Re: [Leica] Should I buy a Noctilux?

[Robert Clark <rclark@desupernet.net>]

Karen:
I, too, have been interested in the Notilux from time to time.  In fact, I
visited New York Camera and Video north of Philadelphia today and actually held
one on a M6.  Currently, I own a 50mm Summilux and sometimes I think I want one
more stop.  But for the cost, the size, and the slight degradation in quality, I
have no plans to get one.  I do, on the other hand, like to use Ilford 3200 with
the Summilux in low light situations and have been very pleased with the
results.  So...maybe someone will give you a nice amount for your 50mm Summicron
so you can buy a Summilux.  Overall, I think it's a good, if not exceptional,
compromise.  For me, I think I will get the 35mm Summicron next.  The 50 serves
most of my needs but is a little tight for many things I want to do.  The 28
Summicron is a possibility, too...but I think the 35 is where I will end up.

Good luck in your selection and I hope you enjoy your trip.

Robert Clark
Lancaster, PA

Ninka@aol.com wrote:

> I plan In a few weeks time  to go on a short trip to Denmark, and though I'll
> only be there a few days  I hope to bring back some good shots from the
> street life of  "wonderful
> Copenhagen".  But I have a dilemma that I would like to get  solved before
> leaving,  and I hope you  experts will give me some advice:
> For my Leica M6 I have three lenses, a 50mm F2Summicron,  a 90mm F2.8 Elmarit
> and a  28mm F2.8 Elmarit.  Of these I use the Summicron for at least 90% of
> my picture taking,   Now for some time I have seen a lot written here about
> the famous 50mm  F1 Noctilux lens, and since I value picture quality very
> highly, do not like flash and am happy when I get a picture which I think
> have bokeh , I  have seriously considered changing out the Summicron for a
> Noctilux.  The drawback (aside from the expence) is that the Noctilux (which
> I have not yet seen)  is so  heavy, my dealer says that the weight is the
> double because of all the glass, and he also says that I will not get better
> quality photos than with my Summicron, as long as I do not absolutely need
> the extra light power.     I am certain that if I were a professional I
> would have  had no doubt, but since I'm just a keen amateur,  getting much
> satisfaction from my hobby,   would the change be  worth it?   I have always
> believed  in having the best tools, this is why I bought Leica in the first
> place.    Please advise me.  I hope to hear pro and contra to make the right
> decision.
> Karen Sorensen