Do we know such photographers?

[Magnum Image]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

While I understand when you say that "many are shooting with much much less and producing superb work", but the same could be said for any camera/lens on the market. The fact remains that pros and are using Noctilux lenses to produce work seen in publications and advertisements around the world, and IMHO none of these lenses will be used for anything other than as an investment or status symbol. People are waiting on this lens for work in India, Africa, SE Asia, and more. Can you produce good work with a 50 Summilux ASPH? Well of course you can, but there are many pros and members here who have work that requires the unique shallow DOF that this lens offers.

 

I feel like the photographers you describe are a very very thin slice of the pie. I think the majority that want one are strictly enthusiasts. If your work depends on that lens and you can afford it in the first place then your most likely paying the 2k premium to get one straight away.

 

Hypothetically speaking if it's me buying that Dumas edition and I'm shelling out 50k there better be a Noctilux in there, but that's just me.

 

Then your arguing the validity of the luxury sets existence in the first place.

 

I don't know I see both sides of the coin and if I was on the waiting list I'd be frustrated but I still think its the folly of a well off individual or quality problems as some people would say.

[kokoshawnuff]

I'm equally sure that lots of them will be used and cherished by decent photographs.

 

I don't see many of these 400 sets being taken out of the box, let alone lots being used (though cherished they will be). Of the 500 titanium M9s how many do you see being used? Maybe one or two at major Leica events or Leica Akademie classes? But I see several unused ones available at different sellers at any given time...they just aren't used too often, they're kind of determined as they're labeled to be; collectors sets.

 

 

I still think its the folly of a well off individual or quality problems as some people would say.

 

And this can be said of every commercial consumer (not just the rich ones) when you look at things in a relative way. There are those that are annoyed they can't buy a new Bugatti Veyron for $2.7 million, and others that are annoyed that the ground beef isn't on sale. There are many in this world that don't have the money to be commercial consumers on any level, not just when it comes to expensive stuff.

[StephenPatterson]

I would much rather see a Noctilux in the hands of someone like our own Mike Kirkinis, (Michali on the forum, his portfolio can be seen here) who uses his newly acquired 0.95 lens on assignment, than languishing in a vault in Tokyo, Dubai, Shanghai or anywhere else.

 

This is just one example of someone who "uses" his Noctilux, not as a status symbol, but for it's intended purpose. There are many more such examples, but I think I've made my point and see no reason to submit endless examples. Mike's work is justification enough, in my view, that these lenses should not be wasted.

 

I have no problem with Leica becoming a fashion house. I realize it funds R&D, but this folly should not come at the expense of the core business and loyal customer base.

[rramesh]

I think of it this way. Collectors are doing a phenomenal job keeping these high quality lens in a pristine condition, till such time a real photographer needs them.

 

Imaging where concert violinists would be if collectors had not bothered to collect Stradivari's violins.

[Magnum Image]

I would much rather see a Noctilux in the hands of someone like our own Mike Kirkinis, (Michali on the forum, his portfolio can be seen here) who uses his newly acquired 0.95 lens on assignment, than languishing in a vault in Tokyo, Dubai, Shanghai or anywhere else.

 

This is just one example of someone who "uses" his Noctilux, not as a status symbol, but for it's intended purpose. There are many more such examples, but I think I've made my point and see no reason to submit endless examples. Mike's work is justification enough, in my view, that these lenses should not be wasted.

 

I have no problem with Leica becoming a fashion house. I realize it funds R&D, but this folly should not come at the expense of the core business and loyal customer base.

 

Ah yes I remember when he posted those India photos upon his return. The image of black face paint is one of my favorites.

[jonoslack]

Jono, I hope you are correct, and I also hope that Leica are increasing lens production, but I have been told by Leica reps that Noctilux production is only a few hundred lenses a year, and so with such small production it just seems a shame to waste them here, when a 35 Summicron with puke colored numbers and special knurled aperture ring would have sufficed.

 

I guess that lens production will increase next year when Wetzlar is finished. In the meantime, if you really need a noctilux - there are a few around the place

 

Thanks for your help and advice!!! Booked into The Old Place for 4 days at the end of the month!!!

 

Cheers,

I"m really jealous - I hope you have a wonderful time - the back streets of Xingping are a joy, and you should be able to swim in the river at this time of year.

 

Incidentally - my Ona rucksack just appeared from the States today - I got a grey one - seems lovely.

 

all the best