JoshuaR Posted July 8, 2024 Share #441 Posted July 8, 2024 Advertisement (gone after registration) 11 minutes ago, evikne said: Both images look great, and they make me want this lens! They are also surprisingly sharp in the center, are both shot wide open? The photo of my baby daughter on the playmate is wide open. The one of my son in the arcade is probably f/2? To be honest, I'm still trying to figure out exactly how the sharpness of the lens works in real life. There's a very small circle of sharpness at f/1.2, and as you stop down it grows. But it never covers the whole frame, I don't think. And I'm starting to suspect that it depends on the subject distance. I feel like I get a lot of very sharp results in the center shooting at f/1.2 at the minimum focus distance of 1 meter; in fact, I often use the lens by simply choosing f/1.2 and 1 meter and then moving myself closer or further to achieve focus. If I'm shooting from further away, I find that it's better to stop down to something like f/2.8 or f/4. But there's still plenty of subject separation at those apertures, and the overall look of the lens remains very pleasing to me. There's a kind of overall softness that doesn't compromise the image but adds to a dreamy feeling. (I have used it a lot at f/5.6 and f/8 and have found my pictures to be very very sharp in a large portion of the center.) Here's another one at something like f/4. If you look closely or zoom in you can see that it's a little soft (and there's some CA, too). The softness could be because of softness in the rendering, or because I was jogging backwards (!) while my son drove towards me on that tractor. But I really like the way the picture looks, despite the lack of "critical sharpness." Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 7 1 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/318586-the-50mm-f12-noctilux-image-thread/?do=findComment&comment=5411713'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 8, 2024 Posted July 8, 2024 Hi JoshuaR, Take a look here The 50mm f/1,2 Noctilux Image Thread. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Popular Post jakontil Posted July 9, 2024 Popular Post Share #442 Posted July 9, 2024 Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 50 noct 1.2 on cinestill 800t 36 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 50 noct 1.2 on cinestill 800t ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/318586-the-50mm-f12-noctilux-image-thread/?do=findComment&comment=5412250'>More sharing options...
Keith (M) Posted July 12, 2024 Share #443 Posted July 12, 2024 Re-Issue & M10M. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 11 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/318586-the-50mm-f12-noctilux-image-thread/?do=findComment&comment=5418433'>More sharing options...
T25UFO Posted July 12, 2024 Share #444 Posted July 12, 2024 Posted this is another thread, but then thought it probably should be here. Eddy at f1.2 focussed on the left eye! Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 6 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/318586-the-50mm-f12-noctilux-image-thread/?do=findComment&comment=5418760'>More sharing options...
John Robinson Posted July 19, 2024 Share #445 Posted July 19, 2024 When you can't find and/or afford a Noctilux: the Nikkor 55 1.2 from the 1960s does a good job. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Leica SL (Typ 601), exposed at f/1.2. 2 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Leica SL (Typ 601), exposed at f/1.2. ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/318586-the-50mm-f12-noctilux-image-thread/?do=findComment&comment=5435979'>More sharing options...
Dr Cron Posted March 16 Share #446 Posted March 16 On 9/8/2022 at 10:44 PM, JCR33 said: M10P Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Just been browsing this thread, partly to relocate this photograph, which I think is my favourite of all I've seen posted on this forum in the time I've been around. I now imagine the bokeh in the left hand side to be the man's thoughts as he ponders life with his cigarette. 8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith (M) Posted March 17 Share #447 Posted March 17 Advertisement (gone after registration) Bas-relief @ f4 (f1.2 Re-Issue, M11) Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 3 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/318586-the-50mm-f12-noctilux-image-thread/?do=findComment&comment=5773040'>More sharing options...
Milan_S Posted March 19 Share #448 Posted March 19 S L E E P O V E R Leica M10-R Noctilux- 50mm f1.2 reisse 📸 #milanswolfs 9 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdshuck Posted March 23 Share #449 Posted March 23 Really enjoyed reading through this thread. I’m definitely a 50 guy and am now very tempted to add this lens to my 50 Summilux ASPH and 50 Summicron v5. It has such a wonderful look when shot wide open, especially for portraits. Has anyone compared the Leica 50 1.2 reissue to the new LLL version? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eugene Young Posted July 3 Share #450 Posted July 3 Lotus open wide shot Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 7 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/318586-the-50mm-f12-noctilux-image-thread/?do=findComment&comment=5828071'>More sharing options...
blakley Posted September 22 Share #451 Posted September 22 (edited) The 50/1.2 Noct just absolutely kicks ass in bars. Here are a couple of shots of the preparation of a Zombie. These were shot on the SL3 at 1/250 sec at f/1.2 and ISO 1600 Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Edited September 22 by blakley Left off camera and exposure details 1 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/318586-the-50mm-f12-noctilux-image-thread/?do=findComment&comment=5866500'>More sharing options...
