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Noctilux f0.95 experience...


Nliusvia

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Is the Noctilux-M 50 mm Asph at f/1.4 as sharp and undistorted in the corners as the Summilux-M 50 mm Asph at f/1.4?

The answer to this is surprisingly complex. For most practical intents and purposes, the short answer is yes ... basically. But when looking closer then subtle differences will appear.

 

In terms of sharpness at f/1.4, the Summilux is very slightly sharper at the frame's center and clearly sharper near the borders. However that does not mean the Noctilux was bad. If you don't have a Summilux at hand for an immediate comparison then you'll be very happy with the Noctilux's sharpness.

 

In terms of distortion, both lenses distort very little. The Noctilux has some barrel-shaped distortion in the field but virtually no distortion in the corners. The Summilux has virtually no distortion in the field but some very slight pincushion-shaped distortion in the farthest corners. The Noctilux's distortion is stronger by objective measurement but the Summilux's is more objectionable to the beholder's eye ... if you can actually percept it in the first place. In most cases, you cannot.

 

In terms of vignetting af f/1.4, the Summilux clearly vignettes more than the Noctilux. The fall-off sets in earlier (closer to the center) and is stronger in the farthest corner. Still, in many cases the Noctilux's vignetting will be more objectionable to the beholder's eye because of the sharper gradient. The Summilux's fall-off is very smooth while the Noctilux will vignette less across much of the field but then will fall off pretty sharply in the corner.

 

Of all these differences at f/1.4, the most obvious are the Noctilux's fall-off of sharpess and the Summilux's fall-off of illumination. Please note that 'most obvious' is relative, not absolute—it does not mean 'very obvious;' it just means 'more noticable than the other differences.' Now it's up to you to decide which of these flaws is more severe to you. I'd say one must not overrate either. Basically, both lenses perform wonderfully at f/1.4.

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Originally Posted by photoart View Post

I own both, the noctilux is much harder focussing on spot wide open, also with 1.4x viewer magnifier.

 

Yesterday my partner handed me my 1.25X magnifier. It had unscrewed, fallen off. I continued to work without it and was surprised by how much easier it was to focus without it. The image was brighter and had more contrast. (I was using a Canon f:0/.95)

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Enjoyed your comments. One question- did you ever own an older Noctilux like the f1.0? If so, how do you compare that older Nocti to the 0.95 Nocti?

 

I don't own the f1 but have tried it. there lots of point to compare on...but for me handling wise, since the f1 is slightly larger, it feels more rigid and not as smooth as the f0.95 especially on the focus ring. Image wise, f1 is not as sharp as the aspherical f0.95..though some claim the former produce the Leica "glow"...

 

that said...dont just take my word for it, most leica boutique should allow you to test shots with both.....if they have them...

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Lars, thanks for sharing that image. Do yo recall which Nocti was used here? Did you PP it?

 

That was the first 0.95 Noctilux I saw in the flesh. I put it on my M9 and found afterwards that it had been set to the v.4 35mm Summicron I had been using. But that does not seem to have hurt. The original file is an in-camera JPG, I just cropped it. Nothing else.

 

The old man

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Yesterday my partner handed me my 1.25X magnifier. It had unscrewed, fallen off. I continued to work without it and was surprised by how much easier it was to focus without it. The image was brighter and had more contrast. (I was using a Canon f:0/.95)

 

That is my experience too. Even an Apo-Telyt is easier to focus without the magnifier.

 

The old man at 1:1

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That was the first 0.95 Noctilux I saw in the flesh. I put it on my M9 and found afterwards that it had been set to the v.4 35mm Summicron I had been using. But that does not seem to have hurt. The original file is an in-camera JPG, I just cropped it. Nothing else.

 

The old man

 

V.4 35mm Summicron-maybe you're onto something. I like the look of it. Might try that just for fun if I get to use one at a Leica Academie.

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Well said shard.

 

I'm now hunting for the nd filter for the nocti..

If you know where to find one, let me know.

 

This shop sells B&W ND 8x 60mm:)

 

Foto Huppert - Graufilter 103 ND 0,9, 8x + 3 Blenden

 

Graufilter 103 ND 0,9, 8x + 3 Blenden

 

Good luck!

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This pretty much nails it from an actual photographer's perspective, I used a friend of mine's and I found it to be just too darn big on a Leica. A Canon 5DII with a 85L is a far better tool for a photographer in the experience of many actual photographers who want better background / foreground separation, one well known and highly talented Seattle Times shooter sold his because he found it to be a "ridiculous lens at a ridiculous price".

 

There are a couple of pros using this lens for fashion that are using it to great effect. Other than that, it is the same old blobs of color, test shots and gushy Flickr great capture club happy snaps.....so far from impressive it is hilarious.

 

The .95 desperately needs more talent behind it for me to take it seriously.

 

It is difficult not to be cynical about this lens. Purely judging from the examples seen on the forum, I would have to say it is an expensive way of making boring photos seem interesting. The claimed 'unique bokeh' does not really change that. Also, the size of the lens completely blows away the central advantage of the RF format - compactness.
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that said, it's all about the money/price in the end of the day....as in if it's were to be more affordable

I have to disagree in terms of the handling, for me the nocti, even though it's a huge lens for M9, it still balance out nicely overall...

perhaps it's a personal preference thing....

though there are days that I'd prefer to take a walk with the lux than nocti but it's no brainer that's I'd go with nocti for a night shoot just because of the 0.95.

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