Voightlander 40mm Nokton.

[Julian H]

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Hi

 

Recently I "won" an ebay auction for the Leica 45mm DG for my GF1. Initially I was delighted but the transaction went sour and I am beginning to think it was good fortune. I eventually want to get an M8 [hopefully 8.2 actually ] and think that, in hindsight, spending more money on M43 lenses is only delaying my new M acquisition.

 

So, I am now considering a Nokton 40mm which I can use via an adaptor on my GF1 in the short term and then on the M when I can afford it. I didn't really need the macro potential of the 45mm DG, just the focal length.

 

So a few questions if I may..

 

What is this lens like on the GF1? Any recommendations on adaptors? Bear in mind, I would prefer not to spend too much on the adaptor because it will only be a short term requirement.

 

Finally, I understand single or multicoated versions of the Nokton are available. Which is more suited to the digital M, or is it just a taste thing?

 

Thanks,

Julian

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[Lindolfi]

Julian, In the past I used a Nokton 40/1.4 often on a GF1 with great satisfaction. Especially because manual focus can be done with the thumbwheel press quite easily, also at f/1.4 critical focus can be achieved. The lens is excellent, especially since on the micro 4/3 sensor format you use the center of the image circle of the lens. Only with city lights at night you can find some aberrations in the corners, but the image remains pleasing. Here you can see some examples of that combination:

 

 

at f/2:

 

 

at f/1.4:

 

 

 

at f/1.4 defocussed

 

 

at f/3.4

 

 

This is the multicoated version and I have no experience with the single coated one. As far as I understand the single coated one is used when reduction in contrast is required in black-and-white images.

 

It is important for an adapter to have zero play and correct thickness for infinity setting, so that you can prefocus correctly.

[gyoung]

Its not easy to see from these (otherwise excellent) samples, but partcularly in the fountain shot it seems to suffer from similar unsharpness in the corners as my 35 Summicron asph. does on the G1 (the sensor is the same so there should be no difference on the GF1).

The shortest M mount lens I have that I can use without corner unsharpness seems to be 50mm

 

Gerry

[Lindolfi]

Most of the fountain shot is out of focus, because f/1.4 is used and so many objects are out of the area of the depth of field. Focus was maintained at the center of the fountain. Hard to tell from this shot how well the 40/1.4 renders in the corders.

 

But even 12 mm gives excellent results on the GF1 sensor. Here for instance with the 12/5.6 lens from Voigtländer at f/11:

 

[Julian H]

Hi

 

Thanks very much for the replies. Motivated by your comments [and the photos - thanks Lindolfi] I have purchased an adaptor so I am on the first step towards my goal. Just got to find the right lens now. Seeing most of what I do is colour, I suspect the multicoated version will be most appropriate.

 

Thanks again. Julian

[Julian H]

My adaptor arrived today so I thought I'd take the opportunity to try my Summicron CF. Works a treat too. This really has spurred me on the get the Nokton now. The mount adaptor I purchased, by Kiwiphotos, is amazing quality for the price and the lens and body fit very nice and securely.

 

I have attached two pictures, one of the camera showing how front heavy it is and a quick "test shot" of gingie....

 

I am going to have a play with my 35 Summilux tomorrow

 

Cheers, Julian

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