Leica to Voigtlander. Am I crazy?

[NicoM]

I have a nice Leica 35mm Summicron V4 Canada that I'm trying to sell... because I'm tempted by the Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.2.

Would you consider this change a downgrade? Thoughts?

 

[Balto]

I sold my 1.2 II for a 35 cron asph and have never looked back. Unless you shoot it at 1.2 95% of the time its just to big and bulky to be practical.

 

[jondotkom]

If the Nokton renders sweetly to your eyes, why not?

 

[Chris Bail]

I don't have the V4 summicron, but I do have a V3, and the Nokton 35/1.2. The 35/1.2 is really, really nice, and great when I need the extra speed. It's also a big, heavy beast.

If you're looking for a little extra speed, maybe consider the 35/1.4 Nokton (and keep the Summicron)? I find myself reaching for that, more than the 1.2 because of the huge size and weight difference.

 

[NicoM]

I do love the rendering and sometimes wish for less DOF. The dream is the Summilux, but $5K is, well... $5k.

 

[Pablito]

you would be trading a superb general use lens that's easy to carry around for a heavy, bulky specialty niche item. But then for all I know you only shoot on the street at night...

 

[f16sunshine]

Go for it!
It's a sideways move not upgrade or downgrade in anyway. Both can do special things in their own way.
Follow your desire to explore new things. It's just a lens. There will be another you wish to try coming soon😛

 

[NicoM]

Thanks guys! I think I'm going to go for it.. as soon as I sell my Cron!

 

[kshapero]

THe Nok 35/1.2 renders beautifully all the way through. Love it, but just too big for me. Loved it.

 

[raid]

The Noton is too large of a lens to be practical for use. The Summicron is (in my opinion) a step above.

 

[quadtones]

Owned the V4 Summicron and the f1.2 Nokton and used them both, depending on whether I wanted to travel light or needed the speed. Sold the Nokton to partially fund a Monochrom and still miss it. I'll probably buy another in the future. Highly recommended, with a unique signature.

 

[NicoM]

I don't really have a problem with lens size after coming from a DSLR. The 35 Nokton is comparable to a DSLR kit lens in size, which is still quite small.

 

[wafflecakee]

And when I sell my blad, I want your kit!

 

[thegman]

Ultra fast lenses tend to be a bit big for me, I don't especially mind large cameras, but not for a wee 35mm frame. If you want/need the speed though, why not.

 

[Chris Bail]

I don't really have a problem with lens size after coming from a DSLR. The 35 Nokton is comparable to a DSLR kit lens in size, which is still quite small.

You may like the handling if the big Nokton lens then. I quite enjoy the SLR-like focusing and handling of the 35/1.2, just not the weight when carrying it around on a walk or in the bag.

 

[wogg]

I have 2 35s, one Cron asph and the other the CV 1.2 (version 1). I love them both. When weight matters, or daytime color perfection, I use the cron. But I do use the 1.2 very often, sometimes in harsh light to pull down contrast at small aperture, but a lot wide open with human subjects. It has the most beautiful draw, so fun to play with. The CV 50 1.5 and 75 1.8 also have extremely pretty renderings on full frame.

 

[Pioneer]

There are so many awesome lenses out there today that we should worry less about whether it is or isn't made by Leica, and more about whether it complements our style. This is a great time to be shooting rangefinders.

 

[Johann Espiritu]

I have both the 35 Cron ASPH and the 35 Nokton 1.2 (in chrome!). The Nokton is a big and heavy beast - but IMHO, no other 35 has as much character. The Cron goes on when size is an issue (traveling, mostly), but if I can take the weight, the Nokton stays on duty.

Some Nokton samples:

* by The Johann Espiritu™, on Flickr

Bunny [+Honey] by The Johann Espiritu™, on Flickr

 

[Archiver]

The Nokton 35/1.2 is a wonderful lens, and I love its character, but I prefer using the Nokton 35/1.4 due to its size and relative speed. As much as I like the f1.2, I prefer not to have a lens that protrudes and dangles like an unused erection.

 

[wafflecakee]

So eloquent!