armanius
Member
When people discuss fast 35's, it seems like the Nokton 35/1.4 Classic is either forgotten or an after thought. Instead, the discussion is generally focused on the Summilux, Summicron, Biogon, and the Nokton 35/1.2. Even the Skopar 35/2.5 gets more love than the Classic.
The Classic was actually my first M lens. But over the last two years, I started neglecting it. And as of lately, I've been wanting to supplement or replace it with another 35. After all, it's soft wide open, has focus shift problems, and it's just a Summilux wanna-be!
I picked up a Biogon three weeks ago and loved it. But I had to give up the Biogon (and 3 other lenses) to get a 50 Lux. I ended up finally dusting the Classic and taking it out for a spin last weekend. After using it again, I found myself falling in love with its qualities once more. Is it sharp wide open? Sharp enough for an amateur like me. Does it suffer from focus shift? Probably, but I'm shooting it wide open anyway. But most importantly, it has character! The out of focus rendering is actually very pleasant (to my eyes anyway).
Here are a few of the photos that I took during that spin. Nothing artistically enlightening. But it does show that unique character that the Classic has. All shot side open (if I remember correctly). Some cropping and PP in LR4, particularly for exposure. Downsampled to 1024 pixels.
ps: Thanks for indulging my rationalization.
pps: But in spite of the rationalization, I ordered a Biogon-C anyway!!!
Thanks for dropping by!
The Classic was actually my first M lens. But over the last two years, I started neglecting it. And as of lately, I've been wanting to supplement or replace it with another 35. After all, it's soft wide open, has focus shift problems, and it's just a Summilux wanna-be!
I picked up a Biogon three weeks ago and loved it. But I had to give up the Biogon (and 3 other lenses) to get a 50 Lux. I ended up finally dusting the Classic and taking it out for a spin last weekend. After using it again, I found myself falling in love with its qualities once more. Is it sharp wide open? Sharp enough for an amateur like me. Does it suffer from focus shift? Probably, but I'm shooting it wide open anyway. But most importantly, it has character! The out of focus rendering is actually very pleasant (to my eyes anyway).
Here are a few of the photos that I took during that spin. Nothing artistically enlightening. But it does show that unique character that the Classic has. All shot side open (if I remember correctly). Some cropping and PP in LR4, particularly for exposure. Downsampled to 1024 pixels.
ps: Thanks for indulging my rationalization.
pps: But in spite of the rationalization, I ordered a Biogon-C anyway!!!
Thanks for dropping by!
back alley
IMAGES
it's a very good lens that has been picked apart since it's release.
mooge
Well-known
I think it's a pretty awesome little lens.
JayM
Well-known
Yeah, it's an awesome lens. Circular flare is the only downside to me. The 28mm f/2 they make is great too. The hood for the 35 is pretty nice, but I'm not sure how functional it is as far as preventing flare. That and it detracts from it's tiny excellence.
I really appreciate that Voigtlander makes those two lenses in particular since there's no alternative to them that isn't exorbitantly priced.
I really appreciate that Voigtlander makes those two lenses in particular since there's no alternative to them that isn't exorbitantly priced.
mooge
Well-known
circular flare- I bought a cheapo 43mm screw-in vented hood and since I got it I've had none. which kinda sucks because I like the circular flare.
I'll probably get the proper hood when I destroy this one.
I'll probably get the proper hood when I destroy this one.
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
I have a multitude of 35's - ranging from f1.2 to 3.5 - and the most used one is my Nokton Classic 35f1.4 SC. It is good, really good. I am not worried about the circular flare - haven't really encountered it - even after 1000's of rolls with mine (I have two - just in case). It does exactly what it is supposed to do in black/white and film. Gives me pictures that I like. I have the 35f1.4 Summilux ( alate on in the 3.4xx xxx range) and I prefer the Nokton 35f1.4 any day.
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
Nokton 35f1.4 SC @ f1.4 and 1/60s. Kodak XX and Adox developer.
kdemas
Enjoy Life.
Tom A said:
Tom,
If you need someone to babysit your 'Lux I'll be happy to volunteer
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
New York. last October. Arista 400 Premium, Adox MQ developer. M2 and Nokton 35f1.4 SC.
There are details in the dark shadows to the right - but I wanted the window and the guy well defined so I let them go black.
Flare! What Flare!
I suspect that most of the problems with the 35f14 Nokton is user error more than anything inherent in the lens design. It was designed to be a reasonably priced alternative to the later version of the Summilux 35f1.4 pre-asph. It is a better lens, both optically and ergonomically.
maddoc
... likes film again.
I can live with the flaws of my 35mm Summilux-M pre-ASPH (coma & circular shaped flare) but the barrel-distortion of the CV 35/1.4 ....
JayM
Well-known
I can live with the flaws of my 35mm Summilux-M pre-ASPH (coma & circular shaped flare) but the barrel-distortion of the CV 35/1.4 ....
Nokton has coma too
kdemas
Enjoy Life.
maddoc said:I can live with the flaws of my 35mm Summilux-M pre-ASPH (coma & circular shaped flare) but the barrel-distortion of the CV 35/1.4 ....
That's my issue. Love the size and the build quality is nice but the distortion is pretty noticeable.
That said, it all depends on what you shoot. For many it's not a big deal.
kzphoto
Well-known
I like the little Nokton. I had the pleasure of shooting one for a few days (thanks Darren!) and I really enjoyed the lens. I couldn't seem to get the focus really sharp at f/1.4, but everywhere else the lens was great!
Here's a few samples:
First shot @ f/1.4 (I think I took this around 6:30 AM!)
2nd shot @ f/1.4 as well
Both shots on Portra 160, shot at ASA 100
Here's a few samples:
First shot @ f/1.4 (I think I took this around 6:30 AM!)
2nd shot @ f/1.4 as well
Both shots on Portra 160, shot at ASA 100
Attachments
mooge
Well-known
I can live with the flaws of my 35mm Summilux-M pre-ASPH (coma & circular shaped flare) but the barrel-distortion of the CV 35/1.4 ....
I can live with the barrel distortion of the Nokton (it's not that bad, really)... but the 1m minimum focus distance of the Summilux...
maddoc
... likes film again.
I can live with the barrel distortion of the Nokton (it's not that bad, really)... but the 1m minimum focus distance of the Summilux...
1m minimum focus distance can be a deal-breaker sometimes but I usually use this lens set to around 1 - 2m and also the googled M3 version (vs 1 ?) focuses down to 0.65m (but not sure about this ...)
Jobin
Established
My only lens.
swoop
Well-known
Eery so often I consider picking up this lens.
Lss
Well-known
The 35/1.4 Nokton SC is the lens that pretty much lives on my M8. Sometimes I think I should get another one to use on my other cameras.
roundg
Well-known
It's good enough and best value for money, like most of other CV lens.
ferider
Veteran
maddoc said:I can live with the flaws of my 35mm Summilux-M pre-ASPH (coma & circular shaped flare) but the barrel-distortion of the CV 35/1.4 ....
Interesting Gabor. Distortion never seemed to bother you when using the Noctilux...