New and Old Noctilux

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I've owned the original f/1 Noctilux since it was introduced in 1976 and have used it with slides and film on five different M Leicas and recently on the M8 and m8.2. I also recently experimented with the original Noctilux on a Panasonic GH1 micro 4/3 camera, with a Novaflex converter, on which it performed beautifully, albeit producing somewhat smaller files. I actually have found that it is easier to focus the f/1 Noctilux on the GH1 than on an M8, and I assume the same would be true of the M9, although I haven't had the pleasure of trying that yet.

 

I don't know if I would find that the new f/0.95 Noctilux had "lost its soul" but I second the earlier poster who says that he chooses the Noctilux more for the way it draws than the way it gathers light, so if i were to get the new version of the lens ((0.95 version, that is), I expect I would be greatly disappointed if that signature was compromised.

 

Here is a shot I took a few days ago with the GH1 and the old Noctilux of a lovely subject (my wife, Laurie).

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[JHAG]

never tried the old one but love the new one. most of the pictures in this folder were taken with 0.95

 

Zenfolio | ALEX LANDA PHOTOGRAPHY | Temp

Never found your pics but this.

 

Sixty-third president of the United States; former governor of New Zeland(1994-2000). Born September 7, 1956, in Moscow, Russia. He grew up in Toronto. Alex attended the prestigious Philips Andover Academy in Massachusetts before matriculating at Yale University. He graduated from Yale with a bachelor’s degree in 1968, then returned to Toronto and joined the Moscow Air National Guard, where he learned to fly fighter jets. He eventually became a lieutenant, but was never called on to fight in Vietnam.

In November 2004, Alex won a second term as President of the United States. Still alive.

 

:D:D

[zipper]

I've had my Nocti for a couple of weeks, and it hasn't been off my M8 since, it's a very versatile lens.

[leicashot]

Copy & paste my comments from another forum:

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by menos

1) Kristian, is the hood locking, like the 50 Lux ASPH or just sliding, like the old sliding hood lenses?

 

2) Does the aperture ring move by just looking at it, like with the 50 ASPH or 90 APO or is it the more substantial "click" as with the f1 Noct or pre ASPH 90 Cron?

 

3) Does the focus feel the same as the f1 Noct or is something changed?

 

4) Apart from different rendering, do you feel, that the 0.95 gives you an edge in light, compared to the f1 Noct (it is less than 1/3 stop, but it might have a better T stop ???)?

 

5) Does the higher contrast make it less good for really dark places, as you loose shadows earlier (I experienced this with other high contrast lenses and prefer them slightly less contrasty, but not as "flat" as some classics)?

Thanks ;-)

 

My answers:

1. The hood is locking like the 50 Lux ASPH.

 

2. The aperture is pretty standard. Smooth but a little too easy to bump like most Leica lenses. Maybe more like the 90 you mention but I find there is sample variation, so it's hard to tell for sure. I find the chrome lux ASPH a bit heavier/tighter to turn, but not by much.

 

3. Focus is easier and smoother. Doesn't feel quite as long, but I'm not sure without side by side comparison. First week was quite tight but it definitely loosened up in the last week and is perfect for the required focus accuracy, combined with the shallow depth of field at 0.95.

 

4. Not sure how much 'effective' light is transmitted without comparing it. The rendering is completely different to the previous model. If people loved the f/1 model, they might be disappointed in this cause it's signature is very similar to the 50 Lux ASPH, but does still distort the OOF areas at 0.95, but not nearly as much as the f/1 version. At 0.95 it's probably as sharp as the f/1 version at f/1.4 or f/2. The previous version was 'usable' at f/1 and the 0.95 is 'fairly sharp' wide open. it's sharpness is perceived higher again due to the fast focus drop off.

 

5. I've never had an issue with high contrast lenses as I like my images with such contrast and always find myself bringing in the black more when post processing. I find it comparable to the Lux ASPH in this regard.

 

Lastly, Steve Huff described this as being the best made Leica lens to date. I disagree, but not in a negative way. I find it's build is just like any other, only heavier, giving a perceived feeling of 'extra quality'. Really it just feels like a Lux ASPH on steroids.

 

Hope this helps.

[Alnitak]

Well, I have used both and I prefer the newer model. Tastes vary.

 

I have a selection of shots in a set on Flickr; some are just technical shots for demonstration purposes, and others are shots I like.

 

Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH - a set on Flickr

 

I also have written up a brief comparison of this lens with the Voigtlander Nokton, which to my eye has more of the "classic" Noctilux look in terms of spherical aberration, but unfortunately the bokeh isn't a good match. Still, a fine lens in its own right with its own distinct signature.

 

Digital Hapeman

 

Jeff

[arthury]

Well, I vote for the new, now that I have used it for several months ...

 

 

 

 

All shot with the M9.

[phongph]

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Hi All!

It ‘s interesting topic and help something to get the old or new Nocti.

I may get the new 50 f0.95!

Have a nice weekend!

Thanks!

[a.noctilux]

Tastes vary.

That is good thing.

We are lucky to have choices 😉.

As long time user of the first f/1.0, I admit that the "global rendering" please me more than the f/0.95.

[Ko.Fe.]

On 9/28/2009 at 5:50 AM, marcusperkins said:

Hi All,

 

Anybody out there who has both versions (1 & 0.95), or has replaced the old with the new.

 

I'm curious to know if there is any noticeable visual depth of field difference at max aperture on FF. The depth of field difference between Leica's F1 and Canon's F1.2 is huge, which equates to the F1 being about 65% faster.

 

However, the new Noctilux is 'only' about 10% faster than the older Noctilux, but does it show?

 

Also is there any distinct difference in sharpness at maximum aperture between the two?

 

I'm really looking for comments by those who have used the old Noctilux extensively, and also have experienced with the new lens.

 

Finally, Is there anybody in London with the new Noct who'd be willing to meet up to compare the two? (I have the old one)

 

Many thanks,

 

Marcus

It is 2019 and I'm scratching my head, why this thread is in M9 forum?