Thinking about a Nokton 1.1

T

thegman

Veteran
Local time
11:21 AM
Joined
Sep 22, 2009
Messages
3,807
Hi all,
I've been considering buying a fast 50 for a while, I've been looking at Leica lenses, but then I realised for roughly the same money I could get a Nokton 1.1, brand new. This is extremely tempting, so I'd love to know what people thinking of this lens. I've read there are back focus issues, and as I'll be shooting with my ZI, I can't chimp and see if my shots are OK, I'll just get the negs back in a week and see they're out of focus.

Are there back focus issues at f/1.1? I expect any issues go away if stopped down, but I may as well get an f/2 Leica lens if I'm going to use it stopped down.

Any input much appreciated.

Thanks

Garry
 
Ah yes, I like Steve Huff's site, no mention of focus issues. Will have to see what £569 buys me in Leica glass and have a think about it.

All the best

Garry
 
well ..I got one with back focus issue. Its been in Germany (or Japan) for last two months .... nobody knows when I will get it back
 
I have one that does not seem to have back focus issues, though I have only shot it on the R-D1 to date - where I can chimp. It is a well-made, competent modern lens. Doesn't seem to have a distinctive "signature." Just gets the job done. Small enough that I can use it as a normal 50mm.
 
Strangely this lens seems to be having trouble living up to the reputation of it's sibling, the f1.5 which was cheap, very effective and extremely popular.

As soon as Cosina moved their premier 50mm lens into the $1000.00 price bracket people expected more I think which is strange when you look at the prices of what it competes against!
 
Bought mine new about a month ago, no back focus issues here. Could just be mine, but I feel that the focus ring could have been a lot smoother. It doesn't feel like I can focus fast enough.

It's a fast, sharp all rounder lens to take everything from daylight to low light shots, not a lens to go "OMGosh the Bokeh!"
 
I've got one. No focus issues whatsoever on both film and digital. I would argue that it does have a unique signature - especially noticeable on color film. I find it renders a nice medium contrast look with smooth out of focus areas. Wide open the focal point really pops.
I very much like the Nokton 1.5 too, but this one goes up to 1.1!
 
Ive only played with one but I think it's a great lens. IMHO, a good picture doesn't need a "unique" lens signature to make it good. All the Internet chatter about this lens having a boring signature is a bit much.

IMO, if you want or need the speed and don't want or can't spend a small fortune this lens is where it's at.
 
Chris / aka 'fbf 'here at RFF
has a mint one up for sale at GETDPI Forum
for $800.00
Just saw the ad / Mint Condt / used once

Good Guy to Deal with ... Superb Equipment
I recently bought my Mint M6ttl black chrome from him
 
Last edited:
A couple of years ago Mr Kobayashi and I discussed the feasibility of a Nokton 50f1 or f1.1. I suggested that it should be priced at 1/2 price of the Noctilux ($2-2500) as the "snobs" does not appreciate a Super Speed lens that costs less than a Summicron.
This is a lens that does exactly what it promises. It is sharp, even @1.1, it has a nice medium contrast and it is a bit smaller than a Noctilux. Its performance is also predictible - you know that if you focus it dead on, it will deliver. I dont like surprises from optics - unless that is what I am looking for. I think it is one of the land mark designs as it is affordable, portable and one of the great lenses from last years crop.
The speed gain between it and a Nokton f1.5 is about 1 stop - or hand holdability at 1/15 rather than 1/8.
As for focus shift - it is better than a Noctilux in this aspect. We should also take into consideration that the Noctilux is now a 40 year old design and lots have happened in glass technology and design capabilities since Dr Mandler "penned" the f1.
The new 0.95f50mm from Leica is maybe sharper in the corners at 0.95 than the Nokton at f1.1 - centre sharpness is similar - at least from my limited trials with both.
The Noctilux 0.95 is also much bigger and quite clumsy on the camera - and I can live with the $8800 saving in price between them.
 
Have had mine for 2 months now. No focusing issues what so ever. Love everything about it (even the price). :D
 
thegman said:
Ah yes, I like Steve Huff's site, no mention of focus issues. Will have to see what £569 buys me in Leica glass and have a think about it.

All the best

Garry
Click to expand...

I'd love to know where a f1.1 is going for £569 in the UK. PM me, if you don't take it I will. :D

ChrisL
 
mdspace said:
Helen,

I wish to see your work with the Nokton 1.1 soon. I admire your artistic photos with the Nokton 1.5.
Click to expand...

How LOVELY of You ...Thank YOU !!!!! :cool:

I mostly shoot w/ retro leica Glass ...which I ADORE
but Fell in LOVE w/ some Modern Glass
the nokton 1.5 is Special...has a 'character all it own'
one day soon I want to try the 1.1....!!!
Did Fall hopelessly in love w/ an early noctilux /a borrowed jewel
Cheers- H
 
Last edited:
Well I have the opportunity to trade my Voigtlander 101st Anniversary Set (olive) for a 50/1.1 Nokton but after reading these posts I am hesitant. I got such a good deal on this set on eBay I don't want to trade it lightly. Steven is selling a set just like mine in the same condition (basically mint, boxed) for $1200 and while I won't post what I paid here you could do a search for closed auctions on eBay if you were super curious. Suffice it to say I paid a good bit less than it's true value. Anyway I want a fast 50 to compliment my CV 35/2.5 P II and J9. I just sold all of my digital gear (I keep going back and forth between digital and film, but no more!) and bought a Leica M4-2, CV 35/2.5 P II, J-9 85/2, and was looking for a 50mm lens when I saw the 101st Anniversary Set. Knowing the reputation of the 50/3.5 Heliar I decided to bid although I didn't think I would win, well I did! Now I am just trying to decide if I want to trade or sell the kit to get a lens of similar value ($1000 or so) or just keep the kit and save up and get another Canon LTM 50/1.2. I do love the look of the Canon 50/1.2 and all the talk that the Nokton's signature is unimpressive and the samples I have seen are making me think twice.

Any advice or thoughts on my dielimma?
 
photobizzz said:
Well I have the opportunity to trade my Voigtlander 101st Anniversary Set (olive) for a 50/1.1 Nokton but after reading these posts I am hesitant. I got such a good deal on this set on eBay I don't want to trade it lightly. Steven is selling a set just like mine in the same condition (basically mint, boxed) for $1200 and while I won't post what I paid here you could do a search for closed auctions on eBay if you were super curious. Suffice it to say I paid a good bit less than it's true value. Anyway I want a fast 50 to compliment my CV 35/2.5 P II and J9. I just sold all of my digital gear (I keep going back and forth between digital and film, but no more!) and bought a Leica M4-2, CV 35/2.5 P II, J-9 85/2, and was looking for a 50mm lens when I saw the 101st Anniversary Set. Knowing the reputation of the 50/3.5 Heliar I decided to bid although I didn't think I would win, well I did! Now I am just trying to decide if I want to trade or sell the kit to get a lens of similar value ($1000 or so) or just keep the kit and save up and get another Canon LTM 50/1.2. I do love the look of the Canon 50/1.2 and all the talk that the Nokton's signature is unimpressive and the samples I have seen are making me think twice.

Any advice or thoughts on my dielimma?
Click to expand...

Pretty simple - keep your kit and just get a CV 50/1.5 and you will not be sorry. ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom