Leica Noctilux 0.95 50mm

[luigi bertolotti]

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...I thought I would use the M10 + lenses for my own people photography and then invest in Nikon D850 + 300, 400mm lenses for air shows etc.

 

Thx

Are you sure to need full frame for such long ranges ? I am the least person entitled to discuss such matter (never had a SLR for use) , but when see with my eyes cameras like FF Nikons with long teles... I think that the problem of weight/dimension could became REALLY an annoyance...

[MRJohn]

I have a Leica SL w/24-90mm lens and a few Summilux lenses. It works great but need to get back into Nikon as I need longer lenses.

I am thinking that I may trade the SL w/24-90 for a M10 and pickup a Noctilux lens later.

My question, people who have tried and loved the Noctilux on the SL, do you think the Noctilux performs just as well or better on the M10 ?

 

 

Thx

 

Mike

 

I think the Noct will perform as well on the M10 as on an SL. Whether the photographer performs as well (i.e. is able to focus properly on both systems) is a different question. I am not sure if the 1.25x or 1.4x viewfinder loupes work on the M10, but they help a lot (IMO&E) on M7, M9 or M240 with focusing a Noct. 

[Jenningsmca]

No, but you need some search skills.

 

Jeff

 

Probably would help, but the thread is started so might as well run with it.

[Jenningsmca]

I think the Noct will perform as well on the M10 as on an SL. Whether the photographer performs as well (i.e. is able to focus properly on both systems) is a different question. I am not sure if the 1.25x or 1.4x viewfinder loupes work on the M10, but they help a lot (IMO&E) on M7, M9 or M240 with focusing a Noct. 

 

thinking about it further, the EVF on the SL would help more on the focusing with the Noctilux, zoom feature.

I will have to travel to my local photog store and compare the size of the M10 and the SL for myself. See what I would get for a trade in value if I like the M10 more.

[Ozytripper]

thinking about it further, the EVF on the SL would help more on the focusing with the Noctilux, zoom feature.

I will have to travel to my local photog store and compare the size of the M10 and the SL for myself. See what I would get for a trade in value if I like the M10 more.

If i'd remember correctly the M10 weighs 660g and the SL 895g that's a whopping 30% more but the SL has a built in EVF. If it is just to shoot portraiture you should be able to nail focus easily with either (unless you have worse eyesight than me - mine is not good)

 

You will be shocked at how much you lose in trading in the SL ( I have checked before). Good idea to do a comparison of the two cameras yourself before making a decision

 

Until (and if) Leica comes up with some smaller long tele M lenses it is a necessary to get a second system for that purpose. R teles are way to heavy and being manual i could only use them for stationary or slow moving subjects

 

I had a backache carrying the Leica 280mm F2.8 Apo lens for 3 days in the Sydney Olympics and sold it pronto right after.

Now I use a Fuji Xpro2 and XT2 (apsc) with 100-400mm plus 1.4X giving ,e a reach of 800mm and it is still a light setup. I shoot birds and animals. Never been to an air show before 

[paulsydaus]

I think the Noct will perform as well on the M10 as on an SL. Whether the photographer performs as well (i.e. is able to focus properly on both systems) is a different question. I am not sure if the 1.25x or 1.4x viewfinder loupes work on the M10, but they help a lot (IMO&E) on M7, M9 or M240 with focusing a Noct.

You can mount the viewfinder magnifiers on the M10 but you need to buy the thread adapter I think...

 

 

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[mls1483]

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I did a side-by-side comparison of Noctilux 0.95 on the M10 and the SL (through all stops) last time I was in Wetzlar. IMO optical performance and rendering are identical. Colors are difficult to judge, since the Leitz park is mainly white.

 

However, focussing is much easier with the SL. The huge high-resolution view finder makes focussing fast and very precise. You can also quickly activate the magnification. With the M you need quite some practising, as Jaap said.

 

Size and weight-wise the Ncotilux also balances a little bit better on the SL.

[jlindstrom]

With the M10 I’d rather use the EVF for focusing nocti, than the mag loops. That being said, I’m doing just fine with M10 standard rangefinder.

 

As for balancing, I found the M10 grip help me a lot with the balance & wrist fatigue. Been a happy snapper ever since.

 

 

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[MRJohn]

With the M10 I’d rather use the EVF for focusing nocti, than the mag loops. That being said, I’m doing just fine with M10 standard rangefinder.

 

As for balancing, I found the M10 grip help me a lot with the balance & wrist fatigue. Been a happy snapper ever since.

 

 

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I do not have an M10, but agree that the EVF focusing on M9, M240 of a Noct was easier compared to mag loops. But then I think an M with an external EVF looks like a "backyard DIY project with clunky components attached seemingly as an afterthought", that's why I currently prefer a sleek, clunky SL until a sleek, non-clunky M with build-in EVF comes around 

[jlindstrom]

^ Agreed, those humps aren’t pretty [emoji1]

 

Luckily no need for one most of the time. When needed, I’ll use it and then quickly remove it. Plus the operation is little clunky as well, having to specifically activate live view to use the evf.

 

On the bright side, the evf tilts thus providing added functionality compared to builtin one.

