[Leica] Re: Noctilux - Rational lens??

[Chris Bitmead <chrisb@ans.com.au>]

> >Donald, I appreciated reading your report on the Noctilux.  I have been
> >wondering whether to get one.  It seems like a very unusual lens with unique
> >characteristics.  Erwin's report also notes unique characteristics.  It
> sounds
> >like a worthwhile lens.
> 
> You may want to wait and get the issue of Photo Techniques that will have
> Erwin's article "King of the NIght: The Special Qualities of the Leica
> Noctilux-M".  Before he left, MIke Johnston said it would be coming out
> soon.  I love my Noctilux and use it more and more.  At the LHSA meeting in
> Charleston, I photographed some street scenes at night that could not have
> been made without the Noctilux.  It has its drawbacks, but the advantages
> outweigh them for me.  Tina

I can't fully understand the desire for a Noctilux. Admittedly I
havn't used a Leica yet (so I'm still trying to get "it"), but I
have used a Canon 50mm f/1.0. I thought the idea of a Leica M
camera is small, light(ish) and discreet. So what is the deal
putting a huge lens on it that is heavier than the camera?

The Canon 50/1 on the lightest body would be about 5% heavier,
but you get hardly any light fall-off, no tempermental nature...
ALL your shots seem to turn out fine, much closer focusing
distance, cheaper price, SLR focusing (which is desirable for
such a wide aperture), AF, and it produces its own brand of
fascinating bokeh at f1.0, but I can't personally compare it to
the Leica variety.

Are you Noctilux owners in love with this lens or with f/1.0? It
sounds like f1.0, which I can understand but not with all that
light fall-off....