Paul J Posted October 11, 2012 Share #21 Posted October 11, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) All the advice given above is sensible, but remember there is little that is sensible about buying a Leica in the first place. My first lens was 35 mm, and I have traded and switched a bit. I have the 35 & 50 Summiluxes, but I can tell you that since I bought the Noctilux, it hasn't come off my M9 for any length of time - it is fantastic for all purposes - I like the long throw on the focus, it does intrude into the 50 mm frame lines, it is heavy and it's expensive But, if I had one lens, this would be it. You don't have to use it wide all the time (stupid idea) - it's versatile and has a character of its own. I also do see the advantage in having one lens, or at least one lens at a time. The 50-28 combination is good, and I often add the 21 if I'm going on a trip. This image is one of my favourite recent images, though I should have boosted the ISO so I could get a handheld shot with the depth of field I needed. Sometimes a flawed shot is better than no shot! Cheers John Hey John, how goes it? I would say the image, which is stunning by the way, looks like 0.95 judging by the bokeh particularly at the edges. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted October 11, 2012 Posted October 11, 2012 Hi Paul J, Take a look here 50mm+35mm lux's vs noctilux .95. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
michali Posted October 11, 2012 Share #22 Posted October 11, 2012 I agree, it's all very personal and subjective. I purchased a Noctilux f0.95 earlier this year, and after about 6 weeks of continuous use I sold it and was vey happy to have the 50mm f1.4 Summilux back on the camera again. Focusing the Noctilux was never an issue for me, it was more the bulk of the lens, I found that it's so "un M-like" i.e. too big and bulky. I'm also not a big fan of the "excessive" bokeh when shooting wide open, and the chromatic aberration when shooting into the light. IMO the OOF look and feel of the images when shooting wide open is almost too contrived, it may work for some but I found that it doesn't suit my style of shooting. I also think that after investing upwards of $10, 000.00 in this lens, of course it's going to be on your camera most of the time, how else can one justify and rationalize the outlay? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bundestrainer Posted October 11, 2012 Share #23 Posted October 11, 2012 I would not trade in my Noctilux 0.95 for anything.... .... but I would NOT have bought this a starter lens with an M or M9. Your other choices are far more sensible. The 50/0.95 is a delight to use and actually easier to focus than the 50/1.4 as the barrel is bigger and travel further ... so you can be more precise. Wide open produces a unique look that you either love or hate ... so definitely try before you (one day maybe) buy.... I don't agree with the statement that it is not a starter lens. In my view it is way easier to focus than the 50 Summilux because of the longer focus throw. There is no steep learning curve or at least no learning curve that is steeper than that of the 50 Summilux. So if you are sure you want that lens with its dreamy wide-open look, don't start with the 50 Summilux. You are going to buy the Noctilux very soon anyway. I know what I'm talking about since I own both lenses. Here's a photo taken with this Noctilux marvel: Having said that I still consider selling my Noctilux .95 because all in all I prefer the Summilux. So if you are interested in buying the lens, send me a PM. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nicks500 Posted October 11, 2012 Author Share #24 Posted October 11, 2012 thats not what I wanted to hear money is the issue, If I dont buy it now I will probably not afford it later. Weight isnt an issue for me and I could see myself getting used to its 'features' (finder blockage etc) and having this as my one and only lens (for personal photography) just like 85mm f/1.2 was for my dslr(I did have other lenses but this was the most flexible after my 100mm 2.8 IS L macro)....damn damn damn!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MarcRF Posted October 11, 2012 Share #25 Posted October 11, 2012 I'd compare shots between the noct and the lux and see how you like the rendering... did you hold it in your hands already? a real-life experience is worth a lot more than debating on forums Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nicks500 Posted October 11, 2012 Author Share #26 Posted October 11, 2012 No I think I am going to be crazy and order either lens ( lux or Noc) and a 'M' without trying it first. Logistically getting to my nearest Leica dealer is really hard, and I am lazy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bpalme Posted October 11, 2012 Share #27 Posted October 11, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) If price was no object I would keep the Noctilux for sure. I own 50 Summicron, Summilux and Noctilux. I also have the 35 Summilux that I barely use. Only you know how