A few thoughts on the f0.95 Noctilux

[james.liam]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Exactly why I shoot at f1.2 more often than f0.95.

The added contrast makes the point of focus jump out more.

 

 

..which beckons the question, is there an appreciable rendering difference between ƒ/1.2 on the Noctilux vs. ƒ/1.4 on the Summilux?

You own both, have you ever shot a comparison?

[mdg1371]

There absolutely is an appreciable difference-- the out of focus rendering from the Noct. is smoother, this is especially visible with point light sources. 

 

The difference is visible with both lenses @ f1.4, more so with the Noct at f1.2.

 

Moreover, I not only tested, but seriously tried to replicate the rendering in post process with the Summilux ASPH-- just could not do it.

 

And again as in the original post, if you are carrying the Noct. shooting mostly at f1.2, you still have the option of turning that aperture ring to f0.95...

[Jan1985]

For me i bought the noctilux too shoot at 0.95. Nothing else. Except some situations where you must stop down. Thorsten make good work. But all in very controlled Situation so that He has enough time for precise focusing with evf.

[Hayek]

For me i bought the noctilux too shoot at 0.95. Nothing else

That seems the only reason to buy it in the first place. Rumors have it that its refresh will not only be lighter because of a carbon fibre shell but show significant performance improvement at f/0.95 as well. In any event the next M with a real EVF or a hybrid VF will make the Noctilux more than the tricky hothouse orchid for well-heeled aficionados it is right now.

[Herr Barnack]

There absolutely is an appreciable difference-- the out of focus rendering from the Noct. is smoother, this is especially visible with point light sources. 

 

The difference is visible with both lenses @ f1.4, more so with the Noct at f1.2.

 

Moreover, I not only tested, but seriously tried to replicate the rendering in post process with the Summilux ASPH-- just could not do it.

 

And again as in the original post, if you are carrying the Noct. shooting mostly at f1.2, you still have the option of turning that aperture ring to f0.95...

That is the thing that I have come to learn about Leica M lenses - each different lens type has its own rendering with subtle but discernible differences.

 

It would be interesting to have a Noctilux meet where we could assemble a gathering of ten or so different Noctilux lenses and their owners of both the f/1.0 version and the f/0.95 ASPH in order to have a shoot to see if there are differences in the drawing of each of the two different types of lenses.  Would all the f/1.0 lenses draw essentially the same?  How about the 0.95 ASPH lenses?