40mm Nokton

[jky]

For people contemplating this lens...
Rec'd this from Nick here in RFF (quite a pleasant transaction btw) & it's now become permanently attached to my M. I was originally looking at the 35 'lux, but that would mean sleeping on baseboards for the next few months - the Mrs. made it quite clear that carpet is more important.

It's a fine, well built lens which makes my 35mm Skopar feel flimsy - although I was happy with it. I've found the Nokton very sharp w/ okay bokeh when there are no light/bright sources in the background (as many here have mentioned).
For the $, it seems tough to beat.
For those you considering this lens, there's plenty of info here in RFF..

Here's a pic either wide open or f2 (sorry, don't remember).

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/182/431974860_7bf38a11b4.jpg

[borismach]

Maybe you can show us the carpet. We may like it too.
Cheerz
:-) bm

[Benjamin Marks]

Yup. Great lens. I know some folks don't like the SOFA wide-open. I've never had a problem with it. Great price, too for some fast and very useful glass.

Ben Marks

[jhtham]

Hi,
I have the SC version. And yes, for its price, it is very hard to beat. Check out my flickr page for shots taken with the Nokton here --> http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhtham/tags/nokton/
Cheers,
jh

[ferider]

Yup. Great lens. I know some folks don't like the SOFA wide-open. I've never had a problem with it. Great price, too for some fast and very useful glass.

Ben Marks

It's a great lens, and there is nothing wrong with its SOFA wide open (just another internet rumour). Very similar to the CV 50/1.5 - and the double lines that one can see with bright background, close up focus ... almost any fast lens can be provoked to do this; there are even photos shot with the 50/1.4 Summilux that look like this. :eek:

There is a flickr group dedicated to the lens, with almost 1500 example photos.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/nokton40mm

In my opinion, because of its size, speed and characteristics, KobayashiSan has really put his soul into this lens.

It's the only 40/1.4 out there.

The one thing I don't completely understand yet (and I have three !) is the vignetting under some conditions.

Roland.

[jky]

Roland,
I've never really minded vigenetting w/ street/urban/snapshots although it does become a pain with landscape - personal taste I guess.
As you mentioned, it's the only 1.4 lens in the 35mm range that's at a very affordable price.
Cheers.

[tajart]

is the, barrel wobble, looseness, or play in this lens a problem or something that can be easily fixed, either at home or by someone like dag?
the glass is amazing! the aperture ears make changing f/stops quick and easy, and overall, it is quite a stunning piece of work.
i'm just curious if the looseness is something that needs attention or if it will increase?
thanks,
tomj

[jky]

tom, I haven't come across any barrel wobble, looseness or play. I'm not yet sure how it'll stand the test of time of course, but I believe that if such issues arise there's an easy diy remedy for it (found it in the net somewhere).
j

[Artorius]

I keep the 40 Nokton SC attached to my M3 w/B&W film, and I use either the 40 cron, or 28 1.9 A Ultron on my M6 w/color. The 40 is my normal lens of choice, having never really liked the 50.

[Tuomas Peronvuo]

Hey all!

I'm new to Bessas but I've been shooting with yashicas for some years. I'm thinking about getting a Nokton 40mm 1.4, but I was wondering if I should get the SC or MC version.

I shoot mainly in BW so the logical thing would be SC, but then again, I really like having some contrast in my images. Of course one could take the SC and bump up the contrast during development... any opinions?

[ferider]

The contrast is not really different to my eyes, Tuomas. I would
get the MC version if I had to choose again (I now have both),
for better flare control.

Best,

Roland.

[Bike Tourist]

I should have one in my grasp today as soon as UPS decides to deliver it. It will go on my reclaimed Bessa T and make me an honest RF shooter again!