Nokton 35/1.2 II + M9 = wow !! [Archive]

Wobba

08-31-2011, 00:10

I picked up the new version of the Nokton 35/1.2 a few days ago and, so far, I'm very impressed. This lens gets so much right. First up, it feels great. Focus is silky smooth and the aperture ring clicks into place nicely with just the right amount of damping. Prior to receiving the lens, I was a little concerned about the size but once mounted it's balanced and feels great in the hand.

In terms of IQ, it is already quite sharp from wide open with decent contrast, unlike the previous version which was rather low in contrast until stopped down. There's zero focus shift. And the bokeh is lovely. Stopped down to around f8, it is razor sharp across the frame and better than my 35/2 ASPH. Coding for an M8/M9 is also a breeze since the mount has a slight recess. This is an incredible lens for the money.

Mounted on the M9:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6081592446_e1939171c0_b.jpg

All shot at f1.2 on my M9:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6198/6084131932_38a178d739_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6195/6083591845_e34bff4259_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6077/6084137352_0b85456e5c_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6068/6085243152_38151eba0c_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6203/6083599537_67daeb63f6_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6073/6083890533_124f7cb53f_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6076/6084146822_6f802c816b_b.jpg

Stopped down to f2.8:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6197/6084434256_e56615287e_b.jpg

Wobba

08-31-2011, 00:12

Here's a Quick & Dirty focus test series - All 100% crops

Shot at f1.2

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6195/6096390618_91e841f343_b.jpg

Shot at f1.4

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6064/6095846985_b1762d0716_b.jpg

Shot at f2.0

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6207/6095847259_9c2708099a_b.jpg

Shot at f2.8

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6202/6096391344_7670c9d269_b.jpg

Shot at f4.0

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6191/6096391670_f75b1b44e1_b.jpg

Shot at f5.6

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6096391974_ede1290074_b.jpg

Shot at f8.0

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6197/6096392298_130e17cf94_b.jpg

Never Satisfied

08-31-2011, 00:20

Hey wobba, where did you get the lens from, the Camera Exchange?

Wobba

08-31-2011, 00:31

Hey wobba, where did you get the lens from, the Camera Exchange?

My lens came from Scott at Mainline. He is all out until the next shipment arrives but Camera Lane had one in their window today.

SimonSawSunlight

08-31-2011, 00:39

there seems to be less distortion than with v1, but I think I still like v1's OOF areas a little better.
whatever, so far it seems to be a great lens and a worthy replacement.

jarski

08-31-2011, 00:45

inspiring post and great photos :)

leicashot

08-31-2011, 01:02

Looks nice, but I agree about the bokeh, which does seem smoother on the V1.

Quite honestly I think this bokeh may just have more character though....time will tell

Wobba

08-31-2011, 01:04

there seems to be less distortion than with v1, but I think I still like v1's OOF areas a little better.
whatever, so far it seems to be a great lens and a worthy replacement.

I can't comment on the V1 but the V2 requires +5 in Lightroom to correct distortion.

SimonSawSunlight

08-31-2011, 01:07

I can't comment on the V1 but the V2 requires +5 in Lightroom to correct distortion.

oh ok, forget what I said then. I thought these were uncorrected files.

Wobba

08-31-2011, 01:17

Looks nice, but I agree about the bokeh, which does seem smoother on the V1.

Quite honestly I think this bokeh may just have more character though....time will tell

G'day Kris,

There is so much to like about the way this lens renders. I have owned the 35 V4, 35/2 ASPH and 35/1.4 ASPH and prefer the Nokton to all three. It helps that focus is spot on at every aperture and at all distances.

Vince

P.S. I'm hanging out for the 28 Summiduper.

Wobba

08-31-2011, 01:20

oh ok, forget what I said then. I thought these were uncorrected files.

These files are all uncorrected. Distortion is very minimal that you won't see it in these images. I shot my garage roller door and the slight distortion that was visible was easily corrected with about +5, in LR.

leicashot

08-31-2011, 01:22

G'day Kris,

There is so much to like about the way this lens renders. I have owned the 35 V4, 35/2 ASPH and 35/1.4 ASPH and prefer the Nokton to all three. It helps that focus is spot on at every aperture and at all distances.

Vince

P.S. I'm hanging out for the 28 Summiduper.

Thats a good sign Vince as I know how picky you are ;)

I should have mine this week, and now missing the Summiduper :(

SimonSawSunlight

08-31-2011, 01:25

leicashot

08-31-2011, 01:26

Vince, did you get the lens hood? How does it look? Big? How about a pic?

SimonSawSunlight

08-31-2011, 01:40

too bad the price in germany is about 1860 USD... :(

Wobba

08-31-2011, 01:42

Vince, did you get the lens hood? How does it look? Big? How about a pic?

Unfortunately Scott did not receive the hoods. I think he said they will be in stock in a few weeks. I've been shooting outdoors in bright conditions without a hood and flare hasn't proven to be an issue at this stage.

Wobba

08-31-2011, 01:44

too bad the price in germany is about 1860 USD... :(

That's a big ask. The list price in Australia is AUD $1250 including tax which works out to AUD $1136 ex. tax.

DamenS

08-31-2011, 01:55

Wobba

08-31-2011, 01:58

Thats a good sign Vince as I know how picky you are ;)

I should have mine this week, and now missing the Summiduper :(

It'll be interesting to see how it compares to your shiny V1.

Here's a bunch of dopey test shots:

The real Wobba:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6073/6099106571_25f21c64f2_b.jpg

Some more bokeh samples:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6208/6099613550_9c888fae78_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6085/6099614544_9f35b17d69_b.jpg

Wobba

08-31-2011, 02:22

Great shots Wobba - so overall you like this lens more than the first version ? I was a little concerned (especially about build quality) when they discontinued the first lens stating that the glass had become too hard to get (or was too toxic ?) and that the lens had become too expensive to produce ... that made me think the Version II was going to be a bit "cheaper" when it came to the build and that the new glass may not be as nice.

Did Scott happen to mention when they expect the next shipment and do you know if this second version is available in chrome ?

Ta - lot of questions I know, LOL !!

HI Damen, I don't have a great deal of first hand experience with the V1. I shot with one a coupe of years ago and it seemed quite sharp from wide open but contrast was very low and required quite a lift during PP. As I said earlier, I have owned a bunch of Leica 35's (including the 35 Summarit which I forgot to mention) and the V2 Nokton appeals to me more than any of the Leicas, except perhaps for the Summarit which had very sweet bokeh.

The build quality is top notch, irrespective of price. It is a steal for AUD $1250. This could easliy sell for a lot more.

Scott didn't say when the next batch was due but Camera Lane had one in their window today.

leicashot

08-31-2011, 02:22

Wobba thats looking sharper at f/1.2, and bokeh isn't as smooth, but I'm still liking it! Send me a full rez pic, shot wide open ;)

DamenS

08-31-2011, 02:29

Thanks for the response Wobba - darn I need an excuse to spend money like I need ... well, I don't need one ! Looks like a trip into the city might be on the cards tomorrow ...

leicashot

08-31-2011, 02:36

Thanks for the response Wobba - darn I need an excuse to spend money like I need ... well, I don't need one ! Looks like a trip into the city might be on the cards tomorrow ...

Tell Al Kristian said to do a 2 for 1 special :D

Wobba

08-31-2011, 02:45

Wobba thats looking sharper at f/1.2. Send me a full rez pic, shot wide open ;)

Sure mate. I'll email a RAW sample to your gmail account.

Wobba

08-31-2011, 03:04

Wobba thats looking sharper at f/1.2, and bokeh isn't as smooth, but I'm still liking it! Send me a full rez pic, shot wide open ;)

The last shot was stopped down a little, perhaps to f2.0.

DamenS

08-31-2011, 03:18

Tell Al Kristian said to do a 2 for 1 special :D

LOL - Would two of them make an expensive 70mm f2.4 or a cheap 17.5mm f0.6 I wonder ... :eek:

jsrockit

08-31-2011, 04:46

there seems to be less distortion than with v1, but I think I still like v1's OOF areas a little better.

Ut oh, here we go... :eek:

SimonSawSunlight

08-31-2011, 05:18

it definitely looks good enough :)

N.delaRua

08-31-2011, 05:38

What is the 28 mm summiduper???

P.S. Lovely lens, very lovely lens and relative to the competition seems like a "bargain."

sazerac

08-31-2011, 07:28

Great shots! Thank you for posting. The contrast definitely looks improved but at the cost of the bokeh. Anybody got a side by side of images from the v1 vs v2?

Moriturii

08-31-2011, 09:32

Just me or does anything think that all bokeh look alike? This looks the same as all other bokehs I've seen, except for ones that have swirly bokeh like Summarit.

Bokeh blind. :-)

leicashot

08-31-2011, 09:37

Ok so I've inspected my first full rez DNG file and I'm convinced this lens could be as sharp as the Summilux ASPH. Getting my sample today so will let you all know in due time. Personally I was always prepared to sacrifice 'a little' bokeh for sharpness wide open

jlindstrom

08-31-2011, 10:37

What is the 28 mm summiduper???

P.S. Lovely lens, very lovely lens and relative to the competition seems like a "bargain."

It s an old "joke"..

see this: http://leica-users.org/v20/msg07414.html

summidupe is in the last lines.

scottwallick

08-31-2011, 12:26

I'm going to have both lenses next week; shall I do a few side-by-side comparison shots with the M9 or will that just cause rage?

Bruin

08-31-2011, 12:34

Wobba

08-31-2011, 13:19

What is the 28 mm summiduper???

P.S. Lovely lens, very lovely lens and relative to the competition seems like a "bargain."

Yes, on balance the new Nokton is quite a remarkable lens.

I was referring to the 28 Summicron.

Wobba

08-31-2011, 13:31

Just me or does anything think that all bokeh look alike? This looks the same as all other bokehs I've seen, except for ones that have swirly bokeh like Summarit.

Bokeh blind. :-)

A lot of emphasis is placed on bokeh but there are many other attributes that weigh in to whether I prefer one lens over another. The Summarit, in my view, has the best bokeh of all the Leica 35's.

Wobba

08-31-2011, 13:33

It s an old "joke"..

see this: http://leica-users.org/v20/msg07414.html

summidupe is in the last lines.

Interesting. I was not aware of this joke. I made up this dopey term on the fly in referring to the 28 CRON I had just purchased.

leicashot

08-31-2011, 13:37

Even though I'm feeling sick I'm going to do a few quick and nasty comparison shots in the next few hours.....

Wobba

08-31-2011, 13:45

I'm going to have both lenses next week; shall I do a few side-by-side comparison shots with the M9 or will that just cause rage?

Go for it. Why the rage? There's no such thing as the perfect lens. There are many factors that need to be considered and balanced in choosing a lens and bokeh is just one of them. I have no idea whether the bokeh of the v1 is better or not. Either way, the bokeh of the v2 is pretty good and better than any Leica ASPH lens I have owned. When you also consider that the v2 is very sharp from wide open, with good contrast, zero focus shift, and renders beautifully for 1/5 the price of a new 35 LUX ASPH, you just can't go wrong.

Wobba

08-31-2011, 13:47

Even though I'm feeling sick I'm going to do a few quick and nasty comparison shots in the next few hours.....

Good stuff !!

umcelinho

08-31-2011, 14:16

looks like there is no bullseye effect on light balls... which sounds pretty good to me! it's one thing i just am not a fan of in this lens

michaelbialecki

08-31-2011, 14:27

Even though I'm feeling sick I'm going to do a few quick and nasty comparison shots in the next few hours.....

thanks a lot man.......taking one for the team......I am pretty sure there are a lot of us waiting for a comprehensive review from you......go for it....

cheers, michael

leicashot

08-31-2011, 15:05

Firstly, let me thank Stephen at Cameraquest for getting me this lens, great service as usual....

Ok now so here we go. Here are my first impressions on the design, build and size/weight.

Box/presentation: Typical Voigtlander, no frills but well packaged, but now with the addition of the word 'aspherical' added to the box's exterior.

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/KD2_5460.jpg

Size: A little thinner, it obvious Voigtlander has given this lens a notable workout. As soon as you pick it up it feels smaller - not significantly, but noticeable and its very welcomed. It also feels and looks like a tiny bit shorter.

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/KD2_5461.jpg

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/KD2_5462.jpg

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/KD2_5474.jpg

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/KD2_5473.jpg

Weight: I haven't weighed then because knowing the specs means nothing to me. in the hand they feel about the same.

Design: This one is a little more handsome. It's black paint finish is less glossy then verison 1 and more like the typical Leica lenses. Lens index and aperture numbers are all engraved as before. It's focus now goes down to 0.5M, that's 20cm closer, although the M rangefinder does not couple that close so you'll 'need to remember' this when shooting. For M 4/3 cameras and others with live view, this addition will make this lens an easy upgrade decision for many who like to work in close range, as this is the only 35mm rangefinder lens in the world with a 1.2 aperture and 0.5M close focus limit/ability.

The focus ring has been widened which I didn't really notice in use but it's nice and there's a little more distance between the focus ring and the aperture ring. Focus throw is very similar, though I didn't directly compare them. Even with the extra 0.2M on version II it doesn't seem much/if any longer, but you must watch out when focusing. When I want to get close I usually twist the focus ring all the way to 0.7M and line up the rangefinder patch. You can't do it that way with this one, so extra care must be taken.