much of which focal length you use. I used the 28 Summicron for wides more than the 35. For Me: Only one lens- 35 Summilux Two lenses price no object: 28 Summicron and Noctilux I'm currently downsizing and selling the 35 Summilux and Noctilux. Sold the 28 Summicron but would keep if it wasn't for $$$ Keeping 50mm Summilux ASPH. I may look into a 21 or 25mm Zeiss for a total two lens M9 Kit. The pictures from 50 Summilux ASPH and Noctilux 0.95 are identical as far as sharpness and color. The only difference is a slight edge for making DOF shallower. Don't let people scare you away from a Noctilux saying it's hard to focus. It is simply a matter of knowing it's limits. If you are standing at 3-5 meters the DOF is super shallow and your body swaying back and forth an inch can make a difference so you need to just be aware and either be super still or stop down or back up or whatever you think will get a clear shot. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IPS Posted October 11, 2012 Share #28 Posted October 11, 2012 I have owned both the Noctilux and Summilux. In the end I sold the Summilux because I found that the Noct never came off the camera. In my personal view I found it to be a far more versatile lens ... wide open or stopped down, it has it all. I also hated the focussing on the Summilux, it may have been my copy but at one end of the range it was horribly stiff ... and despite everything I read on the forums this known fault never got better. Personally, I would sell the wife and get a Noctilux if that is what it takes Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bundestrainer Posted October 11, 2012 Share #29 Posted October 11, 2012 If price was no object I would keep the Noctilux for sure. I own 50 Summicron, Summilux and Noctilux. I also have the 35 Summilux that I barely use. Only you know how much of which focal length you use. I used the 28 Summicron for wides more than the 35.For Me: Only one lens- 35 Summilux Two lenses price no object: 28 Summicron and Noctilux I'm currently downsizing and selling the 35 Summilux and Noctilux. Sold the 28 Summicron but would keep if it wasn't for $$$ Keeping 50mm Summilux ASPH. I may look into a 21 or 25mm Zeiss for a total two lens M9 Kit. The pictures from 50 Summilux ASPH and Noctilux 0.95 are identical as far as sharpness and color. The only difference is a slight edge for making DOF shallower. Don't let people scare you away from a Noctilux saying it's hard to focus. It is simply a matter of knowing it's limits. If you are standing at 3-5 meters the DOF is super shallow and your body swaying back and forth an inch can make a difference so you need to just be aware and either be super still or stop down or back up or whatever you think will get a clear shot. I didn't expect you selling your Noctilux. I read so many posts of you where you seemed to really, really like this lens. What made you sell it? Are you sure the Noctilux and Summilux are identical as far as color is concerned. I find they render in a different way. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IkarusJohn Posted October 11, 2012 Share #30 Posted October 11, 2012 For Me: Only one lens- 35 Summilux Two lenses price no object: 28 Summicron and Noctilux. +1 I'm off to Australia next week (paragliding competition). Space is an issue, so I will probably take the 50 Summilux & 28 Summicron, leaving the Noct and 21 Summilux behind. The 35 gets a look in only when I'm taking one lens, as an alternative to a 50. One thing to remember is that you will lose little money if you decide to sell any of these lenses. Cheers John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bpalme Posted October 11, 2012 Share #31 Posted October 11, 2012 I didn't expect you selling your Noctilux. I read so many posts of you where you seemed to really, really like this lens. What made you sell it? Are you sure the Noctilux and Summilux are identical as far as color is concerned. I find they render in a different way. I kills me to sell it but it really comes down to cost. I bought this lens because I couldn't get a Summilux and the dealer said he had one. I didn't think I would lose money since they were selling more used than new. But that has changed so I'll lose a little. My intention was not to make money with it but to use it until the Summilux came along. I have a hankering for a certain car and need the money. I'm not a pro either so I don't shoot as often as some of you all. Who knows if I win the lottery maybe I'll own it again some day. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bundestrainer Posted October 11, 2012 Share #32 Posted October 11, 2012 I kills me to sell it but it really comes down to cost. I bought this lens because I couldn't get a Summilux and the dealer said he had one. I didn't think I would lose money since they were selling more used than new. But that has changed so I'll lose a little. My intention was not to make money with it but to use it until the Summilux came along. I have a hankering for a certain car and need the money. I'm not a pro either so I don't shoot as often as some of you all. Who knows if I win the lottery maybe I'll own it again some day. That's really bad. A car instead of the Noctilux... I'm not a car fan but I know I'm on the minority. