Voigtländer 40mm f/1.4 Nokton MC vs. SC for b&w

[Pherdinand]

are you absolutely 110% sure that the aperture was f/1.4?
For most lenses the largest aperture means the blades are completely out of the way, so the oof highlight shape is round.

Really? Huh. It was actually more noticeable in the larger image.

I'll probably blow this, but here's an attachment with vase-3 tree lights enlarged.

Oh, ya know, I do have an uncoated uv(0) filter on there. I wasn't sure whether to get coated or uncoated with this lens, so got the uncoated one. Do you think that could be a factor. I had thought that might only be an issue in bright sunlight or something. (I did get the lens hood with it too.)

Oh, I need to get to sleep! 😉

 

[goo0h]

are you absolutely 110% sure that the aperture was f/1.4?
For most lenses the largest aperture means the blades are completely out of the way, so the oof highlight shape is round.

Shoot. You're right. I'm so used to my J-3 lately that I'm not used to those click stops on the aperture ring. 😉

BTW, the lens feels really nice. Just the right amount of resistance.

 

[mc_vancouver]

Surely someone reading this can offer up some photos taken with the single coated version of the 40? Mind you, it would be great if someone who had both lenses could show us the same subject, same time of day, lighting, etc, taken with each lens, but that may be asking too much (of Stephen or Tom or...)

(Just saw Doug's images on page 9, thanks)

 

[irq506]

Surely someone reading this can offer up some photos taken with the single coated version of the 40? Mind you, it would be great if someone who had both lenses could show us the same subject, same time of day, lighting, etc, taken with each lens, but that may be asking too much (of Stephen or Tom or...)

(Just saw Doug's images on page 9, thanks)

Oh God Are you serious!
Ive been asking this for weeks, eventually I just broke down last weekend and bought the SC version on eBay for $350, with the intention of going to my Camera store and borrowing their MC version to shoot with for a few days and putting together a reasonably informal (Im not technical), side by side comp on the two lenses. If the MC proves to be more inline with where Im at, then Ill sell the SC and get the MC, as the SC a worth a fart more then the MC I shouldnt have much trouble getting an MC, and there seems to be quite a few who catually want the SC.

 

[jordanstarr]

...if it's film you're shooting and developing yourself, you can control the contrast through your developing. So, really you can likely get either lens and adjust your developing technique, developer, etc to what you like whether it's getting the SC lens and increasing your contrast to make it more like the MC or get the MC lens and decreasing your contrast to make it look more like an SC version. Personally, I'd get the SC version and increase agitation or developer dilution/times if necessary to bump of the contrast in my film.

 

[irq506]

..well now, that was a long time ago. In hindsight, I should never have wasted my money on that lens. If you want novelty optics then buy the ultra fast lenses, otherwise save more and buy Hexar, Zeiss or Leica ..honestly..

 

[Tom A]

I have both, the MC and the SC. The difference is subtle and unless you look carefully - not easy to spot. The is better for bl/w - shadows a bit more "open" - but the price you pay is a slight "smearing" of out-of focus" highlights. The MC "snaps" the shadows a bit, darker and less detailed. A lot depends on your skill in metering and processing too.
With what little color I have shot with either lens, softer, a bit pastel like with the SC and some more bite with the MC.
There is a Voigtlander 40mm f1.4 site on Flickr - check it out as there are lots of samples on it.

Either way, both lenses are very good performers - and for the pice, pretty sensational.
I dont use filters on either one - but the hood. Not much of a flare problem with either one - but, remember ALL lenses can flare if provoked.

 

[jsrockit]

I'll drag out my usual "the Nokton 40 SC rocks in colour" shots:

Quite beautiful... the colors.

 

[Thardy]

Quite beautiful... the colors.

Pretty good for "novelty optics".

 

[jsrockit]

Hmmm...novelty optics... the Noctilux must sure fall into that range too no? 😉

 

[Tom A]

Nokton 40mm f1.4 SC. Some bright glare from the lights - but then they were shining straight in to the lens! Kodak XX @ 320, developed in Adox MQ foe 8 min. Shot at f1.4 and with a M2.

 

[Tom A]

Nokton 40mm f1.4 MC @ f1.4. M2, Kodak XX, Adox MQ for 8 min.
The difference between the SC and MC is very subtle - in bl/w it is mainly in slightly less locked shadows with the SC and somewhat "smeared" bright spots. The MC is more like a modern Leica lens and the SC is like a vintage vI.

 

[advaitin]

40mm Nokton S.C.

40mm Nokton S.C.

I just got the SC Nokton and shot a selfie as it came too late for me to go shooting. Here's a direct comparison between the jpg and the dng versions.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/clgriffin/ivMWrY

https://www.flickr.com/gp/clgriffin/f26Q73