horosu
Well-known
I am not a bokeh fanatic , but the OOF areas on the Hexanon 60/1.2 are just awful to my eye. Resolution-wise it seems very sharp. I had one in my hands some time ago and shot some comparison shots with the 50/1.4 ASPH, and the Hex ones were, indeed, sharper, but I wonder if that is not the effect of comparing different focal lengths.
cam
the need for speed
i'm open to anyone chiming in, so thank you!
(evil man that you are, though -- you have the number one lens on my lust list -- the Aspherical!)
leicashot
Well-known
Firstly, I would avoid the Nokton 1.1, if you're thinking 50mm. I've used it a few times and have never been able to like anything about it. Value for money it surely is great, but if you're talking about technical qualities of sharpness wide open and bokeh, it's signature is well below par compared to the other competitors.
The LHSA Summilux ASPH is fantastic, possibly sharper wide open than the regular version, maybe due to it's different coating, being more blue. It's handling is fantastic as I've never liked focus tabs on lenses other than wide angles. The lens is smaller and better balanced on any camera too. Using it without the hood (a must due to the size of the hood) is a pleasure and makes for a very compact kit, like it's original older brother, the pre-asph V1-III. In terms of character, this lens exhibits very little, being the supermodel you always wanted, but all looks and no personality
It's perfect rendering was welcomed when I got it at first release but now I miss the imperfect look. Although if I was to have only one 50mm, it's hard to argue with the ASPH as it does do everything right.I am a big fan of the pre-asph Summilux, and love the VII and VIII due to their size but close focusing can be a pain sometimes being limited to 1m. It's signature is very smooth, and by not being 'too' sharp wide open makes for a classic look with a little character in the bokeh. Definitely THE lens to get for a balance of modern meets classic.
The Hexanon is a 60mm focal length so it's unique in the lineup. Seeing I use my 50's as more of a telephoto than standard, the 60mm is not a stretch. It's really well balanced on the camera as it's slightly wide, but quite short. About 2/3 the height of the Noctilux 0.95 and about the same length as the Summilux ASPH (regular). It's build is solid and sweet. I got myself a self codable adapter and found the best coding to be the 50 Summilux pre-asph. for even colors to the edges. Focus is smooth, but not as much as the Noct 0.95. Aperture is a little bit too smooth, but clicks nicely and there's no problem.
At f/1.2, it's sharpness 'almost' matches the Summilux ASPH, surpassing the pre-asph, but the contrast is on the low side. This is very desirable for use in low light as the shadows have more information and can be easily brought back during post processing. Stopping down to 1.4, sharpness surpasses the Summilux ASPH, especially in the center area and contrast picks up noticeably. Bokeh differences between 1.2 and 1.4 is noticeable, but not by much. For me, I'd use 1.4 most of the time, except for extreme low light situations where I'd want to squeeze out more information.
The lens's character is why I've wanted this lens for the last 5 years. It's amazing, to me. It's very distinct without the craziness of other lenses, including the slightly more wild Hexanon 50/1.2 Ti. It's almost like a slightly more wild Summilux pre-asph but with sharper results. It's effect in OOF areas is of a painterly effect. This is very much related to the 35/2 UC lens which I also have and the pair match 100% in character.
Hope this helps.
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leicashot
Well-known
I'm not sure focal length would have anything to do with it as a 50mm with more depth of field may 'appear' to look sharper. In terms of comparing bokeh, they are totally different. The Summilux ASPH was designed to meet the technical demands lens manufacturing and in this regard it is perfect. If you love the Summilux and enjoy it's bokeh, there's no surprise you don't like the bokeh from the Hexanon as it's aberrations are not so well corrected. This imperfection is what makes the lens so unique and so well sought after compared to other lenses like it's larger brother the 50/1.2 Ti.
cam
the need for speed
Kristian,
thank you so much for your reply! (btw, i was talking about the CV 35/1.2)
i have a 1962 50 Lux and am mad for it -- but the 1m limitation drives me mad which is why i am looking for alternatives.
i must admit the LHSA version sounds tempting because of its size, but the Hex's ectra stop and low contrast (i like that -- most of my work is b/w and i like to do contrast myself) has been calling me too...
i would love it (if you have time) if you could take some more night shots at f/1.2.
again, many thanks.
(and if anybody sees one for sale, give me a holler!)
thank you so much for your reply! (btw, i was talking about the CV 35/1.2
)i have a 1962 50 Lux and am mad for it -- but the 1m limitation drives me mad which is why i am looking for alternatives.
i must admit the LHSA version sounds tempting because of its size, but the Hex's ectra stop and low contrast (i like that -- most of my work is b/w and i like to do contrast myself) has been calling me too...
i would love it (if you have time) if you could take some more night shots at f/1.2.
again, many thanks.
(and if anybody sees one for sale, give me a holler!)
leicashot
Well-known
You're very welcome Cam. Yes the 35mm 1.2 is fantastic, and it's bokeh is something closer to the Summilux ASPH than the Hexanon which is why I have the Hex UC 35/2 lens as well. I'll be doing a Hexanon 60 V Noctilux 0.95, comparing at 0.95, 1.2 and 1.4 in about 2 weeks from now....stay tuned.
cam
the need for speed
exquisite!
though i have a question about that pic -- do the meters no longer take change? i'm visiting home (LaLaLand) for Thanksgiving and want to know if this means i don't need to lug my quarters
back to lenses... you've intrigued me about the UC Hex, but i already have the pre-asph and ASPH (v.1) Lux and an 8-element Cron... the only reason the CV intrigues me is that extra stop (seriously dark bars here!) and closer focusing on the new v2.
