35mm Ultron M vs LTM vs Nokton f1.4?

[Archiver]

I have the Nokton 35/1.4 and enjoy it a lot. But a few years ago, I got poorly calibrated copy of the LTM Ultron, and loooooved the way it rendered. It had gorgeous tiny sunstars and a really 'organic' rendering on the M9. The handling was really nice, too, and it just felt like the right length, right focus throw. Unfortunately, it would not focus properly, and I had to return it.

The new 35mm Ultron M has a different optical formula and coatings and is therefore a different lens, name aside.

From the images I've seen on the internet, I can't tell whether the new Ultron has the same kind of rendering characteristics as the old LTM version. Nor can I really determine if the Ultron is worth getting if I've already got the f1.4 and f1.2 Noktons.

Does anyone have experience and suggestions regarding these lenses?

 

[Gregm61]

I have three 35’s, the Ultron VM, Summicron f2 ASPH and the newest 35mm Summilux ASPH FLE. The Ultron is right up there with the other two optically, physically sticks out into the finder a little further than the other two and is the superior of the three for contra-light shooting and out of focus rendering/transitions are smoother. It can show the odd-flare at times but it’s not nearly as prone to it as the two Leica units I own.

Physically it’s an acquired taste. I’ve seen lots of complaints about the knurled focus ring. I have no issues with it. I do wish the depth of field scale was more complete, but the focus travel from near focus to infinity is somewhat short so what’s there is probably the practical choice.

If you don’t have the funds for a Summicron or Summilux, the Ultron optically is a no-compromise option for an M-digital body

 

[Erik van Straten]

The LTM version is optically great (beautiful rendering actually) and can be used on the screw mount Leicas. There is zero distortion. The Noktons 35mm/40mm suffer badly from this.
Mechanically I've had never any problems with mine.

Erik.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

The LTM version claimed to be prone to hazing in one recent RFF thread. More than one copy and more than one user.
And it is known to have lens block getting loose. But, I guess, If you are using it as the only one lens, not as part of rotating collection.
Both VM and LTM are for slow photography, unfortunately, due to absence of focus tab.
At least for my photography style.
Then I had LTM it was superior optically to Scopar and as I could see now very close to Summarit-M 35. Sure enough it developed loose lens block just as Skopar PII did after use as the only lens. But no hazing. I sold it only because it was slowing me down with tabless focusing. Should just add quick DIY one. With VM it is next to impossible.

Nokton is copy of Summilux and one well used copy I had in hands was very pleasing in handling. Just like I need it to be.
Here is no other alternative for lens build like true RF lens, size, 35mm and f1.4 at the price of even new Nokton. But I'm not sure if I want it as the only lens. I'm not so punctive about distortions, but bokeh from this lens seems to be odd from time to time.
Ultron was just pleasantly classic in this regard.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Leica M2, Ultron Aspherical 35mm f/1.7 LTM, 400-2TMY.

Erik.

 

[Archiver]

Thank you, kind folks. I guess I'll have to find a shop that has one on display and take some test images, and try out the handling. If only the LTM focused properly, I would have kept and treasured it. The way it rendered was just so nice!