gee-bug Posted November 14, 2002 Share Posted November 14, 2002 <p>The number of Noctilux threads recently is getting ridiculous. Maybe Tony/Josh should add a Noctilux category? Maybe we need a separate Noctilux forum? <p>Well, I, too, recently fell victim to the siren song of F1... Here are my observations, and a few photos. <p>It is quite difficult to get sharp results at F1 close range. The depth of field is practically non-existent. Whenever I'm under 2 meters I try not to open up past F1.4. In general, focusing isn't that hard. Mine isn't too stiff, and after awhile, I almost prefer the Noct focusing action to that on my other lenses (35A cron, 50 cron, 90E), it is so precise. After using the Noct for a couple of weeks, switching to other my lenses makes them seem almost like autofocus: you barely touch the focus ring, and bing! they're in focus! - a funny side effect of being accustomed to the Noct. <p>It is a big lens for an M, but it doesn't bother me. The finder obstruction is a bit annoying, especially for verticals. I'm not sure I want to part with my (current v.) 50 cron, though. The cron definitely has better contrast, even if the OOF areas seem a bit "wiry" to me. Stopped down, the Noct reminds me of stuff I've seen from older Leica glass. IMHO, it is useable at all apertures. F1, of course being the kicker. <p>All in all, the Noct is a very fun lens. I enjoy low light indoor photography, for which it is ideal. I wouldn't buy it new however, I could never justify that kind of $$ for a couple of extra stops. I haven't taken a photo with any of my other lenses since having it. None of my other lenses enjoyed that long of a honeymoon when I first got them, so that is saying something right there. It is definitely addictive, but will take awhile to master. <p>Here are some <a href="http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder.tcl? folder_id=252771" target=_blank>Noct pics</a>. I know they're pretty banal, please don't rip me too hard, I just do this for fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly_flanigan1 Posted November 14, 2002 Share Posted November 14, 2002 The Noct is a fun lens to use. I read the negative test report in the mid 1970's; and then thought the lens was absurd. Now after getting one years later; I wonder why they never mentioned the total lack of flare the NOCTILUX has. Instead of getting all wrapped up in lens test mumbo jumbo; this tool gets photos where no other lens can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim_clifford Posted November 14, 2002 Share Posted November 14, 2002 I agree with your assessment, but I can't help myself - even under 2 meters I have to go f1. The Nocti is too heavy only for those who ride around in golf carts... just kidding... I've included a pic taken with the Nocti using a ND filter (B&W 1.8) to knock it down 6 stops when I just get the craving for f1 in daylight. This is printed full frame with no "doctoring".<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james_.1 Posted November 14, 2002 Share Posted November 14, 2002 Sweet photo Jim! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ralph_barker Posted November 14, 2002 Share Posted November 14, 2002 Welcome to the Oner's Circle, Ken. Nice job of isolating your subjects at the rocket event, too. I particularly liked the shot of the young boy - good catch on the intensity of his expression. Jim - Nice shot of the girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_calabro4 Posted November 14, 2002 Share Posted November 14, 2002 Ken, Glad to see you enjoying the lens. I love mine and tend to believe that most negative commentary is rooted in the need to justify selling. I think the reason you have seen so many posts from Noct users is that the prices from Hong Kong have dropped to below $1800 new and the gap between a Noct and any other Leica lens is not as great as it may have been in the past. Whatever the reason I like the results your getting and agree with your assessment of the lens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotografz Posted November 14, 2002 Share Posted November 14, 2002 Hmmm, creamy delicious Nocti tones you guys. Now I am taking my Noctilux to Las Vegas with me tomorrow for sure. I actually considered only taking the Nocti to force exploring its' abilities more fully, but I'm to weak in the discipline department not to take a 28/2 ASPH and a 90AA also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotografz Posted November 14, 2002 Share Posted November 14, 2002 Opps, forgot to attach one of my NoctiSnaps. A shot in a outdoor partion of a resturant at night with a client inspecting a bottle of "Fat Bastard" wine and an account services brown noser hovering nearby.<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hadji_singh Posted November 14, 2002 Share Posted November 14, 2002 <i>account services brown noser</i><p> Marc, having worked in the ad industry for a while, I had to chuckle at this description! <p> You guys need to stop showing me examples of photos taken with this lens. It's making my wallet very itchy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly_flanigan1 Posted November 14, 2002 Share Posted November 14, 2002 The Canon 50mm F1.2 also is not as bad a lens as many people say it is. I got one several years ago; and use it when the NOCT is too risky; or when the environment is more dangerous. The Canon does bother me in that it has an annoying infinity lock; which automatically locks the lens. During fast focusing it is a pain. I will try to find a subject and shoot a set with the Canon F1.2 and the Noct; to show what the difference is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_collier2 Posted November 14, 2002 Share Posted November 14, 2002 If you are having a lot of trouble focusing at close distances wide open, then it is time to have the camera's rangefinder aligned. A Leica tech will check the rangefinder at 1m, 10m and infinity not just the infinity setting we users often set ourselves. My 0.72x TTL focuses my Noctilux just fine at 1m and f1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_tolcher Posted November 14, 2002 Share Posted November 14, 2002 Marc, the 'fat bastard' photo is one of the loveliest noctilux photos I have seen - really excellent. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bob_mac Posted November 14, 2002 Share Posted November 14, 2002 No doubt, Love the fat bastard! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
furcafe Posted November 14, 2002 Share Posted November 14, 2002 Welcome to the club! I concur w/Kelly's observation that the Noctilux's lack of flare is a very nice bonus that isn't mentioned enough.<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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