Nokton 35/1.2 II + M9 = wow !!

leicashot said:
I also believe that later Nokton V1's had better contrast wide open, because as of late I've owned 4 late production V1 samples with great contrast wide open (possibly a change in coatings?).

In my comparison of V1 and V2 there was absolutely zero difference in contrast which is perfectly fine as the V1 samples I've recently owned have all be tops. As for the V2 vs Lux ASPH or FLE side by side comparisons, it remains to be seen.....but I bet the Lux FLE now has a formidable competitor. As for rendering qualities, look at the last pictures and show me one Summilux ASPH/FLE that looks as smooth as those....anyone?
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You could be right about the early vs late V1's. I tried the V1 when as soon is it became available and the contrast was really low wide open. I was put off by this and decided to go on the hunt for a good 35/1.4 ASPH.

My only gripe with this lens (V2) is size/weight. I can't help but feel that Voigtlander could have made this lens smaller/lighter if it maxed the speed at f1.4. In comparing test shots at f1.2 vs f1.4 (shutter & ISO fixed) the difference in exposure is barely discernible.

Either way, this lens is fast becoming one of my all time favourites.
 
rsolti said:
wide open...no sharpening or adjustments in post

I love this lens...wasn't a huge fan of the two different VI samples I tried but I love this lens. I do not miss my 35 Lux ASPH (which I also loved) at all anymore.
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Wonderful images, particularly the last set. Thanks for posting. My 35 LUX ASPH was pretty sharp from f1.4, although it took three cracks to find a somewhat decent one. And body/lens had to be calibrated. Even then, accurate focus was a hit and miss affair. One of the best things about the 35/1.2 is that it just nails focus right across the aperture range and at varying distances.
 
The V2 is $1300, compared to the ~$900 of the V1.

There was a price increase. :)

But I'm happy to see that there appears to be a commensurate increase in performance, not just finish.

Vick


Wobba said:
.... All kudos to Voigtlander for building a better product without jacking up the price.
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...And in rip-off Britain the price for the V2 is over (equivalent of) $1500, when the pound is strong against the dollar! Make of that what you will. Still having said that it's an excellent value lens. The Lux FLE is certainly not three times better but will cost you three times the price!

I bought one yesterday so as soon as I've taken some decent pics I will post some here. I'm liking the slimmer barrel but when it's got a hood on it, it will still fill a large percentage of the framelines. There has to be a compromise somewhere, though!
 
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I have been using mine without the hood for that reason and have not been disappointed. The flare resistance of this lens is excellent. Look at the last set...all with the sun shining right at the lens and not a single bit of flare


Nigel Meaby said:
...And in rip-off Britain the price for the V2 is over (equivalent of) $1500, when the pound is strong against the dollar! Make of that what you will. Still having said that it's an excellent value lens. The Lux FLE is certainly not three times better but will cost you three times the price!

I bought one yesterday so as soon as I've taken some decent pics I will post some here. I'm liking the slimmer barrel but when it's got a hood on it, it will still fill a large percentage of the framelines. There has to be a compromise somewhere, though!
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Indeed, the flare resistance is superb. I took my V2 out for a photo jaunt on Sunday and I purposely tested the flare resistance. I don't believe one needs a hood for this lens. Observe:


L9996992.jpg by jhapeman, on Flickr

And then a second shot with the sun just out of the frame, nothing artistic here, just a flare test:


L9996971.jpg by jhapeman, on Flickr

Jeff
 
Good to see the flare resistance. It's been raining here all day so no chance to check that ;-)
But as I don't use filters on lenses I like a hood for a bit of protection for the front element, which on the Nokton is just a few mm behind the lens mount. Robert White didn't have the hoods yesterday but at over £100 (UK price) for the hood I'm looking at a Heavystar or ebay alternative screw mount hood. It will do just the same job for a tenth of the price.
 
Nigel Meaby said:
...And in rip-off Britain the price for the V2 is over (equivalent of) $1500, when the pound is strong against the dollar! Make of that what you will. Still having said that it's an excellent value lens. The Lux FLE is certainly not three times better but will cost you three times the price!

I bought one yesterday so as soon as I've taken some decent pics I will post some here. I'm liking the slimmer barrel but when it's got a hood on it, it will still fill a large percentage of the framelines. There has to be a compromise somewhere, though!
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3x the price? Where do you live? Considering how hard it is to get new from stores, it's more like 5x the price, where the lens is more accessible - on forums and ebay.
 
Quick question on the V2, does the 0.5m minimum focusing distance actually show up properly on the viewfinder? I was told that most rangefinders are optimized for 0.7m or 1m in general. Currently using the V1 and I'd like to trade it in for a V2 if it lets me get closer to people.
 
Hi Leicashot

Availability aside, I was going by RRP here in the UK The Lux FLE is £3446, while the Ver 2 Nokton is £1080 at Robert White. Both prices inclusive of VAT. It might be a long wait but if ordered tomorrow, that's the price you would pay for the Lux. Closer to 3 times than 5 :D
 
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Nigel Meaby said:
Hi Leicashot

Availability aside, I was going by RRP here in the UK The Lux FLE is £3446, while the Ver 2 Nokton is £1080 at Robert White. Both prices inclusive of VAT. Closer to 3 times than 5 :D
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I know, just making a cheap shot stab at the stupid used/bought for /resale-profit prices ;)
 
rsolti said:
wide open...no sharpening or adjustments in post

L1001004-XL.jpg


100% crop

L1001004-2-XL.jpg
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That is very impressive. Proves two things: that the lens is fully usable wide open at f1.2, and that 1.2 is not a Hail-Mary-last-resort-stop. And also that, given the right subject and distance, f1.2 can be more than razor-thin plane of focus and bokeh galore.

Thanks for sharing these pictures. Unfortunately, as others have already mentioned, in Germany this lens is priced very high. Still a good price for what it does though :)
 
JSU said:
Funny still, I'll be driving by there tomorrow afternoon on my way from LAX to Pepperdine.

I've been to the Getty Museum (Engaged Observers exhibit) but haven't yet made it up the hill to the villa.
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Ha, I drove by the villa on Friday (had my V1 with me), had dinner at Duke's.
 
magicianhisoka said:
Quick question on the V2, does the 0.5m minimum focusing distance actually show up properly on the viewfinder?
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No. Neither focussing patch nor frame lines move once you are beyond the 0.7m limit. That is a camera limitation and cannot be overcome by the lens. From my point of view the "0.5" option is a gimmick for µFT or Nex users who focus via LCD - real (TM) range finders do not benefit.

BTW - this shot of Lea was done with Nokton v2 at F1.2 with my M9. Great lens. It might become my favorite.
 

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JSU said:
Duke's is OK, great desserts, still I prefer the Reel Inn. They have Fat Tire and the fish is tres fresh!

I'll be at one or the other tomorrow evening.
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Yeah, we were debating between the two. Reel is more my style, wifey wanted Dukes, ahhh....
 
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