patrickcolpron Posted September 23 Share #452 Posted September 23 I was yesterday old when I realized there was a 50/1.2 Noctilux image thread, the few images I shared with it on Leica Forums have been shared in other threads. I never researched this lens before buying it a few years ago because being a Noctilux I thought it was a big, and I mean BIG lens, turns out I stopped using the APO 50 and my 50 ASPH once I purchased the 50/1.2. I mostly use it on an M10-Monochrom in combination with a yellow filter, aside from a couple of 35 mil lens it is my most used lens, I just love its rendering for family photos. Wide open it works best at shot distances for me, which is fine as I prefer making portraits with it, it is a great portrait lens. It works great on film too. Anyhoo here is one photo of my oldest made with an M10R this past summer in Spain at a puppet show where he won 2 puppets, iso 3200 and 1/350s, solely picked as it is different than the other photos I recently shared made with this lens on other threads. Not all my photos made with it are sharp, even in the center, specially those of my fidgety kids, but like the 75 Summilux the 50/1.2 Noctilux has a little something I really appreciate in the rendering I can't quite put into words. This photo bellow is not the best example of this rendering I am mentioning, it can be seen in the other photos, shared in the other threads. ... this was just to show the cat's eye rendering of the out of focus "bokeh" (I hate that word) which, I think, gives background foliage that swirly look when used wide open, that look I love so much with the 50/1.2. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 16 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/318586-the-50mm-f12-noctilux-image-thread/?do=findComment&comment=5866929'>More sharing options...
JoshuaR Posted September 23 Share #453 Posted September 23 @patrickcolpron Very nice photo, and I agree about the 50 f/1.2 as an everyday lens for people and portraits. In fact, just last week I sold my 50 Lux ASPH, because I've used it only a handful of times since buying the 50 f/1.2. The Noctilux is now my only 50mm, and I use it every day. (I traded my 50 Lux in for a mint M4-2.) It's just my favorite 50 ever, by a long shot. There's something about the rendering that works for me. I've been tempted by the new 50 Lux Pre-ASPH reissue, but I think I'll stick with the 50 f/1.2 for the way it swirls when I want that look. At the same time, closed down, it's really pleasing. Some recent random photos, all on M10-R: Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 10 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/318586-the-50mm-f12-noctilux-image-thread/?do=findComment&comment=5867194'>More sharing options...
patrickcolpron Posted Thursday at 04:52 PM Share #454 Posted Thursday at 04:52 PM (edited) On 9/23/2025 at 8:04 PM, JoshuaR said: ... In fact, just last week I sold my 50 Lux ASPH, because I've used it only a handful of times since buying the 50 f/1.2. The Noctilux is now my only 50mm, and I use it every day. (I traded my 50 Lux in for a mint M4-2.) It's just my favorite 50 ever, by a long shot. There's something about the rendering that works for me. I've been tempted by the new 50 Lux Pre-ASPH reissue, ... I once shot exclusively with a 50 mil lens for about 20 years. Once I went longer and wider, 50 was off the table for most of my photography until the 50/1.2 which I absolutely love for family gathering and for photos of my two kids. There is definitely something about this lens. The Leica 50/1.5 Summarit was my first ever Leica lens, if one can call it that, it is a Taylor and Hobson design and, it was a terrific lens with great rendering on Trip-X in combination with an M3. I purchased my second 50 Summilux ASPH in Silver Chrome cause I wanted something which reminded me of that lens weight wise. I sadly never got that until I purchased the 50/1,2, mostly because of the number of aperture blades. It is one hell of a lens, I just wish they had re-designed it to have a 70 cm minimum focus - but I won't lose sleep over its 1 m close focus, it is a beautiful looking lens, feels great on an M camera and perfect in my hands. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! My youngest at the zoo in front of one the animal pen window... not happy to have to model for photos for a few seconds. 50/1.2 at 1.2 and close to minimum or at minimum focusing distance made with an M10M. For what it is worth I do not use an electronic Visoflex to focus the lens wide open, nor do I use live view because I find it easier to nail focus using the range finder. Edited Thursday at 04:55 PM by patrickcolpron Because because 8 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! My youngest at the zoo in front of one the animal pen window... not happy to have to model for photos for a few seconds. 50/1.2 at 1.2 and close to minimum or at minimum focusing distance made with an M10M. For what it is worth I do not use an electronic Visoflex to focus the lens wide open, nor do I use live view because I find it easier to nail focus using the range finder. ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/318586-the-50mm-f12-noctilux-image-thread/?do=findComment&comment=5867500'>More sharing options...
