The 35/1,2 would not work as a LTM lens. This lens was concieved around a table at Cosina's. The optical designer veto'd my suggestion for a 35f1 as the rear element would not fit in a M, and definitely not in an LTM. Mr Kobayashi suggested a 35/1,2 and the designer scribbled furiously on a napkin and announced " It is possible, but it would be very complex" We told him that it was his problem! He also announced that it would not work as a screwmount as the rear element could not be reduced to accept the LTM. There just wasen't enough material. The suggestion that we thread the glass of the rear element had the optical designer pale significantly!
The 35/1,2 is a better performer than the Noctilux. The Nocti is an old design and, yes the glass is rare and it is a lens that often is bought as a show off lens!
Leica only sells a couple of hundred a year (even before price increase) and the glass is made by the former Leica plant in Canada. I suspect that the contract for the glass is coming to an end and Rayethon/Hugh Aerospace is not interested in making it anymore!
I have owned at least 6 Nocti's over the years, from the early 50/1,2 (vastly over-rated) to the latest version with a collapsible hood. I admittedly got seduced by the f1 designation, bought them and after a while got tired of hauling them around. I also got tired of trying to find a sharp plane of focus on the baseboard!
If you want top quality 50mm, go for the 50/1,4 Aspheric and push the film! On the M8 you just boost the ISO setting. If you are shooting in light that requires f1, grain or noise is not going to be a factor.
I did have the 60/1,2 Hexanon for a couple of years, it is on par with a late Noctilux, neither better nor worse. I tried the 50/1,2 Hex. and that would be my choice if I needed or wanted that kind of speed.
