Nokton 35mm f1.4 ... some questions!

Keith · 02-20-2011

Having recently sold a very good Hexanon KM 35mm f2 I've suddenly realised what a stupid move it was because I now no longer have a compact 35mm M mount lens. As much as I like my 35mm f1.2, now that I don't have an M8 it get's little use and I do actually find the 1.2 Nokton a little on the large side for a general purpose walk around 35mm on a rangefinder film body.

I'd like to see some images shot at varying apertures from wide open down to around f8 on black and white film and preferably from the multi coated version. I realise I could do a search on flickr but I would rather see samples from members here who can maybe also throw in few words on their feelings about the lens over the time they've owned it.

I thought about the 35mm f2 Biogon to match my 50mm f1.5 Sonnar but I'm not sure I want to spend quite that much on a 35mm if the Nokton will do the job.

back alley · 02-20-2011

save a few bucks and go for the 40/1.4...

---f · 02-20-2011

35mm Summarit f2.5 is quick to use and great quality. Less expensive is the CV version. Great all purpose lens.

back alley · 02-20-2011

can't remember if it the mc or sc version...likely ilford xp

kshapero · 10-09-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by back alley

can't remember if it the mc or sc version...likely ilford xp

Some really nice shots here.

mathomas · 02-20-2011

I think the Zeiss is the better lens (I have one), but the little Nokton is so nice and compact. And fast. I have three 35s. I think the little Nokton is the one I'd keep if I had to pick just one.

Here are a few, at varying apertures. Note, mine is an SC. I think all are on Plus-X.

Krosya · 02-20-2011

I was about to say the same thing as Joe did - go for the CV 40/1.4 - cheaper and at least as good. Or find Ultron - it's one awsome lens with a signature that is similar to Hex 35 in many ways - remember I had both and kept Ultron and 35/1.2 for my 35mm needs as well as CV 40/1.4.

Keith · 02-21-2011

I went and checked flickr and searched images tagged with the Nokton 35mm f1.4.

I think I'll save my money for the Biogon!

MIkhail · 02-23-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith

I went and checked flickr and searched images tagged with the Nokton 35mm f1.4.

I think I'll save my money for the Biogon!

Keith, I think you can only take images from flickr with a grain of sault... There are wonderful photographers there and there are some... less wonderful.

Anyway, here are mine (MC version) - nothing special, just family album snaps:

Generally I like to shoot at speed 1/30 and lower, I don't like excessive sharpness. But it's sharp if I need it to be.

jsrockit · 02-21-2011

mathomas' photos don't show any of the negative attributes I associate with this lens i.e. busy distracted bokeh, distortion. I guess it depends on the situation.

Lss · 02-21-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsrockit

mathomas' photos don't show any of the negative attributes I associate with this lens i.e. busy distracted bokeh, distortion. I guess it depends on the situation.

Generally speaking it's simply a very good people lens but the heavy distortion makes it less attractive for architecture. I was very close to replacing this lens, or at least getting another small 35 for times I don't need the speed, due to the distortion. But as I delayed my decision, it started to bother me less and less. When it's a real issue, it can be fixed during post processing. Anyway, this is a pretty good reason not to like the little lens.

The bokeh was never an issue for me. It's not the best, it's not the worst.

paulinventome · 02-22-2011

Not often i can contribute to the forum but i do have one of these.

It's the SC version

I would echo some of the comments.

It's a stylistic lens, it has character. There is some quite obvious distortion, especially if you side by side other 35mm lenses.

However it is a lovely people lens, and i do enjoy it because of the flare. But as a general walk around lens maybe it's not right.

I'm on a NEX so it's really acting like a 52mm lens, more a normal lens.

Having that that i find it a little wide on there so i am considering a 28mm

cheers
paul

jsrockit · 02-22-2011

I hear ya Lss. I've been thinking of aquiring another one. It's fast, cheap, and small... that's hard to find in Leica land.

ferider · 02-22-2011

You know the distortion from your 1.2, Keith. Pretty much the same level. Most people show SC pictures. I have both SC and MC and (as well known, I guess

), I find the MC a very reliable lens. Always brings results back. And with Summilux and 1.2, the only game in town at that speed. Try one, they don't loose value if you don't like it.