At the front of the lens lies a bayonet silver filter end just like it's Zeiss ZM cousins which I believe looks handsome, and actually makes the lens look shorter. The optional LH-8 hood clicks and turns onto the bayonet mount and costs an extra $109.

Also there is a welcomed red dot to assit in mounting the lens to body. Previously on the mount was a little red mark.

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/KD2_5467.jpg

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/KD2_5466.jpg

Glass: The glass coating and concave shape 'appear to be' identical.

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/KD2_5465.jpg

Aperture blades: Same with the aperture blades, here at f/4.

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/KD2_5469.jpg

Accessories: Because the small hood IS NOT included Voigtlander are now including a nice pinch lens cap found with some of their other lenses. So no more hood cap.

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/KD2_5489.jpg

Build Quality: Identical. No more or less feeling of quality with the version II.

On the body, the lens lens looks a little smaller, but black always does compared to chrome/silver. In the hands is where you feel it's obvious slimming down. A very welcome change.

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/KD2_5486.jpg

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/KD2_5483.jpg

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/KD2_5479.jpg

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/KD2_5476.jpg

leicashot

08-31-2011, 15:55

Ok so I only had 5 minutes to do this test so I chose to focus on bokeh wide open, considering it appears to be the main subject of discussion so far in the comparison.

The simple answer is, there is no difference. While you may be able to find slight differences, remember this was not a controlled test, just a quick and nasty one. These are downsized jpegs straight from the DNG/Lightroom. Nothing has been added to these images except for an exposure adjustment of -0.4 stop exposure on some of the rose pics outside as my exposure was at 1/4000sec with an opening of 1.2.

My subjective opinion is that the version II has slightly more sharpness wide open, but its very close. Color and contrast 'appear' to be the same, which has always been fine with me. Both lenses handle highlights very well. Frankly I'm relieved that they have not changed the legend!

...lucky because I no longer own the silver V1, which is now on it's way to its new lucky owner.

So here goes.....

V2
http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1002186.jpg

V1
http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1002189.jpg

V2
http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1002191.jpg

V1
http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1002192.jpg

V2 crop
http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1002191-2.jpg

V1 crop
http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1002192-2.jpg

V2 close focus 0.5M
http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1002194.jpg

V2
http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1002195.jpg

V1
http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1002198.jpg

V2 close focus 0.5M
http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1002200.jpg

V2
http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1002201.jpg

V1
http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1002202.jpg

V2
http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1002203.jpg

V1
http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1002205.jpg

V2 close focus 0.5M
http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1002212.jpg

EDIT NOTE: Also in terms of colors, I did leave the camera in Auto white balance which is a 'no-no' in testing environments. Colors could change from exposure to exposure, although everything does look consistent between the lenses as if they were the same lens.

Also, in addition, after more testing (sorry personal pictures, so can't post) I must conclude that the new lens indeed does show more sharpness wide open. It still doesn't have the absolute 'bite' of the Summilux ASPH, bu thats quite ok as it still retains it's charm and wonderful signature making it a mush smoother rendering lens than the Summilux ASPH. When I mean 'ASPH' I am referring to both pre-FLE and FLE, which I have tested side by side and found very little difference (focus issues aside). > If anyone in the CA area wants to compare their FLE to this lens I'd be happy to battle and post the results here.

So to conclude, unless you're blowing images up or pixel peeping, I really don't see a strong argument to upgrade, unless you're using the lens with live view, where the closer 0.5M focus will come in handy. For me personally, the smaller footprint and sharpness improvement wide open make it worth the upgrade.

Chriscrawfordphoto

08-31-2011, 16:00

Looks identical to me.

Wobba

08-31-2011, 16:08

Ok so I only had 5 minutes to do this test so I chose to focus on bokeh wide open, considering it appears to be the main subject of discussion so far in the comparison ...

Well that's that !! I can't see any difference. Thanks leicashot.

Wobba

08-31-2011, 16:12

Ok now so here we go. Here are my first impressions on the design, build and size/weight.

Is it just me or is this new lens a step up in terms of build quality/finish over previous VC lenses?

leicashot

08-31-2011, 16:15

Is it just me or is this new lens a step up in terms of build quality/finish over previous VC lenses?

While it's build is nicer than most CV lenses it's identical to the previous version, IMHO.

SimonSawSunlight

08-31-2011, 16:23

optically very, very close. cool. and if the build quality is on par with v1 then there is nothing left to discuss about here. :D

leicashot

08-31-2011, 16:29

optically very, very close. cool. and if the build quality is on par with v1 then there is nothing left to discuss about here. :D

Simon, you have no place in this discussion, cause your pictures are fine the way they are! :mad:

Bokeh shouldn't even be part of your vocabulary. Your images are always filled with (content) anything but bokeh...and keep it up mate! :D

Wobba

08-31-2011, 17:03

While it's build is nicer than most CV lenses it's identical to the previous version, IMHO.

That's great. So, for once, everybody can be happy. Those that own the V1 will not feel compelled to upgrade. And those that bought the V2 will not feel that they have missed out.

rsolti

08-31-2011, 17:53

I had the VI twice and was very disappointed with this lens...decided to give it a second chance with VII. All I can say is, I am very happy I sold my 35 Lux ASPH and replaced it with this lens. The sharpness wide open even at f/1.2 is simply remarkable...really. The contrast does seem to be better than what I remember. LOCA is extremely well controlled and I would say as good if not better than the 35 Lux ASPH. In addition, flare resistance is also remarkable. I didn't have much time tonight, but I think the few shots below will show the proof as they were tough shots for any lens. All shots below straight out of camera (M9) with NO post processing

First shot wide open with the sun over her left shoulder....notice how well flare is controlled. No adjustments in post to this file. I think LOCA is also very well controlled given the situation

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-gbhzzrG/0/XL/L1000888-XL.jpg

Next shot is also taken wide open (f/1.2) with the sun directly behind her head. Look at how well CAs are controlled....very nice

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-TW6PD2L/0/XL/L1000892-XL.jpg

100% crop - all I can say is WOW!!!!! Remember, NO post processing, no sharpening, NOTHING

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-bKm8hmT/0/XL/L1000892-2-XL.jpg

a shot with the sun behind the head at f/2 showing how it sharpens up nicely

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-hMSwSmC/0/XL/L1000898-XL.jpg

100% crop

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-xB3JWf2/0/XL/L1000898-2-XL.jpg

some crappy pics showing flare....first shot at f/6.7 and second shot at f/4.8

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-4QSKF6n/0/XL/L1000900-XL.jpg

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-fNvqqmZ/0/XL/L1000901-XL.jpg

Some infinity shots....first shot at f/2.8 with the 100% crop. Second shot at f/8 with the 100% crop

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-45gppJD/0/XL/L1000904-XL.jpg

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-926kwBf/0/XL/L1000904-2-XL.jpg

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-hCMfkgp/0/XL/L1000907-XL.jpg

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-pPtk3xP/0/XL/L1000907-2-XL.jpg

All in all I can say that I am more than pleasantly surprised.....I am shocked at how good this lens is. Some of you have had great luck with the VI and were expecting a great lens, but I was not in that boat. The sharpness at f/1.2 is really shocking to me and the bokeh is much nicer than the 35 Lux ASPH IMO. I was always a fan of the 35 Nokton bokeh, but the sharpness wasn't there compared to the 35 Lux ASPH. I think it is now. I would say that it is as sharp if not sharper than the 35 Lux ASPH wide open and clearly sharper stopped down. If you ask me the VII does seem contrastier than VI and just about perfect for how I would like it. If you are considering this lens, BUY IT before he runs out!!!!

Ryan

leicashot

08-31-2011, 18:01

Extra crops not added earlier. Keep in mind there may have been some focus differences.

V2
http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1002201.jpg

V1
http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1002202.jpg

V2 crop
http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1002201-2.jpg

V1 crop
http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1002202-2.jpg

rsolti

08-31-2011, 18:05

Kristian....I am seeing a big improvement in sharpness and a contrastier lens in VII in the crops you just posted above

sazerac

08-31-2011, 18:18

Hot Damn Leicashot! It definitely looks like the vII is an improvement over the vI. Thanks for posting these images!

leicashot

08-31-2011, 18:24

Guys don't jump the gun yet. There is nothing definitive about the results shown here. We still need brick walls, newspapers and cat pictures to be sure of anything ;)

umcelinho

08-31-2011, 18:34

Guys don't jump the gun yet. There is nothing definitive about the results shown here. We still need brick walls, newspapers and cat pictures to be sure of anything ;)

Don't forget the focus charts.. ;)

Thanks a lot for posting all these images, I bet they have made many rffers drool in front of the screen. If it's not to ask a lot, I wonder if you could take a low light shot wide open to show how light balls look like with the V2. The one thing I don't really like about the V1 is its bullseye effect on light balls, and ever since the V2 was announced I got very curious as to how it would render these... something like this:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5041/5273917110_c3ebe8af64_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/umcelinho/5273917110/)
onion rings (http://www.flickr.com/photos/umcelinho/5273917110/) by Marcelo Colmenero (http://www.flickr.com/people/umcelinho/), on Flickr

Pretty please? :)

Wobba

08-31-2011, 19:16

Guys don't jump the gun yet. There is nothing definitive about the results shown here. We still need brick walls, newspapers and cat pictures to be sure of anything ;)

Sorry, I'm new here. Next time I will post the obligatory brick wall and cat test shots.

leicashot

08-31-2011, 19:45

Sorry, I'm new here. Next time I will post the obligatory brick wall and cat test shots.

Vince you should know better. You may be new here but we go back at least 7 years ;)

gdi

08-31-2011, 20:05

Don't forget the focus charts.. ;)

Thanks a lot for posting all these images, I bet they have made many rffers drool in front of the screen. If it's not to ask a lot, I wonder if you could take a low light shot wide open to show how light balls look like with the V2. The one thing I don't really like about the V1 is its bullseye effect on light balls, and ever since the V2 was announced I got very curious as to how it would render these... something like this:
onion rings (http://www.flickr.com/photos/umcelinho/5273917110/) by Marcelo Colmenero (http://www.flickr.com/people/umcelinho/), on Flickr

Pretty please? :)

What causes that effect?

Wobba

08-31-2011, 21:43

Vince you should know better. You may be new here but we go back at least 7 years ;)

Fair call mate. Thanks for bringing me back to my senses !!

seakayaker1

08-31-2011, 21:54

Kristian, thanks for the comparison!

Some may not like the bokeh but it looks great to me. (JMHO)

marsa

09-01-2011, 03:35

It's focus now goes down to 0.5M, that's 20cm closer, although the M rangefinder does not couple that close so you'll 'need to remember' this when shooting.
(...)When I want to get close I usually twist the focus ring all the way to 0.7M and line up the rangefinder patch. You can't do it that way with this one, so extra care must be taken.

Can someone embellish a little on this? What happens, or how does it look, in the viewfinder (focus patch) of a trad M when you focus on something at 0.7m and then turn the lens to 0.5m? Is there any room for errors here?
I also incorporate the the same way of getting close as leicashot where I just turn the lens all the way to 0.7 and move forward and backward to get things in focus..

Keith

09-01-2011, 03:44

In the crop of the leaf the latest version definitely looks sharper to me!

marsa

09-01-2011, 03:57

What happens? Nothing happens. Once the RF has reached its near limit it stops moving.

So if you focus on something at 0.7 and have that in focus, but keep turning the focus ring on the lens to 0.5 it'll appear in the vf that things are still in focus?
I'm trying to picture how much this will affect me in a real life situation.. Right now it seems as a possible chance of oof subjects..
I am, however, very drawn to the fact that v2 is sharper...
Hmm.. one thing I'm certain of, I will be getting one of these babies for sure.

sazerac

09-01-2011, 04:23

Guys don't jump the gun yet. There is nothing definitive about the results shown here. We still need brick walls, newspapers and cat pictures to be sure of anything ;)

The hot damn was directed more at your extensive post! ;)

I think I may wait on upgrading. I recently got distracted by a 90/2 that I am borrowing from a friend...

I'm looking forward to seeing more images from the vII!

Olsen

09-01-2011, 05:27

jonmanjiro

09-01-2011, 05:54

These files are all uncorrected. Distortion is very minimal that you won't see it in these images. I shot my garage roller door and the slight distortion that was visible was easily corrected with about +5, in LR.

Wobba,

Thanks for taking the time to make these tests available to us. But if you have distortion-corrected them in LR afterwards; what kind of lens test is it then? Further; an issue with the M9 and non Leica lenses are the 'Italian flag' issue, typical with non Leica fast lenses/wide angles. Have you corrected for the Italian Flag too?

Please note that all lenses have a focus shift. Due to physical laws. But they can only be seen on very fast lenses.

It's not like you to miss crucial information, Olsen :p

jsrockit

09-01-2011, 06:22

Further; an issue with the M9 and non Leica lenses are the 'Italian flag' issue, typical with non Leica fast lenses/wide angles. Have you corrected for the Italian Flag too?

Is that an issue with 35mm lenses...I thought it was only 25mm and beyond.

rsolti

09-01-2011, 07:48

Is that an issue with 35mm lenses...I thought it was only 25mm and beyond.

