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Trading in Noctilux for APO Summicron?


aboodchy

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I love my 0.95 Noctilux but it really is a massive lens; plus the fact that you probably have to put an ND filter to shoot wide open in sunlight is a hassle. That said, the bokeh is something else. Slightly sharper than the f/1 but still maintaining that creamy effect. I've read way too many compelling reviews on the new APO cron and I've tested it once in a Leica store and I loved the extreme sharpness and precision it produces. I also didn't get any vignetting, which I slightly do with the nocti.

So I'm sitting here wondering if I should trade in my nocti for an APO 50. I'm in dire need for a compact, high quality lens (other lenses 24 Lux and 75APO, hardly compact). The only thing that's keeping me from going through with it is thinking that the effects will perhaps be too sharp and lose that "Leica" effect that I love so dearly about the noctilux.

Any advice?

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The Apo-Summicron-M 50 mm Asph is a singular lens ... but then, so is the Noctilux, albeit in a different way. Due to size and weight, every Noctilux owner also needs another, smaller 50 mm lens—you simply don't always want to drag the Noctilux around when you don't need the speed or shallow depth-of-field. I'd recommend the Summarit-M 50 mm, the Elmar-M 50 mm, or an older Elmar. The Apo-Summicron-M 50 mm Asph would be the deluxe option. :cool:

 

I wouldn't trade the Noctilux in for an Apo-Summicron. If I could afford, I'd rather have both. This would make a lot of sense, as these two lenses complement each other wonderfully in many ways. However, the cost ... :o

 

I cannot recommend the regular Summicron-M 50 mm due to veiling flare issues. And the Summilux-M 50 mm Asph would be a wonderful 50 mm option on its own but doesn't really make sense as a compact complement to the Noctilux.

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I think if you sell your Noctilux you'll regret it in time. The two lenses are different with the exception both being 50mm. In addition to the Noctilux I have the Summicron-M 50 and find it to be a great lens (I rarely get flare).

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How can anyone really advise you? I have both lenses. The Nocti is on the M9, it's so heavy to cart around, and I never feel moved to shoot colour anyway, so they stay home.

The APO 50 is on the MM and I shoot with that combination almost daily.

You probably just need to be aware that APO 50 is a flare prone little beast, other than that it is superb. But then so is the 50 1.4 Lux.

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If you were an artist (painter type) you would be considering brush thickness and hair quality, for the given brush size. Simply looking at them, you would see their differences.

 

With the Noctilux and 50 APO, you can't see their difference in rendering by looking at the lens, only their physical size and weight. The fact is, they paint differently, very differently.

 

As an artist (photographer type), you must first choose your canvas, film or digital, then consider how you want to draw on your 'canvas'. For a 50mm 'brush' you are considering the Noct or the APO. If you don't understand the different rendering of either brush, you will be gambling with your dollars!

 

Solution: First discover the difference, then fall in love with your choice. Simple really! ;)

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Lots of advice here. Some from ones who own all the lenses they discuss and also those who do not own both the 0.95 and APO 50.

 

Cameras-

 

Monochrom-I like the APO 50 and f1.0 the best with the 0.95, current lux and the pre ASPH 50 lux right up there too.

 

new M= I also like the APO 50 the best, but must admit to not carrying my 0.95 much at the current time since I have been traveling nearly 3 months and did not want to lug the 0.95 nor f1.0 around. This lens now stays on my M until I require wider or longer.

 

Frankly, each 50 I own has its own signature (11 at present). Even the new APO 50, the 0.95 and f1.4 lux each carve differently which is especially visible when shooting with the Monochrom. Some months ago I posted many examples of 50mm lenses on the Monochrom including the MATE set at 50.

 

If I could only afford ONE 50 lens, it would be the APO 50-small and sharp as a tack with very pleasing OOF areas. Flare issues seem exaggerated to me on any 50 lens.

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Keep the Nocti and buy a 50mm Summarit or Summicron to compliment it.

 

Erik

 

I had a 50 Summarit in the past but sold it after finding the bokeh too "bland". The 75 Summarit has a much better creamy bokeh.

 

The Apo-Summicron-M 50 mm Asph is a singular lens ... but then, so is the Noctilux, albeit in a different way. Due to size and weight, every Noctilux owner also needs another, smaller 50 mm lens—you simply don't always want to drag the Noctilux around when you don't need the speed or shallow depth-of-field. I'd recommend the Summarit-M 50 mm, the Elmar-M 50 mm, or an older Elmar. The Apo-Summicron-M 50 mm Asph would be the deluxe option. :cool:

 

I wouldn't trade the Noctilux in for an Apo-Summicron. If I could afford, I'd rather have both. This would make a lot of sense, as these two lenses complement each other wonderfully in many ways. However, the cost ...

 

I cannot recommend the regular Summicron-M 50 mm due to veiling flare issues. And the Summilux-M 50 mm Asph would be a wonderful 50 mm option on its own but doesn't really make sense as a compact complement to the Noctilux.

