Which Noctilux version...

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peepete77

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Which Noctilux version is considered to be the best? Or if you have experienced it, which version do you prefer?

I do not think I ever can afford that lens, but I am very curious, and I can dream, and the more I read about it, the more intrigued I get, and the more I wanna sell my car...
Now, I see that there were 4 versions, but I am not sure if there were huge differences between the versions, so if anyone knows, don't be shy.

Since this is the rangefinderforum, and I really admire Mandler and the construction and ideas/visions behind this lens, I thought it would be the right forum to adress my question.
 
The best is the one you have with you!

The best is the one you have with you!

If the latest lens is out of reach for you, simply get the one you can afford. The old Noctilux is not a bad lens and if it is with you, it is the best lens.

Regards
Steve
 
Mine is from 1975 and for me it is not important to have one from 2008
I would only take a Noctilux, which can be easily focusing. Some are very tight.
 
Affordability and the "look" you want

Affordability and the "look" you want

Well, I own the f1.0 version (late design with built in hood) and I have to say I really love this lens!!!

It is not that bad wide open for sharpness. The out of focus bokeh is breathtaking to say the least. I have not tried the new one but from what I see it is a more modern design and has less of a glow or soft rendition.

Now I bought mine on Ebay 2 years ago for $4,700 from another professional photographer. He handled the transaction wonderfully in that the lens needed adjustment for my M8 and he arranged for Leica to work on the lens in Germany for me (the lens was under a previous repair warranty) at no cost to me at all. The lens is perfect!

I really believe the $11,000 USD price for the new one is not worth it unless you are very rich. If sharpness is what you want regarding the new design, you can simulate the new lens "look" in photoshop by using selective sharpening.

For me, the bokeh is the big issue, and here, the previous f1.0 version wins hands down for the price.

What should you pay? Well, if you can get one for $4,700 like I did, great! More likely, a good buy right now would be around $5,400 or so. I see them for $7,000-$8,000 but that I believe is too much. YOu can get an M9 for that as well as being close to the f.95 version.

So my advise is to buy the f1.0 version for $4,700-$5,400 if you can find it. Make sure it is in mint condition! Make sure there are no issues with focus, and if there are, the seller will repair the lens for you. This is alot of money and you do not want to spend more than you have to!
 
Affordability and the "look" you want

Affordability and the "look" you want

Well, I own the f1.0 version (late design with built in hood) and I have to say I really love this lens!!!

It is not that bad wide open for sharpness. The out of focus bokeh is breathtaking to say the least. I have not tried the new one but from what I see it is a more modern design and has less of a glow or soft rendition.

Now I bought mine on Ebay 2 years ago for $4,700 from another professional photographer. He handled the transaction wonderfully in that the lens needed adjustment for my M8 and he arranged for Leica to work on the lens in Germany for me (the lens was under a previous repair warranty) at no cost to me at all. The lens is perfect!

I really believe the $11,000 USD price for the new one is not worth it unless you are very rich. If sharpness is what you want regarding the new design, you can simulate the new lens "look" in photoshop by using selective sharpening.

For me, the bokeh is the big issue, and here, the previous f1.0 version wins hands down for the price.

What should you pay? Well, if you can get one for $4,700 like I did, great! More likely, a good buy right now would be around $5,400 or so. I see them for $7,000-$8,000 but that I believe is too much. YOu can get an M9 for that as well as being close to the f.95 version.

So my advise is to buy the f1.0 version for $4,700-$5,400 if you can find it. Make sure it is in mint condition! Make sure there are no issues with focus, and if there are, the seller will repair the lens for you. This is alot of money and you do not want to spend more than you have to!
 
IIRC, there are really only 3 optical versions: the f/1.2, f/1 (though the 58mm filter thread version is supposed to have slightly more light fall-off in the corners than the 60mm thread version), & the current 0.95. I have the f/1 (w/removable clip-on, not bayonet, hood) version, c. 1988. If I had the money, I would just go w/the new 0.95.

peepete77 said:
Which Noctilux version is considered to be the best? Or if you have experienced it, which version do you prefer?

I do not think I ever can afford that lens, but I am very curious, and I can dream, and the more I read about it, the more intrigued I get, and the more I wanna sell my car...
Now, I see that there were 4 versions, but I am not sure if there were huge differences between the versions, so if anyone knows, don't be shy.

Since this is the rangefinderforum, and I really admire Mandler and the construction and ideas/visions behind this lens, I thought it would be the right forum to adress my question.
Click to expand...
 
It depends...

If you like the Summilux 50mm Asph, you'll prefer the newest Noctilux. They have similar characteristics.

I have the 60mm threaded version, fixed hood, Noctilux f/1. It really has a unique look that I like... pixel peepers will see that its not pin sharp at f/1 BUT still beautiful and not duplicated very easily. Mine was purchased in 2003 timeframe for $1800 USD. I later purchased a Summilux 50mm Asph brand new for those times I want something a bit sharper. Even with inflation, the cost of both is still less than the newest Noctilux so I'm satisfied. If I had the cash for the Noct f/0.95, would I buy it. Most likely so... but that's not going to happen.
 
