40mm f1.4 Nokton Classic SC ??

[Dave Wilkinson]

Increasingly I'm drawn towards this lens - as a fast 'standard' for my newly aquired M2. I'ts reasonably priced for such a fast lens, and looks to be fairly compact. I wonder which framelines will appear, 35 or 50 - a little guess-work will be needed, - obviously more so if the 50's come up, and I'm not keen on accessory finders. How about performance? - especially the single coated option?. Thoughts and experiences using this lens appreciated.

Cheers Dave.

 

[Spyderman]

By default the Nokton will bring up the 50mm frameline on M2. By a simple modification you can make it bring up 35mm frameline, which is much closer to the actual coverage of the 40mm lens. At distances farther than about 2m you can use the 35mm frameline, for closer either use 35 frameline and compose loosely around edges, or use 50 frameline and you can be sure you get much more on film than what you see inside the frameline.

Modification required to bring up 35mm frameline is discussed here: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=912946 (scroll down to post #7 where there is a drawing showing how to modify the bayonet mount)

BTW: I'm using the "35-modified" 40/1.4 on my M6 most of the time...

 

[sleepyhead]

I had the SC version of this lens when I used to own a Minolta CLE and a CL body. I also used it on my R-D1. I thought it was a great lens - small, sharp, good ergonomics (for me), and I never saw any of the bad bokeh problems that you read about on the Net. I never used it on my Leica Ms, so can't comment there, although with practice I'm sure the 35mm or 50mm framelines on the M2 aer usable, as Spyderman says above.

Here's a picture taken with the 40mm Nokton on the R-D1:

 

[ruby.monkey]

I have the SC version, bought new about two years ago. Mine feels a little 'dry' when focussing, but it doesn't affect handling, which is excellent. It's small, fast, and I like the results.

For example,

 

[Chyn]

I use the SC-version with my M2, which happened to be my first M-mount lens. Although I also use a 4th gen Summicron 50mm, the Nokton is my go-to lens because of that extra stop. I've always used the 50mm framelines to compose.

Example of the Nokton's bokeh at f1.4: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chynyj/2955549789/

More examples can be found at the Nokton Flickr Group here:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/nokton40mm/pool/

 

[semrich]

Here is a shot from the first roll with the M2 and the 40mm f1.4 Nokton Classic SC, I'm very happy with it and it isn't to difficult to use it with the 50 frame lines.