Dilemma w/ Lens Choice

[Ad Lucem]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Hello Leica Forum,

 

I need to some advice/thoughts on lens choice. I own a 50mm lux and a 35mm lux FLE but cannot get the 50mm 0.95 out of my mind. The images from that lens is just amazing and the low light capability pulls me in. I enjoy my current lenses but I use the 50 more than the 35. I am considering selling my current lenses, saving a bit of money and purchasing the Noctilux. Money is a factor but not the deciding one, I can save to afford it but wonder if it is "worth" it. Just wanted to get some other perspectives on the matter. I fear that the nostalgia of seeing images from this lens is affecting my decision. Please help!

 

 

[earleygallery]

It's a personal choice really only you can decide. I guess you're looking for lots of 'yes buy it' responses to make you feel better about a decision you've probably already made?

 

To help you decide if it's just GAS or based on some element of need, I'd suggest you check your photos and how many were shot at f1.4? How much use would you get from a wider aperture? Would you be happy lugging a heavy large lens about all the time?

 

As an aside, Voigtlander make a Nokton which is pretty impressive from what I've seen.

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[dpitt]

+1

 

Consider weight and loss of DOF as limiting/negative factor. In practical use indoor F0.95 is often giving too shallow DOF, so if you need to stop it down to F1.2 or even F 1.4, all you have left is a bulky Summilux. 

I like my 50mm lenses to be light and compact, so I do not hesitate to take my Leica M with me all the time.

With only a Noctilux, i would leave it at home much more often...

[CheshireCat]

Short answer: I would not replace both lenses with the Noctilux.

 

The Noctilux f/0.95 is a great lens, but the rendering character is very similar to the Summilux.

In that sense, it is a Summilux on steroids, with an extra stop... extra weight and extra size.

 

Why don't you consider adding a used Noctilux f/1 ? It has a strong unique character, that I personally like it more than the f/0.95.

 

If money is an issue, I would replace the 35 FLE with a Zeiss ZM 35/1.4.

 

To sum it up, I would go for one of the following depending on which Noctiux you like best:

 

COMBO 1:

- Noctilux 50/1

- Summilux 50/1.4

- Zeiss ZM/1.4

 

COMBO 2:

- Noctilux 50/0.95

- Zeiss ZM/1.4

[DMJ]

I have all 3 that you mention.  If instead of buying, like you are doing, I was forced to give up either the Noctilux or the 35FLE/50lux then I would part with the Noctilux.  It has status & is different to the 50lux but that (in my opinion) is way short of what you get from two great lenses. Save up & buy a 21SEM or ZM25mm f2.8 (fantastic lens) or a Leica 28mm to complement what you have.  Just my thoughts as only you can decide.

[Ad Lucem]

Thanks for all the fantastic advice! I think you are right Cheshire, it would be a waste to replace both lenses for 1 stop. That Zeiss looks nice, that might be something to consider replacing the 35FLE to free up some cash. Thanks again everyone.

[algrove]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

At one point I recently owned every M lens offered except for the Summarits. I recently sold my Noctilux 0.95 after using the APO50. Why?

The size was my biggest detraction from using the heavy Noctilux. What one gets from the APO50 is probably the best lens of the bunch in a small form factor.  

 

I also owned at least 25 older M glass and have also pared that down, but still like the smaller versus larger lenses so I even sold my f1.0 Noctilux and 75/1.4.

 

Sure I still have 1.4 lemses, but I do not necessarily keep them for their 1.4 use, except where absolutely needed.

[Jennifer]

I'd think long and hard before giving up the 35 FLE and/or the Lux 50 for a Nocti 0.95. I have both the 35 FLE & Lux 50 as well as both the Nocti and APO 50 and IMO the Nocti is a very specialist lens both cumbersome, heavy (for Leica glass) and not easy to use well wide open. If I had to choose it would be the first to go followed a fair bit behind by the Lux whereas the APO would have to be prised from my dead hand.

[250swb]

You can buy a Voigtlander 50mm Nokton f/1.1 for a fraction of the price of a Noctilux, and from the Steve Huff test there isn't much in it between the two lenses. So you can play the game of very very shallow DOF and all its banality without spending too much cash. And if you find very very shallow DOF at 50mm is the thing for you then second hand Nokton's hold their price pretty well and you can 'upgrade' (spend more) on a Noctliux at your leisure.

