35mm f1.2 Nokton Shortage

it's the only lens that ever got me thinking about buying a second copy.
I wouldn't mind a chrome one to go with the black one I have either.
 
Double Negative said:
LOL... Indeed, it's got a really (ugh, sorry) "creamy bokeh" to it. Perhaps due to the differences between Japanese and German optical design, dunno. How I wish the 50 shared that (but I'm discovering it's not as bad as it's made out to be 98% of the time)...

I would love to get a Summilux at some point as well. If for nothing else, than to compare and work with both and then decide. I'm sure I'll end up with a Summilux eventually (35 or 50)... The thing is, I don't know of any Summilux you can buy, new or used - for ~$800! But as you point out, the character of both are quite different, leaving room for both (like I need more lenses).
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What I like about the Summilux ASPH is the higher contrast and sharpness wide open. Also I need to work on the Nokton images to get them looking better by adding contrast and saturation. Also the colors are more pleasing from the Summilux ASPH. Otherwise the rendition and bokeh is smoother from the Nokton. I'd also feel comfortable saying that the Nokton feels like it's more solidly made, but that could just be the eight speaking.
 
I'm sure I'll end up with a Summilux eventually (35 or 50)... The thing is, I don't know of any Summilux you can buy, new or used - for ~$800!
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You can have the VC 50 AND 35mm Noktons for less than the cost of a ONE pre-aspherical summilux, and neither pre-aspherical Summilux can hold a candle to the VC's performance-wise.
 
I have to admit though, the IQ/rendering of the Summilux ASPH lenses is really nice (IMO, anyway). Plus there's the build quality - which even Zeiss can't touch, sadly. Still...
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I had the Aspherical Summilux 35 years ago and loved it. Perfect size/performance trade off, wonderful build quality and so good wide open. That was back when you could pick one up for about $1,500, though. I wouldn't buy one again at today's prices with the Nokton available.
 
They currently go for 850€ new at lapetiteboutiquephoto.com where they are in stock. I've bought from them in the past and was happy with the customer service. Not in the market for one myself but reading this may give me GAS. ;)

Cheers,
Rob
 
Double Negative said:
But now you can get the NEW and IMPROVED one! If you can find one. And it's only $5k... Used.

:bang:
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Improvements in the newer model are still to be determined. The only thing I found was that it has slightly more focus and clarity in focusing in the near range. Many versions of the previous model work fine.
 
...it has slightly more focus and clarity in focusing in the near range.
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Current Leica optics have become much like high-end audio gear to me: Ever greater sums of money spent chasing diminishing returns.

If I ever buy an M9 the Nokton 35/1.2 will be the first lens I buy. After that, it'll be vintage glass. No other digital camera in the world can shoot with a Summar! :D
 
I'm about to get myself a 35/1.2, but I've been seeing some shots where the light blobs have "onion rings".

Despite having onion rings yesterday eve as a side to the burger I had, I don't like them in photographs, so I wonder if many copies have this issue or if it's something earlier copies had and current ones don't.

any lights on this? :)
 
umcelinho said:
I'm about to get myself a 35/1.2, but I've been seeing some shots where the light blobs have "onion rings".

Despite having onion rings yesterday eve as a side to the burger I had, I don't like them in photographs, so I wonder if many copies have this issue or if it's something earlier copies had and current ones don't.

any lights on this? :)
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The Nokton has the smoothest bokeh I've seen of any 35mm lens. Not the greatest example, but....these all shot wide open at 1.2.

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robbeiflex said:
They currently go for 850€ new at lapetiteboutiquephoto.com where they are in stock. I've bought from them in the past and was happy with the customer service. Not in the market for one myself but reading this may give me GAS. ;)

Cheers,
Rob
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you shoul find a better price @ foto mundus,I think;)
 
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