i hope the 1.4 in your comparison is the pre-asph as i find the 0.95 footprint just like the 50 Lux Asph. i know you're loving new Nocti for work but, for me, it isn't worth the difference in weight (i have an early version E58) and cost... plus, i much prefer the dreamy glow and imperfections of the f/1.
leicashot
Well-known
exquisite!
though i have a question about that pic -- do the meters no longer take change? i'm visiting home (LaLaLand) for Thanksgiving and want to know if this means i don't need to lug my quarters
back to lenses... you've intrigued me about the UC Hex, but i already have the pre-asph and ASPH (v.1) Lux and an 8-element Cron... the only reason the CV intrigues me is that extra stop (seriously dark bars here!) and closer focusing on the new v2.
i hope the 1.4 in your comparison is the pre-asph as i find the 0.95 footprint just like the 50 Lux Asph. i know you're loving new Nocti for work but, for me, it isn't worth the difference in weight (i have an early version E58) and cost... plus, i much prefer the dreamy glow and imperfections of the f/1.
well the meters take quarters and credit cards
The UC Hex is sweet, sharp wide open but limited to 0.9m close focusing. Small, well built and very sexy!!!
The pre-asph may be in it if I can find one to compare. Would also be good to add the f/1. IMHO if you own the Nocti f/1, there is no need to look at the Hex 1.2 as they both offer the same kinds off signature, only with slightly different personality, if that makes sense. Especially the E58 version which is smaller is size, but still larger than the Hexanon which is very small for what it is. I'm not aware of anything smaller or comparable except for the original Noct 1.2.
horosu
Well-known
I was thinking that the higher magnification of the Hexanon would make things appear sharper, but I may be wrong.
Do you have any problems with back focus on the M9, as it was reported with this and other Konica lenses.
Horea
cam
the need for speed
cool! (i hav a stash pile of quarters from my last visit.)well the meters take quarters and credit cards
The UC Hex is sweet, sharp wide open but limited to 0.9m close focusing. Small, well built and very sexy!!!
The pre-asph may be in it if I can find one to compare. Would also be good to add the f/1. IMHO if you own the Nocti f/1, there is no need to look at the Hex 1.2 as they both offer the same kinds off signature, only with slightly different personality, if that makes sense. Especially the E58 version which is smaller is size, but still larger than the Hexanon which is very small for what it is. I'm not aware of anything smaller or comparable except for the original Noct 1.2.
i will be in L.A. at the end of November and you're more than welcome to use my f/1... there is a debate about whether there is a difference from the later models (i think there is) so maybe it won't be quite fair. (mine was made in 1975 and, i think, was like 235 after the first serial numbers according to the Wiki page).
i also have a gorgeous v2 Lux that you can use -- but, again, i belive the character varies from the v.3. from what i understand, it's more than simply the nearer focusing but, if course, we're talking nuance.
regardless, you are welcome to borrow either or both, if you don't mind putting off your test for a bit.
the Hex still intrigues me because of both its sharpness and, sometimes, those 7-8 inches count a lot! (Yanidel left before i got to try his on my M9.)
to clarify -- the 60/1.2 does focus down to .8m, no?
menos
Veteran
Thanks Kristian for the detailed 50mm opinion, very interesting!
leicashot
Well-known
60mm at f/8 on M9-P
cam
the need for speed
thank you for that tidbit!
very striking!
60mm at f/8 on M9-P
Century City?
leicashot
Well-known
Century City it is Cam
leicashot
Well-known
Leica M9-P with Konica Hexanon 60/1.2 shot wide open
cam
the need for speed
fantastic, Kristian, thank you. and what a patient beautiful girl!
the reflection and shadow in the first is beautiful, but i also love the starkness of the second... sigh.
i am really wanting a fast lens that focuses close after nearly falling out of my chair trying to catch my friend with the Nocti this evening.
on a side note, as we were dining, i was also wondering how appalling it would be to put my used chopsticks in my waist-length hair to keep it up... decided it would be kind of disgusting, so i didn't. nevertheless, the timing of your images cracked me up. thank you!
the reflection and shadow in the first is beautiful, but i also love the starkness of the second... sigh.
i am really wanting a fast lens that focuses close after nearly falling out of my chair trying to catch my friend with the Nocti this evening.
on a side note, as we were dining, i was also wondering how appalling it would be to put my used chopsticks in my waist-length hair to keep it up... decided it would be kind of disgusting, so i didn't. nevertheless, the timing of your images cracked me up. thank you!
Toni Nikkanen
Well-known
Update
Update
So... the years come and go, but the good lenses remain good lenses. What kind of prices do the Hexanon-M 50/1.2 and 60/1.2 go for these days?
Update
So... the years come and go, but the good lenses remain good lenses. What kind of prices do the Hexanon-M 50/1.2 and 60/1.2 go for these days?
tomtofa
Well-known
Some 50s are on the Bay for around $3000-$3500; think the 60s are somewhat more when they are available.
menos
Veteran
The last time, I was kind of close to a 60/1.2 Hex is a few years back, when a friend offered me one.
I am still kicking myself for not biting back then. I had no clue, what this lens is about back then.
I am still kicking myself for not biting back then. I had no clue, what this lens is about back then.
flip
良かったね！
I remember when I got my 60 for around 2K 3 years ago. A month later, I saw one got for $1200 and just about died. Now, good luck finding one for the price fo those two combined (or at all, really). The 50's I see for sale often enough, just expensively.
I love them both, but I still use the 35/1.2 more than either, which says a lot for CV.
I love them both, but I still use the 35/1.2 more than either, which says a lot for CV.