Dilema .....again

[Jeff S]

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But I think ultimately the MM is likely to be a Leica legend, whereas the M will be just another camera in the chain of progression.

 

But the MM may have its own chain of progression, as suggested by Stefan Daniel at his Photokina interview last October...

 

 

Question: Will the M-Monochrom remain part of the M-System for the foreseeable future?

 

Stefan Daniel: We want to keep the series of that type. The Monochrom is very successful and we can imagine that there might be a Monochrom variant of the new model. The camera is addictive.

 

 

Can hardly wait to see the forum debates if that happens. But I could understand the appeal of a version that has weather sealing, quiet shutter, 2m frame lines, faster processor and longer battery life, better RF, etc.

 

Jeff

[earleygallery]

Thanks for sharing this but I am confused, Like I said in my opening post I have googled the s%$£ out of the Noctilux and everyone who has one says that is what they shoot 95% of the time Day or Night wide open.....daytime with ND filter.

 

I imagine that their work gets rather boring to view - like an over used gimmick.

 

The Noctilux look is fantastic, no doubt, when used for the right reasons/subject, selectively.

 

IMHO of course.

[Guest tanks]

There seems to be two schools of thought on the Noctilux. There are those (mostly that don't have/can't afford) think it is a one trick pony, a "specialist" lens. Then, there are those that have been using in for a while, and love the lens and use it as their go to lens most of the time.

 

YMMW.

[MirekE]

You can always sell the Noctilux if you don't like it. I am not sure though if they are readily available and if you will be able to get one at the same time as the MM.

[Guest borge]

There seems to be two schools of thought on the Noctilux. There are those (mostly that don't have/can't afford) think it is a one trick pony, a "specialist" lens. Then, there are those that have been using in for a while, and love the lens and use it as their go to lens most of the time.

 

YMMW.

 

Yup. The local store here has a new Noctilux 0.95 in stock. I considered getting it a while back, but... For that price I could get a new Summilux 1.4/50 ASPH (bought), Summilux 1.4/35 ASPH FLE (bought) and a APO-Summicron 75/90 (not bought, never use those focal lengths) or a Super-Elmar 21/3.4 (not bought).

 

So yeah. Three excellent and fast lenses versus one lens and one extra stop. Unless you use that extra stop 90% of the time you shoot I really don't see the point, unless you just want to own the lens - no matter what, and can afford it plus many other lenses. But as the only 50mm lens... You'd better use it at 0.95 quite often otherwise it's a waste.

[jaapv]

There seems to be two schools of thought on the Noctilux. There are those (mostly that don't have/can't afford) think it is a one trick pony, a "specialist" lens. Then, there are those that have been using in for a while, and love the lens and use it as their go to lens most of the time.

 

YMMW.

Just the other way around - those that want to use it on a regular basis will buy and use it (if they can afford it) - those that know the lens would see limited use in their way of shooting don't buy it - unless the money doesn't matter to them and they buy it as a novelty or if they have to buy it to keep up with their peer group.

[Paul J]

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The lens is so good stopped down that I think it would be criminal to use it wide open all the time. But if that's what floats your boat then go for it! I also understand that is sharper than the Summilux stopped down.

 

I don't personally subscribe to the thought that you should only use it wide open. I use it when it suits the image and if it suits the image in a story of images. A lot of the time it doesn't and I personally think it's wasteful to use it like that all the time.

 

I will admit to shooting it wide open alot in the beginning. Manly to practice using it wide open. But I look back at some of those shots and wish a little more was in better focus and I could have shot it at 2.8 or f4 and still some of that magic quality.

 

But when you do use it wide open. Wow. There are no words. Particularly when you use it in the right context. But that is the beauty of it, it is a tool you can call on and you can use the lens as a high performance lens, stopped down, as well.

 

It's horses for courses (that one is for you John Ricard )

 

It's why I always say it take you about a year to get the most from this lens. It is specialised and you need to learn how to use it properly.

[Guest borge]

I also understand that is sharper than the Summilux stopped down.

 

According to several tests and reviews it's the opposite. The Summilux also has less distortion, and is more suited to for example architectural or landscape work because of this.

[macjonny1]

 

Can hardly wait to see the forum debates if that happens. But I could understand the appeal of a version that has weather sealing, quiet shutter, 2m frame lines, faster processor and longer battery life, better RF, etc.

 

Jeff

 

Yep they (Leica) would be silly not to make another version of the MM...

[Paul J]

According to several tests and reviews it's the opposite. The Summilux also has less distortion, and is more suited to for example architectural or landscape work because of this.

 

I've not read the same reviews and tests as you then it seems. I've read the Summilux is sharper, marginally, to f4 at which point the Noctilux is sharper there after. Again, only marginally though. The Noctilux has some distortion but it's really very good in that regard I would imagine the Summilux is better equipped for this though. The Noctilux does have a rather wavy field curvature, which, for plannar subjects such as architecture you will find better suited lenses, it's true. But I would be comfortable using it in this regard. Shooting architecture with a noctilux is mostly pointless, though IMO. I can't imagine you will ever find an architect who cares about your lens rendering over their building! Again, it's about context.

[Tonki-M]

What lenses do you have? There is no sense in buying a lens just because you want it.

 

say what?

[250swb]

But the MM may have its own chain of progression, as suggested by Stefan Daniel at his Photokina interview last October...

