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The Voigtlander Nokton 40/1.4 on the M9


Prosophos

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I recently wrote a brief discussion on the Nokton 40/1.4, and included many images taken with the M9 (and other M bodies) using this lens.

 

It's not a review, but more my own experience with this lens (I often find images are more useful for evaluating a lens' performance vs. endless discussions).

 

Admittedly, it's a lens with many shortcomings, but I happen to really like it.

 

I hope you find it useful and here is the post:

 

The Voigtländer Nokton 40mm f/1.4. | Prosophos

 

Thanks,

 

Peter.

 

PS. Moderators, if this is a not the place for this, please move or delete this, as appropriate.

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I love this little lens

the 40 mm focal length fits my vision well

mine is very well built

I recommend getting its optional vented lens hood

this was one of the first lenses I got for my M8 and it still sees service on my M9 despite my having other, more high end options at 50 and 35 mm fl

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Thank you for the review, you've inspired me to get mine out and try it again.

 

I modified the mount to bring up the 35mm framelines on the M9, which it matches pretty accurately. I like the low contrast of the lens, it gives a classic Leica feel rather than a modern Leica feel to the images. But I went through a phase when the aperture related focus shift annoyed me, something that may or may not be a problem depending on the things you are photographing. So I went back to my 35mm Summicron Apsh and the 40mm Nokton went to the back of the drawer.

 

Steve

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Thanks. Very nice review and blog.

I have the 40 Nockton but have not used it on my M9 yet.

I also bought the 40 summicron-C recently (as it is astounding value and very small) and have been using that a lot on the M9 (as wellas the m3).

Look forward to trying the 40 Nockton now

I like your monochrome shots especially.

Thanks again

 

Nick

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I've been using the 40mm f1.4 on my M8 as it translates to 53mm. Of course, it doesn't line up exactly with the 50mm lens markings, so at times it's been hard to frame things perfectly.

 

Then I decided, I like this lens so much, why not go all out and get the 50mm f1.1. I figured it would be nice to have that extra stop and to match the framelines.

 

Well, it arrived today.

 

6008718579_6e645b492b_z.jpg

Nokton f1.1 versus f1.4 by ffacker, on Flickr

 

The f1.1 is HUMONGOUS compared to the 40mm f1.4. I haven't done any tests comparing the two yet, but I'm already getting the feeling that I should have just stuck with the 40mm.

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I have mine on hold untril Friday when i go pick it up with my M6 thats arriving from a CLA.

 

It's the last one NEW for sale in Montreal.

 

Apparently theirs a huge back order issue and the store isn't going to receive any (or the 35/50 versions) for awhile.

 

I can't wait :)

 

Edit: I'm GREATLY thinking of getting it it's hood but what is its true price? Where does one find it?

 

I have seen it here and there for close to $100 if not more + taxes/shipping. Is that its real price?

 

Thanks :)

Edited by Ronan
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Ronan, the classic “petal” Leica 50/35mm hood, order number 12585, should fit. I got mine at a flea market for $ 50.

 

I was considering the 40/F1.4, too, specifically because the Ultron 28/F2.0 blew me (and my aging Elmarit) away. Instead, I went with the Voigtländer Nokton plus the Zeiss Sonnar. I handled the Sonnar before and really, really liked how it renders fully open, and the Nokton is just too good a deal to pass. I hope it will arrive next week; the Sonnar will take longer as it apparently is discontinued.

 

Cheers,

-Sascha

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Ronan, the classic “petal” Leica 50/35mm hood, order number 12585, should fit. I got mine at a flea market for $ 50.

...

Cheers,

-Sascha

Hi Sascha

 

I think the leica hood you reference is a clip on to 42mm outer diameter.

The CV 40mm takes a 43mm filter and has a even larger baynet outer diameter hood device.

It will accept the ZM Planar hood or the CV hoods, or a 43mm generic screw in hood..

 

Noel

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Hardly use my 40mm as I'm one of those who went insane at the frame line issue and got the 35mm, both luckily turned out to be exceptional examples. I find my 40mm f1.4 a tad sharper wide open than my 35mm f1.4, both are superb lenses with beautiful color, great contrast and good for landscape at f2+.

 

I also have the Nokton 50mm 1.1 which is a gem; both it and the 40mm are razor sharp wide open but the 50mm is sharp to the corners ignoring side flare in bright scenes. If you value razor sharpness wide open get the 40mm, but for me the 35mm is the one and only. I seem to have all that luck with cherry CV lenses others lack.

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Hi Noel,

 

I think the leica hood you reference is a clip on to 42mm outer diameter.

The CV 40mm takes a 43mm filter and has a even larger baynet outer diameter hood device.

It will accept the ZM Planar hood or the CV hoods, or a 43mm generic screw in hood..

Thanks for the correction, much appreciated.

 

Anasebi brings up a question I haven’t thought about before: how easy is it to deal with mal-fitting framelines? I remember going berserk using Olympus’s optical viewfinder with the M.Zuiko 17mm/F2.8 µ43 lens as in my case I never felt the framelines fit this lens (for which, ironically, the viewfinder was produced).

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If you want to have a go at modifying the mount to bring up the 35mm frameline the instructions are here

 

How to modify a 40mm Summicron-C (with photos) - Photo.net Leica and Rangefinders Forum

 

Just take a little bit off at a time. The shape of the lug isn't exactly the same on the Nokton, but you file at the equivalent spot, go for either a slight angle, or keep it square as per original. Eyeballing mine I'd say I took off maybe 0.75mm .

 

 

Steve

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