Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2008/06/01
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Peter, You remind me of Victor and his inability to make up his mind. I recommend that you read the lyrics of "The Saga Of Jenny" from Kurt Weill's play, "Lady In The Dark". Jerry Lehrer Steve Barbour wrote: > > On Jun 1, 2008, at 2:32 PM, Peter Klein wrote: > >> Has anyone here used both the Leica 35/1.4 Summilux ASPH and the CV >> 35/1.2 Nokton? And had to decide between one or the other, or both? >> >> I have the Summilux, and I've never tried the Nokton. Yet the >> pictures I see on the Net taken with the 35/1.2 Nokton make me want >> it. Not as a replacement for the 'Lux, but as an adjunct. I'm not >> sure if the desire is based on some real photographic need, lens >> buying addiction, or perhaps misplaced Noctilux envy. >> >> Anyway, here are my random thoughts on the matter: >> >> With film, I have always been primarily a 50mm kind of guy. Which >> makes me a 35mm kind of guy with the M8. >> >> I love available light. It's a significant part of my photography. >> Now, the half-stop between f/1.4 and f/1.2 doesn't make a huge >> difference in shutter speed. But the difference between 1/15 and 1/22 >> second, or 1/30 and 1/45 might be significant in reducing motion blur >> on a marginal shot. >> >> The Nokton does not have appreciable focus shift as you stop down, >> according to Sean's test. The Summilux does. I've learned to get >> around it, but it's annoying to have to think about one more thing. >> >> The Summilux is unbelievably sharp and contrasty even wide open. It >> has fairly harsh bokeh. The Nokton is a little less sharp and >> contrasty, but it seems more than adequate wide open, and the bokeh >> and contrast are more gentle. >> >> I'm not sure I want to carry a lens that weighs more than a pound >> around my neck. So the Nokton would be something I carry mostly when >> I know I'm going to need it. >> >> I also have a classic design 50/2 Summicron v. 4, which I use when >> the light is good. I prefer its bright-light rendition to the 'Lux's. >> So I've already got two 35mm lenses. >> >> Oh great, I'll have to buy another big, expensive IR cut filter. >> >> If I got the Nokton, it would be hard to justify keeping the >> Summilux. Yet how could I sell the Summilux? It's the best lens I've >> ever had, by the standard of sharpness and clarity. >> >> I'm an idiot. I should stick with what I've got. >> >> And yet. . . >> >> Repeat entire circular thought process over and over. >> >> So, as the cowardly Lion said: "Talk me out of it." Or not... > > > if you were totally satisfied with the Summilux, you would not be > thinking of the 35mm 1.2 Nokton...do you need it, no... > > but it 's a great lens. and on the M8 it's wonderful as a Noctilux, > focal length, speed, bokeh... > > recommended, > > ask Ted, > > Steve > >> >> >> --Peter >> >> >> >> >>