Finally! Nokton 50/1.5 in M-mount

[agoglanian]

Part of me wants to still try the 50mm Summilux ASPH, but the reality is that I'm spending another $2k or so for that last maybe 10% over what my Summicron (and even this Nokton) can deliver. To me it squarely falls outside of the need category. I don't however like having duplicate focal lengths (I'm not one to keep a lot of equipment) so I find myself in a slightly funny position.

I will say though that the Nokton handles way better without the lens hood on. It blocks far less of the frame.

 

[Erik van Straten]

the Nokton handles way better without the lens hood on. It blocks far less of the frame.

The original shade is very unpleasant in use. Try to find something like this. Feels much nicer and doesn't cut off much from the image in the viewfinder.

Erik.

 

[agoglanian]

Yes! That's perfect, where did you find that Erik?

 

[Bruno Gracia]

its not the lux asph. much better lens?

I thought the Nokton delivers contrasty images and less micro-contrast sharpness.

So Im gonna give it another chance! lets try to forget ASPH. lenses and make pockets happier!

 

[Erik van Straten]

Abram, I am sorry, I only see this post now. I found it on eBay Germany. In Germany are many shops that sell small things on eBay.

Bruno, the Nokton is also an aspherical lens.

Erik.

 

[Bruno Gracia]

Erik, You're right!

Then is just the optical design in which resides difference. I've got the Chrome version which is beautifully made and even shorter than the lux asph.

I cannot way to spend the whole role and see what offers. I like to use 50 as a portrait lens but I've recently discovered much more uses with the Barnack 🙂

Bruno

 

[taemo]

i keep thinking of selling my Nokton 50mm then at the last minute I change my mind.
At this point I think I'm keeping it for good when I need a high-res modern lens.
Then have a 50 cron collapsible and J-8 when I need a more classic look.
L1002373 by Earl Dieta, on Flickr
L1002427 by Earl Dieta, on Flickr
L1002425 by Earl Dieta, on Flickr

 

[BLKRCAT]

I got mine.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Great shot, BLKRCAT! Very nice sharpness, tonality and composition. Congratulations with your Nokton.

Erik.

 

[BLKRCAT]

Thanks Erik! I hope to have many fun shots with the Nokton. First impression on performance is very impressive, even at 1.5.

 

[Erik van Straten]

First impression on performance is very impressive, even at 1.5.

Yes, it is an impressive lens.

Erik.

 

[Papercut]

Love the images in this thread! They impelled me to purchase this lens, actually.

Sadly, however, it is being returned. It had a frustrating focus shift (varying amounts) in all apertures from f1.5 to f4 when used at any focus point less than 4-5 feet. After seeing the first negs of a portrait (focused on the eyes and the chin was sharp), I tested it on two film bodies and it was definitely off on both. Sad day sending it back because the overall look was very fine.

 

[BLKRCAT]

Leica M4, Nokton-M 50mm f/1.5, Kodak Plus-X.

 

[BLKRCAT]

Leica M4, Nokton-M 50mm f/1.5, Ilford FP4+.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Leica M5, Nokton-M 50mm f/1.5, Tmax400.

Erik.

 

[BLKRCAT]

Leica M4, Nokton-M 50mm f/1.5, Kodak Plus-X.

 

[BLKRCAT]

Leica M4, Nokton-M 50mm f/1.5, Kodak Tri-X.

 

[Erik van Straten]

.

Sadly, however, it is being returned. It had a frustrating focus shift (varying amounts) in all apertures from f1.5 to f4 when used at any focus point less than 4-5 feet.

Strange. My copy has no (noticable) focus shift whatsoever.

BLKRCAT: Great shots! Oh, I love that one with the lips.

Erik.

 

[BLKRCAT]

Always appreciated Erik! I look forward to your next string of postings throughout rff also

@papercut I don't seem to notice any focus shift either. My pool police image was shot at f2 and focus is accurate. Are you sure it wasn't your body?

 

[BLKRCAT]

Leica M4, Nokton-M 50mm f/1.5, Kodak Plus-X.