Finally! Nokton 50/1.5 in M-mount

[aizan]

i'd normally gripe about the lack of focusing tab, but it is so gorgeous i don't care.

is there really no change in optical design? the bokeh on the ltm version was sometimes iffy, if i remember correctly.

 

[bastian a.]

such an ugly lens ... 🙂

 

[maggieo]

This might be the only thing to pry my C Sonnar 50/1,5 off my M9-P.

 

[umcelinho]

This might be the only thing to pry my C Sonnar 50/1,5 off my M9-P.

and that's a big statement! though i can relate with it, been shooting with a c-sonnar as my main 50 but also love the 1.5 nokton. only thing that puts me off are the onion rings / bullseye effect on bokeh... if it's "fixed" as they did on the 35/1.2 v2 then I'll really have to get myself one.

ps: love your shots on the love my c-sonnar thread 🙂

 

[maggieo]

Thanks!!

I'm looking forward to seeing some photos from the Nokton, though I do love, love, love my C Sonnar.

 

[emiguevara]

what a beauty!

what a beauty!

need to start saving again... fortunately I quit smoking recently 🙂
thinking about it, maybe I should get a second hand first version, to try it out in the meantime.

 

[emiguevara]

onion rings...???

onion rings...???

I didn't know the CV 50/1.5 made those ugly onion rings too...
It is the only reason to complain about the 35/1.2, IMO. And by the way, umcelinho, Cosina did NOT fix this problem with the 35/1.2 v2: the rings, though slightly softer, are still there, check this example in full resolution

http://www.flickr.com/photos/j_tullar/8280637358/sizes/k/in/photostream/

 

[Turtle]

I hope not.
That would mean also a lack of bookeh. As it is in the 35 1.2 case.

Not true.

The difference in bokeh between the 35 1.2 MK I and Mk II is so minuscule even in controlled tests I have seen (exact same shot, same light, same tripod socket) slight variations in focus seemed to have a greater influence. They are as near as dammit identical in this regard.

 

[seakayaker1]

I have a hard time finding a review of the LTM version of this lens, although I heard about focus shift and quality control issues regarding the mechanics, sometimes starting to fall apart after half a year (no offense...)

I suppose they fixed the latter but is there a proper review of the lens? since it was so cheap I guess many didnt bother reviewing

I believe Sean Reed did a review of the 50 LTM in a fast 50 review and gave it high marks. I have owned the lens for the past few years and have never had any issues. I use the LTM version with a LTM to M adaptor and have never been disappointed with the results with use of film or digital.

 

[Godfrey]

I believe Sean Reed did a review of the 50 LTM in a fast 50 review and gave it high marks. I have owned the lens for the past few years and have never had any issues. I use the LTM version with a LTM to M adaptor and have never been disappointed with the results with use of film or digital.

Same here, although only the past year. It is my 'go to' lens with the M9, the one that is always on the camera unless I have some specific other purpose in mind.

G

 

[Harry Lime]

A few years ago Erwin Puts compared the LTM Nokton to the pre-asph Lux and it was a toss up. Reading between the lines it was clear that he was very impressed with it. I think the worst thing that could be said about the LTM Nokton is that it intrudes quite a bit on the viewfinder, but obviously that has been addressed in the new M version.

 

[umcelinho]

I didn't know the CV 50/1.5 made those ugly onion rings too...
It is the only reason to complain about the 35/1.2, IMO. And by the way, umcelinho, Cosina did NOT fix this problem with the 35/1.2 v2: the rings, though slightly softer, are still there, check this example in full resolution

http://www.flickr.com/photos/j_tullar/8280637358/sizes/k/in/photostream/

True, they're there, but barely noticeable, at least to my standards, which is why I'm trying to sell my v1 to fund a v2. And I agree, it's the only thing about the v1 that I don't like, the smaller size and weight of the v2 would be to me a mere bonus.

If Cosina does the same to the 50/1.5 I'll end up getting myself one.

 

[kermaier]

This could be great! I love the pictures I get with the LTM version, but I don't love the size and the 0.9m close focus. The new M version could put a few of my 50s on the chopping block. 🙂

 

[ferider]

Still pretty big with 49mm filter size, Ari. About the size of my converted Pentax lens 🙂

Seriously though, this will be a great lens. Looks very solid, the lack of which always bugged me with the LTM versions.

And I'm sure, once it's out, people will complain about bokeh ....

Wondering if prices of other fast 50s will come down.

 

[joeswe]

A few years ago Erwin Puts compared the LTM Nokton to the pre-asph Lux and it was a toss up. Reading between the lines it was clear that he was very impressed with it. I think the worst thing that could be said about the LTM Nokton is that it intrudes quite a bit on the viewfinder, but obviously that has been addressed in the new M version.

Yes, viewfinder intrusion combined with somewhat questionable ergonomics of the aperture ring. I sold mine because I kept on changing aperture inadvertently while focusing. I am pleased to see that there is a big gap between the two rings on the new version. 🙂

 

[leicashot]

Not true.

The difference in bokeh between the 35 1.2 MK I and Mk II is so minuscule even in controlled tests I have seen (exact same shot, same light, same tripod socket) slight variations in focus seemed to have a greater influence. They are as near as dammit identical in this regard.

Show us a better fast 35mm then? The Summilux in any version is no better than the Nokton.

 

[Sylvester]

Okay, I was going to buy a 50/2 ZM monday, found a good deal... But this new lens... Man I think it would compliment my 35/1.4 Nokton SC... Anyone know when it'll be available?
How long does it normally take to Voigtlander to deliver their new products after they first show them? 1 month? 6? A year?

 

[Roger Hicks]

Beautiful to look at, and I immediately wanted one. Then I thought, why? I use the C-Sonnar far more. Would the Nokton displace it? No. If you've never had one, sure, great lens. If you've already got/had the screw version and use something else more...

Cheers,

R.

 

[Tom A]

Roger, to some extent I agree with you. The only thing is that the new Nokton 50f1.5 looks so damned good! It also is very comfortable in the hand - and I like the old style focussing ring. The LTM version is a bit "smooth" with the barrel ,so it always takes me a while to get used to the focussing ring and aperture. I tried out about 6-7 different variations of barrel at Cosina in September. These were "mock-ups" and uncorrected glass elements. The new lens is also slightly smaller physically - and it focusses down to 0,7 m for those who considers that important.
It will not displace the C Sonnar 50f1.5 or even the old Nokton LTM - but complement it. Looks good on a M2 - and probably on a M3 too.

 

[ray*j*gun]

I know I don't need one but boy do I want one. I guess I'll see what the price is then decide how badly.