The Nokton 50/1.1 Revisited

[Erik van Straten]

its bokeh is frankly a bit ordinary

That is why I like it; for me, bokeh should not be the perfume of a photo.

 

[Erik van Straten]

I can't remove #177, so I'll post it again (with improvements).

gelatin silver print (nokton 50mm f1.1 @ f1.1) leica m2

C.d.R., Amsterdam, 2024

 

[jaredangle]

I’m planning to pick this lens up soon as there are several on the market right now for a low price. I’m curious to see how it performs on mirrorless, both for stills and video.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

On mirrorless- which camera do you plan on using it with?
The thinner the filter stack the better.
I use mine mostly on the M9, but have used the Canon 50mm F0.95 on the Nikon z5. That lens is "extreme" with respect to the optical path and digital sensors. The 50/1.1 Nokton, a longer optical path meaning less vignetting due to the sensor.

 

[Erik van Straten]

On film, there is not much vignetting with the f1.1. A miracle, if you ask me.

gelatin silver print (nokton 50mm f1.1 @ f1.1) leica m2

Amsterdam, Artis Zoo, 2024

 

[jaredangle]

On mirrorless- which camera do you plan on using it with?
The thinner the filter stack the better.
I use mine mostly on the M9, but have used the Canon 50mm F0.95 on the Nikon z5. That lens is "extreme" with respect to the optical path and digital sensors. The 50/1.1 Nokton, a longer optical path meaning less vignetting due to the sensor.

Likely a Z6ii if I can find one used for the right price - I've read that Nikon full-frame mirrorless cameras have a somewhat thinner sensor stack than some of the competitors, but still thicker than Leica.

 

[jaredangle]

Two examples of the 50mm f/1.1 Nokton shot wide open. First shot focused at infinity or thereabouts; second shot focused at roughly 2 meters.

National Cathedral and Surfside tortilla
Washington, DC, USA
August 2nd, 2025

Lumix S5
Voigtlander 50mm f/1.1 Nokton
Urth adapter (Leica M - Leica L)
Urth 6-stop neutral density filter and circular polarizer

 

[Luke_Miller]

Rappahannock River Railroad Bridge