35 Lux ASPH had it slightly with the old firmware. New firmware all but corrected it and I don't see the slightest trace with the 35 Nokton II

leicashot

09-01-2011, 08:10

Also, another note, I left the coding set to Auto, so there was no corrections made for the lenses by the M9-P. I also added some extra notes to the bottom of the testing post.

Brian Sweeney

09-01-2011, 08:16

This lens looks great- will be very popular.

Most focus shift is caused by spherical aberration, which is minimized with the aspherical optics. Makes snese that focus shift would be minimal.

millus1974

09-01-2011, 09:48

Maybe it's just me...but the new version seems to be more clinical and sharp, but i don't see the classic "nokton glove" that i love in my v1. I mean in the 100% crop of the flower you can see a kind of soft flare around the edge and of course in the new version this "problem" as been solved, but in my case i really love that effect on my pictures, maybe it's just me and the fact that i only use film and no digital so i don't need to enlarge my pictures so much...
Anyway an amazing lens, but at the moment i feel satisfied with my old v1...and his character ^_^

jsrockit

09-01-2011, 10:02

What's nokton glove?

loneranger

09-01-2011, 10:46

So between the v2 nokton, summilux asph, and cron asph, at f/2.0, which is sharper across the field with the most contrast?

leicashot

09-01-2011, 10:56

So between the v2 nokton, summilux asph, and cron asph, at f/2.0, which is sharper across the field with the most contrast?

No way to tell for sure, but it would have to be between the Summilux and Nokton II. I know my Nokton 1 at f/2 was very good across the frame. I have never really rated the Summicron ASPH wide open, and it's bokeh is quite harsh IMHO.

Without testing it would be hard to put the Nokton ahead of the Summilux ASPH FLE, but it wouldn't surprise me if it was closer than you think.

JayM

09-01-2011, 11:01

What's nokton glove?

Is it natural fiber or synthetic? My skin is sensitive to synthetic fibers. Here's hoping that a wool version is in the works.

SimonSawSunlight

09-01-2011, 11:02

and just like that the internet myth about a certain nokton glove was born. :D

sahe69

09-01-2011, 11:22

and just like that the internet myth about a certain nokton glove was born. :D

Wot, you're not wearing nokton gloves whilst shooting with yours??? ;):p

Wobba

09-01-2011, 11:44

Wobba,

Thanks for taking the time to make these tests available to us. But if you have distortion-corrected them in LR afterwards; what kind of lens test is it then? Further; an issue with the M9 and non Leica lenses are the 'Italian flag' issue, typical with non Leica fast lenses/wide angles. Have you corrected for the Italian Flag too?

Please note that all lenses have a focus shift. Due to physical laws. But they can only be seen on very fast lenses.

Hi Olsen. Thanks. I did not correct any of the images in this thread for distortion. I was just pointing out that this lens has very slight distortion that, if required, is easy to correct.

In terms of focus shift, my sample is already very sharp at f1.2 and becomes progressively sharper stopped down. This impressed me given that this is a fast lens, particularly since my 35/2 ASPH and 35/1.4 ASPH lenses (and I owned several samples of each) all displayed focus shift between f2.8 and f5.6.

leicashot

09-01-2011, 11:55

Wot, you're not wearing nokton gloves whilst shooting with yours??? ;):p

Simon is the Nokton king. Some of the very best pictures taken with this lens were taken by Simon.

sahe69

09-01-2011, 12:03

Simon is the Nokton king. Some of the very best pictures taken with this lens were taken by Simon.

You don't have to tell me that, I know :) Maybe his secret is NOT wearing the nokton gloves.

Wobba

09-01-2011, 12:08

Simon is the Nokton king. Some of the very best pictures taken with this lens were taken by Simon.

I was just looking at your Nokton thread in the RFF Leica forum. Beautiful stuff. Hand yourself a crown leicashot.

sazerac

09-01-2011, 12:18

and just like that the internet myth about a certain nokton glove was born. :D

Is the nokton glove anything like the Summicondom?

leicashot

09-01-2011, 12:20

Is the nokton glove anything like the Summicondom?

haha, so it begins....well nothing like the Summidelux versions ;)

millus1974

09-01-2011, 12:26

and just like that the internet myth about a certain nokton glove was born. :D

hahaha...yes you're right, and i will be "the man with the Nokton Glove" :p

Sorry it seems i really can't use the keyboard of my iPod...Glow it's been transformed in a Glove

jsrockit

09-01-2011, 12:46

I was GASing for a Nokton Glove so bad... now its just about the lens' glow? :(

gdi

09-01-2011, 13:15

hahaha...yes you're right, and i will be "the man with the Nokton Glove" :p

Sorry it seems i really can't use the keyboard of my iPod...Glow it's been transformed in a Glove

It happens to us all!

http://http://damnyouautocorrect.com/

leicashot

09-01-2011, 14:05

Ok another simple test shot.
http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1002247_full.jpg

100% crop
http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1002247_crop.jpg

semordnilap

09-01-2011, 14:14

It happens to us all!

http://http://damnyouautocorrect.com/

What a wonderful site that is... always brightens the afternoon.

But I always wonder how real they really are.

But one question about the Nokton Glove... is it white and covered with rhinestones, or just filled with vaseline?

jsrockit

09-02-2011, 04:01

Do a search for Nokton Glove on google and this is the first image result...

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5100/5507072819_721cf7e7ec.jpg

kosta_g

09-02-2011, 04:18

Nokton classic glove!
great work with showing off the new lens! thanks :D
looks stellar

Vickko

09-02-2011, 04:39

So, if you have a Summilux-ASPH 35, it is unwise and not necessary to lust for the Nokton 35 Ver 2?

.....Vick

No way to tell for sure, but it would have to be between the Summilux and Nokton II. I know my Nokton 1 at f/2 was very good across the frame. I have never really rated the Summicron ASPH wide open, and it's bokeh is quite harsh IMHO.

Without testing it would be hard to put the Nokton ahead of the Summilux ASPH FLE, but it wouldn't surprise me if it was closer than you think.

Alnitak

09-02-2011, 06:35

The red edge issues has nothing to do with the speed of the lens or really the focal length--its a function of the location of the rear nodal point of the lens relative to the sensor. Now, as the focal length of the lens shortens, the nodal point by necessity will get closer to the sensor, especially in a more symmetrical lens design--but the speed of the lens has nothing to do with it.

I've had a V2 for a week now and I'm doing some extensive comparisons between it and the V1. So far any differences I see are minor at best. I'll publish a blog post this weekend that will cover this in some detail.

Jeff

Alnitak

09-02-2011, 06:37

So, if you have a Summilux-ASPH 35, it is unwise and not necessary to lust for the Nokton 35 Ver 2?

.....Vick

I would say so, yes. The Summilux is smaller and sharper across the field.

The Nokton is a great alternative lens that's a lot cheaper.

Jeff

SupachaiA

09-02-2011, 07:23

Hey, Michael ain't you have 2 of the v1 already. I reckoned.

leicashot

09-02-2011, 08:28

So, if you have a Summilux-ASPH 35, it is unwise and not necessary to lust for the Nokton 35 Ver 2?

.....Vick

Hey Vick, at the price of the Nokton, I believe its a wise move to give it a try. If you pixel peep at sharpness wide open I believe the Summilux will win. Overall signature, the Nokton is definitely smoother but at the cost of size and weight.

To me I prefer the Nokton II, and I to the Summilux and always have. It's always had the best balance between modern color with traditional rendering. The best way to describe them is that the Summilux draws with a modern printer, and the Nokton draws with a pencil and paintbrush.

What I'm seeing in the new Nokton is a slight increase in performance wide open, which bridges the gap between the Nokton and Summilux, so I think it's worth checking out. not necessarily as a replacement for your Summilux, but as an additional drawing tool in your paint set.

fotomeow

09-02-2011, 09:07

Is it natural fiber or synthetic? My skin is sensitive to synthetic fibers. Here's hoping that a wool version is in the works.

Heads Up: there is a Nokton Glove on eBay up for auction; its selling for a pretty penny, but I'm going to hold out for the Summilux glove. It cost 10 times more, but it will make my pictures that much better.

rsolti

09-02-2011, 09:45

I just got the Nokton II and sold the 35 Lux ASPH I. The Nokton II IS sharper wide open and also obviously stopped down not having the focus shift issue like the Lux ASPH I. The Lux ASPH FLE is supposed to be slightly sharper than the Lux ASPH I (never tried that one) but as Kristian says I wouldn't be surprised if the Nokton is very close in performance. I will say one thing that is far nicer (to my eyes) on the Nokton than the Lux ASPH FLE is the bokeh.

Vickko

09-02-2011, 09:46

he he he.... just bought one.

My favourite supplier in Montreal just got a shipment.

Oh, can't wait for the mail (damn, they aren't shipping on Monday - Labour Day)

:-)

Vick

leicashot

09-02-2011, 09:48

I don't think the FLE is sharper than the ASPH, as I tested both, but the FLE is better corrected. So if you believe the Nokton II is sharper than the ASPH, it will also be sharper than the FLE, but this remains to be seen, or tested. I'm still waiting to find someone who's willing to put their FLE to the test against the new Nokton.

leicashot

09-02-2011, 09:49

he he he.... just bought one.

My favourite supplier in Montreal just got a shipment.

Oh, can't wait for the mail (damn, they aren't shipping on Monday - Labour Day)

:-)

Vick

Keep us posted Vick, exciting times mate!

leicashot

09-02-2011, 17:02

Ok, so something I should have tested, but forgot was how well this lens performs when stopped down to 1.4.

On the version 1 there was a slight jump in contrast and very minor increase in sharpness. On the version 2 I am seeing a much more noticeable improvement when at 1.4 - and the extra DOF may also help a little with the 'perception of increased sharpness'. This really draws this lens much closer to the Summilux ASPH and FLE, at least around the center of the frame.

helenhill

09-02-2011, 17:10

Ok another simple test shot.
http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1002247_full.jpg

100% crop
http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1002247_crop.jpg

Me thinks You took these Puggie shots for me.....:)
my 2 pugs ....'Bully & Lulubelle' want me to shoot them with a v2 now

Cheers- H

leicashot

09-02-2011, 17:15

Me thinks You took these Puggie shots for me.....:)
my 2 pugs ....'Bully & Lulubelle' want me to shoot them with a v2 now

Cheers- H

I was wondering when you'd speak up Helen. I'm hoping to be there in NYC end of this month for an RFF meet up and hope you can make it!

Wobba

09-02-2011, 17:23

Hey Vick, at the price of the Nokton, I believe its a wise move to give it a try. If you pixel peep at sharpness wide open I believe the Summilux will win. Overall signature, the Nokton is definitely smoother but at the cost of size and weight.

To me I prefer the Nokton II, and I to the Summilux and always have. It's always had the best balance between modern color with traditional rendering. The best way to describe them is that the Summilux draws with a modern printer, and the Nokton draws with a pencil and paintbrush.

What I'm seeing in the new Nokton is a slight increase in performance wide open, which bridges the gap between the Nokton and Summilux, so I think it's worth checking out. not necessarily as a replacement for your Summilux, but as an additional drawing tool in your paint set.

I no longer own my 35 LUX ASPH but in reviewing a bunch of images shot with that lens and comparing them with similar images from my V2 35/1.2, I believe that the Nokton is slightly sharper at f1.2 and much sharper in the middle apertures (due to lack of focus shift). But general rendering and bokeh is more "deliciouso" with the the Nokton.

I regret never giving the V1 a fair run. I was somewhat put off by the size. And it seemed overly soft and lacking in contrast wide open. Perhaps the sample I tried was below par. Who knows? Either way, this V2 is a cracker !!

helenhill

09-02-2011, 17:30

I was wondering when you'd speak up Helen. I'm hoping to be there in NYC end of this month for an RFF meet up and hope you can make it!

Sounds GREAT ...look forward to seeing YOU !!

Wobba

09-02-2011, 17:36

On the version 1 there was a slight jump in contrast and very minor increase in sharpness. On the version 2 I am seeing a much more noticeable improvement when at 1.4 - and the extra DOF may also help a little with the 'perception of increased sharpness'. This really draws this lens much closer to the Summilux ASPH and FLE, at least around the center of the frame.

Ahh ... so it wasn't just my imagination !!

Atom

09-03-2011, 12:44

I regret never giving the V1 a fair run. I was somewhat put off by the size. And it seemed overly soft and lacking in contrast wide open. Perhaps the sample I tried was below par. Who knows? Either way, this V2 is a cracker !!

My V1 is quite sharp wide open. It must have been the version you tried.

The shorter barrel length on the V2 is appealing. Glad to see this lens live on and with a seeming rival of the handsomely expensive lux asph.

prosophos

09-04-2011, 06:53

The new version is looking very nice.

Peter.

Alnitak

09-04-2011, 12:49

As always, a new version leads people to speculate...I'm working on some side-by-side images comparing the V2, V1 and Summilux ASPH. (non-FLE). In a carefully controlled test, the only difference I am seeing between the V1 and V2 lenses is a slightly smoother bokeh with the V2 lens. Given that the diaphragm blades appear identical, and appear to be identically placed, the only thing I can conclude is that a slight adjustment of the optical formula has helped--possibly a result of the changes to allow a .5m close focus.

