Thoughts about lenses, mainly Nokton 1.1

[thegman]

Actually one more question, I've read in a couple of places (OK, Rockwell) that you need to get your camera optimised for this lens, to use it wide open. Is a well calibrated range finder not enough, or is Mr Rockwell confused?

 

[abumac]

A well adjusted camera will work with the lens.

Have a look here: http://mimpresion.blogspot.com/2010/02/rente-mit-67-nein-danke.html

 

[jsrockit]

i look forward to the day that i can buy another 50/1.1...it's a great lens, capable of great images.
the cv 35/2.5 would make an excellent partner to it.

That's a great combo... even throw in a 50mm 2.5 (for when the 1.1 is too big).

 

[kehng]

not sure why you're getting rid of the 50mm summicron as i would keep this over the nokton 1.1 (i have both)... the 15mm is nice but could help fund a 35mm biogon 2.8 which would make a very nice pair with the summicron.

 

[thegman]

My Summicron is an old one, and to be honest, I find it sort of "meh", it's good, decent, but unremarkable. It can flare a bit, and I guess there is a reason it was quite cheap.

I probably rather have a lens with modern coatings and characteristics than an old "classic" which does not really push my buttons.

 

[Frontman]

I shot with my Nokton for one day, then the aperture blades came loose, disabling the lens. It was new, so I took it back and got a refund, and then bought a 50mm Summilux instead. But then I developed the single roll of film I shot with the Nokton, and I was very pleased with the results. I rather wish that the Nokton had not broke, or that I should have gotten another Nokton in exchange, rather than getting the Summlux.

 

[thegman]

Interesting that you would prefer it to the Summilux, but also not encouraging it would develop such a fault. I guess that is what the warranty is for though.

I think I'm almost set to go for the Nokton, I've wanted one since it came out, and those who own them seem to speak highly of them.

 

[Benjamin Marks]

I think in general terms that if you are going to have just two lenses, it makes sense to have a low light lens and a lens that matches the angle of view in which you "see" photographically. I'm assuming from the kit you've got that these qualities are not found in just one lens. This second lens should have the highest image quality that you can afford, since it is likely you will be using it for a majority of your pictures. The C/V 35/1.4 is fast and moderately wide. I have one and like it. You could just sell the 15 and buy a used 35/1.4 and keep the Summicron you've got. Then you gain speed, while keeping the 50 that is your current general purpose lens.

Or you could look for a Canon 50/1.4 at half the price of the Nokton and be almost all the way there in terms of speed. The 50 1.1 Nokton is a nice lens, but it is only 1/2 stop faster than 1.4.

 

[zozio32]

my main question is:
why not the 35mm Nokton ?

that seems to do everything no? the 35mm frame and the low light. And it seems that this lens is actually very good

 

[uhoh7]

my main question is:
why not the 35mm Nokton ?

that seems to do everything no? the 35mm frame and the low light. And it seems that this lens is actually very good

With my 1.1 I cannot go below 1/40 handheld (aps-c 1.5x crop), I would think the 35 1.2 can go to 1/30 or less NP. Also DOF is greater--which is more practical for all around shooting in low light.

Both are BIG. The Nokton 35 1.4 is really small and can shoot in very dim conditions also.

 

[thegman]

I used to have the 35mm 1.4 Nokton, I liked it stopped down, but not really opened up. For my every day lens, I'll happily trade speed for sharpness and contrast, and I think the Skopar might do that. Ideally I'd get the 1.1 and the f/2 Biogon, but that's adding up to a bit too much for me.

For me, the Nokton is like the Summicron, sort of a jack of all trades, master of none. The Nokton 1.1 should at least be a master of one trade, and the Color Skopar can fill in the blanks, and be very portable to boot.

 

[benji77]

I was in roughly the same predicament as you, having to decide between the 1.1 VC and the Cron 50 (Version 4). They cost almost the same, with the Cron (2nd Hand), and the VC brand new. I ended up with the Cron due to its size, and it being a Leica. (Yikes!)

Size mattered to me. What matters to you?

Most of the time I shoot at ASA 800 or higher. The 1.1 in this case would not be that important. For me, the smaller it can be, the better. It takes the fear away from your subjects(especially street).

Recently I held the 1.1, and although its slightly big, its not that heavy. If you like it, I would say get it. In RF, I have learnt to follow my heart. 🙂

I would say check out the Zeiss Planar if you have the time.

Enjoy!

 

[zozio32]

I used to have the 35mm 1.4 Nokton, I liked it stopped down, but not really opened up. For my every day lens, I'll happily trade speed for sharpness and contrast, and I think the Skopar might do that. Ideally I'd get the 1.1 and the f/2 Biogon, but that's adding up to a bit too much for me.

For me, the Nokton is like the Summicron, sort of a jack of all trades, master of none. The Nokton 1.1 should at least be a master of one trade, and the Color Skopar can fill in the blanks, and be very portable to boot.

I was refering to the 35mm f1.2, quite a different lens from the f1.4

 

[thegman]

I see, that one slipped me by a bit, but I'll check it out.

 

[thegman]

Thanks to everyone who helped out here, in the end I bought a Color Skopar 35mm to be a tiny walk around lens on the ZI, it looks and handles great. I also got the Nokton 1.1, ordered from China, and received in about 48 hours.

The 1.1 is my real area of interest, it's big, but not as big as I expected and while I feel I can focus it easily, the results will tell me if I'm right when I get the roll developed.

I'll likely sell the Summicron, assuming I'm happy with the results from the Nokton, thanks again to everyone for the advice.