Noctilux users that would consider a EVF camera

[eleskin]

I love my M8 and Noctilux, but sometimes I wish I could use another method of focus to make sure what I actually see is sharp where I want it. Yes, I too have used SLR's, and I know there are lenses out there like the Nikon 55mm Noct f1.2 that come close, but I have too much investment in M glass and do not feel like blowing more money on a new camera system and separate lenses. So here, we have a few choices. My M8 of corse, the M9 which is out of my budget for now, the Micro 4/3 cameras which seem interesting but the crop factor is too much for me, and I do not like increasing my distance to reframe the subject and not have the same shallow depth of field with larger sensor cameras at closer distances. We finally have the NEX system by Sony which is a little larger than Micro 4/3, but not enough I feel. It seems to be that I have 4 choices. Continue with the M8/9 and get upset once in awhile when something is not quite in focus at f1.0, live with the crop of a Micro 4/3 solution, Live with the crop of the Sony, wait until there is a full frame EVF camera that wil take M lenses, or buy a new camera system (SLR) and use the Nikon Noct. I have used many types of cameras for over 25 years professionally , so I am aware of the issues I face. So what would all of you do? So far my hit rate with the Noctilux is around 80% as far as focus goes. Sometimes I am off (my eyes at 45 are not what they were 25 years ago).

 

[menos]

Despite the fact, that my eyesight is not ideal anymore and I have to revert to left eye focussing for critical lenses, I find the mechanical rangefinder more than edequate for focussing the f1 Noctilux.

I think, it depends also a lot on focussing technique and user expectations, in which situations one is able, to accomplish, to focus a f1 lens.

I am fine, to spontaneously focus @ f1 people close up min a normal conversation or predictable moving subjects with up to bicycle speed @ f1. This is more than sufficient to my expectations on this lens.
I find it easier to focus spot on than the 90 Cron in comparison.

This knowledge really weights out the potential alternative, to not use a Leica M body with this lens. I really have learned to love the handling and function of the Leica M bodies - film bodies more so than the Digitals (weight, bulk, missing film advance, distracting LCD and noise being the major differences).

I would not consider a EVF alternative, not being on par with built, function and handling of a Leica M.

 

[back alley]

i tried my cv 50/1.1 on the panasonic g1, just for fun and it was/is a hoot. very easy to focus and seeing what is in/out of focus is great.
wasn't too hard to get used to having a 100/1.1 lens...

focus was on the eyes

 

[Alnitak]

I've used my f/0.95 Noctilux on an EP-1 and a GF-1. It's a little easier to focus, especially since you don't have to worry about the loss of focus when/if you recompose. That said, it brings its own challenges, so its not a magic bullet to a higher in-focus success rate. The simple reality is that with such DOF, even a slight sway of the body will cause you to miss critical focus.

 

[250swb]

Have you tried using a viewfinder magnifier when using your Noctilux eleskin? I have a 1.25x and it works very well in helping achieve critical focus with my CV f1.1.

Other than that I do use the CV with my Panasonic G1 and its a breeze to focus. In the first instance the EVF 'pops' images into focus anyway, the change in contrast and detail being very easy to see, in the second case the magnified view that is possible garantees a sharp image. But the crop factor does change the fundamental way you use the lens, so if you never use a 100mm, then its a waste of time.

Steve