Hi Matt, I tried this lens recently for comparison to my f0.95 noctilux and also my summilux. I’ve got to say I didn’t have any issues with sharpness, in fact I found it very sharp in the centre and have some great test shots. I found the bokeh was a bit weird though but I guess that’s just the vintage look. In terms of the comparison, personally and in my opinion, I don’t think anything does ‘Noctilux look’ quite like the f0.95. I absolutely love using mine and it produces images that I simply cannot repeat on any other lens. I particularly like the ability to separate foreground from background even at a notable distance which normally is reserved for telephoto lenses. The Noctilux f0.95 isn’t without it’s foibles as you know, but it’s an awesome lens and dripping with Leica magic if you use it correctly. Sometimes when I’m looking for inspiration, I use this lens because it can turn the most mundane scene into something quite special. I do like (prefer) the form factor of the f1.2 but it’s not for me, not as special as the f0.95 IMO.
Thanks Rod and sorry I missed this. It sounds like you had a good copy. A few people said they got similar results to me where better from f2. Yes 0.95 is a popular lens, did you see my recent workshop video! :) I enjoy my f1 for the reasons you like your f0.95.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Yep saw your workshop video and the f1 is also a great lens. I tried one after I got my 0.95, it was also very good. I'd have them both if I could but it's too much. I also like the slightly smaller form factor of the f1. The one I've got is a bit of a beast but I still use it with the rangefinder OK and compared to say SL lenses it's still quite small, the added benefit being it works on my SL too. 🙂
Rod, you’re description of the f/0.95 is consistent with my impression after testing one in Wetzlar last year. I picked up an f/1.0 earlier this year and an f/1.2 re-issue (also used) yesterday. The f/0.95 is on my radar, but I need to let the wallet cool down a bit. Do you use the f/0.95 for long shoots, or do you find it best to swap it out for a lighter lens? This past Summer, I also got a Summilux-M 50 II. It’s a very versatile lens.
@@johnkasianowicz6536 The new Summilux II with close focus is a great lens and will give you most of the bokeh kicks you could ever want with sharp resolution as well. The F0.95 is a bit of a beast and quite unique in its render. I have used it on prolonged shoots, including street but generally prefer something lighter for an all day carry. Also check out the Voigtländer Nokton f1.0 which is smaller than the 0.95 but much sharper. It's also a fraction of the price/weight.
Yes, I owned the Noctilux 1.2 and the Noctilux 1.0 back in the last century. I shot both stopped down a half a stop, I loved the color signature of the 1.2 shot on Kodachrome, color on the 1.0 not so much, shot it on Ilford HP5 most of the time. Back in the day, most preferred the Summilux 50.
I quickly compared used (but calibrated) Leica Noctilux-M 50 mm f/1.0 and f/1.2 lenses at Leica Store Miami this past April. I thought the f/1.2 was sharper in the center but the focus fell off more quickly. I bought the f/1.0 back then. I just ordered a different used f/1.2 for a “decent” price.
Great points in this video. As mentioned before, this lens needs to be understood and one has to know its place within the Leica line up. People who own this lens will most likely also own other iterations of the 50mm. Imo, Sharp gets boring and this lens is def not boring and full of character
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaComAnother great lens with tons of personality. I own both the Nocti and steel rim and enjoy using them. Not workhorses but lenses to be enjoyed with beautiful rendering.
Hard for me to spend more on another 50 mm lens since I already have the Summilux ASPH, Noctilux 0.95, and the vintage f/1.5 Summarit. Matt, you look good with the cap.
Hey thanks! Yes I linked you video after mine do hopefully you’ll get some extra views! (Nice collection you had there and thanks for sharing your results!)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom thanks!! I’m just a fellow nerd with an obsession for the Noctilux 😆 not all of them are mine. In fact, I only own one of them (the .95). The 4 others belonged to 3 friends of mine. Funny that when we were shooting the video and placed all 5 lenses on the table (2 x .95’s - one in black and one in silver). The first thing everyone did was to take cell phone pics of all the lenses on the table 😂
@@NoctiGirl haha I bet! A rare sight to see all together! (You chose your friends well! - Do you have a Noctilux? Yes, ok you can be my friend! 🤪 ) Keep up the good work!
I paid $400 for my vintage Summitar 50mm f2. Since you said it's sharper in the center than the Noctilux 50mm f1.2 Reissue, I guess I got a good ideal. If it's time for you to wear a cap, considering that you are English, you may want to get one of those caps they wear on Peaky Blinders.
Thanks William! The Summitar is great. I think I have a few years yet before I need hats and yes I wish I’d brought out a flat cap! I might do in the next video for a joke :)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Matt, thanks for the reply as I’ve been watching your videos a great deal lately. I am going to buy an m11 with the 50mm 1.2 by end of the year. Retaining value is what I want. I’m tired of but nikon and watching the value go down the drain.
Hi Matt I've just been trying a Noctilux 1.2 for street portraits and had no problems with centre sharpness at all, wide open. I wonder if there is something about the design that results in variation between lenses. This was thought to be the case for the original 1960's model and was attributed to the problems in manufacture. Certainly the one you tried looked very under par.
I am not going to lie, I kinda want one of the re-issued 50/1.2, but the regular one for $7900usd, not the limited production version. The look I see from that lens is totally my jam
I’m going to be shot for this but I much prefer my Nikkor 1.2! It’s annoying it can’t be mounted to Leica via usual adapters as has the tab on the back.
I’m going to be shot for this but I much prefer my Nikkor 1.2! It’s annoying it can’t be mounted to Leica via usual adapters as has the tab on the back.
Yes.. fair point! :) SL is better for testing as can accurately zoom in for precise focus but M cameras would be expected to give better results in the corners with wide lenses. (Often the same*) With 50mm it doesn't matter.
You're an Englishman, so that means flat cap or bowler. Leave the baseball caps to the Yanks. Also, have tested the Noctilux 50/1.2 ASPH and concur with your conclusions. Bokeh is nice but lack of sharpness wide open kind of misses the point of this lens. The Nikkor 50mm 1:1.2 is sharper, cheaper and works well on my Leica M10 (don't judge me).
How did you mount the Nikkor, that’s the only Nikkor lens I have that won’t fit my Leica..hmm maybe I only try on SL and CL. I need to check! Great lens! (Tab on back gets in the way)
Its a reissue lens true to the original version. Not for everybody (cost prohibited) and certainly not the only 50mm Leica lens one would have in the bag