 

I'm kinda on the same page with you. I truly feel I'll miss that magical touch of the nocti if I trade it in. The question is, will I learn to love the crispness of the APO over the nocti? :rolleyes:

 

I think if you sell your Noctilux you'll regret it in time. The two lenses are different with the exception both being 50mm. In addition to the Noctilux I have the Summicron-M 50 and find it to be a great lens (I rarely get flare).

 

I also did not get flare in my old summicron.

 

How can anyone really advise you? I have both lenses. The Nocti is on the M9, it's so heavy to cart around, and I never feel moved to shoot colour anyway, so they stay home.

The APO 50 is on the MM and I shoot with that combination almost daily.

You probably just need to be aware that APO 50 is a flare prone little beast, other than that it is superb. But then so is the 50 1.4 Lux.

 

I've read the APO was designed for the MM in mind. I've tested the combination in store and the result was truly magical!

 

I don't know where you're located, but if in the US, you might consider renting the Summilux asph and the APO to see if either might be an acceptable replacement for the Noctilux based on your needs and preferences.

 

Jeff

 

Unfortunately I live in Dubai so that's not a viable option. I have a friend who has a Summilux so I might take it out on a test run.

 

If you were an artist (painter type) you would be considering brush thickness and hair quality, for the given brush size. Simply looking at them, you would see their differences.

 

With the Noctilux and 50 APO, you can't see their difference in rendering by looking at the lens, only their physical size and weight. The fact is, they paint differently, very differently.

 

As an artist (photographer type), you must first choose your canvas, film or digital, then consider how you want to draw on your 'canvas'. For a 50mm 'brush' you are considering the Noct or the APO. If you don't understand the different rendering of either brush, you will be gambling with your dollars!

 

Solution: First discover the difference, then fall in love with your choice. Simple really! ;)

 

I also paint in my spare time so your analogy is perfect! You guys are making it hard LOL

 

I have few 50s but the 0.95 is my fav. It's also one of my fav portrait lens. I have never tried the 50 APO.... it doesn't speak to me :D

 

Yes you should. Send me that Noctilux. I will organize an Apo Cron in exchange. It might take some time, but eventually you will get it.

 

Lots of advice here. Some from ones who own all the lenses they discuss and also those who do not own both the 0.95 and APO 50.

 

Cameras-

 

Monochrom-I like the APO 50 and f1.0 the best with the 0.95, current lux and the pre ASPH 50 lux right up there too.

 

new M= I also like the APO 50 the best, but must admit to not carrying my 0.95 much at the current time since I have been traveling nearly 3 months and did not want to lug the 0.95 nor f1.0 around. This lens now stays on my M until I require wider or longer.

 

Frankly, each 50 I own has its own signature (11 at present). Even the new APO 50, the 0.95 and f1.4 lux each carve differently which is especially visible when shooting with the Monochrom. Some months ago I posted many examples of 50mm lenses on the Monochrom including the MATE set at 50.

 

If I could only afford ONE 50 lens, it would be the APO 50-small and sharp as a tack with very pleasing OOF areas. Flare issues seem exaggerated to me on any 50 lens.

 

Thank you for your advice!

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If you were an artist (painter type) you would be considering brush thickness and hair quality, for the given brush size. Simply looking at them, you would see their differences.

 

With the Noctilux and 50 APO, you can't see their difference in rendering by looking at the lens, only their physical size and weight. The fact is, they paint differently, very differently.

 

As an artist (photographer type), you must first choose your canvas, film or digital, then consider how you want to draw on your 'canvas'. For a 50mm 'brush' you are considering the Noct or the APO. If you don't understand the different rendering of either brush, you will be gambling with your dollars!

 

Solution: First discover the difference, then fall in love with your choice. Simple really! ;)

 

Would it be too much trouble to post some photos illustrating your point, please? This is a really interesting matter.

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I have found that every lens I sold or traded, I regreted. I recently reacquired a Noctilux, the current vintage. I sold mine 4 years ago. About 4 weeks later, I happened to be in the local Leica dealer and they had the APO 50 just sitting on a shelf in their storeroom. GULP! I purchased it on the spot as I had been waiting for one for a long time. I am now very poor but lens rich. You need both by the way. :D

Edited by Bill Wendlandt
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Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS
I love my 0.95 Noctilux but it really is a massive lens; plus the fact that you probably have to put an ND filter to shoot wide open in sunlight is a hassle. That said, the bokeh is something else. Slightly sharper than the f/1 but still maintaining that creamy effect. I've read way too many compelling reviews on the new APO cron and I've tested it once in a Leica store and I loved the extreme sharpness and precision it produces. I also didn't get any vignetting, which I slightly do with the nocti.

So I'm sitting here wondering if I should trade in my nocti for an APO 50. I'm in dire need for a compact, high quality lens (other lenses 24 Lux and 75APO, hardly compact). The only thing that's keeping me from going through with it is thinking that the effects will perhaps be too sharp and lose that "Leica" effect that I love so dearly about the noctilux.

Any advice?

Dont sell it

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