50 Nokton f1.2 verse 50 Summicron type 3

[garysamson]

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I’m interested in your opinions and thoughts regarding the Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f1.2 verse a 50mm Summicron type 3. I have had the Summicron since 1972 and would like a faster 50. Is the Nokton 50mm f1.2 comparable in terms of image quality? Thanks!

[TomB_tx]

I’ve had a v3 since 1970, and after getting an M9 also decided to look at faster and newer lenses. I haven’t tried the 1.2 Nokton yet, but do have a couple of 1.4 Nokton - the original ltm version and the newer M mount. They are about as sharp as the Summicron, but the micro-contrast is lower wide open such that I can immediately pick out a Nokton shot from a group (at least with my lenses). But if not comparing directly the Nokton images are very good.

I eventually bought a new ver 5 Summicron, and although the v3 is really good, the v5 images are crisper at f2 than any other lens I have (including a Planar and ‘60s Summilux).

Yet since I’ve been using an M10 I’ve given up fast lenses, and prefer the 2.5 Summarit lenses for 35, 50, & 90 mm. I prefer the smaller sizes and handling, and IQ is comparable.

[garysamson]

Thanks Tom for sharing your insight on the Voigtlander lenses.

Gary

[105012]

I have two Type 4 Summicron 50mm's and the Nokton 1.2 50mm (and a bunch more 50mm's...). The Nokton is a much chunkier bit of glass, and with both at f/2 I have a slight preference for the Summicron, but happy to interchange the lenses. I shoot on M3's and an M5, not sure if any digital weaknesses might therefore be hidden...

[Ko.Fe.]

I currently own typ 3 after I owned almost every Leitz made 50 f2 in M and LTM. And some of 50 1.5 as well.

If you like color, film and digital, here is nothing but Leica/Leitz. The rest is just a substitute, non Leica/Leitz substitute.

If you are after bw... it depends. The younger Leitz is the less use it has. Turning to Leica, again, it depends. 

 

So, digital or film. BW or Color? It depends...

 

 

[garysamson]

Thanks Ko.Fe and 105012 for your responses! 
Gary

[oudjunk]

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currently, i'm happy with my voigtlander 50 f1.2, it's great lens with reasonable price. 

the bokeh is creamy smooth that make me like it. 

the rendering is great. for the past, i have used Leica summicron 50 (Rigid and V5)

the character of theses lenses are different. i like all of them. for me, for many situations i prefer voigtlander 50 f1.2  

[garysamson]

Thanks Oudjunk!