Noctilux

[tony740607]

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Dear L-forum,

 

I have a great opportunity to buy a Noctilux lens but no opportunity to test it or compare it. I have just tested the new 0.95 and I like it. It is the version 2 below that has been offered to me:

Version 1 = 50mm F1.2 Noctilux

Version 2 = 50mm F1.0 E58 Noctilux (removable pin hood)

Version 3 = 50mm F1.0 E60 Noctilux (removable hood)

Version 4 = 50mm F1.0 E60 Noctilux (built in hood)

 

Does any one of you have experiences about the lens? Did you have some issues with it? I have read a little about focus shift but is it a real problem if I only shoot wide open 98% of the time?

It is a lens from 1977 and goes for the same price as a Summilux 1.4.

 

Thank you!

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[jbl]

The f/0.95 model is completely different than the f/1 models. The f/1's are the same optical design, just slightly different form factor wise.

 

To me, the focus throw is better in the 0.95, but the overall form factor is more manageable in the f/1 (lighter, smaller).

 

The f/1 is a classic Mandler optical formula and is really unique. The f/0.95 is closer to a more modern lens IMO.

 

Both great .

[DigitalHeMan]

If you search the forum you will find a recent thread on exactly this....

 

 

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[DigitalHeMan]

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m-lenses/328211-noctilust.html

 

 

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[jcraf]

Yes, they are very different lenses. I prefer the 'Mandler' look of the f1, which is the one I own (v4). To me, the 0.95 lacks a bit of soul, a bit of something indefinable. It is, to me, like a higher speed version

of the 50 Summilux Asph. Although it is of course a technical 'Tour de Force', it's a bit too clinical for me.

 

The only way you'll know is to try them (if you can), but as has been pointed out, there's lots to read on these legendary lenses within this forum.

 

Good luck with your choice.

[Paul J]

I like the f1 but chose the f0.95. I feel it's the perfect balance and the less imposing of the two. It is for me, far more versatile and more appropriate in more circumstances. It's technically a better lens, which for my work is the better choice, yet it still has a tonne of character which can be manipulated and varied depending on the aperture. Don't get me wrong, I like the rendering of the f1 and will probably buy it at some stage, but I personally feel the rendering is just that bit too OTT and imposing on image and tends to talk over the top of the actual photography. Sometimes that works, sometimes that's distracting and I don't want it.