traveler_101
American abroad
My feeling is that Raid is going to end up buying this lens--the black version though.
raid
Dad Photographer
Well, i am buying the ltm version in black. It has been modified for close focus.
Pioneer
Veteran
I bought mine in chrome, so I must be a poseur by definition. 
However I will say that it is a FINE looking piece of glass.
However (why is there always a but), after a month I don't like the results as much as I like those from my C Sonnar. I'll play with it for a while longer, I may find an application where I prefer it. But it hasn't triggered my buttons like the Nokton 50/1.1 has.
If nothing else it will certainly make good trading material though.
However I will say that it is a FINE looking piece of glass.However (why is there always a but), after a month I don't like the results as much as I like those from my C Sonnar. I'll play with it for a while longer, I may find an application where I prefer it. But it hasn't triggered my buttons like the Nokton 50/1.1 has.
If nothing else it will certainly make good trading material though.
Bille
Well-known
Does the new Nokton 50/1.5 share the same optical formula with the older LTM type?
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
It is possible to chrome plate alloys - but it is quite complex. You have to "strike" a layer of copper on the alloy first, then nickel and after that chrome. The material build up interferes with tolerances and it is prone to "flake" a bit. I did a series of Rapidwinders in chrome on alloy. gave me lots of problems with "ridging" along edges - it was easier to go to a brushed finish instead.
Erik van Straten
Veteran
How I understand it, yes. The filtersize is smaller, but I think the size of the optical elements is the same.
However, the coating of the elements is very different. On lenses like this, with many air-glass surfaces, coating is very important.
Someone has to do a lens test to compare the old and the new versions. I would like to do it, but I am too busy with work.
Erik.
raid
Dad Photographer
I have the old version. If anyone mails me his new lens, I can do such a testing.
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
While in Japan last week I borrowed a chrome M-Nokton 50mm f1.5. I have had the black one for while it has become my main 50 - almost displacing the C Sonnar 50mm f1.5 from "favourite" 50mm status. Optically there is of course no difference between the chrome and black - but the chrome looks pretty damned good on a M2!
M2, Visoflex III, V-Elmar 65f3.5, Kodak Double X - developed in Td 201.
traveler_101
American abroad
While in Japan last week I borrowed a chrome M-Nokton 50mm f1.5. I have had the black one for while it has become my main 50 - almost displacing the C Sonnar 50mm f1.5 from "favourite" 50mm status. Optically there is of course no difference between the chrome and black - but the chrome looks pretty damned good on a M2!
M2, Visoflex III, V-Elmar 65f3.5, Kodak Double X - developed in Td 201.
Wow, great combo! Look at what Raid is missing! I don't have to worry about the temptation because my Leica is a IIIf and I would never put a large lens on it anyway. So far I've avoided predictions made two years ago when I asked for advice about my Leica purchase that I would come down with GAS and soon buy a Leica M series camera. Reading threads like this, however, doesn't help my resolve.
But what I really don't understand is why someone who has an M camera is determined to buy a new Nokton 50/1.5 WOULDN'T pick up the M mount version in chrome. I'm sitting here almost in amazement, reading that the chrome version is basically "indistinguishable" from Leica quality at 1/4 the price. Who wouldn't go for that? I mean, if you already have the older LTM version, well I can see the reluctance to replace it with an optically similar lens, but buying a LTM version for a M camera when the incredibly attractive, solidly built M mount lens is available? It will become a modern "classic." Beats me how some people do their calculations.
Erik van Straten
Veteran
Leica M2, Nokton-M 50mm f/1.5, Tmax400.
Erik.
Erik.
Erik van Straten
Veteran
Leica M2, Nokton-M 50mm f/1.5, Tmax400.
Erik
Erik
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
It has a certain sculptural quality in chrome! Nikon F3HP, Zeiss ZM Macro Planar 50mm f2.0. Adox Slivermax, rated at @160 and developed in Td 201.
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
Old truck on US 101 (Redwoods). M-Nokton 50mm f1.5 (chrome), Kodak XX, M2 and Td 201developer. Close focus too.
Erik van Straten
Veteran
It has a certain sculptural quality in chrome! Nikon F3HP, Zeiss ZM Macro Planar 50mm f2.0. Adox Slivermax, rated at @160 and developed in Td 201.
Interesting serial number you have, Tom, 823000X. Mine is 8330327, and I thought mine was early! Yours must be some kind of prototype.
What a lens. Surely beats all other 50's I have, and I have a lot of them.
Erik.
thompsonks
Well-known
Yes, but the coating is supposed to have been improved.
computer controlled
Established
M6 and CV 50 1.5
Another happy user =o]
Another happy user =o]
RBullCZ
Member
mikewebster
Newbie
Nokton 50/1.5
Nokton 50/1.5
Has anyone used an m-adapter and the Nokton 50/1.5 on the Olympus E-M1?
If so, what's been your experience? Any input would be helpful.
Nokton 50/1.5
Has anyone used an m-adapter and the Nokton 50/1.5 on the Olympus E-M1?
If so, what's been your experience? Any input would be helpful.
traveler_101
American abroad
The 50/1.5 Nokton silver in chrome, yes chrome
"A certain sculptural quality." Great image making (nice shots computer controlled and Erik). Fantastic looks. This lens gives me a frightening case of GAS.
biomed
Veteran
I use the original LTM 50/1.5 with my u4/3 camera. It is my favorite lens. I don't see why the new version would be any different.