Overall, both copies of these lenses are slightly sharper on the whole than my copy of the Summilux, even in the corners. That said, there is always sample variation--the first copy of the V1 Nokton I had was a good bit softer, and while my Summilux is very good, I know there are worse and better copies of Leica lenses out there as well.

The smaller size of the new V2 is very handy, although it's still bigger than the Leica. The V2 does have slightly better construction quality than the V1 lens. The overall feel is a lens that is "tighter" in construction, and closer in quality to the Zeiss lenses than some of the other Voigtländer lenses. The close focus change means that it has a longer focus throw than the V1 lens. The length difference is all but imperceptible, but the reduced barrel diameter is very noticeable, and makes the V2 lens seem much smaller.

Coding to correct for vignetting is important, unless you like the vignette. I have found that the best correction is using the v1 Summilux ASPH code, although it slightly overcorrects the image at the f/2-4 range. For those who like to hand-code their lenses on the M8 and M9, the groove on the new V2 lens mount is a boon.

Overall this lens is a great value--like most of the Voigtländer lenses. I'm working on a full write-up with a comparison of 100% crops. I'll post a link here in a few days when its complete.

Meanwhile, here's an image of OOF lights that shows the smoother bokeh of this lens--no busy lines in the OOF highlights, or harder edges.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6196/6111406494_772b24cfbc_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhapeman/6111406494/)
L9996836 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhapeman/6111406494/) by jhapeman (http://www.flickr.com/people/jhapeman/), on Flickr

umcelinho

09-04-2011, 12:58

Meanwhile, here's an image of OOF lights that shows the smoother bokeh of this lens--no busy lines in the OOF highlights, or harder edges.
L9996836 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhapeman/6111406494/) by jhapeman (http://www.flickr.com/people/jhapeman/), on Flickr

Looks like the v2 has no bullseye effect like the v1! Sweet!!!

Vickko

09-04-2011, 13:55

ohmigod, I can't wait to get my lens into my hands. Thanks so much for posting the photos.

leicashot

09-04-2011, 17:40

As always, a new version leads people to speculate...I'm working on some side-by-side images comparing the V2, V1 and Summilux ASPH. (non-FLE). In a carefully controlled test, the only difference I am seeing between the V1 and V2 lenses is a slightly smoother bokeh with the V2 lens. Given that the diaphragm blades appear identical, and appear to be identically placed, the only thing I can conclude is that a slight adjustment of the optical formula has helped--possibly a result of the changes to allow a .5m close focus.

Overall, both copies of these lenses are slightly sharper on the whole than my copy of the Summilux, even in the corners. That said, there is always sample variation--the first copy of the V1 Nokton I had was a good bit softer, and while my Summilux is very good, I know there are worse and better copies of Leica lenses out there as well.

The smaller size of the new V2 is very handy, although it's still bigger than the Leica. The V2 does have slightly better construction quality than the V1 lens. The overall feel is a lens that is "tighter" in construction, and closer in quality to the Zeiss lenses than some of the other Voigtländer lenses. The close focus change means that it has a longer focus throw than the V1 lens. The length difference is all but imperceptible, but the reduced barrel diameter is very noticeable, and makes the V2 lens seem much smaller.

Coding to correct for vignetting is important, unless you like the vignette. I have found that the best correction is using the v1 Summilux ASPH code, although it slightly overcorrects the image at the f/2-4 range. For those who like to hand-code their lenses on the M8 and M9, the groove on the new V2 lens mount is a boon.

Overall this lens is a great value--like most of the Voigtländer lenses. I'm working on a full write-up with a comparison of 100% crops. I'll post a link here in a few days when its complete.

Meanwhile, here's an image of OOF lights that shows the smoother bokeh of this lens--no busy lines in the OOF highlights, or harder edges.

Wow, its funny how people's opinion's can be so different. I couldn't see any advantage in the new version in terms of build quality. If I was to make a bet which was better, I'd say 'maybe' the V1, but that probably only because it's bigger. Otherwise comparing them both side by side I couldn't see a difference to save my life.

Also, I couldn't see any difference in the bokeh at all.

It's good to see other new owners posting here. Keep them coming guys!

Alnitak

09-04-2011, 19:52

The build quality is mostly noticeable in two areas: Play of the aperture ring, which is much smoother and tighter, with cleaner detents, and the finish. The paint job on the V1 lenses could be a bit spotty in evenness, whereas the new lens appears to be an anodized coating which looks much better. You can see this in my shot here:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6203/6087330472_d1370ca0dc_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhapeman/6087330472/)
L9996545 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhapeman/6087330472/) by jhapeman (http://www.flickr.com/people/jhapeman/), on Flickr

The bokeh difference is VERY minor. Nothing to get too excited about, IMO. I took mine out to the Getty Villa today and ran it through some paces. One thing I discovered is that the V2 lens is very flare-resistant. I'll have to see how that compares to the V1 lens.

Jeff

leicashot

09-04-2011, 20:08

The build quality is mostly noticeable in two areas: Play of the aperture ring, which is much smoother and tighter, with cleaner detents, and the finish. The paint job on the V1 lenses could be a bit spotty in evenness, whereas the new lens appears to be an anodized coating which looks much better. You can see this in my shot here:

The bokeh difference is VERY minor. Nothing to get too excited about, IMO. I took mine out to the Getty Villa today and ran it through some paces. One thing I discovered is that the V2 lens is very flare-resistant. I'll have to see how that compares to the V1 lens.

Jeff

Funny, I drove past there today and thought I should check it out some day. Still can't agree with you, as I still feel both were the same, but there may also be some sample variation to take into consideration. I also have never used two 35 Summilux ASPH's that felt the same. Their focus action has been quite different on about 10 different samples I've used/owned.

Wobba

09-04-2011, 21:18

leicashot

09-04-2011, 21:22

I never owned the V1 but the finish looks the same as my old VC 50/1.5 which had a painted finish that was somewhat delicate. The V2 is definitely anodized and the finish is remarkably close to a Leica lens. All kudos to Voigtlander for building a better product without jacking up the price.

I kinda prefer the 'black paint' look of the V1 actually. Guess my opinion is the odd one out so far ;)

For those wondering about the V1, here's an appreciation thread I started some time ago... http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=93943

Alnitak

09-04-2011, 21:26

Funny, I drove past there today and thought I should check it out some day. Still can't agree with you, as I still feel both were the same, but there may also be some sample variation to take into consideration. I also have never used two 35 Summilux ASPH's that felt the same. Their focus action has been quite different on about 10 different samples I've used/owned.

It's an excellent place to shoot. The best time to go there is in the winter in the afternoon, when the light is golden and there are no crowds.

leicashot

09-04-2011, 21:28

It's an excellent place to shoot. The best time to go there is in the winter in the afternoon, when the light is golden and there are no crowds.

Thanks I'll check it out...winter is just around the corner

Wobba

09-04-2011, 22:35

I kinda prefer the 'black paint' look of the V1 actually. Guess my opinion is the odd one out so far ;)

For those wondering about the V1, here's an appreciation thread I started some time ago... http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=93943

There's nothing wrong with being an individual :)

jarski

09-04-2011, 23:17

interesting read here.

comment about smoothness of ver x vs ver y. hope there is not new lens vs used lens factor in equation.

D&A

09-05-2011, 05:22

I had a chance to quickly meet a long time aquantence and briefly inspect and shoot with his new V2 of this lens. Unfortunately I didn't have my chrome V1 with me to do any comparing optically, but I noted a few things which does strengthen the argument that individual sample variation in construction exists in both versions of this lens. The aperture clicks detent on the chrome V1 were rock solid and once placed in any detent, had absolutely no side to side play, not even the slightest. On his V2, once put into any aperture detent, a slight bit of side to side play could be felt. Nothing worth worrying about, but just noting the differences, since the same comparison was mentioned between two other samples of both of these lenses. The focus is slightly firmer on my Chrome V1, whereby the focus his V2 felt silky, but at times I could detect a very slight bit of "play" in the focusing with his V2 lens. Of course I couldn't compare the lens finishes, being that my V1 Is chrome, but both finishes were flawless. I think if one got a hold of a different chrome V1 lens than mine and a different V 2 than his, the observations I just mentioned, might be reversed....so I think it's hard to make a definitive statement on some of the different attributes of each lens until larger # of direct comparisons are made.

As for better side and edge definition and sharpness seen in the VC 35mm f1.2 lenses vs Leica's 35mm f1.4 Lux asph Ver 1 (prior to FLE)....I've attributed this is the considerable field curvature seen in the Leica lens, especially when focusing at closer distances...whereby the VC 35mm f.2 lenses have a flatter field. The new Leica FLE lens also has a flatter field and it's one of the reasons it too has markedly improved sis and edges when compared to it predissors. All fine lenses, each having there own particular strengths.

Dave (D&A)

Krosya

09-05-2011, 06:13

Thanks for the tests guys! I'm sure there will be more and more info coming, but so far , based on your pics I can say this:

1. Glad that Cosina didnt screw up the second version, as they managed to with some of thier other "updates". New lens looks good.
2. Again, not too much info to go by yet, but from what I see so far - not that much difference for me to want to sell my V1 and get V2. I was always happy with my sample of V1 and I dont think V2 will do more other than cost extra. ;)
Still waiting to see more pics from a new one to form a better opinion, but I dont think I'll buy a V2 Nokton unless something happens to my V1.

rsolti

09-05-2011, 17:18

I have finished my testing...I have said what I wanted to say and stick by it. It IS sharper than the 35 Lux ASPH wide open and stopped down. This lens is amazing. The one thing is that from about 12 ft out the bokeh isn't as smooth as the 35 Lux....at distance it lacks a little in my opinion. Below are some shots for everyone to make up their own opinion

WIDE OPEN - NO SHARPENING

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-3gwTPNP/0/XL/L1000928-XL.jpg"]http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-3gwTPNP/0/XL/L1000928-XL.jpg

100% crop

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-6w736tn/0/XL/L1000928-2-XL.jpg"]http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-6w736tn/0/XL/L1000928-2-XL.jpg

wide open...no sharpening

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-h52SnFL/0/XL/L1000932-XL.jpg

100% crop

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-Shws4WZ/0/XL/L1000932-2-XL.jpg"]http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-Shws4WZ/0/XL/L1000932-2-XL.jpg

wide open

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-Prw7N4r/0/XL/L1000935-Edit-XL.jpg"]http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-Prw7N4r/0/XL/L1000935-Edit-XL.jpg

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-QSHz9T6/0/XL/L1000939-XL.jpg"]http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-QSHz9T6/0/XL/L1000939-XL.jpg

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-GKtWzn9/0/XL/L1000941-XL.jpg"]http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-GKtWzn9/0/XL/L1000941-XL.jpg

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-TPjz3Rd/0/XL/L1000945-XL.jpg"]http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-TPjz3Rd/0/XL/L1000945-XL.jpg

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-VWqw5KG/0/XL/L1000946-XL.jpg"]http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-VWqw5KG/0/XL/L1000946-XL.jpg

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-3V4RGgP/0/XL/L1000956-Edit-XL.jpg"]http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-3V4RGgP/0/XL/L1000956-Edit-XL.jpg

Here is a HUGE benefit if you ask me. Here is a shot at .7....normal mfd

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-rmjwnqg/0/XL/L1000960-XL.jpg"]http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-rmjwnqg/0/XL/L1000960-XL.jpg

Now here is the same scene at .5.....the mfd of this lens

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-jrGQSxK/0/XL/L1000966-XL.jpg"]http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-jrGQSxK/0/XL/L1000966-XL.jpg

Landscape....sure.....f/5.6 NO post processing

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-B2sZGtM/0/XL/L1000985-XL.jpg"]http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-B2sZGtM/0/XL/L1000985-XL.jpg

100% crop

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-pQZhjfk/0/XL/L1000985-2-XL.jpg"]http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-pQZhjfk/0/XL/L1000985-2-XL.jpg

rsolti

09-05-2011, 17:26

wide open...no sharpening or adjustments in post

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-P2DZzwR/0/XL/L1001004-XL.jpg"]http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-P2DZzwR/0/XL/L1001004-XL.jpg

100% crop

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-GNVbGDB/0/XL/L1001004-2-XL.jpg"]http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-GNVbGDB/0/XL/L1001004-2-XL.jpg

wide open with no adjustments....I tell you the contrast is very much improved if you ask me

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-jSBDSzn/0/XL/L1001008-XL.jpg"]http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-jSBDSzn/0/XL/L1001008-XL.jpg

f/1.4 I believe

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-7zbGMzq/0/XL/L1001018-XL.jpg"]http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-7zbGMzq/0/XL/L1001018-XL.jpg

wide open

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-ssGMBcB/0/XL/L1001025-XL.jpg"]http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-ssGMBcB/0/XL/L1001025-XL.jpg

f/1.2 with no post processing done

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-WxFv5r2/0/XL/L1001040-XL.jpg"]http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-WxFv5r2/0/XL/L1001040-XL.jpg

100% crop

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-sd9tX4f/0/XL/L1001040-2-XL.jpg

Yes, it does people very well, too! :)

All shots wide open:

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Children/Misc-Morgan-Fun/i-kh4STXH/0/XL/L1001043-XL.jpg

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Children/Misc-Morgan-Fun/i-8FftLcv/0/XL/L1001045-XL.jpg

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Children/Misc-Morgan-Fun/i-6cMmSDd/0/XL/L1001046-XL.jpg

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Children/Misc-Morgan-Fun/i-wdX6629/0/XL/L1001047-Edit-XL.jpg

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Children/Misc-Morgan-Fun/i-Q5Pqdtf/0/XL/L1001049-XL.jpg

I love this lens...wasn't a huge fan of the two different VI samples I tried but I love this lens. I do not miss my 35 Lux ASPH (which I also loved) at all anymore.

leicashot

09-05-2011, 17:40

Wow thanks for posting some very convincing images. I have to be honest, I don't believe the lens is sharper than a good Summilux ASPH wide open, but it 'may' be when stopped down to f/1.4.

