[Leica] Handheld Limit of Noctilux

[Larry Kopitnik <kopitnil@mra-inc.com>]

The discussion recently of the Noctilux has made me wonder at how slow a
shutter speed those of you who use it can RELIABLY get a sharp hand-held
shot.

For example -- and I currently shoot Nikon, so forgive me, but that's the
only frame of reference I can provide -- I know I can shoot a 50 mm f/1.4
lens on an FM2 at 1/30 second and I can count on a sharp photo of a still
subject. And I know that at 1/15 second or 1/8 second I may well get some
sharp frames, but I'd better take a bunch of shots because most will suffer
from shake.  1/30 is my RELIABLE low speed limit with that lens.

At some point the weight of the lens, I assume, makes a difference in
hand-holdability. Another Nikon example (again, sorry): I once considered a
200 mm f/2 Nikkor to be able to capture lower light telephoto shots. But
that lens is nearly the size and weight of a 300 f/2.8 and I found that,
when hand held, I needed to use a faster shutter speed compared to a 180
f/2.8. All I'd have gained was shallower depth of field (unimportant to
me),  a whole lot of weight, and a much smaller bank account.

And my 85 mm f/1.4D Nikkor, which I can reliably hand hold at 1/60 second,
actually weighs less than the Noctilux (though, I'm sure, the Noctilux is
better built).

So, I'm curious at what what point the size and weight of the lens might
negate the advantages of a larger aperture. Could a photographer, for
instance, reliably handhold a 35 Summilux ASPH in the same light levels as
a Noctilux?

Ted, Tina, anyone who uses a Noctilux, at how slow a shutter speed can you
reliably hand hold it?

Thanks!
Larry