux, pre ASPH or ASPH. I would not get the Nocti if the only reason is that you haven't located a lux.

 

You might be interested in this current thread on the Nocti that has garnered lots of input:

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m9-forum/125371-noctilux-why-do-you-love-why.html

[wilfredo]

I'm on a waiting list for a 50mm Summilux ASPH, for me it's a matter of size and performance wide open but if indeed the Nocti is going for 5 or 6 thousand, if you get it and decide it's not for you, you can always sell it and make some money.

[Guest AgXlove]

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Well, I'm not sure.

I was thinking of getting the 50 lux, when it is actually possible to get one.

 

But then I saw this, read a few reviews, and everybody is raving about this lens.

 

Two things that may put me off, is the size and weight.

 

The price is OK.

 

How does this lens work as an allround 50mm? Or is it just for use in the dark?

 

At $4000, it sounds like a steal, if it is indeed in as new condition.

 

I have seen minty "used" 1.0 Noctiluxes priced at $6000 with new 1.0 Noctiluxes still being priced at $6500, their last going price before they were discontinued.

 

Regarding the Noctilux as an allaround 50, some have said that stopped down, the Noctilux is on equal footing with the Summicron 50. In my experience, I can't find fault with that claim. At f/5.6, my Noctilux produces razor sharp in focus details which jump off the print from the out of focus background. The exposure vignetting is nearly gone at f/4 1/2 and totally gone by f/5.6.

 

Yes, you can use the Noctilux as an allaround 50, but a smaller 50 like the 'cron or Summilux is more user friendly as an allaround lens.

 

I have a pre-ASPH 50/1.4 and a 1.0 Noctilux and have found the 50/1.4 easier to work with, due primarily to shorter focus throw and the fact that the Noctilux focusing mechanism is more stiff in rotation. It is a bit of an inconvenience but is not a deal breaker - JMHO.

 

If I could have only one 50, I'd keep the Noctilux and let the Summilux go because the Noctilux can do things that no other 50 in the world can do - I'm referring to bokeh, extremely thin depth of field and the "fingerprint" of the Noctilux here.

 

Wide open, the Noctilux produces an artistic rendering of the subject like no other 50 - the out of focus areas have an appearance reminiscent of an impressionistic pastel or watercolor painting. If you like that type of bokeh, this is your lens.

 

Of course, if you have a more documentary style or photographic vision, the 50/1.4 ASPH may be a better investment - although the Noctilux can indeed function in a documentary role and give a good accounting of itself in the process - there is no better lens choice for low light documentary work.

 

The combination of Tri-X film rated at ISO 400 and a Noctilux wide open at f/1 is a blindingly fast combination for low light documentary work. Tri-X can be pushed to ISO 1600 with little loss in contrast or image quality for night street photography, if you are so inclined.

 

So yes, the Noctilux can be used as an allaround 50, with the above caveats in mind.

[arthury]

The images will look quite different compared to the 50mm Lux ASPH. At f/1.4, I do not think the resolution is close to the 'Lux.

 

On the other hand, if you shoot a lot in really low light conditions then it may be worth the $$$.

[Guest AgXlove]

The images will look quite different compared to the 50mm Lux ASPH. At f/1.4, I do not think the resolution is close to the 'Lux.

 

On the other hand, if you shoot a lot in really low light conditions then it may be worth the $$$.

 

True - but comparing the results of the 50/1 Noctilux and the 50/1.4 ASPH Summilux is akin to comparing apples and oranges. They are two vastly different lenses.

[eleskin]

I bought one last year for $4,700 USD. Mint late production. 4K is a good buy!

[Overgaard]

I would get it, the price sounds right. At least you should be able to get that price or more if you decide to go 50mm lux instead later.

 

You may get some ideas from looking at my Noctilux page

leica.overgaard.dk - Thorsten Overgaard's Leica Pages - Leica 50mm Noctilux-M ASPH f/0.95 - Leitz 50mm Noctilux-M f/1.2 and the Leica 50mm Noctilux-M f/1.0 samples and article

[gwelland]

I bought one last year for $4,700 USD. Mint late production. 4K is a good buy!

 

Me too. I thought I had a steal at that price.

 

Don't buy the Nocti. PM me with the sellers details and I'll remove the temptation for you. :D