costa43 Posted Thursday at 06:12 PM Share #455 Posted Thursday at 06:12 PM (edited) Lovely photos of the kids, you are tempting me guys! Edited Thursday at 06:12 PM by costa43 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrickcolpron Posted Thursday at 06:59 PM Share #456 Posted Thursday at 06:59 PM 31 minutes ago, costa43 said: Lovely photos of the kids, you are tempting me guys! There is a caveat one must be made aware of, the downside of the 50/1.2 Noctilux re-issue is, if you are a tad meticulous and obsessive about sharp focus, pretty much all compositions with, your main subject will have to be in the centre, or near the centre even when closed down a little. Unlike with a 50 APO or the 50/1.4 Summilux ASPH, you can't really focus and re-frame and keep your subject in focus wide open or even up to f/2 with this lens. I much prefer an of centre composition but seldom practice this with the 50/1.2 Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! When shooting fidgety kids, wide open and critical focus just don't mix too well. They don't always cross paths if you know what I mean. Just a quick example from this past Sunday at the zoo with my oldest this time. Yet, if in your photography you are after feelings as opposed to technical prowess, then this lens oozes feelings galore, doubly so when nailing focus - yet nothing that prevents me from sleeping when I don't nail the focus perfectly where I want each and every shot I take with it, if that makes sense... M10M and 50/1.2 at 1.2 7 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! When shooting fidgety kids, wide open and critical focus just don't mix too well. They don't always cross paths if you know what I mean. Just a quick example from this past Sunday at the zoo with my oldest this time. Yet, if in your photography you are after feelings as opposed to technical prowess, then this lens oozes feelings galore, doubly so when nailing focus - yet nothing that prevents me from sleeping when I don't nail the focus perfectly where I want each and every shot I take with it, if that makes sense... M10M and 50/1.2 at 1.2 ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/318586-the-50mm-f12-noctilux-image-thread/?do=findComment&comment=5867580'>More sharing options...
costa43 Posted Thursday at 07:11 PM Share #457 Posted Thursday at 07:11 PM 6 minutes ago, patrickcolpron said: There is a caveat one must be made aware of, the downside of the 50/1.2 Noctilux re-issue is, if you are a tad meticulous and obsessive about sharp focus, pretty much all compositions with, your main subject will have to be in the centre, or near the centre even when closed down a little. Unlike with a 50 APO or the 50/1.4 Summilux ASPH, you can't really focus and re-frame and keep your subject in focus wide open or even up to f/2 with this lens. I much prefer an of centre composition but seldom practice this with the 50/1.2 Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! When shooting fidgety kids, wide open and critical focus just don't mix too well. They don't always cross paths if you know what I mean. Just a quick example from this past Sunday at the zoo with my oldest this time. Yet, if in your photography you are after feelings as opposed to technical prowess, then this lens oozes feelings galore, doubly so when nailing focus - yet nothing that prevents me from sleeping when I don't nail the focus perfectly where I want each and every shot I take with it, if that makes sense... M10M and 50/1.2 at 1.2 Makes sense, I’m big on feelings..I have many photos that are not technically perfect that I enjoy very much. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrickcolpron Posted Sunday at 04:11 PM Share #458 Posted Sunday at 04:11 PM On 9/25/2025 at 9:11 PM, costa43 said: Makes sense, I’m big on feelings..I have many photos that are not technically perfect that I enjoy very much. Then this just might be the perfect lens for you Made at the carousel this afternoon Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 50/1.2 at 1.2 on an M10-R Black Paint ... ( ... do we really need to specify this, black paint or not it is the same camera after all.) iso 100 and 1/4000s Not critically sharp but oozes deliciousness in my opinion, just because I do not want to ever, ever use "painterly" 10 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 50/1.2 at 1.2 on an M10-R Black Paint ... ( ... do we really need to specify this, black paint or not it is the same camera after all.) iso 100 and 1/4000s Not critically sharp but oozes deliciousness in my opinion, just because I do not want to ever, ever use "painterly" ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/318586-the-50mm-f12-noctilux-image-thread/?do=findComment&comment=5868842'>More sharing options...
costa43 Posted Sunday at 05:14 PM Share #459 Posted Sunday at 05:14 PM 56 minutes ago, patrickcolpron said: Then this just might be the perfect lens for you Made at the carousel this afternoon Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 50/1.2 at 1.2 on an M10-R Black Paint ... ( ... do we really need to specify this, black paint or not it is the same camera after all.) iso 100 and 1/4000s Not critically sharp but oozes deliciousness in my opinion, just because I do not want to ever, ever use "painterly" Very nice Patrick. I love my 50 f1.4 pre-ASPH v3 for its size vs performance balance but this lens definitely has something special that I think I would really enjoy. I think I will definitely try one at some point! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
didier Posted Sunday at 08:04 PM Share #460 Posted Sunday at 08:04 PM 3 hours ago, patrickcolpron said: Then this just might be the perfect lens for you Made at the carousel this afternoon Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 50/1.2 at 1.2 on an M10-R Black Paint ... ( ... do we really need to specify this, black paint or not it is the same camera after all.) iso 100 and 1/4000s Not critically sharp but oozes deliciousness in my opinion, just because I do not want to ever, ever use "painterly" Great shot ! This only thing that makes me hesitate to get this lens is the 1m limit for focusing… 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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