These are specifically pictures from M-mount flickr group members taken with the MC version:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/8673143...kton35mmf1.4MC

Picking some of my own that show the characteristics of my MC copy:

Keith · 02-22-2011

Quote:

You know the distortion from your 1.2, Keith. Pretty much the same level. Most people show SC pictures. I have both SC and MC and (as well known, I guess

), I find the MC a very reliable lens. Always brings results back. And with Summilux and 1.2, the only game in town at that speed. Try one, they don't loose value if you don't like it.

These are specifically pictures from M-mount flickr group members taken with the MC version:

Thanks Roland ... very sound advice from you as usual!

Part of my dilemma is I'm trying to pare down my RF gear to what is actually going to benefit me photographically and not just be cool to own ... ultimately I'd like to get down to two RF bodies and three or four lenses. I'm completely happy with my Sonnar f1.5 and for longer I have my 90mm Summicron so the 35mm gap is yet to be filled with a reasonably compact lens. I like my 1.2 Nokton but I do find it a little slow to use ... it has a fairly long heavily damped focus throw and always feels a little big and clumsy. The Summicron sort of fits in the same boat here but I seldom use 90mm on an RF so the size of it doesn't concern me.

I know it's not a huge issue but the oof areas (occasionally) of the Nokton bothers me because I want a 35mm lens to be able to complement my 50mm Sonnar which is a dream in this area IMO. Distortion doesn't concern me because that's easily fixed in post if it becomes noticable.

Maybe like you suggest I should buy and try and if I don't like it sell it!

back alley · 02-22-2011

there is always the incredibly lovely image maker...the rollei 40/2.8 sonnar...follows the 50 sonnar nicely. i use mine like any 35mm lens.

Keith · 02-22-2011

Joe ... the only example of this lens I found on eBay was over $600.00 which is only $300.00 away from a new 35mm Biogon. There are times where I would struggle with f2.8 I suspect ... not a huge step from f2 but it could be limiting occasionally.

back alley · 02-22-2011

one sold here recently for 550...much less than i paid for mine (painful experience).

2.8 is slower than 1.4 for sure but the lenses don't compare...if you like that sonnar look.

Keith · 02-22-2011

I notice there's a Hong Kong seller with brand new Rollei 35 RF kits with this lens for just over a grand US.

I know it's only a gussied up Bessa R2 but that seems quite reasonable considering the quality of the lens.

WalterM · 02-22-2011

I respectfully disagree on the pre asph summilux rendering like a zeiss sonnar. :-)

I owned one. it's a love it or hate it type of lens. Currently own a 35mm nokton 1.4 and i'm much happier with its performance(especially wide open)

SolaresLarrave · 02-22-2011

I really like my Nokton. I have one only, permanently attached to Mulder (black M5 body). Wanna see what it does in BW?

Wanna see what it does in color?

BTW, it's SC. Keith, I'd buy one. It's fast, it's good, it's sharp once you go past f2.8... what else do you want?

PS. Sorry about the pic size.

Keith · 02-22-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by SolaresLarrave

I really like my Nokton. I have one only, permanently attached to Mulder (black M5 body). Wanna see what it does in BW?

Wanna see what it does in color?

BTW, it's SC. Keith, I'd buy one. It's fast, it's good, it's sharp once you go past f2.8... what else do you want?

PS. Sorry about the pic size.

What motivated your choice for the SC?

Nice pics by the way ... thanks!

Lax Jought · 02-22-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by SolaresLarrave

I really like my Nokton. I have one only, permanently attached to Mulder (black M5 body). Wanna see what it does in BW?Wanna see what it does in color?
BTW, it's SC. Keith, I'd buy one. It's fast, it's good, it's sharp once you go past f2.8... what else do you want?

PS. Sorry about the pic size.

Love the photos, nice colour rendering too.

I've got the Voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 MC myself, I've never had any observable issues with the lens.

SolaresLarrave · 02-22-2011

I was offered a used copy and said yes before asking whether it was SC or MC. For a while I thought I had made a mistake, but, to be quite honest, I don't think my photographic style will ever challenge the lens to the point in which it becomes critical that it is single- instead of multi-coated.

In short, the lens is good for me. As long as it does what it's supposed to do, I'll be glad.

Thanks for your remark about my shots!

Juan Valdenebro · 02-22-2011

Small and great, Zeiss 35 2.8, small, great and cheap, CV 35 2.5, small, great, cheap and fast, CV 40 1.4. With the last one you get speed, low distortion and OOF zones a lot easier than with a 35, and with nice bokeh at 1.8 and 2, and even at 1.4 in most situations.

Cheers,

Juan