Where to invest, new M240 or used Noctilux 0.95?

[Wolfgang Chuck]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

From what I have seen the M looks pretty good. That being said I just bought a Noctilux to go with my MM. Should have it next week, can't wait!

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[Daniel Leung]

Go for the Noct.

 

DL

[mongrelnomad]

In this day and age, I'd always buy a lens before a camera. One is an end of itself, the other is an incremental product. I've never sold or stopped using a lens. I've sold and/or stopped using a number of cameras.

 

For the record: I have an f0.95 (as well as an f1.0) and it is a sterling lens no matter what camera it is mated with.

 

(MM+0.95)

 

 

(M9+0.95)

 

[Guest malland]

There is no problem with loving either version of the Noctilux, but the enthusiastic postings above offer no evaluation and the last two photographs show it can take pictures — not particularly enlightening. Don't get me wrong, I don't dislike the Noctilux: I had the f/1.0 and like certain photographs that one can take with it that one cannot take with, say, the Summilux-50 pre-ASPH, a lens that I find more useful and like overall, with which one can easily take pictures like the two last ones.

 

What I didn't like about the Noctilux was it's weight; it's size, which blocked too much of the rangefinder; it's long focus through throw, which was designed to allow precise focusing at f/1.0 but which made quick focusing difficult; and it's rendition of points of light in o--o-f areas as gerat, big blobs. What I did like about it was it's color rendition and the fantastic pictures one could occasionally take with it. Note the word "occasionally": yes, the Noctilux can be used as an all around lens; but a lens like the Summilux-50 pre-ASPH is better for that purpose.

 

What troubles me about the Noctilux is that many people end up buying it because they think that because it is the most expensive 50mm lens it must be the best, but the fact it is the best for a very narrow range of photography.

 

Yes, Virginia, there is no such thing as "the best lens".

 

—Mitch/Potomac, MD

Bangkok Hysteria (download link for book project)

[mongrelnomad]

There is no problem with loving either version of the Noctilux, but the enthusiastic postings above offer no evaluation and the last two photographs show it can take pictures — not particularly enlightening. Don't get me wrong, I don't dislike the Noctilux: I had the f/1.0 and like certain photographs that one can take with it that one cannot take with, say, the Summilux-50 pre-ASPH, a lens that I find more useful and like overall, with which one can easily take pictures like the two last ones.

 

What I didn't like about the Noctilux was it's weight; it's size, which blocked too much of the rangefinder; it's long focus through throw, which was designed to allow precise focusing at f/1.0 but which made quick focusing difficult; and it's rendition of points of light in o--o-f areas as gerat, big blobs. What I did like about it was it's color rendition and the fantastic pictures one could occasionally take with it. Note the word "occasionally": yes, the Noctilux can be used as an all around lens; but a lens like the Summilux-50 pre-ASPH is better for that purpose.

 

What troubles me about the Noctilux is that many people end up buying it because they think that because it is the most expensive 50mm lens it must be the best, but the fact it is the best for a very narrow range of photography.

 

Yes, Virginia, there is no such thing as "the best lens".

 

—Mitch/Potomac, MD

Bangkok Hysteria (download link for book project)

 

And you don't seem to realise that the OP asked specifically whether he should buy a Noctilux or an M240. Therefore your personal opinions about the Summilux, and the little rant against those who actually answered the question, are wholly irrelevant.

 

You may do well to learn it often helps to listen to and answer the question.

[Guest malland]

Q.E.D.

 

—Mitch/Potomac, MD

Paris au rythme de Basquiat and Other Poems [download link for book project]

[thighslapper]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

 

So here I am, thinking what to do. I have the best camera I have ever owned, a M9P, with a few lenses (all Summicron line). I do predominantly B&W, but occasionally color, so the MM is out of the question (besides, it is a technological oldtimer build around an excellent sensor).

 

Wrong.

 

An MM is what you want.

