Question on Noctilux f1 (model before current 0.95)

[NoireChevalier]

Good day to all.

I am considering a purchase of the noctilux f1 (before the 0.95 model) and would like to ask the masters here about this lens.

I am currently using a M9 with a 35 f1.4 asph ver 1(The only lens I have).

I usually take photos of my family, scenaries, flowers, sometimes close up shots at min 0.7m at food etc. I basically use this 35mm where ever i go. As the lens is sharp, I can crop photos for flowers for close up and composition.

In order to fund this lens, I may have to trade or sell this 35mm lens which is a gem. What I have like about the nocx is the bokeh, the wide aperture, 50mm is fine with me as I came from M8 with the 35mm. After surfing on the web, these are what I have gathered:

1) Min focusing distance is 1m instead of 0.7m - Will nocx at min 1m have the same view as 35mm at 0.7m?
2) Is this lens plague with back focusing issues?
3) At f1.4 or f2, its the quality comparable with 50mm lux or cron?
4) Longer focus throw - I m fine with it but is it very difficult to achieve accurate focus with a 1.25 magnifier?
5) Can this lens be used as an everyday lens? I dun mind the weight.
6) Is it a good idea to let go of the 35mm for the nocx?
7) Anything I missed?

Sorry for throwing so many questions as I have been surfing for some time and my mind is going round in circles. Any comments are definately appreciated!

 

[nsng]

I have both lenses. They are very different and the Noctilux cannot replace the 35'Lux Asph. The Noctilux is a specialized lens and its draw at f1.0 is very unique. To me it is not an everyday lens, unless you intend to shoot everything at f1.0!. It is almost equal to the 50'Cron at f5.6. The Noctilux is a lens in search of the right image.

Focusing at f1.0 can be tricky. I find that the M3 with its 0.91x VF is the most accurate. With my M8, it can be a hit or miss. The magnifier helps, but it is best if the lens is calibrated for the M body you will be using.

N.S. Ng

 

[toff]

The first thing you should realize is that the 50 F1 Noct is a specialty lens. I would suggest that you acquire it only after having bought a few other "essential" lenses. I would hesitate to say that it should be used as an everyday lens, but your needs and viewpoint may vary from mine.

If your 35 Summilux ASPH is properly calibrated wide open, the images are really sharp and have a level of contrast and definition which you will not see with the F1 Noct used wide open. As such, I suspect that you may regret selling the 35 Lux ASPH. Because of its special characteristics, you might find that usage is limited to certain types of photographs. This is not to say it is a poor lens....far from it; but it has to be used correctly.

I own both the v1 35 Lux ASPH and the F1 Noct (11822). In my search for the F1 Noct, I have encountered several being sold that had focus issues as the tolerance were looser since they were calibrated for film. However, even when properly adjusted, the impression of "sharpness" with the F1 Noct will not be equal to the level you may have been used to with the modern aspherical lenses such as the 35 Lux ASPH. You might want to be aware of this difference. Again, different "looks". Not necessarily one better than the other.

Perhaps for your purposes the 50 Summilux ASPH might be a better choice. I cannot recommend this lens enough, and cannot see anyone being unhappy with it. It is a great all rounder and has the crisp aspherical "look" you have come to know.

Hope this is of some help.

Chris

 

[artspraken]

For me, Noctilux is an arthouse lens. I always associate it with Wong Kar Wai lol. Another honest way of saying is: Not easy to focus Noctilux!

Before you splurge on Noct, I suggest you buy a CV Nokton 1.1 and get an idea what Noctilux does. Nokton is 10% price of Noctilux, and approx 95% of the effect. (ok leica fans might disagree on percentage comparison, but I think its close kk. You can see Steve Huff review).

If you want superfast everyday lens that is 50mm, and you got alot of money, you are actually looking for 50mm Summilux ASPH. I agree with above poster. At F1.4, the Summilux already gives you "too much bokeh" sometimes. If 50 Summilux ASPH is too expensive, get a 50 Summilux pre-ASPH. If Summilux is used with skill, it is possible to attain an image that approaches the dreamy Wong Kar Wai look of Noctilux also.

From the list of things you like to shoot (eg. food), Noctilux focal distance of 1m is going to be annoying for you. You will find that you constantly need to move backwards. The other thing is that if you shoot wide open, DOF might be too shallow. 1m is not a problem for landscapes, but if you do portraits and closeups it may become a consideration for you.

I also agree with above poster: you will miss 35 lux ASPH if you sell it. Completely different lenses lah. I can understand if you sell the 35mm to buy another 35mm, but selling the 35mm for Noctx is not a good move unless you REALLY know what type of creature Noictx is.

 

[gommy]

Agree that u shouldn't sell Lux35Asph for the Noct. They are different and the Lux35Asph is really a nice lens. I find these "older" Asph lenses (another is the Cron28Asph) to have nice pleasing sharpness unlike the very clinical sharpness of the Lux50Asph.
I love the Noct, its rendition at f1 is really nice and unique but I would not consider it a specialty lens. It can be an everyday lens if you do not mind the size & weight. I always travel with my Noct.
The 1m minimum focus is also not an issue for me as I shoot a lot with the LTM lenses which has minimum focus of 1m anyway.
I also do not find the Noct to be more difficult to focus, ie getting correct focus than a f1.4 lens. The long focus throw may annoy some; however, I find the longer focus throw gives me more precision to the focus.
I have the Lux50Asph but I do not like its sharpness; prefer the pre-Asph. I love my Traveller Lux50 which is pre-Asph and also have a minimum focus of 1m.

 

[terence19]

Buy a 50mm Lux, keep the 35mm Lux, and get a 21mm Lux.

 

[artspraken]

waaah alot of money whey

 

[paisatge]

IMHO, You would really need to dying for a f1.0 50mm before thinking of getting one unless you just not sure how to unload a big amount of money.

Things to consider:
Focus throw is "very" long. And it's tight. So in the end, that makes focusing not easy. It's huge and heavy. It's not ASPH - (in case that matters)

Otherwise, just get the latest summilux 50mm. It's cheaper, smaller, lighter and easier to focus and ASPH.

 

[k3v1nxyz]

Love the comments above

 

[NoireChevalier]

Thanks to all the masters. I think I m pointed towards the right direction of the 50mm lux asph!

 

[artspraken]

Good discussion for you.
http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/customer-forum/174748-noctilux-f-1-summilux-50-asph.html

I like this summary. HEE HEE HEE. Do you want a 'perfect wife' or a 'high maintenance, mystery mistress'?

The 50 Lux ASPH is the best all-around 50 prime lens in the world. It's the perfect wife, the one that constantly reminds you why you fell in love with her and why she's your best friend and how many good times you've had, and will have yet in the future. It's amazing.

The Noct is more akin to that high-maintenance mistress you never thought you'd have, the one that takes you to a place you never imagined existed, the one that is demanding and hot and perfect in her imperfection. You wish to be rid of her, but every time you try she sits there stuck in your heart and your head. You can't get her out of your mind. That one, too, is amazing. In a different way.

 

[kenji87]

Good discussion for you.
http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/customer-forum/174748-noctilux-f-1-summilux-50-asph.html

I like this summary. HEE HEE HEE. Do you want a 'perfect wife' or a 'high maintenance, mystery mistress'?

wahhaha .. real nice . :thumbsup:

 

[NoireChevalier]

Nice! Thanks for the sharing!