Noctilux for the M8

[Freakscene]

The Konica 50/1.2 flares more than the Noctilux. It also displays focus shift.

Tightsqueez is correct except in flare resistance, in which the Noctilux is among the very best of lenses and the reason it is so useful for me.

Take photos and post them when you get your lens.

Marty

 

[kin]

On the M8, you would need an IR/UV filter to remove the IR colour overcasts so wouldn't this cause flare anyway for the Noctilux? Or does the lens resist flare even with filters on?

Yes, you can shoot without filters but you wouldn't have coding and vignetting compensation and only get colour correct in BW work.

 

[maddoc]

On the M8, you would need an IR/UV filter to remove the IR colour overcasts so wouldn't this cause flare anyway for the Noctilux? Or does the lens resist flare even with filters on?

Yes, you can shoot without filters but you wouldn't have coding and vignetting compensation and only get colour correct in BW work.

The Noctilux doesn't resist flare with a filter mounted but compared to other lenses increase of flare is marginal.

Important is to find a proper calibrated lens or have it calibrated by somebody with experience.

 

[furcafe]

As maddoc wrote, flare caused by a filter is independent of flare from a lens, which in the case of the Noctilux is minimal (less than any other lens I've owned). However, in my experience, the UV-IR cut filters (I use B+W & Leica) are susceptible to flare artifacts when there's a strong light source on the edge of the frame or just outside. So if you use a Noctilux to shoot a lot of stage shows, etc., this is a problem you should be prepared for.

On the M8, you would need an IR/UV filter to remove the IR colour overcasts so wouldn't this cause flare anyway for the Noctilux? Or does the lens resist flare even with filters on?

Yes, you can shoot without filters but you wouldn't have coding and vignetting compensation and only get colour correct in BW work.

 

[eleskin]

Well I took the plunge today for $4500. I bought it on ebay. It is the later version, and has just been adjusted at Solms for the M8. Yes, I know what this thing can and cannot do. I figured at 43, I am not getting younger, my eyes are good, and i have alot of creative energy. This is something I have been wanting since 1993, so for me, this was a good move.

I have to say when I pushed that BUY IT NOW tab on Ebay, my heart rate jumped. It is not every day, or year, I buy something like this.

 

[sevres_babylone]

Geez. My eyes haven't been good since I was 10! But if I had the money, I would get one too. I hope it brings you many years of enjoyment.

 

[washy21]

Great stuff. I did exactly the same last year and I'm still smiling.

 

[markgay]

My eyes have been bad since I got measles at 10 and due to isolation missed the first man on the moon!

The Noctilux is no problem at all, nor is the rangefinder-viewfinder, though I opt for the .85 finder on the M7 and a 1.25 magnifier on the M8 - which gives you the same view on both.

In fact, looking down an SLR tube was much harder on the vision.

Congrats on the purchase.

 

[boilerdoc2]

Awesome! You will love it! A couple of hints: 1. Make sure and use a focus magnifier, 2. Calibrate it - which you say has been done, and 3. Turn the lens detection OFF on the M8 if you want the full Nocti effect, i.e. vignetting. If lens detection is turned ON then the M8 will negate the corner vignetting. Just my $.02 worth.
Steve

 

[taxi38]

WELL DONE;CONGRATULATIONS...........all the best,Neil

 

[kin]

Enjoy your new lens, you made the right choice!

Show us some inspired pics.

 

[eleskin]

Received Noctilux, Focus is way off

Received Noctilux, Focus is way off

Well, the lens looks beautiful (mint) but the focus is way way off. It will not focus to infinity (the lens elements should be in a closer position to the sensor plane). Close focus is way off too, hence the lens as it is now is not useable. So what are my options? The seller said it was adjusted, so I think I should question him. This issue seems to be common with this lens, so I am not going to get too excited. Now who would you recommend for adjustment for my M8? What is the average cost.

 

[kin]

Assuming that the seller was telling the truth, it might be that your M8 is off instead? Perhaps best to try the lens on another camera at the shops before you send anything in for adjustments.

The other thing is the Noctilux is notoriously difficult to focus...