 

 

Steve

[jrp]

You don't get a full stop extra with the Noctilux over the Summilux as the former vignettes more.  The Summilux is also sharper at f1.4.  So the Noctilux is preferable only if you want the particular bokeh that it provides.  Taking pictures where the bokeh is the subject is rather a rather limited game, particularly if the pictures are to be of interest outside the photographic community.

[bocaburger]

Weight and finder blockage were always deal breakers for me with the Nocticlux.  I had a chance to pick up the prior version, early model with accessory hood, for $1600 about 10 years ago and passed on it for those reasons. With the current version, add cost to the list of deal breakers.

[sm23221]

Rent one first and if you still can't get it out of your head then buy one.

[Herr Barnack]

 

Why don't you consider adding a used Noctilux f/1 ? It has a strong unique character, that I personally like it more than the f/0.95.

 

CheshireCat has a valid point.  I have the f/1.0 Noctilux and am extremely pleased with it.  A nice used f/1.0 is much more affordable than a new f/0.95Noctilux; something to consider.

 

I recently parted ways with my pre-ASPH 50 Summilux as part of a trade deal in order to keep my f/1.0 Noctilux.  Now I am missing the ease of use, smaller size and lighter weight of my 50 Summilux.  I find myself wanting to acquire a used 50 Summicron or a 50/2.8 Elmar M to have a smaller, lighter 50mm lens for all-around shooting.  The Noctilux is more of a specialized tool than a broad spectrum 50mm lens in my experience. 

 

Also:  I would highly recommend that you try the CV Nokton f/1.1 before you invest in it, or at minimum be able to return it for an exchange or refund if it is not your cup of tea.  I have heard people speak highly of it, but I have also heard people lament buying it due to disappointing image quality (the 35mm f/1.2 Nokton ASPH v.2 is an entirely different beast, though.  I have heard only rave reviews regarding this lens).

 

Hope this helps. 

 

DISCLAIMER

I am in no way connected to or employed by either Leica or Voigtlander.

Edited May 25, 2015 by Carlos Danger

[MarkP]

CheshireCat has a valid point.  I have the f/1.0 Noctilux and am extremely pleased with it.  A nice used f/1.0 is much more affordable than a new f/0.95Noctilux; something to consider.

 

I recently parted ways with my pre-ASPH 50 Summilux as part of a trade deal in order to keep my f/1.0 Noctilux.  Now I am missing the ease of use, smaller size and lighter weight of my 50 Summilux.  I find myself wanting to acquire a used 50 Summicron or a 50/2.8 Elmar M to have a smaller, lighter 50mm lens for all-around shooting.  The Noctilux is more of a specialized tool than a broad spectrum 50mm lens in my experience. 

 

 

The 2.8/50 Elmar-M is a stellar little lens. I also have a 1.0/50 Noctilux and 1.4/50 Summilux but I often take the Elmar as it's a delight to use.

 

 

Monochrom (v1), 2.8/50 Elmar-M

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Edited May 25, 2015 by MarkP

[otto.f]

Rent one first and if you still can't get it out of your head then buy one.

 

And find out how the 1m closest distance becomes you, an aspect not yet mentioned here

[tthorne]

I am going to go with others here. Don't do it! Normally I would not say something so absolute as I do recognize that these things are personal, but this is one I feel strongly about. 

 

Recently I compressed my widest and longest focal lengths to 28mm (Cron) and 75mm (APO), as these give a primarily 35/50 shooter that little extra on both ends. Now, the only 35mm I own is the FLE, and I am not really sure there is anything else in the world that interests me in that focal length at this time. Sure, there are other great 35mm lenses out there, but nothing that makes me want to unmount the FLE from time to time. It is not only a very special optic, but the lens itself is ergonomically fantastic, from the size that they were able to fit that fast a wide lens into, to the focus tab and 46mm filter thread. This makes it not only gorgeous and ergonomic, but fast and still very practical. By the way, as a 35mm lover, I would love to hear any suggestions out there for a 35mm lens that will give me something complimentary to the FLE.

 

In the 50mm range, well, that is different. My first was the Lux ASPH. I have never even considered selling it. You could really apply everything I said about the 35FLE here.