Thanks guys. I haven't read up on the Nocti for a while now, hoping that it would diminish my lust for one. The lust remains, and this thread isn't helping matters. 😉
 
Last edited:
eleskin said:
Well, I own the f1.0 version (late design with built in hood) and I have to say I really love this lens!!!

It is not that bad wide open for sharpness. The out of focus bokeh is breathtaking to say the least. I have not tried the new one but from what I see it is a more modern design and has less of a glow or soft rendition.

Now I bought mine on Ebay 2 years ago for $4,700 from another professional photographer. He handled the transaction wonderfully in that the lens needed adjustment for my M8 and he arranged for Leica to work on the lens in Germany for me (the lens was under a previous repair warranty) at no cost to me at all. The lens is perfect!

I really believe the $11,000 USD price for the new one is not worth it unless you are very rich. If sharpness is what you want regarding the new design, you can simulate the new lens "look" in photoshop by using selective sharpening.

For me, the bokeh is the big issue, and here, the previous f1.0 version wins hands down for the price.

What should you pay? Well, if you can get one for $4,700 like I did, great! More likely, a good buy right now would be around $5,400 or so. I see them for $7,000-$8,000 but that I believe is too much. YOu can get an M9 for that as well as being close to the f.95 version.

So my advise is to buy the f1.0 version for $4,700-$5,400 if you can find it. Make sure it is in mint condition! Make sure there are no issues with focus, and if there are, the seller will repair the lens for you. This is alot of money and you do not want to spend more than you have to!
Click to expand...


Thank you so much! This post was really really helpful and superb! Just in case I can make the dream come true someday, I will keep this reply in the back of my head.

🙂
 
I was also wondering... I heard rumors on the Internet that a Canon 50mm/0.95 lens with perfect focus, 6-bit coded as the Noctilux 50/0.95 could be a "poor mans" choice, alternative... After seeing the works of Tommy Oshima, I am sure it would be hard to settle for anything else BUT the Noctilux, if you love the dreamy glowing bokeh. But still, I do see from time to time, people that seem to be positively surprised with this lens...
Anyone here having opinions on this matter or this Canon lens?
 
I found it different in its own unique way and a bit softer than even the previous version of noctilux. Its going to be cheaper but I wouldnt say the poor man's noctilux. The lens in good condition plus the cost of conversion is still going to cost a bit. i feel you are almost better checking out the voigtlander nokton
 
I have the f1 (E60 filter size) version of the Noctilux and it has a particular "signature" that you either like - or not.

Skilled Photoshoppers can probably get close to emulating the bokeh, vignetting etc, and other lenses can do much better in some technical areas, but if you want "that look" save yourself the hassle. Just stump up the money and go for it. I like mine. Yes you can get faster and sharper lenses, but in the end you will always have a hint of disappointment you didn't get the lens you knew you really wanted. I guess finding what you want is the most difficult bit and that is solely down to you and your unique view of the world.

Mike
 
One thing to keep in mind is that the built-in hood in the later f1 versions can be irritating. It doesn't shade the front element as well, often retracts or otherwise does not stay in place and it blocks more of the viewfinder than the earlier hoods. Despite the possibility of better coatings on newer lenses I've stuck with a 58 mm version.

Marty
 
I have a V3, clip on hood version. I got it CLA'd by Leica right after I got it and it is quite sharp wide open. I've seen a lot of claims about the so-called glow and mine only glows rarely. It's slightly less sharp wide open than at 1.4 but not that much. I think the key is to have the focus calibrated correctly and then to focus carefully. It's pretty easy to miss under low light levels.
 
The Noctilux is a great match for the digital Leicas like the M8 and M9, because of their aperture-priority automation and very fast shutters. You can shoot at f/1 in broad daylight (at 1/6000 and so on), for great out-of-focus backgrounds. Of course it's also great for night shooting on the street.

Tom
 
I use an E58 version that I bought several years ago. At the time I had to wait months for the E58 as there weren't that many made in comparison to the E60. They are slightly smaller than the E60 and filters are readily available for them. I really like mine and can't see myself getting the f0.95 version as I use a 50/1.4 ASPH which has a similar rendering.
 
Tom Diaz said:
The Noctilux is a great match for the digital Leicas like the M8 and M9, because of their aperture-priority automation and very fast shutters. You can shoot at f/1 in broad daylight (at 1/6000 and so on), for great out-of-focus backgrounds. Of course it's also great for night shooting on the street.

Tom
Click to expand...
I can't shoot my M9 at 1.6000th..🙁 The shortest speed is 1/4007th. (Yes it is in Solms and they will replace the LED display😛)
 
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