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bpalme Posted October 11, 2012 Share #33 Posted October 11, 2012 Are you sure the Noctilux and Summilux are identical as far as color is concerned. I find they render in a different way. Here's one of my comparison threads: Noctilux vs. Summilux Wide open shootout.: Leica Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review Hard for me to tell a difference. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bundestrainer Posted October 11, 2012 Share #34 Posted October 11, 2012 Here's one of my comparison threads:Noctilux vs. Summilux Wide open shootout.: Leica Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review Hard for me to tell a difference. In my view the Noctilux renders a bit cooler and the Summilux seems to be more on the green/yellow side. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nicks500 Posted October 11, 2012 Author Share #35 Posted October 11, 2012 Oh we'll it looks like I will be order a noctilux tomorrow and cancelling the summilux. From listening to you guys(and girls?) it sounds like I won't regret it until I see someone using an 50mm apo-summicron Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
skinnfell Posted October 12, 2012 Share #36 Posted October 12, 2012 I think the biggest decision is wether you prefer tab focussing or not. Myself I would never buy a leica lens without tabs. It lets me focus the lens much quicker and more precisely. I had the 50 current summicron with no tabs and hated it because it was so hard to focus. Traded it for an earlier version with tabs (but same optically) and now it is my favorite out of all my four leica lenses. And here comes the second point : it is also the smallest of my lenses, hence it gets the most use. The noctilux is one beast of a lens, at least in leica standards, and to many people the draw to leica is precisely the smallness of the whole package. The summilux 50 is also reportedly (i have not tested) sharper and more contrasty than the noctilux, even at comparable apertures. So the summilux 50, which has tabs and is only moderately large, might be the best lens, irregardless of price. That said, the noctilux is a dream lens with imagery no other lenses can touch, but I would be sceptical towards having it as my only lens., based on practial reasons. That said, that said - a summarit 50 or 35 makes for an excellent low-weight companion to the monster truck noctilux. good luck and remember to post sample shots when you get it! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nicks500 Posted October 12, 2012 Author Share #37 Posted October 12, 2012 Who doesnt like Monster trucks? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted October 12, 2012 Share #38 Posted October 12, 2012 sounds like I won't regret it You might ...have you considered buying a 1.4/50 Summilux ASPH FLE and a perhaps a 1.0/50 E60. For less than the 0.95/50 Noctilux you get the best of both worlds and perhaps a more interesting lens with the old noctilux, and an extraordinarily versatile combination for photography. See: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m-lenses/252840-50mm-noctilux-f1-0-a.html Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bpalme Posted October 12, 2012 Share #39 Posted October 12, 2012 I think the biggest decision is wether you prefer tab focussing or not. Myself I would never buy a leica lens without tabs. It lets me focus the lens much quicker and more precisely. I had the 50 current summicron with no tabs and hated it because it was so hard to focus. Traded it for an earlier version with tabs (but same optically) and now it is my favorite out of all my four leica lenses. And here comes the second point : it is also the smallest of my lenses, hence it gets the most use. The noctilux is one beast of a lens, at least in leica standards, and to many people the draw to leica is precisely the smallness of the whole package. The summilux 50 is also reportedly (i have not tested) sharper and more contrasty than the noctilux, even at comparable apertures. So the summilux 50, which has tabs and is only moderately large, might be the best lens, irregardless of price. That said, the noctilux is a dream lens with imagery no other lenses can touch, but I would be sceptical towards having it as my only lens., based on practial reasons. That said, that said - a summarit 50 or 35 makes for an excellent low-weight companion to the monster truck noctilux. good luck and remember to post sample shots when you get it! I agree I love focus tabs but there is something about that huge Noctilux ring that is very precise. It has a large throw. I can't tell any difference in sharpness between the two but I suppose if you print large there may be a difference. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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