Jump to content

My new toy: Nokton 1.1/50


@bumac

Recommended Posts

  • Replies 85
  • Created
  • Last Reply

It's a great lens, this Nokton. But I do notice some heavy PF on high contrast areas (mind you Leicas have these too). But I just sold it yesterday, in favor of a Noctilux that I got at a very interesting price...

 

The only difference I see is the colour tone, and the swirly bokeh that the Noctilux produces, which I come to get very fond of. But then again it's really a matter of preferences.

 

The price is also definitely an issue.

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 7 months later...

Advertisement (gone after registration)

My 2 cents.... I like the images, and as you say, they are out of the box. No PP. That's what it is all about; how well it performs out of the box. I am going to buy one for my m8. Do you have to 'code' anything on the lens? I don't know much about coding. Best, Dan F.

Link to post
Share on other sites

They do appear to be excellent lenses. I am in the process of buying one for myself to use on my M8. (I have decided to sell some other lenses first to fund it and expectt hat to take a few weeks.)

 

I must admit though that I am also quite taken by the Voigtlander 35mm f1.2, especially its bokeh which by all reports is a bit smoother and less "caffienated" than the bokeh on this lens. I tossed up for a while between them before deciding on the 50mm on the grounds that I prefer longer lenses.

 

But I would never the less be interested to know the thoughts of anyone who has had the direct opportunity to compare them..........

Link to post
Share on other sites

My father used to say "The bad craftsman always blames his tools".

The photography history - not to say the mythology - was written with lenses that would be blown to pieces by any current standard. Based from the posted samples I'd assume that this Nokton is a lens beyond any reproach and a solid bargain. So those who own it, enjoy it!

 

Bruno

Link to post
Share on other sites

Bruno, really said it, EVERY SINGLE ONE of todays lenses blows away the lenses used when the street photography and PJ tradition was created. The 50cron HCB travled the world with can not hold a candle to a modern cron...

 

Personally I find the Nokton 1.1 to be a phenomenal lens. particularly for the money. in some what it is also democratizing the realm of ultra-fast lenses. historically old guys was shooting Noctiluxes, the nokton 1.1 is a very fast lens in a price range where young inspired photographers can afford it, particularly used, suddenly because of the Nokton it is possible to pick up a piece of fast glass for about $500-750 used. at this price it is relevant to young "bucks", and I am very excited to see some younger users picking up this lens.

 

.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Bruno, really said it, EVERY SINGLE ONE of todays lenses blows away the lenses used when the street photography and PJ tradition was created. The 50cron HCB travled the world with can not hold a candle to a modern cron...

 

By what standard? MTF? Aerial resolution charts? I call BS.

 

At one time photographers chose lenses for their particular rendering. Sharpness is way over-rated.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Pico,

 

Im sorry, I forgot to say that I personally actually like the older lenses and use them, the modern lenses generally resolve more than the older lenses, but as you said, "Sharpness is over-rated" I agree 100%, it is about content.

 

Your original post before editing was interesting, What I don't quite understand is the following "Your post is the most conspicuous, elitist thing I've read here." ? I find my nokton have permitted me to own a fast lens I never would have otherwise, that is democratizing the ultrafast lenses. Am I really a conspicuous elitist because I am glad I have a cheap lens, and use it every chance I can.? I think it is fair to say that Im not the only rangefinder lover who have no legal way of getting a 0.95 noctilux lens, so in my case and probably that of other people, the nokton is a very affordable ticket to some very fun late night photography.

 

EDIT: I really mean the second paragraph in the best of ways.

 

.

Link to post
Share on other sites

... because of the Nokton it is possible to pick up a piece of fast glass for about $500-750 used. at this price it is relevant to young "bucks", and I am very excited to see some younger users picking up this lens.

Bo,

 

It was already possible to pick up inexpensive, fast glass: the Canon 50/1.2, the Canon 50/0.95 (before its price recently went into orbit), the Nikkor 50/1.2, the Hexanon-M 50/1.2, Voigtlander 35/1.2 for example.:)

 

Pete.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Pico,

 

Im sorry, I forgot to say that I personally actually like the older lenses and use them, the modern lenses generally resolve more than the older lenses, but as you said, "Sharpness is over-rated" I agree 100%, it is about content.

 

Your original post before editing was interesting, What I don't quite understand is the following "Your post is the most conspicuous, elitist thing I've read here." [...]

 

I'm tired and misread the post the first time and saw Noctilux instead of what you wrote, Nocton. Very serious error on my part. Sorry for that, Sir.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Pico,

 

No worries - actually, I was thinking at least somebody is honest, nothing like knowing people to have a coffee with who will tell it as they see it.

 

Pete, yup, I know, but the price did go ballistic (ballistic somehow suggest they may eventually return which remains to be seen.)

 

The Canon and similar lenses, in mint condition currently seems to be in the $1500-2500+ range. I think the nokton is a important lens as it is far more accessible than any similar lens at the moment. dollar for dollar in todays market that lens deliver more available darkness fun than anything else new out of the box. :D but it don't particularly out-resolve anything, which is why I agree also that sharpness is over-rated, the lens is the ticket to having fun at night for guys like me. and as far as Im concerned, its a highly recommended buy if one have a lust for speed, however a 50cron will spank it any day of the week in terms of sharpness and contrast. which is OK.

 

.

Link to post
Share on other sites

By what standard? MTF? Aerial resolution charts? I call BS.

 

At one time photographers chose lenses for their particular rendering. Sharpness is way over-rated.

 

Dear Pico,

 

there are at least two ways to evaluate lenses performances. One involves non-measurable elements such general depiction, bokeh, glow, transition from in-focus to out-of focus etc. The other one is made of measurable parameters: MTF, resolution, distortion, vignetting, color shift, contrast, focus shift.

 

The problem is that the first one relies on subjective impressions which can vary with any individuals observing the results whilst the latter are objective as they're measurable and reproducible, therefore eligible for comparisons that do not rise ambiguities. That's the reason why they became standard references. I agree with you as you say that these are way overrated and that the final result is however made of subjective impressions, but from here to label them as BS...

 

Peace,

Bruno

Link to post
Share on other sites

Dear Pico,

[...] I agree with you as you say that these are way overrated and that the final result is however made of subjective impressions, but from here to label them as BS...

 

Peace,

Bruno

 

I object to flat statements of superiority based upon metrics that have little relevance to aesthetics.

Unless I make them, of course. :o

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...