 

Keep the M9P for occasional colour use.

 

You can use any lens on the MM and effectively forget about the ISO .... all the images up to 5000 will be great.

 

For a little more expenditure you will have a camera that will bring a smile to your face every time you use it.....

[steamboat]

If in doubt as to what to do buy a lens not a camera body. In regards to camera bodies skipping one generation is usually a good thing. I will grant that jumping from the M9P to the M is a big leap but if you're happy with your M9P hang on to it and wait for the next generation.

[fotografr]

Just my own experience, for what it's worth: About 8 years ago I bought a new Noctilux. About a year later I sold it for a bit more than I paid for it because I found it too heavy, too bulky, too slow to focus and it blocked a considerable portion of the rangefinder view. A couple of years later, I decided to try again, so I bought another new Noctilux. I loved the look of Nocti images, but within a year once again became disillusioned for the same reasons and sold it--this time for quite a bit more than I paid.

 

As an investment, both purchases were sound because I was able to use the lenses and made profits on both sales. But as a useful photographic tool, I am considerably happier with the smaller, lighter, faster focusing, tack sharp 50mm Summilux asph, which also happens to have a beautiful, unique bokeh.

[Dirk Mandeville]

I agree with the general sentiment that it makes more sense to buy lenses rather than upgrading camera bodies. Lenses add to the functionality of the camera you already own, and Leica lenses tend to increase in value. Digital cameras depreciate rapidly. So, unless you absolutely need the benefits offered by the new M, it makes little sense to upgrade to it. On the other hand, you could get two or three good lenses for the price of a Nocti. Unless you have a specific need for the Nocti, and really want what it offers, I think I would look toward other lenses (and I agree with malland that the pre-asph Summilux has an incredible bokeh and is a steal at current prices. The newest version is top-notch as well, though I haven't shot it.

 

The good news is that if you buy the Nocti and find you don't like it in a few months, you aren't likely to lose money from selling it. On the other hand, if you don't like the M and try to sell it later, you will likely lose money in depreciation. If it really is an either/or choice for you, I would suggest prudence dictates the Nocti. But if it were me, I would certainly consider buying a couple of other less expensive lenses rather than a single Nocti.

[macjonny1]

I agree with the general sentiment that it makes more sense to buy lenses rather than upgrading camera bodies. Lenses add to the functionality of the camera you already own' date=' and Leica lenses tend to increase in value. Digital cameras depreciate rapidly. So, unless you absolutely need the benefits offered by the new M, it makes little sense to upgrade to it. On the other hand, you could get two or three good lenses for the price of a Nocti. Unless you have a specific need for the Nocti, and really want what it offers, I think I would look toward other lenses (and I agree with malland that the pre-asph Summilux has an incredible bokeh and is a steal at current prices. The newest version is top-notch as well, though I haven't shot it.

 

The good news is that if you buy the Nocti and find you don't like it in a few months, you aren't likely to lose money from selling it. On the other hand, if you don't like the M and try to sell it later, you will likely lose money in depreciation. If it really is an either/or choice for you, I would suggest prudence dictates the Nocti. But if it were me, I would certainly consider buying a couple of other less expensive lenses rather than a single Nocti.[/quote']

 

The lack of depreciation on Leica lenses does not hold true any longer. I have bought and sold thousands of dollars worth of glass on FM, getdpi, eBay, etc. in today's economy they depreciate, and substantially. You will lose a couple grand on buying and selling a used new noct. You will lose a couple grand on an M240 after 2 years. I have sold a 50mm summilux last year for $4300 used and this year for $3100. Buy used lenses that's the only way to hold the value. Buy new and you will take a hit if you sell.

[ptomsu]

I have the Nocti 1.0 since many years and would like to see how it performs on the M240. Maybe it is great, if not I might want to sell it and go for the 0.95 version. I might the also sell my 1.4/50 in order to consolidate lenses a bit.

