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!