I also believe that later Nokton V1's had better contrast wide open, because as of late I've owned 4 late production V1 samples with great contrast wide open (possibly a change in coatings?).

In my comparison of V1 and V2 there was absolutely zero difference in contrast which is perfectly fine as the V1 samples I've recently owned have all be tops. As for the V2 vs Lux ASPH or FLE side by side comparisons, it remains to be seen.....but I bet the Lux FLE now has a formidable competitor. As for rendering qualities, look at the last pictures and show me one Summilux ASPH/FLE that looks as smooth as those....anyone?

EDIT: FYI, the closest Leica lenses to this in rendering are the Summicron 28mm and 50 Lux ASPH, IMHO.

D&A

09-05-2011, 20:30

Hi Kristian & All,

As far as I've been able to determine from fairly extensive testing (and simply my opinion), the new Leica 35mm lux asph FLE lens had the least desirable rendering and bokeh when compared to it's predecessor or either version of the VC 35mm f1.2 lens. In pure technical performance (ie: sharpness/resolution across the frame, even wide open), the FLE is a very strong performer, though unexciting at times. In addition, as Ryan accurately pointed out, the Leica 35mm lux asph V1 (pre FLE), had somewhat smoother bokeh than either V 1 or V2 VC 35mm f1.2 lenses, especially at distance.

Great observations and results posted so far!!

Dave (D&A)

Wobba

09-06-2011, 02:04

I also believe that later Nokton V1's had better contrast wide open, because as of late I've owned 4 late production V1 samples with great contrast wide open (possibly a change in coatings?).

In my comparison of V1 and V2 there was absolutely zero difference in contrast which is perfectly fine as the V1 samples I've recently owned have all be tops. As for the V2 vs Lux ASPH or FLE side by side comparisons, it remains to be seen.....but I bet the Lux FLE now has a formidable competitor. As for rendering qualities, look at the last pictures and show me one Summilux ASPH/FLE that looks as smooth as those....anyone?

You could be right about the early vs late V1's. I tried the V1 when as soon is it became available and the contrast was really low wide open. I was put off by this and decided to go on the hunt for a good 35/1.4 ASPH.

My only gripe with this lens (V2) is size/weight. I can't help but feel that Voigtlander could have made this lens smaller/lighter if it maxed the speed at f1.4. In comparing test shots at f1.2 vs f1.4 (shutter & ISO fixed) the difference in exposure is barely discernible.

Either way, this lens is fast becoming one of my all time favourites.

Wobba

09-06-2011, 02:35

wide open...no sharpening or adjustments in post

I love this lens...wasn't a huge fan of the two different VI samples I tried but I love this lens. I do not miss my 35 Lux ASPH (which I also loved) at all anymore.

Wonderful images, particularly the last set. Thanks for posting. My 35 LUX ASPH was pretty sharp from f1.4, although it took three cracks to find a somewhat decent one. And body/lens had to be calibrated. Even then, accurate focus was a hit and miss affair. One of the best things about the 35/1.2 is that it just nails focus right across the aperture range and at varying distances.

Vickko

09-06-2011, 02:58

The V2 is $1300, compared to the ~$900 of the V1.

There was a price increase. :-)

But I'm happy to see that there appears to be a commensurate increase in performance, not just finish.

Vick

.... All kudos to Voigtlander for building a better product without jacking up the price.

prosophos

09-06-2011, 03:01

As a fan of V1, I must say that I am quite pleased with the samples I'm seeing from V2. Thank you to all who have taken the time to post the images.

Peter.
www.prosophos.com

Wobba

09-06-2011, 03:19

Nigel Meaby

09-06-2011, 03:48

...And in rip-off Britain the price for the V2 is over (equivalent of) $1500, when the pound is strong against the dollar! Make of that what you will. Still having said that it's an excellent value lens. The Lux FLE is certainly not three times better but will cost you three times the price!

I bought one yesterday so as soon as I've taken some decent pics I will post some here. I'm liking the slimmer barrel but when it's got a hood on it, it will still fill a large percentage of the framelines. There has to be a compromise somewhere, though!

rsolti

09-06-2011, 04:11

I have been using mine without the hood for that reason and have not been disappointed. The flare resistance of this lens is excellent. Look at the last set...all with the sun shining right at the lens and not a single bit of flare

...And in rip-off Britain the price for the V2 is over (equivalent of) $1500, when the pound is strong against the dollar! Make of that what you will. Still having said that it's an excellent value lens. The Lux FLE is certainly not three times better but will cost you three times the price!

I bought one yesterday so as soon as I've taken some decent pics I will post some here. I'm liking the slimmer barrel but when it's got a hood on it, it will still fill a large percentage of the framelines. There has to be a compromise somewhere, though!

Alnitak

09-06-2011, 05:36

Indeed, the flare resistance is superb. I took my V2 out for a photo jaunt on Sunday and I purposely tested the flare resistance. I don't believe one needs a hood for this lens. Observe:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6191/6114526669_184f2498fd_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhapeman/6114526669/)
L9996992.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhapeman/6114526669/) by jhapeman (http://www.flickr.com/people/jhapeman/), on Flickr

And then a second shot with the sun just out of the frame, nothing artistic here, just a flare test:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6182/6115064582_7ee0c87235_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhapeman/6115064582/)
L9996971.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhapeman/6115064582/) by jhapeman (http://www.flickr.com/people/jhapeman/), on Flickr

Jeff

Nigel Meaby

09-06-2011, 05:45

Good to see the flare resistance. It's been raining here all day so no chance to check that ;-)
But as I don't use filters on lenses I like a hood for a bit of protection for the front element, which on the Nokton is just a few mm behind the lens mount. Robert White didn't have the hoods yesterday but at over £100 (UK price) for the hood I'm looking at a Heavystar or ebay alternative screw mount hood. It will do just the same job for a tenth of the price.

leicashot

09-06-2011, 07:49

magicianhisoka

09-06-2011, 07:52

Quick question on the V2, does the 0.5m minimum focusing distance actually show up properly on the viewfinder? I was told that most rangefinders are optimized for 0.7m or 1m in general. Currently using the V1 and I'd like to trade it in for a V2 if it lets me get closer to people.

Nigel Meaby

09-06-2011, 08:01

Hi Leicashot

Availability aside, I was going by RRP here in the UK The Lux FLE is £3446, while the Ver 2 Nokton is £1080 at Robert White. Both prices inclusive of VAT. It might be a long wait but if ordered tomorrow, that's the price you would pay for the Lux. Closer to 3 times than 5 :D

jtullar

09-06-2011, 08:02

Thanks for the examples... IM SOLD!

leicashot

09-06-2011, 08:03

Hi Leicashot

Availability aside, I was going by RRP here in the UK The Lux FLE is £3446, while the Ver 2 Nokton is £1080 at Robert White. Both prices inclusive of VAT. Closer to 3 times than 5 :D

I know, just making a cheap shot stab at the stupid used/bought for /resale-profit prices ;)

Ljós

09-06-2011, 08:40

wide open...no sharpening or adjustments in post

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-P2DZzwR/0/XL/L1001004-XL.jpg%22]http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-P2DZzwR/0/XL/L1001004-XL.jpg

100% crop

http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-GNVbGDB/0/XL/L1001004-2-XL.jpg%22]http://www.soltiphotography.com/Other/Nokton-35-12-VII-Test/i-GNVbGDB/0/XL/L1001004-2-XL.jpg

That is very impressive. Proves two things: that the lens is fully usable wide open at f1.2, and that 1.2 is not a Hail-Mary-last-resort-stop. And also that, given the right subject and distance, f1.2 can be more than razor-thin plane of focus and bokeh galore.

Thanks for sharing these pictures. Unfortunately, as others have already mentioned, in Germany this lens is priced very high. Still a good price for what it does though :-)

SteveM(PA)

09-06-2011, 10:34

Funny still, I'll be driving by there tomorrow afternoon on my way from LAX to Pepperdine.

I've been to the Getty Museum (Engaged Observers exhibit) but haven't yet made it up the hill to the villa.

Ha, I drove by the villa on Friday (had my V1 with me), had dinner at Duke's.

jgeenen

09-06-2011, 10:38

Quick question on the V2, does the 0.5m minimum focusing distance actually show up properly on the viewfinder?

No. Neither focussing patch nor frame lines move once you are beyond the 0.7m limit. That is a camera limitation and cannot be overcome by the lens. From my point of view the "0.5" option is a gimmick for µFT or Nex users who focus via LCD - real (TM) range finders do not benefit.

BTW - this shot of Lea was done with Nokton v2 at F1.2 with my M9. Great lens. It might become my favorite.

SteveM(PA)

09-06-2011, 15:17

Duke's is OK, great desserts, still I prefer the Reel Inn. They have Fat Tire and the fish is tres fresh!

I'll be at one or the other tomorrow evening.

Yeah, we were debating between the two. Reel is more my style, wifey wanted Dukes, ahhh....

leicashot

09-06-2011, 19:09

How back to a couple more pictorial examples.

Full
http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1010181_full.jpg

100% crop
http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1010181_crop.jpg

Full
http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1010212_full.jpg

100% crop
http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1010212_crop.jpg

Alnitak

09-06-2011, 19:15

Yeah, we were debating between the two. Reel is more my style, wifey wanted Dukes, ahhh....

Here on vacation? Ironically, I grew up not far from you, in Kutztown PA.

You must get to the Villa. Outstanding museum.

Jeff

Alnitak

09-06-2011, 19:17

Funny still, I'll be driving by there tomorrow afternoon on my way from LAX to Pepperdine.

I've been to the Getty Museum (Engaged Observers exhibit) but haven't yet made it up the hill to the villa.

You mean down the hill? Well worth it. You have to make reservations to get in, as they limit the crowds.

leicashot

09-06-2011, 19:49

Kristian-- what aperture(s)? Very sharp, particularly like the second, great light!

Both at 1.4. Yeah caught a shaft of light and shot into a shaded background. Love doing that when I happen to be out at that time of the day.

D&A

09-06-2011, 20:06

Kristian, lovely shots of young lady (daughter?) in very attractive lighting. I've found with the V1 of the VC 35mm f1.2 and from what I've seen of version 2....that f1.4 is a sweet spot. At that aperture, the bokeh is 95% as diffuse as it is at f1.2 (just less light fall off at the corners) and depth of field almost the same(as f1.2), but the increase of contrast and resolution is quite evident. By stopping down any further, bokeh changes and shallow depth of field increases, with a considerable jump in both contrast and resolution.

Dave (D&A)

rsolti

09-07-2011, 02:30

jsrockit

09-07-2011, 03:02

Very nice lighting... leicashot.

leicashot

09-07-2011, 06:04

Very nice lighting... leicashot.

Thanks boss, like I had anything to do with it ;)

SimonSawSunlight

09-08-2011, 01:59

Do a search for Nokton Glove on google and this is the first image result...

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5100/5507072819_721cf7e7ec.jpg

hey, I took that :D

D&A

09-08-2011, 04:28

Absolutely love the framing of the gentleman in the distance, between the two children, juxtaposed between the holding of hands and the "third hand" hanging down. A worthy photograph representing the Nokton glove! I am troubled though by the apparent shortcut Voigtlander took in producing this notable product....just look at the glove, seems to be a finger or two short of the normal "five" :) . Hope that's just an illusion of the angle. Serious though, a superb image!

Dave (D&A)

jsrockit

09-08-2011, 04:43

Thanks boss, like I had anything to do with it ;)

You chose the right spot to photograph, isn't that what it's about? :confused:

jsrockit

09-08-2011, 04:43

hey, I took that :D

I knew that. :) It did come up under "nokton glove" though... Great image by the way.

SimonSawSunlight

09-08-2011, 05:17

I knew that. :) It did come up under "nokton glove" though... Great image by the way.

yeh, I was just a little surprised myself. ;)

leicashot

09-08-2011, 13:20

yeh, I was just a little surprised myself. ;)

haha, you guys!

Alnitak

09-10-2011, 09:14

OK, so I'm finally getting around to posting a few shots from last weekend. Crazy week at work; the only upside is that the job pays well enough that I can fiddle around with gear in my limited free time. :-p

Here's a selection of shots with the new lens on my M9. The first is at f/1.2 and at the MFD of 0.5m. My technique with the M9 is to guesstimate a little short, and then shoot several shots while "swaying" forward through the focal point. This will get me at least one shot that's just right most of the time. It would be nice if the M10 has live view...

