CV Nokton 35mm - a "painterly" lens?

[Iron Flatline]

Hi all.

I've read all the threads on this forum about the 35mm CV Nokton, as well as other lenses with a unique rendering. I've also read Sean Reid's evolving review of various 35mm lenses for the M mount.

Here's my question: I absolutely love the Noctilux on my M8 - it's as though I've finally found the right tool for the way I shoot. However, I could use an alternative lens that is a little wider. On the M8 my Noctilux becomes a 66mm lens, so I thought about buying the 35mm Nokton.

Is it as "painterly" as the Noctilux, or at least unique? I already own one of the very fine new coded 35mm Summilux lenses, so I've got the length covered, this is more about finding something special.

Any thoughts, comments, or advice?

[thomasw_]

Originally Posted by Iron Flatline

Hi all.

I've read all the threads on this forum about the 35mm CV Nokton, as well as other lenses with a unique rendering. I've also read Sean Reid's evolving review of various 35mm lenses for the M mount.

Here's my question: I absolutely love the Noctilux on my M8 - it's as though I've finally found the right tool for the way I shoot. However, I could use an alternative lens that is a little wider. On the M8 my Noctilux becomes a 66mm lens, so I thought about buying the 35mm Nokton.

Is it as "painterly" as the Noctilux, or at least unique? I already own one of the very fine new coded 35mm Summilux lenses, so I've got the length covered, this is more about finding something special.

Any thoughts, comments, or advice?

I own the CV 35/1.2, though I use it only on my M2. I bought the lens for its signature. You are correct in thinking the lens has characteristics somewhat like a Noctilux a la 3.5 cm FL. But that is overly simplistic in my view. The 35/1.2 has pastels, a beautiful blending of sharp, the midrange and OOF areas; it can also be a better evening scene 'story' teller due to it being wider than a 50mm FL Noctilux. That said, you already have a summilux 35/1.4? So the FL is covered both day and night already... Get the Nokton 35/1.2 ONLY if you groove with its signature, as you already have its functionality. It seems as though you need to view some shots taken with it to determine whether you get the 'groove' or not.

[Iron Flatline]

Well, "pastels" hits my pallet pretty perfectly, as does the blending of sharp and OOF areas. I've looked at a lot of shots, but most have been B&W - not my forte.