Noctilux 1.0 versus Summilux 50mm - d.o.f. aspects and long focus throw

[Muizen]

Often the narrow d.o.f. at f1.0 is held against the Noctilux because of the difficulty to reach sharp focus. The Summilux 50mm is then considered easier to use, without a focusing problem ever mentioned. However the differences are not that great!
At f1.0 and 1m distance the d.o.f of the Noctilux is 2.3 cm; while the Summilux 50mm at f1.4 and 1m distance only has a d.o.f of 3.2 cm. At a distance of e.g. 3m the Noctilux shows a d.o.f. of 21.6 cm and the Summilux a d.o.f. of 31.2 cm.
I wonder how important this argument against the Noctilux really is?

Another inconvenience of the Noctilux mentioned is the long focus throw (the long turn of the focus ring to lock it in). But is this really a problem? If I estimate the shooting distance and first adjust the focus ring to this estimate, I can thereafter easily reach correct sharpness with a simple turn of the focus ring.
I am impressed with what I read about the capabilities of the Noctilux and plan to buy a f1.0 on my M9. However I try to be realistic about the pro's and con's and I am certainly fully aware of the relative high weight!

P.S.: I already posted this thread in another forum but did not get satisfying response

 

[MikeL]

Muizen, I think the only satisfying response you'll get is your own, after using a noctilux for awhile. You'll determine whether you need f1 enough or want the look.

It sounds like you are set on getting one, so I'd find one for a good/decent price, use it, and then sell it if the trade-offs are not worth the image difference (look).

I'd like to get another some day, but for the majority of pictures I take, it is a real luxury, versus useful tool.

 

[ramosa]

Muizen:


The Nocti must be the most dreamed of lens. I think you're onto some of the critical pros and cons, of which size seems to be most commonly noted. Give it a try--and let us know what you think. In regards to 50s, I started with a Cron and then moved to a Lux. No complaints ... though the Nocti's allure remains a constant.

R

 

[furcafe]

I have both the old Noct & the pre-ASP Summilux & can confirm that, in my opinion @ least, neither the narrow DoF nor the long distance throw are real problems when shooting. As w/anything else: Practice makes perfect.

Often the narrow d.o.f. at f1.0 is held against the Noctilux because of the difficulty to reach sharp focus. The Summilux 50mm is then considered easier to use, without a focusing problem ever mentioned. However the differences are not that great!
At f1.0 and 1m distance the d.o.f of the Noctilux is 2.3 cm; while the Summilux 50mm at f1.4 and 1m distance only has a d.o.f of 3.2 cm. At a distance of e.g. 3m the Noctilux shows a d.o.f. of 21.6 cm and the Summilux a d.o.f. of 31.2 cm.
I wonder how important this argument against the Noctilux really is?

Another inconvenience of the Noctilux mentioned is the long focus throw (the long turn of the focus ring to lock it in). But is this really a problem? If I estimate the shooting distance and first adjust the focus ring to this estimate, I can thereafter easily reach correct sharpness with a simple turn of the focus ring.
I am impressed with what I read about the capabilities of the Noctilux and plan to buy a f1.0 on my M9. However I try to be realistic about the pro's and con's and I am certainly fully aware of the relative high weight!

P.S.: I already posted this thread in another forum but did not get satisfying response

 

[matt335]

Muizen, I think the lux would be easier to use, but that depends on your style of photography. The Nocti is an amazing lens. It takes a while to get used to for all the reasons you've mentioned. But it's alluring once you see an image is like a siren calling you. It's not everyone's cup of tea. The Lux is also a beautiful lens and may I say easier to use. Good luck !

 

[maddoc]

There are two points to consider before buying a f/1.0 Noctilux, first that lens is usually quite old and may need need some attention, say service (calibration) by Leica. Second, many photographer have problems with their eye-sight and can not focus exactly enough in dim light when subject contrast is low.

I once made a test and gave my - Leica serviced and matched - Noctilux/ M4-P to somebody with tested 100% perfect eyesight and who has never used a manual camera before. I had set exposure, explained the principle of focusing a RF camera and asked to have my portrait taken at ~1.5m and f/1.0. That person took one shot and focus was spot-on my eye.

If there is enough time to take the shot and the subject focus range can be anticipated then also street photography is no problem with a Noctilux at f/1.0. If taking a photo has to be fast and focus can`t be pre-set then it is impossible to focus fast enough due to the well damped and long focus throw.

 

[peter_n]

As most have said, you have to get used to it. I also have both lenses and the lighter weight of the Summilux is nice, but I like the pictures from the Noctilux better. I get more comments about pix taken with the Noctilux than any other lens I use, and they are complimentary and generally come from people who aren't interested in cameras/lenses. I use mine on a 0.85x mag film M and have 20/20 vision in my camera eye so no problems with focusing if there is sufficient time. Get one and try it for yourself. Once you get used to the size and weight you won't even think about it and it can be a wonderful all-round 50mm.