 

Then came the Noctilux F1, which is chock full of personality and VERY special for what it does and how it renders. That F1 definitely gave me something very different from the LuxASPH. Alas, I sold it to fund a .95. I don't regret that, because the .95 is an amazing lens from an engineering standpoint. It is able to deliver the goods at an aperture that is just astounding. I do not agree that the CV Norton 1.1 is anywhere in the same league, and I did spend some time with that lens as well. Still though, the Noctilux is far from hitting that ergonomic sweet spot for the me on an M, and honestly, that is a bigger deal to me than the extra stop. In the rare occasion that I use it, I will only use it at .95, because how else would I use it when I have the LuxASPH which is way smaller, lighter, has a focus tab, and is far more practical and ergonomic. By the way, the rendering of the LuxASPH and the .95 is very similar. Then you start thinking about the times a photo really benefits from .95, and all of a sudden, dare I say it, the Noct feels more like a trophy piece than a shooter...

 

Anyhow, I kept the Noct and the LuxASPH, but recently added a 50APO. I don't fins the 50APO to be a huge advantage in the size and weight categories when compared to the LuxASPH. They are very close. The images they produce, however, are different. Others articulate the differences better than I, so I will let them do that. Sure, it is an expensive f2 lens, but I am going to say that it lived up to the hype, at least for me. It is STUNNING. That aside though, the LuxASPH still wins for practicality as it is virtually the same size wise, just as ergonomic, and although it is clearly bested by the APO, it is still the highest performing 50mm lens I ever had the pleasure of using prior to the APO.

 

Sorry for being so long winded. Conclusion? If I had to let a 50 go, it would be the Noctilux. But I am glad I don't, because it comes out to play occasionally and I still appreciate what it does for those times. For me, the 50LuxASPH is something I would not leave home without, and the 50APO, if one can afford it, is like a little slice of heaven. If I was you, I might ask myself if there is another perspective I am curious about, be it wider or more tele, and explore those realms instead. Here are some to consider:

 

21SEM - if you go that wide, this is simply the best, hands down. May as well be called an APO in my book. As an added bonus, it is very small, light, has a focus tab, and takes 46mm filters like your 35 and 50 Lux! 

 

28Cron - The Elmarit is great also, and even smaller, but I suggest this because it has, once again, a 46mm filter thread! Thinking system here. 

 

90mm??? - If you go that long, the APO is marvelous, but the latest Elmarit is really just about there, is smaller and lighter, and again, 46mm threads! 

 

75APO - Just a fantastic medium tele. Gorgeous lens and still very ergonomic. Not too big or heavy at all, but 49mm filters, so you'd need another set sadly. 

 

Whatever you use, use it in great health!

[MarkP]

Do not sell your soul for the Leica Noctilux succubus. 

 

I do have a Noctilux (1.0/50) which is a very different beast, my 'art' lens exactly because of it's abberations, but I didn't buy it - it was given to me.

 

Get that Noctilux out of your mind and concentrate on the outstanding lenses you already have or what else you could have for less than the changeover cost to the Noctilux.  With the ready availability of most Leica lenses you will also lose a lot of money on the changeover.

 

You have been given good advice regarding lenses of other focal lengths in the posts above.

[arthurgalvao]

I have a Noctilux f.1 and I love it, super special and lots of personality. But as many said above, not an all around lens, it becomes huge with the hood and I can only use it properly with the hand grip. On the other hand I just got my first 50 Summilux and I'm in awe. I got the new black chrome and I can't seem to get it out of my camera, I just love the way it renders on my M-P, much much more than the Noctilux I have and the 0.95s I've tested. So IMO don't sell it. You're gonna regret it. Really.

[Symeon]

You didn't say WHY you want the Noctilux, besides an obsession. Selling those two stellar lenses to finance your Nocti purchase is a major sin, and there is a Leica-Users Hell, believe me. I've been there.

Edited May 25, 2015 by Symeon

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[spydrxx]

Years ago I began the low light journey with a converted Canon 50/0.95, moved to a Noctilux 50/1.0 about a year later. What I found was, as others mentioned, that I didn't use the lens that often, that it was big and heavy, and that the incremental light capturing capabilities over a Summilux were, IMHO, highly overrated. I sold it and have never looked back. So, besides a good case of GAS, an excess of cash, or a highly lucrative professional business which the Nocti may make a difference between sale or no sale, I'd say skip it.