Nokton 35/1.2 handling?

R

Rafael

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I have read all of the threads that I can find on the Nokton 35/1.2. And I have spent quite a bit of time looking at images taken with this lens. I really like what I have seen in terms of image quality. And, by all accounts, the build quality of the lens is excellent. I think that this lens could fill a gap in my lens line-up that I have been noticing more and more recently.

The only problem is that I have never seen one of these lenses "in the flesh." And I worry about its size. So I am specifically interested in peoples' experience with the handling of this lens. I would use it most often on a 0.85x M6 (for the added focus accuracy). I might also use it on an M2. Any comments will be very welcome.
 
It's "big" but only in terms of RF lenses.

That is, it's about 2x - 3x the size of a Leica 35mm Summicron.
I would liken it to a 50mm f2 lens in the SLR world..

Dave
 
I have found it works best with the ZI, it balances perfectly, the great VF is very helpful in low light, and it blocks the smallest part of the frame, although with the M7 0,85 it is only a tiny bit more visible, and the different balance of the Leica makes it pend slightly downwards. This lens is extremely versatile and can be pretty sharp if necessary. The particular thing about it, is the "breathless" effect to your wide open shots, and amazing bokeh, considering all the aspherics. The handling is actually a pleasure, because you can "squeeze" a substantial piece of metal with your left hand and get some extra stability for the shot. Remember, when working at f1.2, to avoid excessive decentering of the subject from the focusing patch, because the dof is quite thin and the contrast is low, hence it is easy to get somewhat soft photos. This is my low light lens par excellence.
 
Much like a Noctilux. If you don't mind the size, it's superb.

I considered keeping the one I had for review, but stayed with my pre-aspheric Summilux on the grounds of size and handling. Which are the same reasons I didn't try to buy a 35/1,4 aspheric. The ASPH is a vastly better lens than the pre-aspheric, but much bigger.

Cheers,

R.
 
Got a chrome one from SG a few months ago, use it on a R-D1 and (for one roll so far) on a 0.72 M6. Let me describe my handling experiences in a few words:

Aperture ring: superb. Half stop clicks with a funny detail: the 1.2 stop makes another, tougher "click". You "hear" the extra speed.

Focusing ring: a bit stiff, not really disturbing, but might be a (very small) tad smoother. From my experience with the Nokton 40, which was similar, this will improve the more the lens is used.

Weight & size is in the upper region for a RF lens. But it's still well handable and balances well on both mentioned cameras. The only issue for me is that it's less pocketable - as I often leave the house with one camera/one lens and without bag. As the speed was the reason to buy it I care less about that - have two other, smaller 35mm lenses for daylight walkings (Color Skopar P-I, Canon 35/2).

I would like to have a bigger mounting mark than the rather small red slit at the bayonet border. Not an important detail, but I happen to look for the right mounting position longer than I'd like to. A fat colored half-sphere as the M's and ZM's have would be fine (what about an orange or green dot for Voigtländer?)...

Didier

Edit - I forgot to mention: finder intrusion on 0.72 M6 when focus at infinity: approx. 20-22% (would be less on the .85), and also less on the R-D1 where the finder is positioned higher.
 
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this is a very nice lens, and really if you want it and can afford it, you should just get it. you've done your research. it has taken you as far as you can go, other than handling and shooting with the lens, which really is a personal thing.

this is my fastest lens (probably the fastest I'll ever own), and luckily it just begs to be shot near wide and renders soooo nicely. So size-wise, I just deal with it. It's not an every day "set it and forget it" lens. If you like the 35 FL, and you don't have another 35mm lens, then I recommend you get one other 35mm lens that'll be your everyday lens.

.
 
I only use mine when the situation absolutely demands it - for other applications I rely on my Nokton 40mm and step back a few steps. The 35 is so much bigger than the 40 that it regularly stays at home when I have to make a choice of one body and one lens. Subjectively it is a better lens than the 40mm but it has to be on the camera on my person to take those better shots...
 
Not quite as big as the Noctilux, and lighter, so I don't think the size is too big a deal. One thing that hasn't been mentioned is the short throw when focusing over the full range. I like how quickly it focuses.
 
Terao said:
I only use mine when the situation absolutely demands it - for other applications I rely on my Nokton 40mm and step back a few steps. The 35 is so much bigger than the 40 that it regularly stays at home when I have to make a choice of one body and one lens. Subjectively it is a better lens than the 40mm but it has to be on the camera on my person to take those better shots...
Click to expand...

This brings up a question for me.

I'm very happy with my Nokton 40mm. Any thoughts on advantages the 35mm f1.2 might have over the Nokton...besides the slight spec differences?
 
I've tried the Beast on my MP and even on my M3. It works very nicely. However on my Bessa-T, it is absolutely perfect. The balance of this combination feels so nice in my hands that I'm convinced that the Bessa T was intended for this lens. The lightness of the Bessa-T makes up for the weight of the Beast and this combo is lighter than my M3 mated to a 90mm collapsible Elmar. The 1.5x RF and a big, bright 35mm metal viewfinder is bliss. If you want a dedicated body for this lens, I highly recommend the Bessa-T with the 35mm brightline vf. The body is still relatively inexpensive.

The lens is big and although I do not find the Bessa-T/35 Nokton combo as big as a typical dSLR with a kit-lens, I do find my MP/35 Summicron-ASPH combo to be better for everyday shooting. The Beast only comes out at night or in low-light situations.
 
I had the Nokton 40 and sold it. Loved the size. Didn't like the handling and found the bokeh occasionally unacceptable--too often for my taste.
I got a chrome Nokton 35 this summer and have really enjoyed using it on both Bessa T and Zeiss Ikon bodies. Nice handling, nice bokeh, nice look. Not a general purpose lens or one to carry spare in a bag. To add my comment is unnecessary, but I'll second both Nando and MFogiel's comments. BTW, When using the Nokton 35 on the T with an external CV finder, the lens doesn't intrude at all into the finder.
The chrome version looks nice, but I didn't find any difference in the finishing vis-a-vis the standard black one. Just prefer the chrome look.
 
Use it with my R2a. Heavy, but in a good, well made way. Big but only in terms of rangefinder lenses, totally normal if you are used to SLR primes, small if you are used to SLR zooms. Can't fault this monster:
2053189545_748c395de0_o.jpg

That is at F1.2, and this is a scan, its even sharper on the neg!
J.
 
My 35/1.2 is on my R2A probably 90% of the time. It can get heavy in my daily commute bag, but it's worth it to me. I just love it's character so much, by far my favorite lens that I own.
 
I too think the bokeh on the 35mm Nokton is more pleasing than the 40mm. I too think bokeh is a subjective thing though..

35mm Nokton @ f1.2 on the M2 (Tri-X @ 400)
crop1.jpg


Dave
 
I just developed my first roll with my Nokton 35mm. I quite enjoyed the feel of it, and agree about the short throw - 1/4 turn from 0.7m to infinity is a good amount. I also don't feel it's too heavy; then again, I'm used to using the canon 85/2. The weight balances nicely if you keep one hand on the camera and one on the focus ring, not so well if you like to keep both hands on the body. Plus, it'll increase the camera's inertia, so you can pull off those slow speeds better (-: I'll put some pics up when the scans are finished.
 
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