Jeff

 

I have already suggested on the Forum that it can't be long before a chrome version, or a black paint version is offered. But yes of course it would be great if they can keep this idea going. What about an X2 Monochrom, or Vario X Monochrom? You know, thinking about it, Leica should pay me for these ideas

 

 

Steve

[Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS]

There seems to be two schools of thought on the Noctilux. There are those (mostly that don't have/can't afford) think it is a one trick pony, a "specialist" lens. Then, there are those that have been using in for a while, and love the lens and use it as their go to lens most of the time.

 

YMMW.

I am starting to think just like you that's why I started this

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m-lenses/291167-attention-all-noctilux-0-95-owners.html#post2446211

[Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS]

The lens is so good stopped down that I think it would be criminal to use it wide open all the time. But if that's what floats your boat then go for it! I also understand that is sharper than the Summilux stopped down.

 

I don't personally subscribe to the thought that you should only use it wide open. I use it when it suits the image and if it suits the image in a story of images. A lot of the time it doesn't and I personally think it's wasteful to use it like that all the time.

 

I will admit to shooting it wide open alot in the beginning. Manly to practice using it wide open. But I look back at some of those shots and wish a little more was in better focus and I could have shot it at 2.8 or f4 and still some of that magic quality.

 

But when you do use it wide open. Wow. There are no words. Particularly when you use it in the right context. But that is the beauty of it, it is a tool you can call on and you can use the lens as a high performance lens, stopped down, as well.

 

It's horses for courses (that one is for you John Ricard )

 

It's why I always say it take you about a year to get the most from this lens. It is specialised and you need to learn how to use it properly.

Thank Paul

[IkarusJohn]

There is no sense in buying a lens just because you want it.

 

Why not?

 

I think I disagree with just about everything Jaap says about the Noctilux. Let me explain why:

 

• I have one (I don't think Jaap does)
  
• I also have the 50 Summilux ASPH and a Summitar
  
• I use the Summitar a bit, but the Noctilux more, and almost never the Summilux (I will get back to it one day, I guess)
  
• The Noct is not just for shooting at 0.95. It is a very good allrounder, and (according to Erwyn Puts) as sharp as the Summilux from 1.4 on
  

 

So, yes it is a perfectly good all round 50mm that has a unique fingerprint, and can go very wide (with all the complications like CA that go with it). You can use it as your sole 50 - I do. But, it is expensive and heavy compared to other M-mount 50s. As your other lens is a 21 Summilux, I don't think you will find it big or heavy (I have a 21 Summilux too).

 

It balances my M cameras nicely, and it is a joy to focus.

 

Your perception may well vary, but can I just repeat - I have one, and no one is taking it away from me. Edmond Terakopian gave me some very good advice when I got mine - don't try to shoot at 0.95 all the time (or at all for a while). It's pointless as you will get frustrated and your images will show it. Select you aperture for the depth of field you want.

 

Cheers

John

[IkarusJohn]

According to several tests and reviews it's the opposite. The Summilux also has less distortion, and is more suited to for example architectural or landscape work because of this.

 

So you haven't read Tim Ashley's review of the Summilux which suggests that it can be soft in the centre? Sadly, his images prove it.

[Shade]

The Noctilux is an astounding lens. But it takes time and patience to use it, and I personally have found it extremely difficult (not entirely impossible) for wedding documentary. If I accidentally miss-focus a shot, all is lost. I find it "easier" to use the Summilux or Summicrons to "avoid" mishaps.

 

If it was a prewedding, studio, or personal work, I wouldn't hesitate using a Noct.

 

However, due to the lack of usage (I once owned an F1 Noct), I eventually sold my Noct away. I find it particularly "wasteful" for having an expensive lens but not using it. I can't justify keeping it for any reasons other than "because I want to own one".

 

I am now VERY happy with my Summilux ASPH, but I wish I bought the black one instead, the silver chromed brass one is very heavy (I'm picky yes).

[algrove]

Neil

 

I own the M9P (did not sell my last of 4 yet), one MM and three new M's.

 

My go to lens on most days is NOT my 0.95 nor my f1.0 Noctilux, but my APO 50. I own two of these small but very effective lenses and believe the rendering cannot be beat by any other M lens.

 

See comparison of this lens shot beside an S Leica with APO 120 Macro where the S used focus stacking of 7 or 8 shots and where the APO 50 on the M was a single f8.0 shot under the arches at the Dry Tortugas, Fort Jefferson. Can be viewed on reddot forum.

 

That is the the best MM and M lens combo IMHO.

[Tina Manley]

I wonder how many other MM shooters that have the noctilux in there arsanal use it most of the time............or only on special occasions ..??

 

I use mine quite a bit. It's the older Noctilux, not the new one. My most used lens on the MM is the 35/1.4. Noctilux would be next.

 

Tina

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[IWC Doppel]

Neil

 

I own the M9P (did not sell my last of 4 yet), one MM and three new M's.

 

My go to lens on most days is NOT my 0.95 nor my f1.0 Noctilux, but my APO 50. I own two of these small but very effective lenses and believe the rendering cannot be beat by any other M lens.

 

See comparison of this lens shot beside an S Leica with APO 120 Macro where the S used focus stacking of 7 or 8 shots and where the APO 50 on the M was a single f8.0 shot under the arches at the Dry Tortugas, Fort Jefferson. Can be viewed on reddot forum.

 

That is the the best MM and M lens combo IMHO.

 

Crikey, three new M's, better not say that too loudly you'll be linched or accused of controlling the market