[Leica] Have 35 'Lux, want 35/1.2 Nokton. Crazy?

[henningw at archiphoto.com (Henning Wulff)]

Hi Peter,

I don't have a Nokton, but have used one for a while, and have had a 
Summilux ASPH for about as long as it's been available.

I noticed slight focus shift on both, and it didn't seem much 
different. I largely disregard it on the Summilux, and it seems to 
work. The Noctilux definetely has focus shift. Mine focusses dead on 
at f/1, and then is fully accurate again at f/5.6.

The Nokton at f/1.2 is pretty close to the performance of the 
Summilux at f/1.4, but at all smaller apertures the Summilux is 
better, sometimes to a fair degree. It's not that you can't use the 
Nokton at smaller apertures, but many lenses outperform it at f/4.

I passed on the Nokton mostly due to size and the adjunct of it 
blocking a considerable portion of the 35mm frame in the viewfinder. 
I know I would generally take the Summilux unless I absolutely needed 
f/1.2 and nothing else. Those instances are extremely rare, and would 
take the Summilux probably as well. Even bigger and heavier than the 
Nokton is the Nokton plus the Summilux.

Anyway, that's where my 'logic' took me.

Henning


>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...
>
>--Peter
>
>
>
>
>
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-- 
    *            Henning J. Wulff
   /|\      Wulff Photography & Design
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