ROOOO
Established
I am planning to get this lens and was wondering which one--single-coated or multi-coated--I should look for. I plan to primarily use it for B&W photography, and I've read that the SC version will render better tonality in B&W. However, it seems like the MC version is more readily available on the secondary market. So, will I really notice a difference? Should I care which version I get? Thanks!
macfiend
Established
I have the SC version and am very happy with it. I've never shot with the MC version but others have said the lower contrast in the SC lends itself better for B/W.
ROOOO
Established
Thanks for the response, glad to hear that you're pleased with the lens. I've been deciding between this and the Leica/Rokkor 40mm lens, and feel like I will benefit from having the faster CV one at the same focal length. Nonetheless, I would probably take a 35mm Summicron over it. 
ampguy
Veteran
I have the MC and am happy with it for b/w, IR, and color. I probably would have gone for the SC, if I were buying new, but got the MC for a fair price in the classifieds. The 1.4 for me, comes in very handy indoors when dim/dark.
Fenwick
Established
If a person perfers higher contrast images is the MC version better choice?
Artorius
Caribbean Traveler
I have both
I have both
I use both for film and digital. The difference between the MC/SC is minuscule in my opinion. Especially with digital.
I have both
I use both for film and digital. The difference between the MC/SC is minuscule in my opinion. Especially with digital.
250swb
Well-known
If you have a full tonal range in the photo adding contrast in post processing to compensate for a lower contrast lens is easier than reducing contrast in a contrasty lens. So it would seem to me the SC would be the way to go in theory. But like Art says, I really doubt you'd see much if any difference. I have the MC version that I use on my M9 (its modified to show the 35mm frame) and its not overlly contrasty, it works great in both colour and B&W, and its available.
Steve
Steve
noimmunity
scratch my niche
The SC version might be a little more prone to flare using a UV/IR cut filter on the M8.
eleskin
Well-known
Nokton has not impressed me.
Nokton has not impressed me.
I bought this 40mm Nokton a few years ago when I first bought my M8 and I always noticed that the focus was always off at f1.4. Sharpness is ok, better improved at f5.6. It does not hold up to the focus accuracy and sharpness of my 35mm Summicron Canadian version 4. Maybe the recently discontinued 50mm Nokton f1.5 would be a better buy. I hear sharpness is excellent. Of corse a 50mm Summicron would be good as well, but it lacks the speed if that is what you want. This 40mm almost scared me away from ANY Voigtlander product. I gave Voigtlander another chance and bought the new 15mm and I am very impressed with this lens. Far superior to the 40mm in quality and sharpness. So Voigtlander has some winners, but also some that are just ok. The 40mm is just ok for me.
If you have the cash, try the new 50 f1.1 if you want, or even the 35 f1.2. Also try the Zeiss and Leica offerings and compare. You may be shocked at the difference. Having the M9 or even the M8 and using an ok lens does not give cameras like these justice. Just remember this. There are manufacturers that have some lenses thay make that are ok, and some that are really excellent. There are very few camera and lens makers where every lens they make are stellar performers. As a matter of fact, only one company comes to mind. That tiny company in Solms Germany (and in northern Portugal where most of the M9 is actually made) that has a thousand people working for it. Yes, the M8 was an issue, but their lenses are untouchable for any significant criticism. I bought ALL of my M lenses used over the past 20 years, and Ebay has been very good to me (I bought a mint Tele Elmarit from 1980 for $250, and a 50mm Summicron Latest for $600, etc,,,). Also consider this: If you buy a used mint Leica lens, and for some reason you do not like it, you can get your money back, and in some cases, make money (I bougt a Noctilux for $4,000 that is absolutely mint and late generation which I feel I could sell or $2000 more than I paid, but I wil never sell, this beast is pure magic and very addictive!!!). So play the feild, and see what your best options are. Good luck!
Nokton has not impressed me.
I bought this 40mm Nokton a few years ago when I first bought my M8 and I always noticed that the focus was always off at f1.4. Sharpness is ok, better improved at f5.6. It does not hold up to the focus accuracy and sharpness of my 35mm Summicron Canadian version 4. Maybe the recently discontinued 50mm Nokton f1.5 would be a better buy. I hear sharpness is excellent. Of corse a 50mm Summicron would be good as well, but it lacks the speed if that is what you want. This 40mm almost scared me away from ANY Voigtlander product. I gave Voigtlander another chance and bought the new 15mm and I am very impressed with this lens. Far superior to the 40mm in quality and sharpness. So Voigtlander has some winners, but also some that are just ok. The 40mm is just ok for me.
If you have the cash, try the new 50 f1.1 if you want, or even the 35 f1.2. Also try the Zeiss and Leica offerings and compare. You may be shocked at the difference. Having the M9 or even the M8 and using an ok lens does not give cameras like these justice. Just remember this. There are manufacturers that have some lenses thay make that are ok, and some that are really excellent. There are very few camera and lens makers where every lens they make are stellar performers. As a matter of fact, only one company comes to mind. That tiny company in Solms Germany (and in northern Portugal where most of the M9 is actually made) that has a thousand people working for it. Yes, the M8 was an issue, but their lenses are untouchable for any significant criticism. I bought ALL of my M lenses used over the past 20 years, and Ebay has been very good to me (I bought a mint Tele Elmarit from 1980 for $250, and a 50mm Summicron Latest for $600, etc,,,). Also consider this: If you buy a used mint Leica lens, and for some reason you do not like it, you can get your money back, and in some cases, make money (I bougt a Noctilux for $4,000 that is absolutely mint and late generation which I feel I could sell or $2000 more than I paid, but I wil never sell, this beast is pure magic and very addictive!!!). So play the feild, and see what your best options are. Good luck!
I have to agree.
johannielscom
Snorting silver salts
This really is a non-issue. You are going to post process in software with the M8, why not simply lower or boost contrast a bit?
Takes a single slider setting action per shot, or even per series of shots when using Lightroom.
Get the MC, its easier available, cheaper and less prone to flare (the SC version seems to flare easier).
Takes a single slider setting action per shot, or even per series of shots when using Lightroom.
Get the MC, its easier available, cheaper and less prone to flare (the SC version seems to flare easier).
Makten
-
High contrast is not an issue with digital cameras. Lowering contrast through veiling flare introduced with inferior coatings is the same as throwing information away, which can never be gotten back.
The SC version is for BW film, not for digital cameras. But if you like flare, it might be nice anyway.
The SC version is for BW film, not for digital cameras. But if you like flare, it might be nice anyway.