 

 

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[MT0227]

jaapv hit the nail on the head ....the SL's  EVF makes it  'easier' to see the focal plane at wide apertures, especially when using the camera's focusing aides.  Additionally, the focus throw on the Noctilux is quite long when compared to other M lenses that are typically used.

 

 The question is whether you will perform as good. 

[RACMD]

You could rent both the Noctilux and M10 to try the combo out. While it would be a big chunk of cash, it is probably a worthwhile investment rather than just take the depreciation hit in selling the SL to only find out you don't like the M10. 

[FeralCoton]

I d tried a nocti on my m240 and focusing can be done but is tedious. On the SL focusing the nocti is almost a breeze. It can’t really be a breeze because you have to hold the hefty mass of camera and lens. It is a gorgeous lens of the mass isn’t bothersome.

 

 

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[Jenningsmca]

I did a side-by-side comparison of Noctilux 0.95 on the M10 and the SL (through all stops) last time I was in Wetzlar. IMO optical performance and rendering are identical. Colors are difficult to judge, since the Leitz park is mainly white.

 

However, focussing is much easier with the SL. The huge high-resolution view finder makes focussing fast and very precise. You can also quickly activate the magnification. With the M you need quite some practising, as Jaap said.

 

Size and weight-wise the Ncotilux also balances a little bit better on the SL.

I was thinking more along the lines of focusing, my eyes are not as good as they once were. This week at port Dover I wished I had a smaller camera as carrying the SL w/35 lux and my heavy riding jacket was tough when the sun finally came out. Try juggling the SL, Jacket, pop and hot dog in a crowd. Hahahaha , don’t even thing the M10 would have helped much there.

 

MJ

 

 

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[Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS]

I am asking about how well the Noctilux performs on the M10 vs the Leica SL.

 

Thx

Hello Bobby.

I have the Noctilux I no longer have the SL but I can tell you that it is very easy to focus on the SL. That doesn't necessary mean its going to take great pictures on the SL  'photographers do that". I also used my previous Noctilux on a M240 (not the M10 but similar in the fact that it is a rangfinder) and the SL is a EVF. I got some amazing shots with my Noctilux on the M240 but the focus was hit and miss. I now use my Noctilux on my TL2 and that combination is also amazing................very easy to focus with the iVF and I get fantastic results.

To help answer your question it might be an idea to go to a leica store that has all three items (M10, SL and Noctilux) and ask them for a try on the understanding that after the trial your going to buy at least two of the items :) I am sure they will accomadate you

 

Neil

[M11 for me]

Jeff and Jeninngsmca don‘t like each other.

[Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS]

Jeff and Jeninngsmca don‘t like each other.

That's a shock

 

Neil

[Jenningsmca]

Hello Bobby.

I have the Noctilux I no longer have the SL but I can tell you that it is very easy to focus on the SL. That doesn't necessary mean its going to take great pictures on the SL 'photographers do that". I also used my previous Noctilux on a M240 (not the M10 but similar in the fact that it is a rangfinder) and the SL is a EVF. I got some amazing shots with my Noctilux on the M240 but the focus was hit and miss. I now use my Noctilux on my TL2 and that combination is also amazing................very easy to focus with the iVF and I get fantastic results.

To help answer your question it might be an idea to go to a leica store that has all three items (M10, SL and Noctilux) and ask them for a try on the understanding that after the trial your going to buy at least two of the items :) I am sure they will accomadate you

 

Neil

Morning Neil,

I tried to coax my Leica dealer to bring out the Noctilux but no deal and he did not have a used one so this thread was started.

From everyone answers looks like the SL is the clear choice for the Noctilux lens. Balances well, EVF zoom focusing and size are all favourable with this combination. I will keep myself from trading it for the M10 for now.

 

Thanks for all who politely answered.

 

Mj

 

 

 

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[Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS]

Morning Neil,

I tried to coax my Leica dealer to bring out the Noctilux but no deal and he did not have a used one so this thread was started.

From everyone answers looks like the SL is the clear choice for the Noctilux lens. Balances well, EVF zoom focusing and size are all favourable with this combination. I will keep myself from trading it for the M10 for now.

 

Thanks for all who politely answered.

 

Mj

 

 

 

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MJ

Without a doubt the SL and Noctilux combination works very well. I now use mine on the tL2 but compared to the SL its miles behind (Missing my SL already)..........I will wait for the next full frame IVF Leica camera and get that whatever it might be Cloony or something like that

 

Neil

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[FlashGordonPhotography]

I have the Noct, M10 and SL.

 

I consider the Noctilux a SL lens. Not only is it better sized/balanced and the EVF easier to work with, the Noctilux is a lens that can show significant purple fringing in some circumstances. The colour of the fringing is different on the SL (more blue than purple), less intense and easier to deal with in post.

 

The RF focusing on the M10 is somewhat better on the M10 than previous digital M's, especially with speciality lenses like the Noctilux. Whereas I couldn't rely on this lens being in focus all the time on the 240 the M10 does make it easier to achieve critical focus reliably. The difference in focus performance is thereforre closer than with previous M cameras. Also the EVF allows you to (slowly) move the magnified position from the centre to aid EVF focusing.

 

Me. I would keep the SL, if you want a Noctilux. Then consider something like the D500 as your long lens solution. Personally I'm more than pleased with my EM1.2 and longer Olympus/Pana Leica lenses for that purpose.

 

Gordon