And now, for something completely different

[Bike Tourist]

The past few months, since getting my M262 and parting from my Nikon system, I've been completely engaged in shooting with one lens, the Summarit 50mm f2.4. I like it. I like everything about it. Except, I've wished at times for something a little faster and a little wider.

The natural follow on might be the Leica or Zeiss offerings but I don't want to challenge my budget again so soon after acquiring the M. My income stream from stock is starting to dry up as I knew it had to at some point. What to do?

I ordered a Voigtlander 35mm f1.2. I hope all those good reports on the lens were not paid for by Cosina!

 

[Out to Lunch]

While some prefer the 1.4 version of this lens, I have been using the 1.2 since 2009 and I love it. I don't think you will be disappointed.

 

[Bike Tourist]

While some prefer the 1.4 version of this lens, I have been using the 1.2 since 2009 and I love it. I don't think you will be disappointed.

Well, I'll know tomorrow if FedEx performs on schedule. It seems the ultimate in versatility if the apertures at f1.2 and f22 are useable.

 

[Papercut]

I used a friend's v2 just for a few minutes in 2014. Lots of the hype around the Nokton seems to have died down of late, but I'd buy one eagerly if I wasn't so allergic to larger lenses. (Last couple of years, I keep going smaller and smaller -- a IIIc + Elmar 50/3.5 is the latest addition here.) It's has lovely rendering wide open.

One example from my few moments shooting the 1.2 v2.


untitled by KevinL, on Flickr

 

[Bike Tourist]

Nice one, Kevin. Looks like you had the aperture open fairly wide.

 

[helen.HH]

I think the 'Summarit's'
be it the old classic 50 1.5
to the modern f2,5,f2.4are just magical !
Besutiful crisp rich b&w
soft color palatte shooting color

I would be quite satusfied with the summarits

The nokton 35 1.2 is dreamy ... but too big for everyday

Great choices in lenses ... Enjoy !!

 

[Papercut]

Nice one, Kevin. Looks like you had the aperture open fairly wide.

IIRC, it was 1.2 or 1.4 ... only thing truly sharp on the negative is the fella's left eye. I really love how the lens treated the background and I would have purchased a copy for myself, except for the size. If you're okay with the bulk, I can't imagine that the photographic results will disappoint you.

 

[Bike Tourist]

For the record, my Nokton ASPH II 35mm f1.2 arrived yesterday and, based on my limited use, my impressions:

This is a heavy beast! I think the density is about equal to the sun's interior. But it is rock solid. The aperture ring detents are positive, much more than my Summarit. I thought I would prefer a focus tab but the focus ring is no problem for me. The viewfinder obscuring is about what I'd expected. I need to pay attention so that there are no surprises in the lower right hand corner of the image. But, isn't that what Leica photography is all about? Paying attention and mindfullness?

I've been pleased with the images. Having a range between f1.2 and f22 makes the lens extremely versatile. For my purposes all the f-stops are useable. The focus seems dead on.

Now for the one gripe. I didn't buy the dedicated lens shade but I found and old metal 52mm Nikon WA that works perfectly (while obscuring just a little more viewfinder). But the supplied lens cap is shakey and won't stay on. No problem I thought, since I prefer to keep the lens shade on all the time. I'll just fit a 72mm lens cap on the end of the lens shade. But, that kept popping off, too! As a temporary fix I use a 52mm UV filter screwed on for a lens cap. Maybe, if I spring for the factory lens shade a lens cap could fit the end of it and stay on since it tapers inward.

Anyway, I think I'll keep it.