New: Noctilux-M 50 f/1.2 ASPH.

[LUF Admin]

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Leica reissues the classic 50mm Noctilux with f/1.2 aperture!

The Noctilux-M 50 f/1.2 ASPH. will be available in two variants:

• The black anodised variant with aluminium lens barrel is available at specialist retailers as of now.
• The silver chrome variant will be limited to a production run of 100 units. The special-edition model features a brass lens barrel and a front-ring engraving that reads LEITZ WETZLAR (instead of LEICA)

The lenses are coming in packaging inspired by the original box complemented by the same lens container that was provided with the original Noctilux 50 f/1.2.

The Noctilux-M 50 f/1.2 ASPH. is the third lens to be added to the Leica Classics Range, following the previous re-issues of:

• the Summaron-M 28 f/5.6 of 1955
• and the Thambar-M 90 f/2.2 of 1935

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Official Leica press release:

Return of a landmark lens: the Noctilux-M 50 f/1.2 ASPH. becomes part of Leica’s Classics Range.

Wetzlar, January 28, 2021. With the Noctilux-M 50 f/1.2 ASPH. Leica is re-issuing a lens that occupies a very special place in the company’s history. Produced from 1966 to 1975, the Noctilux 50 f/1.2 was the world’s first lens to feature aspherical elements and, as such, represented something of a sensation. Its light sensitivity (which is enormous even by today’s standards) further contributed to the Noctilux’s legendary status – as did its unique aesthetic: images captured at open aperture are imbued with a soft, almost dreamlike quality – creating an unmistakable look with an exquisite bokeh.

These distinctive visual characteristics have been carefully retained in the new Noctilux-M 50 f/1.2, whose calculation and construction adheres so closely to the original that the imaging results are almost identical. Despite the fact that it was originally calculated more than fifty years ago, the purpose of this lens is by no means limited to nostalgic experiments: once it has been stopped down to f/2.8 (at the very latest), the Noctilux-M 50 f/1.2 delivers sharp images that live up to any quality expectations of modern-day digital photography. The lens also continues to be the most compact and light-weight Noctilux in Leica’s catalogue.

The Noctilux-M 50 f/1.2 ASPH. will be available in two variants. Before the introduction of the Noctilux in 1966, silver was the customary colour for M lenses – with the exception of a few special-edition models aimed at photojournalists, which were given a discreet black finish. The Noctilux marked the start of the company’s transition to black-anodised lenses. Prior to releasing the Noctilux on the market, Leica produced around five silver-finish prototypes. They now count among the most coveted and highly priced M lenses in existence. The serial, black- finish Noctilux 50 f/1.2 was produced in a total volume of just 1757 units. As a result, any well maintained model is also considered a highly sought-after collector’s item on today’s market.

The black anodised variant of the new Noctilux-M 50 f/1.2 ASPH. with aluminium lens barrel is available at specialist retailers as of now. The lens comes in packaging inspired by the original box, and is complemented by the same lens container that was provided with the original Noctilux 50 f/1.2 for safe keeping. The silver chrome variant, which is released in parallel, will be limited to a production run of 100 units. The special-edition model features a brass lens barrel, a front-ring engraving that reads LEITZ WETZLAR (instead of LEICA), and comes in packaging that bears an even closer resemblance to that of the original.

The Noctilux-M 50 f/1.2 ASPH. is the third lens to be added to the Leica Classics Range, following the previous re-issues of the Summaron-M 28 f/5.6 of 1955, and the Thambar-M 90 f/2.2 of 1935.

[jaeger]

The silver version cost $16,395.00 and it's already on back order... ?!

Edited January 28, 2021 by jaeger

[Mark T]

Anyone have any idea about the weight of these. The black anodised particularly. Silver chrome $16k is not my life. Thanks

[SiggiGun]

Around 450g

[padam]

https://leicastoremiami.com/products/leica-noctilux-m-50mm-f-1-2-asph-black-anodized?variant=34328798396547
405 grams (for comparison, the original black one is 470 grams, the limited edition silver version is 598 grams)

[RF’sDelight]

I would  love to hear a statement of Peter Karbe how they transferred the old calculations into the modern production.

[pgk]

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1 hour ago, RF’sDelight said:

I would  love to hear a statement of Peter Karbe how they transferred the old calculations into the modern production.

From what I have read the problem with the original 50/1.2 was QC on the 'hand' ground aspheric surfaces. I would assume that today these are now ,pressed aspheric lenses so I would think that optically the new version will be accurate to the old (availability of glass types permitting) and that what has actually happened is the quality control has now become now cost effective. It looks as though short run machined brass components and chrome plating are now rather more expensive than the optics though😉.