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6065/6114524481_9425f65646_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhapeman/6114524481/)
L9996925.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhapeman/6114524481/) by jhapeman (http://www.flickr.com/people/jhapeman/), on Flickr

And another wide open at 0.5m:
L9996964.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhapeman/6115061298/) by jhapeman (http://www.flickr.com/people/jhapeman/), on Flickr

This was also at f/1.2, but at 0.7m:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6085/6115068542_6e1a0e61b4_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhapeman/6115068542/)
L9996926.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhapeman/6115068542/) by jhapeman (http://www.flickr.com/people/jhapeman/), on Flickr

Another at f/1.2 (hey, you don't buy a fast lens to shoot it stopped down, do you?):

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6194/6115063028_4d46947595_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhapeman/6115063028/)
L9996978.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhapeman/6115063028/) by jhapeman (http://www.flickr.com/people/jhapeman/), on Flickr

Now an image to demonstrate a minor weakness; wide open you can get purple fringing on specular highlights, a common bane of very fast lenses when shot wide open (for example, the 50/0.95 Noctilux suffers from this). Its particularly noticeable when the specular highlights border a darker area of the image.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6197/6114517231_5e4d3ca96a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhapeman/6114517231/)
L9996914.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhapeman/6114517231/) by jhapeman (http://www.flickr.com/people/jhapeman/), on Flickr

The lens is also great stopped down; this is at f/8:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6078/6115070082_91b8af56eb_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhapeman/6115070082/)
L9996990.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhapeman/6115070082/) by jhapeman (http://www.flickr.com/people/jhapeman/), on Flickr

Also at f/8:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6204/6114528191_29330f3cae_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhapeman/6114528191/)
L9997001.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhapeman/6114528191/) by jhapeman (http://www.flickr.com/people/jhapeman/), on Flickr

Finally, as I pointed out before, it's remarkably resistant to flare.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6191/6114526669_184f2498fd_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhapeman/6114526669/)
L9996992.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhapeman/6114526669/) by jhapeman (http://www.flickr.com/people/jhapeman/), on Flickr

BTW, these were all shot with the camera manually set to the 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. setting; it seems to provide the best correction in-camera.

Jeff

leicashot

09-10-2011, 09:44

Thanks Jeff great to see you're liking the lens. I'm still shocked people see differences in the V1 V V2 bokeh. They are identical

Alnitak

09-10-2011, 10:09

I think there's a very subtle difference between V1 and V2, but I challenge most people to be able to identify it. In fact, here's a composite of the two versions of the Nokton and the Leica Summilux-M ASPH (pre-FLE). Click on the link to see the full-sized version if you want to pixel-peep. I'll let the folks here guess which lens is which in the lineup. :-)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6068/6133743190_65a5fd4a44_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhapeman/6133743190/)
35mm Comparison (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhapeman/6133743190/) by jhapeman (http://www.flickr.com/people/jhapeman/), on Flickr

prosophos

09-10-2011, 10:25

I'm going to guess that the order is: (1) Nokton V1, (2) Nokton V2, and (3) Summilux-M ASPH (pre-FLE).

Peter.
www.prosophos.com (http://www.prosophos.com)

carlmuck

09-10-2011, 10:53

Just going from the OOF areas, it's Summilux, Nokton v2, Nokton v1. The other two samples don't exhibit any real character (other than being in focus) to distinguish them.

Alnitak

09-10-2011, 11:58

I'll let folks take a few more guesses before I "reveal" the actuals.

leicashot

09-10-2011, 11:59

I'm going to guess that the order is: (1) Nokton V1, (2) Nokton V2, and (3) Summilux-M ASPH (pre-FLE).

Peter.
www.prosophos.com (http://www.prosophos.com)

Peter I believe you are correct as the bokeh from 1 and 2 are almost identical

Field

09-10-2011, 13:09

I like them! There is just one problem... I am not sure whether it is the CV 35mm 1.2 I want or an M9 ha!

JayM

09-10-2011, 13:15

Peter I believe you are correct as the bokeh from 1 and 2 are almost identical

Ditto.

Also, 2 seems sharper or maybe just more contrasty than 1 by a slight amount which would be in keeping with what I've seen so far

:)

Alnitak

09-10-2011, 15:18

prosophos

09-10-2011, 15:51

So, just to lay this to rest, the lenses in order are the V2, then the V1, then the Summilux. The V1 I was using is a cherry sample--the best V1 I have ever used. It's sharper than the Summilux. Otherwise, the bokeh is so similar on all three, and the sharpness is so close...strong showing by the Voigtländers!

Fascinating, thanks for the exercise. And I agree about the Voigtlanders - great lenses.

Peter.
www.prosophos.com (http://www.prosophos.com)

leicashot

09-11-2011, 00:47

gavinlg

09-11-2011, 01:58

So much better than the usual celeb shots, great job.

Graham Fry

09-11-2011, 02:01

Wow, the shots of Sheen are amazing, very different. This lens might be making it's way into my collection

magicianhisoka

09-11-2011, 04:02

Nice shots of sheen. Two and a half men will never be the same without him.

D&A

09-11-2011, 04:31

Jeff, excellent comparative test shots comparing bokeh/sharpness of the three lenses. I think though you mentioned an important consideration, especially considering results one might expect with the V1 of the VC and the Lux asph (pre FLE). Namely, that any such comparison can be very much sample dependent, especially with the V1 and Lux asph. With that said, your posted images, as well as those posted by others, are demonstrating the notable performance of the VC 35mm f1.2 as a very viable alternative to Lux asph and in some cases might even surpass it in a number of key areas. Nice work..thanks!

Dave (D&A)

D&A

09-11-2011, 04:35

Kristian, I'll echo what others have posted...fantastic shots of Sheen and most definitely not the usual run of the mill paparazzi shots one often see's. Then again much of your posted work has always demonstrated such creative approaches. Aside from this, great to see some real world images from the VC!

Dave (D&A)

Alnitak

09-11-2011, 11:54

Great shots, Kristian. I especially like the one where Charlie is looking right at you. Two and Half Men won't be the same without him--in fact, I don't watch the new ones. The show was Charlie.

leicashot

09-11-2011, 16:09

Thanks guys, glad you like em'. I also admire Charlie's work, and he's a cool guy too.

I just added a 100% crop (from a jpeg) for those to pixel peepers out there.

prosophos

09-11-2011, 19:09

Thanks guys, glad you like em'. I also admire Charlie's work, and he's a cool guy too.

I just added a 100% crop (from a jpeg) for those to pixel peepers out there.

Excellent photos! Love your style.

Peter.
www.prosophos.com (http://www.prosophos.com)

leicashot

09-11-2011, 19:12

Excellent photos! Love your style.

Peter.
www.prosophos.com (http://www.prosophos.com)

Thanks, but no style here really. Just basic composition. I could only snap a few frames here and there because I need to shoot what sells. Flashy and bright, with no artistic meaning or thought - a man's gotta make a living :bang:

Wobba

09-11-2011, 23:23

Thanks, but no style here really. Just basic composition. I could only snap a few frames here and there because I need to shoot what sells. Flashy and bright, with no artistic meaning or thought - a man's gotta make a living :bang:

Either way, they're great. How do you find the celeb's react to your chrome M9P?

leicashot

09-12-2011, 13:47

Either way, they're great. How do you find the celeb's react to your chrome M9P?

Most don't say anything but I'm sure a lot of them know.

leicashot

09-12-2011, 19:36

Another sample...of funnyman Jess Ross at f/1.4

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1010378_full.jpg

and 100% crop

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1010378_100_crop.jpg

viramati

09-14-2011, 00:52

doing a Gaddafi impression!!

Jonas B

09-15-2011, 13:29

I'm a long time lurker, now with a Nex instead of any rangefinder (I know...). I used to own the CV35/1.2 v1 but sold it when I went micro 4/3 late autumn 2008. It was then an, for me, awkward focal length being equivalent to a FF 70mm lens with regards to FOV. (And I sold it here in the classified section, I'm not totally anti RF haha.)

Now, with the Nex, it makes a great normal lens and I so had to buy it again. I lost quite some [any currency] on that.

Anyway, I would like to thank all contributing to this thread as it has given me much food for thoughts. I think this version 2 of the lens will stay with me for a long time.

I can see some performance differences between your FF images and the cropped Nex images; I get more LoCA and the images taken wide open aren't as clear. More PF also I think. It still works great for me as a normal walk around lens though.

Thanks again,

Jonas

buzzardkid

09-15-2011, 13:40

Took the Nokton II out on the red carpet tonight as a backup to my Nikon D3s, and got a few nice ones.

Leica M9-P with Nokton 35/1.2 II at f/1.4, B+W all jpegs from camera.

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1010395.jpg

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1010420.jpg

100% crop (jpeg from camera)
http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1010420-1.jpg

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1010418.jpg

Great shots! Must be so cool to be allowed on the carpet, with all those DLSR-jockeys blazing away with their umpteen frames a second behind the fences :cool:

Sheen is coming of age, we see re-runs here and I reckon some of those must be five years old, Sheen looks a lot fresher in those, guess the wild life is wearing him down (although not slowing him down!)

Great shots, I love the grinning first one, love that grin when watching the show!

Upside to seeing re-runs: no Kutchner in sight for quite some time I reckon! :p

leicashot

09-16-2011, 16:11

He Buzz, it's always nice to be able to move freely as I wish, but 99% of the time I'm shooting with my SLR which is better for getting the stock pictures I need to make a living. These are a refreshing change, but don't pay my bills.

Anyway, here's a few more shots for the bokeh junkies out there. All shot wide open at f/1.2

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1010688.jpg

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1010704.jpg
0.5M

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1010683.jpg

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1010668.jpg

Again, nothing special, just some walkabout test shots for the forum. Cheers

bwcolor

09-16-2011, 21:06

Great images..

Perhaps this has been posted, but for what it is worth.. ie.. images above may be more relevant.

Here is a rather extensive testing on a NEX-5..

In Depth V2 Test (http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1042&thread=39359647)

ashwinrao1

09-16-2011, 23:26

Kristian, Ryan, Jeff, and all, it's been a long hiatus from this forum, but your images and comments have made me crawl back, trying to clutch batch the desire to click the "order now" button on this len. So much of what you have captured is related to your excellent skills in seeing, composing, capturing, and processing the images....

That being said, the new Nokton looks nice, rather like the old version but with more contrast and a bit more sharpness, in a slightly smaller size, but equally good bokeh....I just sold the old version in chrome a couple of months back and find myself wonderuing about whether it's worth getting the new one...the major hang up for me is size, and I am really tempted to get the f/1.4 Nokton for its size....have any of you compared the look of this lens at f/1.4 with the Nokton f/1.4 wide open?

leicashot

09-17-2011, 08:09

Alnitak

09-17-2011, 09:33

leicashot

09-17-2011, 17:43

Ashwin, I agree with Kristian. The only real difference between the V1 and V2 lenses is the size and the new 0.5m MFD of the V2 (and a much better hood). I will say that I had one V1 that I just didn't like; too soft and too much halation wide open. The copy I am using right now is incredible--it's sharper than the V2 I have, and both my V2 and the V1 are sharper than my 35 'Lux ASPH (non-FLE). As with all the Voigtländer lenses, one has to be aware of sample variation due to the spotty QC process.

The 35 Nokton has a different look wide open--a bit softer and more like a classic pre-ASPH Summilux. It's also got some pretty serious focus shift, so you really need to use it wide open or stopped down to f/5.6 or more if you're shooting at the MFD.

Jeff

Jeff, IMHO the Nokton is nothing like the pre-ASPH Summilux, especially the newer model. The V1 was more like the Summilux ASPH with less cotrast wide open, and the V2 is sharper, and at 1.4 it's on par with the ASPH/FLE but with smoother bokeh. Also, where is the focus shift? i've never seen it and it's not known to suffer from focus shift.

This is all news to me.....

scottwallick

09-17-2011, 18:37

I am really tempted to get the f/1.4 Nokton for its size....

The immediate difference I noticed between CV's 35/1.2 versions and the 35/1.4 is barrel distortion. The 35/1.2 exhibits (minor) barrel distortion, but the 35/1.4's is severe/extreme (in my observations).

leicashot

09-17-2011, 19:00

The immediate difference I noticed between CV's 35/1.2 versions and the 35/1.4 is barrel distortion. The 35/1.2 exhibits (minor) barrel distortion, but the 35/1.4's is severe/extreme (in my observations).

If only the Nokton 35/1.4 was just a bit better. I actually like the character in it's bokeh. Either way I appreciate Voigtlander's effort in making the 1.2 slightly better.

D&A

09-17-2011, 20:12

leicashot

09-18-2011, 01:01

I think in some respects, some of the differences we're describing in the comparisons between either or both VC 35mm f1.2 lenses to the Leica 35mm Lux asph (non FLE) is more a consequence of sample variation as Jeff pointed out than the subjective nature of personal interpretation. There doesn't appear to be a "constant" qualitative performance in either the V1 of the VC nor with the Lux asph (pre FLE). I've tested enough samples of the 35mm Lux asph to take note of variable sample performance at f1.4. What if any sample variation exists in V2 of the VC lens is yet to be determined.

I agree with Kristian...I've yet to see any real, meaningful focus shift in either V1 or V2 of the VC 35mm lenses....so this observation has me perplexed.

Dave (D&A)

Basically I think I know where the sample variation lies in the V1. Later, more recent production V1 samples I've tried are very very similar to the V2. Older production samples have lower contrast and sharpness wide open. This has been my experience with 3 recent later production samples that do rival the V2 in contrast wide open, like in my first samples, but do fall short of sharpness.

