Jump to content

Justifying the 0.95 Noctilux


Googaliser

Recommended Posts

  • Replies 212
  • Created
  • Last Reply

I've been shooting with the Noct ASPH for the past month or so. I've literally not taken the lens off of my M9 because I want to get to know the lens as well as possible (and because I haven't wanted to take the lens off of the camera). In daylight, I've been using an ND filter and shooting as close to wide open as possible because it happens to be a look that I enjoy. Sometimes it works better than others, but I'm having a blast experimenting with combination.

 

Here's the link:

 

Leica M9 Noctilux f0.95 - a set on Flickr

 

Kurt

Link to post
Share on other sites

Graham, that's the problem... the loaner I got for the LFI feature shoot could result in it being a very costly assignment.

 

Too late to file that Police report about how you were mugged when using the lens and 'lost' it before you could send it back? :D

 

It certainly looks like you and Kurt also are making some magic with that lens!

Link to post
Share on other sites

Too late to file that Police report about how you were mugged when using the lens and 'lost' it before you could send it back? :D

 

It certainly looks like you and Kurt also are making some magic with that lens!

 

Ha! Thanks, as we say I'm filling my boots whilst I can. First time I've had a Noctilux in my hands after 32 years of shooting M. I'm going to try it on M8 next.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I think the 0.95 Noct is a very good lens. Based on sample pictures I can say that it's very contrasty, sharp wide open (for its class), and pretty compact (considering). Though the price tag is really out of this world.

 

I settled myself on an old F1 Noct, second generation I believe, with a larger detachable hood. :)

 

I for one, feel that F1 is shallow enough dof, and 0.05 doesn't make a difference IMHO. ALTHOUGH, the addition contrast and sharpness, is always welcome. But for an extra 4000 USD from an old F1 Noct?? Not for me... :)

Link to post
Share on other sites

Advertisement (gone after registration)

MAH,

 

In all due respect, only a few of the stated images were taken at f/0/95; the others were stopped down past 1.4 except for one at 1.4. Unless you plan on using the f/0.95 frequently, would not the 50 Summilux serve just as well, at a cheaper price and lighter load to carry?

 

But then everyone seems to agree there is some special about the 50 Noct (besides the price)...

 

Jim

 

http://www.jimtrunck.com

Link to post
Share on other sites

If you don't mind the weight (I got used to it) of the lens, using the Nocti instead of the Lux 1.4 allows you to always have that 0.95 aperture available. At f/4 and above it provides the best image quality I've ever experienced.

 

So this really comes down to a weight and size issue. I prefer to always have that 0.95 aperture available, and I'm glad I have it. I would highly recommend trying one first before purchasing to see if the weight is an issue for you.

Link to post
Share on other sites

LOL - seems like the time for justification have come and gone.. now is the time for finding the right credit card.

 

 

>>Graham, that's the problem... the loaner I got for the LFI feature shoot could result in it being a very costly assignment.

Link to post
Share on other sites

It's an amazing lens and in combo with M9 it's stunning

There is a little justification if you consider only price, but if you consider the experience and enjoyment, it's just great.

 

here are some more samples @ f0.95

 

4428360516_55050d3eef_b.jpg

 

4148447297_65d144a151_o.jpg

 

4427592643_a0318aebf0_b.jpg

 

In short, if you can do buy it

Link to post
Share on other sites

MAH,

 

In all due respect, only a few of the stated images were taken at f/0/95; the others were stopped down past 1.4 except for one at 1.4. Unless you plan on using the f/0.95 frequently, would not the 50 Summilux serve just as well, at a cheaper price and lighter load to carry?

 

But then everyone seems to agree there is some special about the 50 Noct (besides the price)...

 

Jim

 

http://www.jimtrunck.com

 

Can't speak for others, but I've been shooting only at 0.95 for about 3 months now.

Link to post
Share on other sites

NIce shots. In my experience the 0.95 aperture truly isolates the subject that no other lens can.

 

Brett, it's a terrific lens at f/4 and above too. I admit I'm guilty of shooting mostly at 0.95 - this is something the Lux 1.4 cannot do.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I'd have to 100% agree with the idea of shooting with the lens at f0.95. It isolates the subject and has a sharpness that provides a 3D type of look that is very unique ... almost as if you are applying a slight tilt/shift perspective in the shot. As an example, here's a shot at f0.95 of a fellow Leica photographer who shoots with the DMR engaging in a conversation and taking a few shots of one of his subjects.

 

Kurt

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!

Link to post
Share on other sites

Anyone out there just shooting with the M9 & 50/0.95 as their total outfit? I could see the temptation to go with such a wonderful minimalist outfit.

 

Dear Leica, how about a 35/0.95? :p Probably impossible to keep small-ish but we can dream can't we?

Link to post
Share on other sites

Face to face with the new 0.95, a tough decision had to be made.

Justifying the unjustifiable is all part of the fun of buying exotic glass but how on earth can you rationalise the idea of purchasing something as ridiculous as the 0.95 ? I think I’ve tested this almost uniquely male skill to the very limit on this one, but after endless fag-packet calculations and much head scratching, I’ve finally arrived at the point where I’ve convinced myself that buying the Nocti borders on being a good idea. Well, almost. I’ll try to explain…

 

I still run a Nikon D3 system, although it sees less and less use the more comfortable i get with the M9. In fact,the main justification was low-light - but recently - despite the lower noise floor - I actually prefer the way the M9 and Lux's see the world. Plus the D3 ergonomics feel very dated by comparison - which is kind of ironic. So by adding up the amount my D3 system will fetch on good old Ebay - I actually come out at a bigger number than the cost of the Nocti. Lets just gloss over the fact that it is a single lens.

 

So good bye 58 1.2, 28 1.4, 50 1.4G and my trusty D3. Time to give Solm's finest a go and see what it does for the creative juices. It also eliminates the 'which should I bring to the party dilema'

 

So for anyone wondering D3 or M9 ? Here is a formerly very loyal Nikon user voting with his feet. :eek:

 

I bought the 35 Summicron over the Summilux because it gets better reviews.

 

Don't know if that's the case with the 50 Noctilux. I'd mainly be trying to justify the performance and the size.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Hell, we're all going to die at some point in time, so we might as well enjoy it to the fullest.

 

Wow... Enjoying life to me is partying like no tomorrow, or driving a rear wheel drive, big torque car.

 

But if it's a fast lens to someone, I guess I'd tell them to go for it.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...