Noctilux 50mm - cost of deciding

[nwphil]

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Lately I have looking for a noctilux, because I really like to shoot wide open, and have been doing it mostly with my 1Dx with either the outs 85 and 55. Even when I got to shoot with the 28mm  just for a day - event loaner - 1.4 was stuck till iso and shutter could not handling it

 

Tried the get the same on my m240, first with the vc nokton 1.1 and the with the zeiss sonnar 1.5, and despite both having their own unique signature - and issues, the truth is I was not happy with either. Using the evf or lcd in live view was the only way to really nail the shot, and then still not that seeing/achieving crispness/separation and creamy background I got used to see with the otus

 

I know, different beasts...

 

neverless, I am considering either a 1.0 v1 or the 0.95 - quite different and I am more leaning towards the 0.95

 

with that said, it's been hard to find info regarding current prices for either- assume complete with box and papers, and a 9+ condition - flawless glass

 

I would appreciate you input regarding why choosing one vs the other and above all going pricing in the used market

Thanks for your help

 

Phillip

[pico]

Go back to the Otus.

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[tobey bilek]

.95 is significantly better wide open.   You need ND filters or lower light to use full open in any case.

[Donzo98]

.95 is significantly better wide open.   You need ND filters or lower light to use full open in any case.

 

Not unless you are using on the SL.

 

I bought a LNIB 0.95 black Noctilux for 7K about a year ago or so.  Seems they may have gone up a bit.

Edited March 3, 2018 by Donzo98

[nwphil]

Thanks Donzo

 

Thanks for tip on the ND filtes Tobey - actually I read that it ads up some vignetting... Which makes me wonder if would not be better to get an adapter for a wider filter

 

 

Sorry Pico. Got nothing for you. Otus going nowhere, actually the 28 might be coming to join in

[anickpick]

If possible, try the 0.95 Noctilux first before buying.

It does have a unique signature wide open, but also

lots of CA - most likely more than on any other lens you have ever tried.

Optically, it does not even come close to the Otus wide open.

[nwphil]

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If possible, try the 0.95 Noctilux first before buying.

It does have a unique signature wide open, but also

lots of CA - most likely more than on any other lens you have ever tried.

Optically, it does not even come close to the Otus wide open.

Thanks - I have been debating that. there is a way to rent it but comes close to $370 for 3 days with shipping included. CA often can be corrected or minimized, and although I do like the M handling of B&W, more often shoot in color.

 

OTOH, the 1.0 has the unique "defects" and still a leica signature. Yes, I though about the summilux and at one time  considered the cron

 

I guess I have to com thru more reviews and shots of both

[Susie]

neverless, I am considering either a 1.0 v1 or the 0.95 - quite different and I am more leaning towards the 0.95

 

Why the first version as opposed to any other?  As far as I know the only difference is the filter size, and so a  larger body by 1mm radius.  The last ones have the in-built hood I know, but with one of these you could get a lens that is 30 years younger when compared to the first version, which would be  much more achievable than a ASIB one from themid 1970's.

 

Mine is the last built-in-hood version and I'm more than happy with it.

 

Susie

[Paul J]

I think the hardest decision is if the value is worth it to you.

 

Stopped down to 1.4 It's very close to the Summilux which in turn not that far off the Otus. But neither of those have 0.95 which is quite special.

 

Relative to the Otus the Noctilux is tiny. Mine comes with me everywhere, who wants to do that with the Otus?

 

Next to the Canon and Nikon 1.2 equivalents the Noctilux is much, much better.

 

With a little practice you can get rid of the worst of CA.

Edited March 3, 2018 by Paul J

[Donzo98]

The 0.95 Noctilux is perfectly balanced on the SL. I find the small M lenses OK, but a bit small on the SL.

 

If you find a nice Noctilux at a good price, you can always try it for a while. If you decide to sell later, you won't lose anything, and maybe even make a few bucks.

 

0.95 on the SL.