Maybe there was a coating upgrade somewhere during the life cycle of the V1, but really, who knows?

D&A

09-18-2011, 02:47

Basically I think I know where the sample variation lies in the V1. Later, more recent production V1 samples I've tried are very very similar to the V2. Older production samples have lower contrast and sharpness wide open. This has been my experience with 3 recent later production samples that do rival the V2 in contrast wide open, like in my first samples, but do fall short of sharpness.

Maybe there was a coating upgrade somewhere during the life cycle of the V1, but really, who knows?

Kristian, your observations regarding early vs. late samples of the V1 lens and their performance characteristics at f1.2 and f1.4, parallel closely what I observed in some samples I shot with during it's production run. I think though some sample variation may have also been involved and separating all these factors is a bit complicated. It's just a guess but if a running change of some sort was applied to the V1 lens, my take is that it happened in the latter part of the production run....maybe during the early stages of the V2 lens development?

Dave (D&A)

noimmunity

09-18-2011, 07:07

The immediate difference I noticed between CV's 35/1.2 versions and the 35/1.4 is barrel distortion. The 35/1.2 exhibits (minor) barrel distortion, but the 35/1.4's is severe/extreme (in my observations).

I had both for a while. The color that came out of the v1 35/1.2 was, to my mind, vastly preferable to what came out of the 35/1.4 . The latter was an SC version, which might have had something to do with it. Others have posted photos taken with the SC version that have an appealing pastel effect, but it really has to match the mood and subject matter.

michaelbialecki

09-18-2011, 07:19

Basically I think I know where the sample variation lies in the V1. Later, more recent production V1 samples I've tried are very very similar to the V2. Older production samples have lower contrast and sharpness wide open. This has been my experience with 3 recent later production samples that do rival the V2 in contrast wide open, like in my first samples, but do fall short of sharpness.

Maybe there was a coating upgrade somewhere during the life cycle of the V1, but really, who knows?

Hey Kristian.......do you happen to have any idea of serial numbers that would help determine between and early production V1 and a later production V1?.......

I have a chrome one that I use daily.....but I also have a BNIB black one (v1) that I would like to check where it lies in the production run......

cheers, michael

leicashot

09-18-2011, 08:41

Hey Kristian.......do you happen to have any idea of serial numbers that would help determine between and early production V1 and a later production V1?.......

I have a chrome one that I use daily.....but I also have a BNIB black one (v1) that I would like to check where it lies in the production run......

cheers, michael

No, no idea Michael, but I do know that all chrome's (i've owned 4) seem to be of modern contrast, so check the serial numbers and see if your black is close to your chrome. I guess maybe Stephen or Tom A may have the answer....

D&A

09-18-2011, 09:21

No, no idea Michael, but I do know that all chrome's (i've owned 4) seem to be of modern contrast, so check the serial numbers and see if your black is close to your chrome. I guess maybe Stephen or Tom A may have the answer....

I've used a few of the chrome ones and all as Kristian mentioned, they all appeared to behave the same optically. I am/was under the assumption that all the limited edition chrome ones were all made "basically" in a single production run. Whether their serial #'s reflect this, I don't know.

Dave (D&A)

leicashot

09-18-2011, 09:53

I've used a few of the chrome ones and all as Kristian mentioned, they all appeared to behave the same optically. I am/was under the assumption that all the limited edition chrome ones were all made "basically" in a single production run. Whether their serial #'s reflect this, I don't know.

Dave (D&A)

I'm not aware of any special serial numbers associated with the chrome lenses.

D&A

09-18-2011, 15:27

I'm not aware of any special serial numbers associated with the chrome lenses.

I think if a fair # of people with Chrome V1 lenses posted their serial #'s, there would be a chance to see if there is some sort of clustering of #'s. Hard to say how VC organized their production since only approx 300 were made.

Dave (D&A)

Alnitak

09-18-2011, 17:06

Jeff, IMHO the Nokton is nothing like the pre-ASPH Summilux, especially the newer model. The V1 was more like the Summilux ASPH with less cotrast wide open, and the V2 is sharper, and at 1.4 it's on par with the ASPH/FLE but with smoother bokeh. Also, where is the focus shift? i've never seen it and it's not known to suffer from focus shift.

This is all news to me.....

Sorry, popped off the thread for a while. I was referring to the 35/1.4 Nokton, not the 1.2. The 1.4 was designed to emulate a pre-aspherical summilux, and it does a great job of it, but it does have pretty bad focus shift due the simple design and lack of correction for spherical aberration. It can be quite sharp on center wide open, but it does shift, and it's a function of the design. If you're shooting closer to infinity focus, you'll never notice it, but if you shoot a lot near the MFD, its an issue.

The 1.2 Nokton's (both versions) are remarkably free of focus shift. It's a big plus of this lens.

Jeff

leicashot

09-19-2011, 13:20

Sorry, popped off the thread for a while. I was referring to the 35/1.4 Nokton, not the 1.2. The 1.4 was designed to emulate a pre-aspherical summilux, and it does a great job of it, but it does have pretty bad focus shift due the simple design and lack of correction for spherical aberration. It can be quite sharp on center wide open, but it does shift, and it's a function of the design. If you're shooting closer to infinity focus, you'll never notice it, but if you shoot a lot near the MFD, its an issue.

The 1.2 Nokton's (both versions) are remarkably free of focus shift. It's a big plus of this lens.

Jeff

haha, I did work that out in the end Jeff ;-)

leicashot

09-19-2011, 13:32

Ok, so considering how happy I am with this lens, I bought her the lens hood. I am yet to see proper pictures of it so here are a few for you all.

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/KD2_0950.jpg

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/KD2_0946.jpg

Firstly, I wasn't expecting it to be so small. While it may appear to be large in pictures, it's relatively small in comparison to the lens, shorter than the V1 'accessory' hood and maybe a couple millimeters more than the standard hood. It's made of metal and of high quality, matching the $350 accessory Leica hood I bought for the Summicron 28/2, so I guess the $109 isn't such a bad deal, although I still think VC should have included it, considering most of their other lenses have always come with hoods. This is obviously a new trick they learnt from their buddies in Zeiss marketing.

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/KD2_0944.jpg

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/KD2_0934.jpg

It's a bayonet mount with a little spring in it, so it turns in then pops out a millimeter or two. It then has a little play of about 3-4mm to the right, which is fine and doesn't move around in actual use as it locks in tight, and needs to be pushed in 2mm before turning to release. Viewfinder blockage is not an issue, but the lens hood even with it's cutout obviously intrudes more into the frame.

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/LosAngeles-20110919-00016.jpg

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/KD2_0932.jpg

So overall, I'm very satisfied with this hood, mainly because of it's short length and small dimensions overall, which is more important to me in keeping the lens's overall size down, compared to it's abilities as a flare reducer....as this lens is incredible against flare as can be seen by the examples in this thread.

Nick De Marco

09-19-2011, 13:53

I just ordered the lens - in part reading this thread

I had the old 35/1.2 with my M8. Ended up selling it. Loved it but found the size a bit too much. But regretted selling it afterwards. I think I shall prefer the 35/1.2 with the M9 and my film Ms - anyone used it with film yet and got a photo to post?

It looks a little lighter and is apparently a bit lighter. I'm pleased to hear the hood is not essential - as the old hood really added size. But also pleased to see from the above post that the new hood looks smaller and easier to attach.

leicashot

09-19-2011, 14:05

__hh

09-19-2011, 14:29

I went the cheap option and bought a $10 metal vented hood. Works well, not so large either. Will take a photo of it if anyone interested.

Ok, so considering how happy I am with this lens, I bought her the lens hood. I am yet to see proper pictures of it so here are a few for you all.

Firstly, I wasn't expecting it to be so small. While it may appear to be large in pictures, it's relatively small in comparison to the lens, shorter than the V1 'accessory' hood and maybe a couple millimeters more than the standard hood. It's made of metal and of high quality, matching the $350 accessory Leica hood I bought for the Summicron 28/2, so I guess the $109 isn't such a bad deal, although I still think VC should have included it, considering most of their other lenses have always come with hoods. This is obviously a new trick they learnt from their buddies in Zeiss marketing.

It's a bayonet mount with a little spring in it, so it turns in then pops out a millimeter or two. It then has a little play of about 3-4mm to the right, which is fine and doesn't move around in actual use as it locks in tight, and needs to be pushed in 2mm before turning to release. Viewfinder blockage is not an issue, but the lens hood even with it's cutout obviously intrudes more into the frame.

So overall, I'm very satisfied with this hood, mainly because of it's short length and small dimensions overall, which is more important to me in keeping the lens's overall size down, compared to it's abilities as a flare reducer....as this lens is incredible against flare as can be seen by the examples in this thread.

leicashot

09-19-2011, 16:45

I went the cheap option and bought a $10 metal vented hood. Works well, not so large either. Will take a photo of it if anyone interested.

Sure why not. Seems odd you're trying to save money with the Aussie dollar so strong. With the current exchange rate, can't you buy the original hood for only AUS$10?

menos

09-19-2011, 22:56

Hey Kristian, great shots of Charlie Sheen!

leicashot

09-19-2011, 23:44

Hey Kristian, great shots of Charlie Sheen!

Cheers buddy

a10101100

09-20-2011, 00:44

amazing low light performance, though i must admit i got the lens on an impulse and havent really used it much yet..

and, am I the only one who thinks its not such a small lens? :)

sandrini

09-24-2011, 02:32

So if you focus on something at 0.7 and have that in focus, but keep turning the focus ring on the lens to 0.5 it'll appear in the vf that things are still in focus?
I'm trying to picture how much this will affect me in a real life situation.. Right now it seems as a possible chance of oof subjects..
I am, however, very drawn to the fact that v2 is sharper...
Hmm.. one thing I'm certain of, I will be getting one of these babies for sure.

How do I know , or better how can I find out which min.focus my cam has ?
Im talking about M9 / M8 / RD-1.

Can I use the 0.5 on those cams without any focusing issues ?

thx

jtullar

09-24-2011, 02:42

Got mine last thursday, I must say im loving it so far.

1.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6164/6177640552_5e37c3a41d_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/j_tullar/6177640552/)
Sample CV 35 1.2 ver. II (http://www.flickr.com/photos/j_tullar/6177640552/) by J_TULLAR (http://www.flickr.com/people/j_tullar/), on Flickr
2.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6152/6177646714_64e0d2f0ee_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/j_tullar/6177646714/)
Sample CV 35 1.2 ver. II (http://www.flickr.com/photos/j_tullar/6177646714/) by J_TULLAR (http://www.flickr.com/people/j_tullar/), on Flickr
3.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6156/6177645488_c33a74688f_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/j_tullar/6177645488/)
Sample CV 35 1.2 ver. II (http://www.flickr.com/photos/j_tullar/6177645488/) by J_TULLAR (http://www.flickr.com/people/j_tullar/), on Flickr

Alnitak

09-24-2011, 07:47

How do I know , or better how can I find out which min.focus my cam has ?
Im talking about M9 / M8 / RD-1.

Can I use the 0.5 on those cams without any focusing issues ?

thx

Beyond 0.7m on the M8 and M9, the lens will focus but the rangefinder is decoupled, so you can't tell if the image will be in focus or not without guesstimating. The beauty of digital is that you can guess, shoot, check the image and reshoot.

What I've done with the M9 is guess, then rock my way through the likely focal point shooting off 3-4 images. One is virtually guaranteed to be in focus.

Jeff

Tom A

09-24-2011, 18:59

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6165/6178627634_561e688b6a_b.jpg

She works at our favorite Pie Shop here in Vancouver - as well as being an art student. Her rather smug smile is becaose she did her first color printing session in the University darkroom that day!
I know it says M9 in the heading - but the 35f1.2 works fine with film too! MP and 35f1.2 vII, Arista Premium 400 in D96 for 7.5 min.

sandrini

09-25-2011, 06:41

Beyond 0.7m on the M8 and M9, the lens will focus but the rangefinder is decoupled, so you can't tell if the image will be in focus or not without guesstimating. The beauty of digital is that you can guess, shoot, check the image and reshoot.

What I've done with the M9 is guess, then rock my way through the likely focal point shooting off 3-4 images. One is virtually guaranteed to be in focus.

Jeff
Thanks for the information reg. the M8 & M9. ! Do you know the min. focus on the RD-1 as well ? just out of interest. Will this lens work fine with the RD-1 or do I have also to consider the 0.7m focus distance.

cheers

Broke

09-25-2011, 07:22

I'm reading this thread -- lovely images by the way, throughout -- and can't help but hope that they do the same type of overhaul to the 50mm/1.5 Nokton. Would be lovely to have an updated version with closer minimum focus distance. Hopefully Mr. K. is listening...
Cheers,
Jim

ironhorse

09-25-2011, 07:41

She works at our favorite Pie Shop here in Vancouver - as well as being an art student. Her rather smug smile is becaose she did her first color printing session in the University darkroom that day!
I know it says M9 in the heading - but the 35f1.2 works fine with film too! MP and 35f1.2 vII, Arista Premium 400 in D96 for 7.5 min.

Tom.....D96?

