Leica 75mm f/1.25 Noctilux

[Rob-F]

You will have to lock your portrait subject in a neck vise to keep them from moving while you focus your camera. 😀

Dan, how did you find out about the neck vise? The press release on this $7,999 accessory isn't due out for a month yet! 😀

 

[robert blu]

It's going to be a wonderful lens for folks who need it and can justify the cost.

I'm not one of them on either count these days.

We live in a world where there are options, all in all it's not a bad place. I'm not sure that anyone here is a Leica hater. Frankly I look at the cost and think new (to me) car.

B2 (;->

+1, well written...🙂

robert

 

[sleepyhead]

This new lens, and the 50/0.95 upon which it's based, look like wonderful creations, and I echo what has been stated above: I'm glad that Leica designs and produces these type of lenses to show what is possible.

Having said that, I didn't replace my old 50/1 Noctilux with the more modern f/0.95 version, and I have no desire (from what I've seen so far) to replace my 75/1.4 Summilux with this 75mm Noctilux.

This is because I think the new lenses are too good, and I, like many others, prefer the somewhat softer, imperfect, rendition of the older lenses. I like that the older lenses exhibit different character wide open compared to stopped down 2-3 stops.

 

[james.liam]

This $12k optic will prove popular with the jejune, nouveau riche, Coca Cola & Bordeaux set in Shanghai. Until they grow bored or head for the monstrous & criminal dogmeat festival.

 

[presspass]

Many years ago, when prices were somewhat more reasonable, I bought a new 75 1.4 Summilux. The lens is now very well used; the glass is pristine but the exterior shows signs of use. It even made one trip to DAG when an element came loose. It remains a wonderful lens with film Ms and even focuses accurately with my M8 when I use a 1.25 magnifier. Would I trade this Mandler design for the new Leica one, even if it were an even trade? Not on your life.

 

[jsrockit]

Leica just threw another log on the fires of Leica hate that burn in the bellies of the small minded; good for them! 😀

Haha , true...

 

[rcubed]

Bump from the dead.
https://leicarumors.com/2019/04/12/new-lens-7artisans-75mm-f-1-25-lens-for-leica-m-mount.aspx/
7a's direct competition for this lens.

 

[Canyongazer]

I know several people who have the 50mm F/0.95 Noctilux on the SL and nail most (95%) of the images, even wide open.

-Brad

Brad, you clearly travel in more exclusive circles than do I.
I don't know even one person who has so much as heard of the Noctilux.
🙂

 

[Emile de Leon]

Noctilux is a rare rare beast..like the unicorn...rarely seen..

 

[oldoc]

Users of the Summilux 75/1.4 already report online how difficult itis to focus this lens. Now, make the max aperture even larger, and have fun trying to challenge your eye sight!

Truth. The description of increased detail at f/1.25 vs. the 1.4, and the same as f/4 are mildly tempting. But I am satisfied with my 'lux and would not pay 12,000 dollars for something tougher to focus. If I had the vision of an F-22 pilot, maybe...but then I would not have to coin.

 

[oldoc]

Using the M240 with LiveView will make focusing very easy.

There is a learning curve though...

 

[Calzone]

Ely at the Leica Store in SoHo mounted the 75 Noctilux on my SL to try.

Balanced well on the SL and has an impressive build quality. The rendering I found to be really pretty.

Of course I was not interested in buying this lens because it is too specialized and at the price not practical. Also for shallow DOF I stack a Novaflex F-mount to Leica M-mount to Leica T-mount to use my Noct-Nikkor on my SL and I'm able to utilize the Noctilux F1.2 profile on the Noct-Nikkor.

Focusing is not a problem. I find that focus peaking is less accurate than depressing the joy stick for a zoom-in. Touching the shutter release gives me full frame for composition.

In comparing the Noct-Nikkor 58/1.2 to the 75 Noctilux the DOF is surely narrower, but the 75 has a stronger snap to the focus. With the zoom-in fine detail to focus on is not a problem. Also because of the longer focal length the fine detail required to focus is amplified. Know that the joystick works to re-position the zoomed in spot, so you are not locked into the center for the zoom-in.

Cal

 

[valdas]

I wasted the whole two minutes of my life scanning this thread and WHAT? No pictures?

 

[leicapixie]

These lenses are NOT for using but posing by photographer owners..
Really use them? Sacre-Bleu that's sacrilege wearing the lens elements away..

 

[Calzone]

These lenses are NOT for using but posing by photographer owners..
Really use them? Sacre-Bleu that's sacrilege wearing the lens elements away..

LP,

Surely if I owned one I would use it.

It is pretty rude to be profiled as a wealthy dentist if you own expensive gear.

I have been called such because I own a Leica Monochrom. I have also been called such because I own and shoot a Leica SL.

I don't want to profile you, but I'm an old guy who worked hard his own life, and I suspect you likely might be younger.

BTW my gear I use heavily. My MM displays silvering where the black anodize is worn away. Honest wear. Before Leica replaced my sensor for free the covering was worn smooth from my fingertips by where the grip was mounted.

I'm a skinny guy, but I have an ugly fat neck of a football player from carrying cameras. My right arm is actually deformed and is an inch longer than my left from carrying cameras.

I don't take your post personally, but realize that some people work hard for their money, and that some people are not posers like you suggest.

Cal