Nokton 35mm f1.4 ... some questions!

[Keith]

Having recently sold a very good Hexanon KM 35mm f2 I've suddenly realised what a stupid move it was because I now no longer have a compact 35mm M mount lens. As much as I like my 35mm f1.2, now that I don't have an M8 it get's little use and I do actually find the 1.2 Nokton a little on the large side for a general purpose walk around 35mm on a rangefinder film body.

I'd like to see some images shot at varying apertures from wide open down to around f8 on black and white film and preferably from the multi coated version. I realise I could do a search on flickr but I would rather see samples from members here who can maybe also throw in few words on their feelings about the lens over the time they've owned it.

I thought about the 35mm f2 Biogon to match my 50mm f1.5 Sonnar but I'm not sure I want to spend quite that much on a 35mm if the Nokton will do the job.

 

[back alley]

save a few bucks and go for the 40/1.4...

 

[---f]

35mm Summarit f2.5 is quick to use and great quality. Less expensive is the CV version. Great all purpose lens.

 

[back alley]

can't remember if it the mc or sc version...likely ilford xp

 

[mathomas]

I think the Zeiss is the better lens (I have one), but the little Nokton is so nice and compact. And fast. I have three 35s. I think the little Nokton is the one I'd keep if I had to pick just one.

Here are a few, at varying apertures. Note, mine is an SC. I think all are on Plus-X.

 

[Krosya]

I was about to say the same thing as Joe did - go for the CV 40/1.4 - cheaper and at least as good. Or find Ultron - it's one awsome lens with a signature that is similar to Hex 35 in many ways - remember I had both and kept Ultron and 35/1.2 for my 35mm needs as well as CV 40/1.4.

 

[Keith]

I went and checked flickr and searched images tagged with the Nokton 35mm f1.4.

I think I'll save my money for the Biogon!

 

[jsrockit]

mathomas' photos don't show any of the negative attributes I associate with this lens i.e. busy distracted bokeh, distortion. I guess it depends on the situation.

 

[Lss]

mathomas' photos don't show any of the negative attributes I associate with this lens i.e. busy distracted bokeh, distortion. I guess it depends on the situation.

Generally speaking it's simply a very good people lens but the heavy distortion makes it less attractive for architecture. I was very close to replacing this lens, or at least getting another small 35 for times I don't need the speed, due to the distortion. But as I delayed my decision, it started to bother me less and less. When it's a real issue, it can be fixed during post processing. Anyway, this is a pretty good reason not to like the little lens.

The bokeh was never an issue for me. It's not the best, it's not the worst.

 

[paulinventome]

Not often i can contribute to the forum but i do have one of these.

It's the SC version

I would echo some of the comments.

It's a stylistic lens, it has character. There is some quite obvious distortion, especially if you side by side other 35mm lenses.

However it is a lovely people lens, and i do enjoy it because of the flare. But as a general walk around lens maybe it's not right.

I'm on a NEX so it's really acting like a 52mm lens, more a normal lens.

Having that that i find it a little wide on there so i am considering a 28mm

cheers
paul

 

[jsrockit]

I hear ya Lss. I've been thinking of aquiring another one. It's fast, cheap, and small... that's hard to find in Leica land.

 

[ferider]

You know the distortion from your 1.2, Keith. Pretty much the same level. Most people show SC pictures. I have both SC and MC and (as well known, I guess 🙂 ), I find the MC a very reliable lens. Always brings results back. And with Summilux and 1.2, the only game in town at that speed. Try one, they don't loose value if you don't like it.

These are specifically pictures from M-mount flickr group members taken with the MC version:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/86731438@N00/pool/tags/VoigtlanderNokton35mmf1.4MC

Picking some of my own that show the characteristics of my MC copy:

 

[Keith]

You know the distortion from your 1.2, Keith. Pretty much the same level. Most people show SC pictures. I have both SC and MC and (as well known, I guess 🙂 ), I find the MC a very reliable lens. Always brings results back. And with Summilux and 1.2, the only game in town at that speed. Try one, they don't loose value if you don't like it.

These are specifically pictures from M-mount flickr group members taken with the MC version:

Thanks Roland ... very sound advice from you as usual!

Part of my dilemma is I'm trying to pare down my RF gear to what is actually going to benefit me photographically and not just be cool to own ... ultimately I'd like to get down to two RF bodies and three or four lenses. I'm completely happy with my Sonnar f1.5 and for longer I have my 90mm Summicron so the 35mm gap is yet to be filled with a reasonably compact lens. I like my 1.2 Nokton but I do find it a little slow to use ... it has a fairly long heavily damped focus throw and always feels a little big and clumsy. The Summicron sort of fits in the same boat here but I seldom use 90mm on an RF so the size of it doesn't concern me.

I know it's not a huge issue but the oof areas (occasionally) of the Nokton bothers me because I want a 35mm lens to be able to complement my 50mm Sonnar which is a dream in this area IMO. Distortion doesn't concern me because that's easily fixed in post if it becomes noticable.

Maybe like you suggest I should buy and try and if I don't like it sell it!

 

[back alley]

there is always the incredibly lovely image maker...the rollei 40/2.8 sonnar...follows the 50 sonnar nicely. i use mine like any 35mm lens.

 

[Keith]

Joe ... the only example of this lens I found on eBay was over $600.00 which is only $300.00 away from a new 35mm Biogon. There are times where I would struggle with f2.8 I suspect ... not a huge step from f2 but it could be limiting occasionally.

 

[back alley]

one sold here recently for 550...much less than i paid for mine (painful experience).

2.8 is slower than 1.4 for sure but the lenses don't compare...if you like that sonnar look.

 

[Keith]

I notice there's a Hong Kong seller with brand new Rollei 35 RF kits with this lens for just over a grand US.

I know it's only a gussied up Bessa R2 but that seems quite reasonable considering the quality of the lens.

 

[WalterM]

I respectfully disagree on the pre asph summilux rendering like a zeiss sonnar. 🙂

I owned one. it's a love it or hate it type of lens. Currently own a 35mm nokton 1.4 and i'm much happier with its performance(especially wide open)

 

[SolaresLarrave]

I really like my Nokton. I have one only, permanently attached to Mulder (black M5 body). Wanna see what it does in BW?

Wanna see what it does in color?

BTW, it's SC. Keith, I'd buy one. It's fast, it's good, it's sharp once you go past f2.8... what else do you want? 😉

PS. Sorry about the pic size.

 

[Keith]

I really like my Nokton. I have one only, permanently attached to Mulder (black M5 body). Wanna see what it does in BW?

Wanna see what it does in color?

BTW, it's SC. Keith, I'd buy one. It's fast, it's good, it's sharp once you go past f2.8... what else do you want? 😉

PS. Sorry about the pic size.

What motivated your choice for the SC?

Nice pics by the way ... thanks! 🙂