Brody LeBlanc

09-25-2011, 08:18

I have one of the 35/1.2 II on reserve for me at Camtec in montreal (whenever the lenses arrive from Voigtlander!!)
I can not wait for the lens to arrive. I've been trying to decide what fast 35mm I wanted to get for my new-to-me m8.
Considered the CV 35/1.4, CV 35/1.7, Zeiss 35/2, and a few others but I couldn't get the 35/1.2 out of my mind, especially after seeing this thread.
Honestly, this thread convinced me to make the plunge and get the version II over the original version.
Keep it up, guys! I'll be sure to post some images as soon as the lens arrives.

Nigel Meaby

09-25-2011, 08:47

glee719

09-25-2011, 20:44

leicashot

09-25-2011, 20:47

Hi all, I am new to Leica and decided to pickup a used M9 and this lens (v2) for starters thanks for all the tests and pictures posted. (Very sincerely thanking everyone :) )

I saw a question posted earlier but didn't find a response here. I have the same question so I figure I'd ask again. It looks like the rangefinder's coupling stops at 0.7m. Is the range between 0.5m and 0.7m a pure estimate with the M9? Or is there some clever solution to focus optically?

I have a M3 with the 50mm near-focus range Summicron, and it has the goggle attachment so I am not sure what's available for the M9...

Thanks everyone!

Estimate only. The 0.5M close focus is designed more so for adapting to non M cameras like the NEX, GXR and M 4/3. To focus at 0.5M you need to set the lens to 0.7M, move in until focus is achieved, then guestimate from there how much 20cm is, then focus bracket to increase the hit rate.

glee719

09-25-2011, 21:16

Thanks Leicashot, your knowledge is very helpful. I figured as much for your answer but want to confirm since I am a newbie.

leicashot

09-25-2011, 21:24

Thanks Leicashot, your knowledge is very helpful. I figured as much for your answer but want to confirm since I am a newbie.

No worries, and welcome to the forum!

Tom A

09-25-2011, 22:43

Tom.....D96?

D96 is Kodak's bl/w movie stock developer. Close to the D76, but works very well with replenisher. I usually mix 2000 ml of with 1000 ml of replenisher (20 ml/roll). After 50 rolls I dump it and remix a new batch - or try some other developer. Gives very good mid-tones and shadow detail.

Tom A

09-26-2011, 10:06

Estimate only. The 0.5M close focus is designed more so for adapting to non M cameras like the NEX, GXR and M 4/3. To focus at 0.5M you need to set the lens to 0.7M, move in until focus is achieved, then guestimate from there how much 20cm is, then focus bracket to increase the hit rate.

What I usually do with lenses that focusses closer than the rangefinder coupling is to measure off say 0.5 m from the filmplane ( a couple of mm in from the back) and mark my neckstrap with a piece of tape. All I have to do is stretch the strap from the camera to the subject/object. Obviously you can do it for 0.5 and 0,6 m - though I tend to do it for 0.5 only. Same thing works fine on the 15f4.5 and the 12/5.6 which in LTM goes down to 0.3 m.

leicashot

09-26-2011, 11:49

What I usually do with lenses that focusses closer than the rangefinder coupling is to measure off say 0.5 m from the filmplane ( a couple of mm in from the back) and mark my neckstrap with a piece of tape. All I have to do is stretch the strap from the camera to the subject/object. Obviously you can do it for 0.5 and 0,6 m - though I tend to do it for 0.5 only. Same thing works fine on the 15f4.5 and the 12/5.6 which in LTM goes down to 0.3 m.

You've always been smarter than most Tom, and even after these years of studying and working hard.....you're still smarter ;)

Nice tip I'm gonna try, cheers

sazerac

09-26-2011, 17:57

I remember a place in Vancouver called Tartine that had the most delicious butter tarts...

She works at our favorite Pie Shop here in Vancouver

leicashot

09-26-2011, 19:00

How about a shot thats been stopped down to f/4 or f/5.6?

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1011101.jpg

ashwinrao1

10-02-2011, 19:43

More please....LOL...I need my lust for this lens augmented LOL...

ashwinrao1

10-02-2011, 19:47

I have read through most of this thread, and have a couple of questions, other than marvelling at the beautiful photos of Kristian and company...

First, do most of you feel that this lens renders more or less like the v1? Images here seem to have a bit more contrast and pop (a bit more 3D), but it may be your wonderful post-processing at work.

Bokeh seems pleasing...Seems that there is a sharper fall off between focus and OOF...am I imagining this?

Size seems better...How does this lens, compare with regards to handling, to the 50 lux asph, to which its size was measured earlier? The biggest issue that i had with th prior v1 nokton after 2 tries was size...IQ was lovely, but the size got me, esp when I have more compact and lovely 35's in the bag...

leicashot

10-02-2011, 20:01

Hey Ashwin, well I think that it boils down to 2 things, listed in order of importance.

1. There are more people actually 'using' the Nokton VS FLE cause most are constantly being traded for a profit ;-) I also believe the market that buys the Nokton are more likely serious shooters, compared to the more wealthy owners of the FLE (no I'm not trolling). Besides your photos Ashwin I'm yet to see anyone really utilize the FLE well. Right now I see that lens as a hot profit lens where it's value outweighs it's potential performance, and this is sad to see, as it's an incredible lens for it's size.

2. If you didn't like the size and handling of the V1, the V2 won't suffice. While it is noticeably smaller, it's not significant. They are still approximately the same dimensions and size. Compared to the Lux ASPH, the handling is wonderful, but again, really just like the previous version, but with a closer focus distance for guessing on the M, and more so designed for live view use on M4/3 and NEX cameras. Also at 0.5M wide open, the sharpness is relatively soft compared to being shot at 0.7M.

My advice to you Ashwin, as you're an owner of the FLE, go out and use it and forget about the Nokton. If I owned the FLE and cared about size (which is important) I would milk it for all it's got. While I think the Nokton still has the better signature, it's the picture that's more important. The photographer's input and creativity MUST supersede any possible differences between the two lenses. If only more of the photographic community would learn this point. This is also what separates the users on the Leica forum and this RFF forum.

These fast lenses are also often misused, with inappropriate use/over-use of the wide open aperture. I rarely see HCB or Magnum photos shot wide open, and for good reason. The best photographers shoot for content, not bokeh, and it's the content that makes a great picture, not the lens, or it's rendering and bokeh.

Ok, so here's another sample stopped down to f/4. No PP, just resized and straight B+W jpeg out of camera.

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/RFF%20NY%20SEPTEMBER%202011/KD029.jpg

I have read through most of this thread, and have a couple of questions, other than marvelling at the beautiful photos of Kristian and company...

First, do most of you feel that this lens renders more or less like the v1? Images here seem to have a bit more contrast and pop (a bit more 3D), but it may be your wonderful post-processing at work.

Bokeh seems pleasing...Seems that there is a sharper fall off between focus and OOF...am I imagining this?

Size seems better...How does this lens, compare with regards to handling, to the 50 lux asph, to which its size was measured earlier? The biggest issue that i had with th prior v1 nokton after 2 tries was size...IQ was lovely, but the size got me, esp when I have more compact and lovely 35's in the bag...

jonmanjiro

10-02-2011, 20:03

Size seems better...How does this lens, compare with regards to handling, to the 50 lux asph, to which its size was measured earlier? The biggest issue that i had with th prior v1 nokton after 2 tries was size...IQ was lovely, but the size got me, esp when I have more compact and lovely 35's in the bag...

Just a quick comment on the size difference between the V1 and V2. The V2 is a fraction smaller, but the difference is so little its irrelevant IMO. If you thought the V1 was too big, you're going to think the same about the V2.

D&A

10-02-2011, 21:09

Ashwin, I completely agree with the two postings above and Kristian summed it up eloquently. Only thing I would add, since I too had a chance to shoot with both the FLE and new 35mm f1.2 Ver II...is that there is one aspect to the new 35mm f1.2 V. II that I posted elsewhere and have been in communication with some about. Namely the new V.II lens appears to have a considerable amount of field curvature...which becomes prominant at mid distance and continues to infinity. Although most posters have used this lens for close to mid-distance shots (ie: reportage type photography)....if someone was to use it for landscapes, they might quickly notice that although the central portion of the image is extremely sharp...sides and edges remain soft, even at f4.5-f5.6 Again this is only noticable at longer distances and when subject is sort of a mostly flat field. In these cases the extreme foreground of the sides of the image are sharp, whereas it should be the sides at the greater distances that should have sharp detail, resembling the center of the image. This for some reason appears to be more so in Ver. II lenses than the older Ver I samples I've shot with in the past, on the exact same subjects. THe FLE lens is exceptional in edge to edge sharpness...maybe more so than any other 35mm rangefinder lens I've shot with and as pointed out, from a purely technical standpoint, the FLE may be one of the finest 35mm lenses ever designed.

Again as Kristian pointed out...sometimes too much emphasis is often put on these lens characteristics (in general) rather than putting the lens to actual use and letting the image tell the story. No need to tell you that Ashwin as you're images certainly speak for themselves.

I will say though that the Bokeh and OOF rendering with the new V II lens is extremely pleasant and the imagery it produces as a whole leaves little to be desired. A very well balanced lens in my opinion and a phenominal value.

Dave (D&A)

ashwinrao1

10-05-2011, 12:55

Thanks so much, Kristian, Dave, & Jon. More or less the reasoning that I came to with the V1 seems to hold here with the V2. I am in love with the 35 FLE, despite its quirks, and find the size/performance of this lens to be astounding. I think that the V2 Nokton may shake me for the same reasons that the V1 did, based on what you guys have said. I will continue to enjoy your remarkable images, and thanks all for the kind words....

And also for saving me from another bad case of GAS lol....

leicashot

10-07-2011, 14:22

Here's a few more samples wide open

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1011467.jpg

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1011305.jpg

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1012154.jpg

and I really don't see distortion as an issue, do you? f/8

http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq132/leicashot/L1012156-1.jpg

santela

10-10-2011, 05:52

Ahhh, this lens is driving me nuts. Already got a Zeiss 35/2, but wanted a fast lens for low light. Just bought a M7 so money is tight, and I'm also lusting for the NEX7. Damn it can't make up my mind!

Shade

10-10-2011, 08:36

The lens is impressive, I think I will call my dealer tomorrow and see if they can get me one!

menos

10-10-2011, 19:06

Really like the shot of the iPod user in the underground Kristian!

Shade

10-10-2011, 22:04

Are there any discernible phyiscal differences on the lens?

leicashot

10-10-2011, 22:31

Are there any discernible phyiscal differences on the lens?

There are but read the thread. It's all there

cam

10-28-2011, 00:55

more shots, please, particularly night ones!

i'm wanting something to use in bars and the ability to get closer (thank you, Tom, for the tip about leaving a mark on the strap!) and even a stop more would be glorious (i often already shoot at 2500 -- it's that dark!).

uhoh7

11-06-2011, 10:34

Wonderful thread, great shots.

The message I'm getting is: V2, good, V1: how's your copy?

I've lusted after this lens for a year or more, but never quite got there in time at reasonable price. 2 days ago a nice looking V1 popped up on FM and I managed to snag it for 850 shipped, good seller who says it's a good copy--we'll see but I trust him.

I have an m6, but will use the nokton primarily on the nex-7 which arrives around the 15th. I'll post some samples, if any are interested.

My only contribution here is to note that 2 differences will be somewhat nullified for 5n/n7 shooters. First, obviously with live view focus shift is not an issue. Second, we now have the hawk's helicoid m adapter, which allows close focus on all Ms.

I'm very excited to finally get to try this great lens :)

As an aside:
So far the superspeed sharpness champion on the nex cameras is without doubt the obscure pen-f 42/1.2. I have a good 50/1.1 but the pen is sharper at all apertures: in fact very impressive edge to edge at f/8. Here it is wide open:
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6021/5984212124_d406764fee_z.jpg
Turns out the Pen-f frame is nearly identical to APS-C. The real iceing on the cake is the footprint. Quite small, the pen weighs 263 grams. :)

menos

11-06-2011, 16:01

The message I'm getting is: V2, good, V1: how's your copy?

Really? I was under the impression, to only hear good things from V1 users - which seems, to continue with V2 users obviously ;-)

I have a mint V1, love the rendering and pairing to some other lenses, I prefer, but don't like the handling of these vintage styled Voigtlander lenses.
I don't use mine therefore :-(

uhoh7

11-07-2011, 13:04

uhoh7

11-11-2011, 08:00

Initial impressions on APS-C---I know, i know ;)
V1 here, found for 850USD shipped.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6049/6330506201_686f036310_b.jpg
full size (http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6049/6330506201_4ae784d1fa_o.jpg)
Shot on original Nex-5

Utterly unique lens. I've never seen so much contrast from a superspeed @1.2ish---I mean not even close. Yet unlike the 50/1.1, it does not blow the highlights, but creams them. Rich blacks and creamy whites. Topped off with a Canon LTM 50/1.2 like glow. In the contex of a 35s DOF. Wow.

I'd braced myself for the pepsi-can. Hence, I thought, is this it? The footprinnt is considerably smaller than the 50/1.1, and weight is about 24g heavier on my scale.

Someday I'll get some film back from shooting on the M6. Meantime I just got a nex-5n---huge step forward with its quiet shutter and utterly sick high ISO performance--last nite. Above shots with the old n5.

Anyway no news here for all of you who really know the lens--for me a revelation. :)

PS now with 5n:
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6234/6336779816_ff91ca2be1_b.jpg