Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/04/26
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Chris Bitmead wrote: <<<<<I wonder though if anyone with a steady hand has put this theory to the test.>>>>> Chris, The best test is shooting assignments when your bread and butter depends on the results. Tests are OK. However, in the heat of "working and requiring shutter speeds at 1/8 (living dangerously) and 1/4 (really living dangerously) at f1 using film at 800 or 3200, you find out very quickly what an amazing tool the Noctilux really is. And yes at those speeds they are "Hail Mary's" and if you can, you shoot more than one just in case. Having used this lens since the late '60's on work assignments and family happy snaps I'd be lost without it in some situations. For the LUG members who buy a Noctilux and do not intend on using it at f1, my advice is buy one of the cheaper 50 mil's. Save money, buy film and shoot lots of pictures with the slower lens. And even then, allow yourself to try it wide open! :) Those who buy and don't shoot the first roll of film at f1 to see what it looks like are wasting their time. For those who buy the lens and start shooting at stopped down f stops in broad sunny daylight, don't waste your time. Wait for evening or go into the coal cellar and see what you can find at f1. :) The only other complaint I've noticed from LUGGERS is the weight. Hey this is a heavy lens, yep big compared to a 35 1.4 Summilux, but it's in a class all by itself and forget comparing and start using!:) ted