 

But I actually hope the 1.0/50 shows some special character on the M240 so I can keep what I have.

[satijntje]

I have the Nocti 1.0 since many years and would like to see how it performs on the M240. Maybe it is great, if not I might want to sell it and go for the 0.95 version. I might the also sell my 1.4/50 in order to consolidate lenses a bit.

 

But I actually hope the 1.0/50 shows some special character on the M240 so I can keep what I have.

 

 

Peter,

 

as I will be in Vienna next week (17&18 April) I will be taking my M240 with me.

I only saw in your profile that you are living in Austria.

 

I'm also curious to see the output of the 1.0 Noctilux with the M240!!!

 

Are there any pics on the web with this combo???

 

 

John

[ptomsu]

Peter,

 

as I will be in Vienna next week (17&18 April) I will be taking my M240 with me.

I only saw in your profile that you are living in Austria.

 

I'm also curious to see the output of the 1.0 Noctilux with the M240!!!

 

Are there any pics on the web with this combo???

 

 

John

 

John

 

I am not aware of any pictures on the web.

 

Maybe we could meet downtown and take a few test shots?

 

What do you think?

 

Peter

[satijntje]

Great idea, the rest we arrange with pn & E-mail.

It concerns wednesday 17 April, so if there are any other forum members in Vienna that evening, please join us to see the M240 with the Noctilux shooting:)

 

John

[Dirk Mandeville]

Buy used lenses that's the only way to hold the value. Buy new and you will take a hit if you sell.

 

But that's the point, really. The OP said he could get a deal on a used Nocti vs. buying a new M. No question that the Nocti is likely to appreciate over time (maybe not in the first year or two, but over time) whereas the M will most certainly depreciate by a large amount in the same period of time. From a financial standpoint, it is a no-brainer. Now, I am not advocating making photography equipment decisions solely from a financial perspective, but it certainly should play into the decision for any prudent person.

[macjonny1]

 

But that's the point' date=' really. The OP said he could get a deal on a used Nocti vs. buying a new M. No question that the Nocti is likely to appreciate over time (maybe not in the first year or two, but over time) whereas the M will most certainly depreciate by a large amount in the same period of time. From a financial standpoint, it is a no-brainer. Now, I am not advocating making photography equipment decisions solely from a financial perspective, but it certainly should play into the decision for any prudent person.[/quote']

 

Ah you are correct forgot the used part of the Noct.

[Paul J]

The lack of depreciation on Leica lenses does not hold true any longer. I have bought and sold thousands of dollars worth of glass on FM, getdpi, eBay, etc. in today's economy they depreciate, and substantially. You will lose a couple grand on buying and selling a used new noct. You will lose a couple grand on an M240 after 2 years. I have sold a 50mm summilux last year for $4300 used and this year for $3100. Buy used lenses that's the only way to hold the value. Buy new and you will take a hit if you sell.

 

Best solution is just not sell.

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[Mr. Thompson]

I can only give you my experience. Since buying a Noctilux last fall, it is the lens on my camera the majority of the time. It only comes off when I need a different focal length or a lighter lens.

[Prosophos]

Just my own experience, for what it's worth: About 8 years ago I bought a new Noctilux. About a year later I sold it for a bit more than I paid for it because I found it too heavy, too bulky, too slow to focus and it blocked a considerable portion of the rangefinder view. A couple of years later, I decided to try again, so I bought another new Noctilux. I loved the look of Nocti images, but within a year once again became disillusioned for the same reasons and sold it--this time for quite a bit more than I paid.

 

As an investment, both purchases were sound because I was able to use the lenses and made profits on both sales. But as a useful photographic tool, I am considerably happier with the smaller, lighter, faster focusing, tack sharp 50mm Summilux asph, which also happens to have a beautiful, unique bokeh.

 

 

Same experience here, although I haven't ruled out buying the 0.95 for a 3rd time

 

Peter.

P r o s o p h o s | Photographing Life's Little Moments