Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2002/01/08
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]In message <5.1.0.14.0.20020108181410.024bea10@pop.andara.com>, "Robert G. Stevens" writes: >Jim: > >A lot of people get a Noctilux with unrealistic expectations. There are >always trade offs. In the case of the Noctilux, it can be very limited >depth of field at closer distances. It also vignettes at f1. It is >however, the best f1 lens in the world. > >In your case, if the people are more than a few meters away, the depth of >field should be fine at f1. If you are expecting tight head and shoulder >shots, expect a lot to be out of focus. At the close working distance, the >Noctilux probably has less than an inch of depth of field. It is so >shallow that you can have the iris of the eye in focus, but the eyebrow and >a lot of the rest of the face will be out of focus. Arne Helme's PAW from >last week shows the distances at which the Noctilux shines, particularly >the main image. > >http://helme.stelvio.nl/paw2002/paw01.html > Regarding the above mentioned link and the use of the Noctilux. I cheated! That is to say, there was only light to shoot at 1/8s at f1, which I cannot steadily hand hold, so I mounted the M6 on a monopod. Consider a monopod and/or faster film before you consider the Noctilux. It is way cheaper! Concerning the Noctilux. I have had mine now for more than three years. Few other lenses have given me more disappointments than this lens. Only the last year I have obtained really nice photos with it. It is definitely a lens with a learning curve. I never use the Noctilux wide open when focused closer than 2m. I also chose points of focus near centrum of the image so I don't have to rotate the camera too much, thereby ensuring that the subject remains in focus. At f1.4 and smaller apertures the lens is much less demanding. - -- Arne - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html