Verdict on Nokton 50f1.1?

[ktmrider]

So, I am heading around the world next week with my first stop in Hawaii. I have the M9 with 35 and 90 packed. Have an attack of GAS this week so am looking at 50 f1.1 Nokton (should have packed 50 Summicron). Photo Village has several used samples for $800.

What is the verdict of people here on the forum on this lens used with the M9? I have until 8 Oct to have the lens shipped to me in Hawaii.

 

[Thardy]

Here are twenty pages of opinions.

https://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76156

 

[peterm1]

A lot of people don't like it because it is not a Leica Noctilux. But then again nothing is a part from another Noctilux. Honestly at one tenth the cost it's a bargain and performs well subject to its bokeh performance which can be a little "caffienated" as some people put it. Otherwise it's a good way to get a super fast 50mm.

 

[uhoh7]

For high speed travel I prefer the Sonnetar, which is about the same price and 1/3 the weight.


Sonne by unoh7, on Flickr

M mount, obviously and also 50/1.1

For events I use the CV usually, I think it's a great lens really:


L1025421 by unoh7, CV 50/1.1 WO


L1025414 by unoh7, CV 50/1.1 WO

I think it's under-rated, but no doubt it's heavy. For travel a little v4 tabbed 50 cron is very sweet.

 

[thompsonks]

As Peter said, its problem is its bokeh, which can look like wiggly worms. When they first came out, quite a few were purchased and then re-sold soon after. Interpret as you see fit?

Kirk

 

[WJJ3]

I hear the Hexanon 1.2 is the bees knees

 

[klapka]

Here is my review of this great lens (but for film):

Nokton 50 mm f1.1 review

 

[Erik van Straten]

Here is my review of this great lens (but for film):

Nokton 50 mm f1.1 review

Finally a report on the lens I can agree with for 100%.

Lovely pictures, by the way.

Thank you, Klapka.

Erik.

 

[mdarnton]

In your review, you mention the lack of a tab on the focus ring, and I agree. Further, that particular texture, shared by the LTM 28/1.9 and 35/1.7, is particularly heinous to use. I have long sold my 35, just because of that nasty focus ring, but I just bought TAABs for the 50/1.1 and 28/1.9 and ALL of my dislike is gone. The TAAB has not only a nice tab on it, but also gives a sticky rubber surface over the nasty slippery knurling.
http://www.lenstab.com/

I have an eyepiece magnifier, but usually don't use it. The lens really fills a need for me. Everything made has something that someone, somewhere doesn't like, but for me this lens is a keeper.

Something that rarely gets mentioned is that this lens stopped down to normal stops lacks absolutely nothing, making it a good daylight lens, too.

 

[Bille]

So, I am heading around the world next week with my first stop in Hawaii. I have the M9 with 35 and 90 packed. Have an attack of GAS this week so am looking at 50 f1.1 Nokton (should have packed 50 Summicron). Photo Village has several used samples for $800.

What is the verdict of people here on the forum on this lens used with the M9? I have until 8 Oct to have the lens shipped to me in Hawaii.

Is this your only 50mm lens? Get a plain 50 Summicron then.

 

[Pioneer]

If you already own a Summicron or Planar then this Nokton is a terrific addition.

You can also consider the MS Optical Sonnetar 50/1.1 as it is smaller and lighter. In my view the bokeh is less nervous if that is important. However it takes more time to become comfortable with this lens as the ergonomics take some getting used to.