[Leica] IMGS: Boring Lens Tests

[pklein at threshinc.com (Peter Klein)]

Ming:  A couple of weeks ago, I posted about the differences between the 
35/1.2 Nokton and the 35/1.4 Summilux ASPH.  That post is here, and has 
some sample pictures from both lenses:
<http://leica-users.org/v38/msg22479.html>

If I could have only one 35mm lens (with the M8), it would be the 35/1.4 
Summilux ASPH.  The focus shift issues are real, but they are 
manageable.  And the results are so good that it's worth remembering to 
focus on the closest thing you want "in the zone" at f/2.8 - 5.6.

In your situation, since you already have the 35/2 Summicron ASPH, the 
Nokton might make a perfect additional lens for shooting in low 
light.  Nathan just made a similar decision--he had a 35 Summarit, and now 
supplements it with the Nokton. Personally, I would not use the Nokton as 
my *only* 35mm lens (although I must say, Ric Carter does beautifully with 
it outdoors).

I use a 1980s 35 Summicron v. IV outdoors.  Indoors, I will sometimes use 
the Nokton, and sometimes the Summilux, depending on the light levels I 
anticipate, the character of what I'm going to shoot, and whether or not I 
will anger women with the Summilux by emphasizing too many pores and 
wrinkles.  :-)

It's all Tina's fault.  I already had a Summilux, and a used Nokton became 
available.  I asked Tina which lens she preferred, and she said "both," 
because of the different character of each.  She was right, but it cost me 
a few quid."  :-)

--Peter

At 02:47 AM 5/25/2009 -0700, Ming wrote:
>Hmmm. That doesn't sound encouraging at all. I don't mind the
>difference in  the 'look' -I guess it's a lower contrast but finer
>microcontrast thing, with some internal veiling flare - the
>difference between pre-asph and asph lenses. The 35 cron asph is
>quite possibly the best lens I've ever used; I was just wishing it
>was a bit faster. Maybe I'll have to go for the 35 lux asph instead.
>Thanks for your thoughts!
>
>On May 25, 2009, at 4:48 PM, Tina Manley wrote:
>
> > At 12:29 AM 5/25/2009, you wrote:
> >> How do you find the 35 Nokton in use? Thinking of replacing my 35
> >> cron asph with one...
> >
> > I wouldn't do that.  I've had problems with my Nokton.  I'd only
> > had it a few month when the blades all fell down inside the lens.
> > It wasn't covered by warranty since, supposedly, vibration from
> > travel loosened the interior screws. When I got it back, it doesn't
> > focus to infinity.  It seemed to do o.k. on these lens tests, but I
> > just don't trust it anymore.  I've never had any problems with my
> > old Summilux.  The Summicron has a totally different look to it and
> > a much better reputation than either of the faster lenses.
> >
> > YMMV, though.
> >
> > Tina
> >
> > Tina Manley
> > www.tinamanley.com
> >