[Milan_S]

I was fortunate to be beta tester for the new Noctilux-M 50mm f1.2 ASPH and Leica asked me to do the official release photos taken with the lens.

Shot on the M10-R

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Edited January 29, 2021 by Milan_S

[Lord Len]

What makes this 1.2 so special ? There already is a .95 &  a 1.4. Would the lens be more of a collectors item than an actual use lens??  

[Danner]

Nice, you even get the plastic screw-on case/cover and the vintage-style box.  

[shirubadanieru]

1 hour ago, Lord Len said:

What makes this 1.2 so special ? There already is a .95 &  a 1.4. Would the lens be more of a collectors item than an actual use lens??  

You have a lot of options it’s up to you to decide what works for you.

Noctilux F1.2 (original) a collector’s item, very expensive, famous for being the first ASPH lens ever made in the 60s —> the one released is a remake of the original one, including lens design and optical performance. That means you can now enjoy a lens that used to be untouchable to most of us due to price and limited number produced

F0.95 Noctilux & F1.4 Summilux ASPH - Both very modern lenses, if you care about sharpness and prefer more clinical and contrasty images you should use these

F1 Noctilux & F1.4 Summilux pre-asph - Only available used, also great options, with their own unique renderings; a good alternative to the F1.2 for a cheaper price (for now as the F1 Noctilux is getting more expensive in the used market). They are old lens so you need to be careful when buying one to ensure it’s a clean copy. 

That’s it, you have a lot of options that’s the beauty of Leica, you can explore lens from 1930s all the way until now, and each person can use whatever they prefer. And now with the remakes of old lens such as this one, our choices increase a bit more too

Edited January 29, 2021 by shirubadanieru

[insideline]

6 hours ago, Milan_S said:

I was fortunate to be beta tester for the new Noctilux-M 50mm f1.2 ASPH and Leica asked me to do the official release photos taken with the lens.

Shot on the M10-R

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Milan, I own my Dad's original early production 1.2 Noctilux and I have seen you have shot quite a bit with an original f1.2 as well, can you share for us what you see are the primary differences between the original f 1.2 Noctilux and the newly launched version you shot with, thank you. I am asking because in the few available pictures shown online the images from this new lens appear different to my original but that of course could be due to many variables so your direct experience will be much appreciated. 

[John Robert Young]

Real Leica folk use screw mount and 50mm f3.5 Elmar.

Edited January 29, 2021 by John Robert Young
More precise

[Mark T]

19 hours ago, SiggiGun said:

Around 450g

Thanks!

[shirubadanieru]

Just now, Mark T said:

Thanks!

it's 400g btw 

[lukeadair]

$16,000+ for this thing? Monumentally ridiculous. The original Mandler can be had for less than half that in decent cosmetic condition and superb optical condition. These Wetzlar people know they have an overprivileged cult just itching to spend money for nothing. More power to that stupidity, I say,

[shirubadanieru]

33 minutes ago, lukeadair said:

$16,000+ for this thing? Monumentally ridiculous. The original Mandler can be had for less than half that in decent cosmetic condition and superb optical condition. These Wetzlar people know they have an overprivileged cult just itching to spend money for nothing. More power to that stupidity, I say,

You must be confused, the original Noctilux f1.2 costs double of the new silver version in the used market since it's a collectors item. That's why this remake price (the black one) actually makes this lens attainable to ‘regular’ Leica shooters and not just collectors. 

If you're talking about the Noctilux f1, then yeah it's about half of the silver remake price but more expensive / same price as the black remake Noctilux f1.2. Different lens though..🙄

[cboy]

21 hours ago, RF’sDelight said:

I would  love to hear a statement of Peter Karbe how they transferred the old calculations into the modern production.

Actually in a previous interview about its release he had no idea about it...

[Aryel]

2 hours ago, lukeadair said:

$16,000+ for this thing? Monumentally ridiculous. The original Mandler can be had for less than half that in decent cosmetic condition and superb optical condition. These Wetzlar people know they have an overprivileged cult just itching to spend money for nothing. More power to that stupidity, I say,

It is so ridiculous that they are already on back order. Looks like both versions already sold out there.

The size alone put something on the table that the other versions do not. You may find it stupid again, but it does appeal to many, including me. I am really looking forward to seeing some examples taken with b&w film.

It looks like a smart pricing and a very interesting release from Leica. So count me in the stupid crowd (unfortunately, not yet in the overprivileged but hey, working on it 😋)

Edited January 30, 2021 by Aryel

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[Erikvw]

Nice review about the new classic lenses. The review about the new Noctilux 1.2 50mm starts at 12.55min.