35mm 1.2 or 50mm 1.1 for M8?

[eleskin]

I already have a Noctilux for my M8, and feel it would be nice to have
some speed in a wider lens. I do have the 35mm Summicron V4, and also the 40 mm Nokton which is decent, but has some focus shift issues. The new 50mm Nokton looks neat, but since I have the Noct, why should I have another similar lens. So I believe the 35mm Nokton seems the rational choice, even with the idea I will buy an M9 later this year.

Many love the 35mm Nokton with the M8. So what will I have to look
fireward to with the Nokton, especially at f1.2?

 

[kshapero]

CV 35/1.2 is one the best lens regardless of price I have ever owned.

 

[ferider]

Some barrel distortion like Akiva's photo shows.

 

[Photon42]

The Nokton 1.2/35 is a winner on the M8. Lovely rendering, no focus shift issues, large footprint. Assez sharp - I cannot find any relevant difference compared to the Biogon 2/35. Filter size is good old Nikkor AI 52. Coding may not be necessary. I coded mine as a non-ASPH Summicron, regardless. It works equally well on my film bodies.

Cheers,
Ivo

 

[SimonSawSunlight]

aye, 35mm f1.2 all the way, 'better' focal length, sharp, balances good on the thicker body of the digital Ms and the way it draws is way more beautiful than the 1.1/50 imho.

oh and another thing, most of the barrel distortion I notice with my 1.2/35 comes from the film not lying flat in my filmholder when scanning. it still has some, bot nothing to worry about. less than the 1.4/35 nokton anyway.

 

[eleskin]

This sounds great!

This sounds great!

Well, I am sold!

I shoot alot of people, especially street photography in available light, so this looks like a winner for me. I use the 15mm Super Wide Heliar for interiors, industrial landscapes, etc,,, so the 35mm Nokton and the 15mm Super Wide Heliar would be an ideal 2 lens kit!

I may add I use the 15mm alot for hip shooting. that in combination with the 35mm f1.2 would be awesome indeed. I would think that would be all that one would need for what I and others do!

Thanks for the input. I appreciate it!

If you guys have any pics, that would be nice!

Ed

 

[Keith]

The barrel distortion is real and I have found it an issue in some situations ... not that it can't be corrected in post of course.

It's right up there with the worst lens I have ... the Zuiko 50mm f1.8

 

[ampguy]

yes

yes

Looks like a Hexar AF, CV 35/1.4, and Nikkor 43-86. All great lenses for some types of photos, but all with noticeable distortion too.

The barrel distortion is real and I have found it an issue in some situations ... not that it can't be corrected in post of course.

It's right up there with the worst lens I have ... the Zuiko 50mm f1.8

 

[quadtones]

I am very happy with this lens, and increasingly prefer the way it draws to my 35mm pre-ASPH and 28mm ASPH summicrons. Just me, I suppose, but having an extra 1 1/2 stops doesn't hurt, either. These are from two nights ago. Both mildly cropped, w/ no other post-production, from the jpegs. Shot at f1.2 at very close range. The euphonium player was shot at about 0.7M

 

[Renzsu]

Wide open at night this lens is quite something.. I could post one of my own shots, but I stumbled upon this one a few days ago and it made me say wow out loudly haha:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ravnish/4565040902/

 

[Photon42]

[...]

If you guys have any pics, that would be nice!

Ed

There're lots around in different threads in RFF. I've got a few here, if this is of any help. Film, M8 and Pana G1 with a Canon 500D close-up lens.

Cheers
Ivo

 

[myM8yogi]

Outstanding lens at any price point. Only problem, as already stated by many others, is size and weight. Review and link to pic's here:
http://ziforums.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/27/cat/5

 

[eleskin]

Would love to see 100% crops with M8/M9

Would love to see 100% crops with M8/M9

I would love to see some 100% crops at f1.2 on the M8 or M9 with the 35mm Nokton. Luminos Landscape tested this thing with the RD-1, but I have not seen much testing with the M8 or M9.

 

[Symeon]

The 1,2/35 Nokton is not bad at all, but if you are looking for something wide why not try the recent 2,8/28 ASPH by Leica? It's petit and not that expensive either.

 

[myM8yogi]

2.8 is too slow for a standard lens in my humble opinion. But if the OP can live with that small a maximum aperture, then I agree it is an excellent choice on an M8 for daylight shooting. I've got a friend who uses this exact combination to shoot from a bicycle - very successfully I might add!

 

[eleskin]

Just bought the 35mm 1.2 Nokton

Just bought the 35mm 1.2 Nokton

I thought the 35mm Nokton 1.2 in the end makes more sense especially for the M8. Reviews of this lens seem generally positive. I love the Noctilux I have, but I also tend to use the 35mm focal length often, so I believe this lens will be just right for me. I ordered from Cameraquest and am expecting the lens soon. I am excited!

 

[Keith]

I thought the 35mm Nokton 1.2 in the end makes more sense especially for the M8. Reviews of this lens seem generally positive. I love the Noctilux I have, but I also tend to use the 35mm focal length often, so I believe this lens will be just right for me. I ordered from Cameraquest and am expecting the lens soon. I am excited!

Congrats on a wise choice.

Mine has done stirling service on my M8 and on all my M film bodies as well. I find the bulk of the Nokton suits me regarding focusing and gripping etc ... small tabbed lenses are not my thing! 😀

 

[wstotler]

Excellent Choice

Excellent Choice

Great choice. I'd have commented sooner if I saw this post. This lens has been an unexpected workhorse for me: http://www.flickr.com/photos/willstotler/sets/72157618382441181/

I was just commenting this morning that this lens ends up on the front of my M8 on a regular basis--if I have any doubts about the shooting conditions, on it goes.

I think you'll be very happy with this lens.

Cheers!
Will

 

[Photon42]

You will not be disappointed. Enjoy the lens.

Ivo

 

[Ron (Netherlands)]

Never liked my 50-ties on the M8.2, therefore I am in the 35mm camp