Bille
Well-known
I am considering the new Nokton 50/1.5. The silver version sells for significantly more here. Is there just a cosmetic difference between the two or anything that would affecting handling / longevity / anything else?
Thanks
Thanks
furcafe
Veteran
I only have personal experience w/the chrome version, but Cosina specs (http://www.cosina.co.jp/seihin/voigt/english/standard-e.html) state that it is significantly heavier than the black version, similar to Leica lenses. So mostly cosmetic IMHO, though some prefer heavier lenses in handling & chrome plate finishes (which the new Nokton appears to have, though it's not as dense as the LTM original from the '50s) tend to hold up better, on Leica lenses anyway, than the various black chrome & black paint finishes.
KyleCharles
Vagabond
The silver version is chrome plated brass. The black version is aluminum (not sure if it is anodized or black paint).
Erik van Straten
Veteran
I have a chrome plated one. It is not (much) heavier than a chrome Summicron 50 mm rigid.
The performance of the lens is outstanding.
The only thing about the lens that I do not like, is the shade that comes with the lens. Happily I found a shade on eBay that fits the lens much better and looks better too.
Erik.
The performance of the lens is outstanding.
The only thing about the lens that I do not like, is the shade that comes with the lens. Happily I found a shade on eBay that fits the lens much better and looks better too.
Erik.
Laviolette
Established
The build quality of the chrome lens is excellent. Great image quality too.
I eventually returned my copy though as I found the focussing action to be too stiff, I don't know if it was my lens that was problematic, but the focussing was about as stiff as a Hasselblad V-series lens. Combined with the knurled grip it was a bit hard on my fingers. Anyone else had this problem with his/her copy?
I eventually returned my copy though as I found the focussing action to be too stiff, I don't know if it was my lens that was problematic, but the focussing was about as stiff as a Hasselblad V-series lens. Combined with the knurled grip it was a bit hard on my fingers. Anyone else had this problem with his/her copy?
Pioneer
Veteran
I picked up the chrome version as it looks quite stunning on my chrome M3. I doubt however that there is any real performance difference between the two.
furcafe
Veteran
Haven't handled a V-series lens recently, but my Nokton doesn't seem any stiffer than modern (1980s-present) Leica or various Japanese manual focus lenses, including other Cosina Voigtlander/Zeiss ZM, Konica, or Nikon AiS lenses.
kshapero
South Florida Man
I have had both (still have the black one). They are identical in performance. The hood that comes with it looks better on the black version IMHO.
furcafe
Veteran
I agree that the chrome version is prettier & since I take better photos when I'm using a pretty lens, there is a performance difference. 
Laviolette
Established
It was probably my copy then, as it was much stiffer than my 35mm C-Biogon and my 50mm Nokton 1.5 LTM.
traveler_101
American abroad
Doesn't the chrome version command a 20% higher price?
Bille
Well-known
About that, yes.
taemo
eat sleep shoot
I have a chrome plated one. It is not (much) heavier than a chrome Summicron 50 mm rigid.
The performance of the lens is outstanding.
The only thing about the lens that I do not like, is the shade that comes with the lens. Happily I found a shade on eBay that fits the lens much better and looks better too.
Erik.
Erik, that hood looks great!, care to share where you got yours?
I as well don't really like the shade that the Nokton comes with, the lens is phenomenal though!