35/1.4 Nokton - Advice Needed

[outforalaska]

I've decided today to take the [financial] plunge to get a Leica M6. I was looking around for good starter lenses and like the 35/1.4 Nokton, but was unsure whether I should get the multi or single coat. I shoot mainly black and white, but have lately been getting into a little bit of color slide shooting.
Any help you guys could give me would be greatly appreciated. Maybe even a few shots with the lens (helps with the day dreaming).

 

[dcsang]

I'll say it before someone else does - apparently Sean Reid's done a review on his site (I haven't seen it and you have to subscribe to see it - that is, pay for it).

There are contrasting opinions on the lens - some say it's good others say it's a dog.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help,
Dave

 

[outforalaska]

Well I'm completely open to suggestions. I guess if someone was going to sell me one or two lenses for an M6; what would they push?

If I went for the 40/1.4 Nokton, how does that work with framelines, focusing, and such (sorry, a bit of a noobie here)?

 

[ferider]

If I went for the 40/1.4 Nokton, how does that work with framelines, focusing, and such (sorry, a bit of a noobie here)?

Works well with 35mm framelines from a few meters to infinity. A great lens, great fit on the M6. I recommend the SC version.

Roland.

 

[outforalaska]

Thanks Roland! I'm keep on second guessing myself on everything, but then I figure I'll probably end up buying all kinds of lenses down the road anyway. As long as it's a good start.

 

[funkaoshi]

I wouldn't write off the 35mm f/1.4. It sounds like people who actually use them like them.

 

[mr_phillip]

I can't comment on the 35mm/1.4 Nokton because I haven't tried it, but plenty folks seem to like it (and I believe the Sean Reid review was based on its performance as a 50mm on an M8).

However, as a starter 35mm I think you'll need to go a long way to better the Voigtlander 35mm f2.5 Colour Skopar Classic. It's cheap new, and a steal on the used market. It's tack-sharp even at the maximum aperture and has great handling characteristics on an M - perfect size and weight.

If you could stretch the budget a bit more you might try looking at the Zeiss ZM Biogon - which could just turn out to be all the 35 you'll ever need.

 

[funkaoshi]

I use the 35mm f/2.5 and it really is a great lens. I have no complaints with it thus far, save for the fact it's a bit slow indoors. I think it performs really well otherwise.

 

[cosmonot]

I'd go for either the 40/1.4 or the 35/1.4, and get whichever one was cheapest 😉

Nothing wrong with the 40 on a Leica M with 35mm framelines. I mine lives on an M2 and it's had the file work done to bring up the 35mm frame rather than the 50. Definitely sharp and small enough for my uses.

 

[Graham Line]

I wouldn't write off the 35mm f/1.4. It sounds like people who actually use them like them.

Omigod. Real pictures. Thanks for the link.

 

[nksyoon]

I like it for low light shooting too...haven't done proper sharpness tests, so can't comment there...

 

[Tom A]

I have used the 35f1.4 SC for at least 2 month now and I really like it. The controversy over focus shift at f2.8 and f4 is a bit of a tempest in a teapot - at least when it comes to using it with film. It is very sharp @1.4 - better than the Summilux 35 pre-asph and far less flare prone.
Wether to get a SC or MC is a matter of taste. The SC has lower contrast and that works well for black/white, the MC has a bit more contrast which can "lift" color saturation a bit with slides or color negative. Either one would work well as an all round lens - we are talking "splitting hairs" when it comes to the difference.
The Voigtlander Nokton 35f1,4 is basically a replacement for the Summilux 35 pre-asph at a price that makes it palatable for users. The S-lux has achieved that mythical status that has pushed it into "collectors" heaven and though it is a good lens, it is NOT $15-1700 good.
I would advise you to get either the 35f1,4 Nokton or the 40f1,4 and stick with it for a while. I find having too many lenses immideately means that you keep spending too much time switching back and forth.
Either the 35 or the 40 will do you very well. The 40 can almost do double duty as 35 or a 50 (1/2 step back gives you a 35 and 1 step forward gives you the 50).
The 40 is a good wide normal and if you complement it later with a 28 or 25 and a 75 you should be all set.

 

[Sam N]

Have you considered spending less on a body (Bessa) and more on a lens (ZM, Leica)?

From what I've seen the 35 Nokton is pretty nice. I'd buy one if my camera had 35mm framelines. I love the 40 Nokton. The bokeh can occasionaly get ugly (as on the 35), but it doesnt bother me in most nighttime shots and the size/weight/price outweighs that.

 

[sockeyed]

As Roland suggests, the 40mm f/1.4 works very well on an M6. A gentle modification to the lens mount brings up the 35mm framelines, which it fits very well. It doesn't work as well on the Voigtlander 35mm framelines which are somewhat wider than the M6's. The signature of the 35mm f/1.4 and 40mm f/1.4 are very similiar to my eyes.

I use the SC version and shoot a lot of colour neg and some chromes with it. It produces beautiful colour images (as well as great BW ones)

.

 

[Tom A]

I forgot to add my usual about checking with Flickr for pictures taken with various lenses. Just type the tag "Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f1.4 SC" or "MC" to see samples done with it. Use the same tag but replace 35 with 40mm and you get plenty of samples from those lenses too. Great way of checking out optics!

 

[ampguy]

I would save up

I would save up

for the 35/2 Summicron asph.

It is built better, and takes better photos from what I've seen.

Well I'm completely open to suggestions. I guess if someone was going to sell me one or two lenses for an M6; what would they push?

If I went for the 40/1.4 Nokton, how does that work with framelines, focusing, and such (sorry, a bit of a noobie here)?

 

[back alley]

for the 35/2 Summicron asph.

It is built better, and takes better photos from what I've seen.

how do you know that it's built better?

 

[infrequent]

@backalley - i guess for the asking price, you expect it to be!

 

[ampguy]

because

because

I've done my own research, checked out the specs, and real world testing and analysis of both brands extensively.

how do you know that it's built better?

 

[dcsang]

I've done my own research, checked out the specs, and real world testing and analysis of both brands extensively.

Oh.. so you've got (or had if you sold the Nokton) both 🙂

Have you got any pics from the lens?

Thanks,
Dave