 

[nwphil]

Thanks Susie - the v1 of the 1.0 (not be confused with the true not v1) is actually smaller and seems to give similar rendering as the others 1.0

The main snag, I'm is the lack of 6bit, but I always can send into get it done

But the main point will be the rendering; I like both, that is the problem

 

Thanks Paul

It sounds like I am trying to get an otus similar, but not really. Is just that with either nokton and the sonnar, the oof was ok, but both have bigger issues wide open, and never really a spot sharp. Closing down would minimize that, but then the lux would be indeed a better choice.

The otus is sharp at 1.4, and yet delivers a nice bokeh, with minimal issues. I don't mind character, after all I love my meyer trioplan 100mm;

As I said, I like the way both 1.0 and 0.95 render- can only get one

 

Thanks Donzo,

I don't have an SL but yes, I now exactly what you mean.

Secondary issue to a certain point, is that I don't want to overpay. And with this model, is really a problem finding the balance of worth and fair value

[otto.f]

All the Noctiluxes will work better on the SL and the best M for them is the M10

[Donzo98]

Thanks Susie - the v1 of the 1.0 (not be confused with the true not v1) is actually smaller and seems to give similar rendering as the others 1.0

The main snag, I'm is the lack of 6bit, but I always can send into get it done

But the main point will be the rendering; I like both, that is the problem

 

Thanks Paul

It sounds like I am trying to get an otus similar, but not really. Is just that with either nokton and the sonnar, the oof was ok, but both have bigger issues wide open, and never really a spot sharp. Closing down would minimize that, but then the lux would be indeed a better choice.

The otus is sharp at 1.4, and yet delivers a nice bokeh, with minimal issues. I don't mind character, after all I love my meyer trioplan 100mm;

As I said, I like the way both 1.0 and 0.95 render- can only get one

 

Thanks Donzo,

I don't have an SL but yes, I now exactly what you mean.

Secondary issue to a certain point, is that I don't want to overpay. And with this model, is really a problem finding the balance of worth and fair value

 

Buy the best possible condition you can find...they hold their value well.

 

What have you found pricewise on a 0.95 that you consider reasonable??

[nwphil]

Buy the best possible condition you can find...they hold their value well.

 

What have you found pricewise on a 0.95 that you consider reasonable??

two 0.95, complete with all, one with minor paint loss on apt ring - 6,700; the other mint at 7,100 (asking price)

Then one e58 and a e60(retractable hood), open to offers

These 1.0 show on EBay between 5 to 6k depending on condition, so similar pricing

;

;

[Donzo98]

two 0.95, complete with all, one with minor paint loss on apt ring - 6,700; the other mint at 7,100 (asking price)

Then one e58 and a e60(retractable hood), open to offers

These 1.0 show on EBay between 5 to 6k depending on condition, so similar pricing

;

;

 

I have always gone the MINT route... easier to resell.

 

If you plan on keeping... not an issue.

[JTLeica]

They are both gorgeous lenses. I have the .95, I feel it creates an appearance of shallower depth of field than the 1.0 due to it being pretty sharp wide open. But this might be rubbish 

 

Just buy one, you'll not regret it. Just see if you can try it on the camera before buying as you ideally want it to focus accurately wide open on your camera.

[nwphil]

They are both gorgeous lenses. I have the .95, I feel it creates an appearance of shallower depth of field than the 1.0 due to it being pretty sharp wide open. But this might be rubbish 

 

Just buy one, you'll not regret it. Just see if you can try it on the camera before buying as you ideally want it to focus accurately wide open on your camera.

Thanks for the input JT,

just for S&G, I mounted the otus 55 on the M, and ofcourse as if I had option, kept it wide open. Even thru the VF is clear where the focus lands, per say. However, the evf provides accuracy, as one can magnify the view and rely on the focus aid provided.

still struggling to decide if I want the 'classic' look or the modern look on the shots, but I know neither will be a wrong choice