CV Nokton 50mm 1.1, any reason not to buy?

Does anybody know of any reason why not to buy this lens? I'm not sure if it is rangefinder coupled (or whatever) and does that mean you can't focus it through the viewfinder? And is it coded or not and exactly what does that mean? Pardon my ignorance.

Cheers,
Barry.

Blurto wrote:

Does anybody know of any reason why not to buy this lens? I'm not sure if it is rangefinder coupled (or whatever) and does that mean you can't focus it through the viewfinder? And is it coded or not and exactly what does that mean? Pardon my ignorance.

Cheers,
Barry.

Hi Barry, it is indeed rangefinder coupled and a great value. It's not coded but there should be a space where one could code it. The coding on a lens allows an M8-series camera (and soon maybe an M9) to know the focal length characteristics and light transmission of the lens (which is recorded in the image and allows the camera to correct for other light transmission issues that others here are significantly better equipped than I to explain.

I've had one for a few months.

1. If you don't need the speed. f/1.1 produces very narrow depth of field. Most would be happy with f/1.4 or f/2 at 50 mm focal length, but if you are a depth of field nut (like I am), then you'd crave this lens anyways.

Agreed. It lets you work in some very dark places & still use low ISO. Be aware that the DOF at F/1.1 is very small & you have to be very careful about not moving after focusing as even the smallest movement can change the focus.

2. Size: It's a big bugger, as far as M-glass goes.

Indeed, its not small or light & I usually consider what I'm going to be photographing before I decide whether to put it in the bag.

4. It isn't the sharpest lens of the 50's, but in real world photography, I doubt that this would matter all that much.

Wide open its not that sharp, then again at apertures like this what is? However I've found from F/4 - F/11 its excellent.

Thanks kids, I placed my order this morning. They had sold out their first shipment which doesn't mean much as it was only a few lenses. I already have the CV15 Heliar, which is great, so I'm not really concerned with any quality issues. My first ever camera was a Voigtlander more than 40 years ago, wish I still had it now.

As an aside the dealer told me has a customer who has already traded a brand new M8 for an M9 when they arrive. He hadn't even taken it out of the box yet.

Cheers,
Barry.

I don't believe Leica is going to be able to make this camera fast enough to meet market demand. Sort of like their 50mm f/0.95 lens, they have consistently been on back-order, everywhere that sells Leica stuff.

1. There are a lot of photos starting to appear on Flickr, that have been captured using this lens; and, I agree it appears to be a great value for the cost.

2. Here's the Flickr link to the photos I saw:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/nokton50f11/pool/

1. I can't speak of the "Canon 50/1.2", as I won't ever have that lens; but, I do own the new Leica 50mm f/0.95 lens.

2. IMO, for a Leica M shooter that either can't or simply don't want to spend $10,000.00 USD for the Leica 50 f/0.95 lens (that I purchased) or $3595.00 USD, for a Leica 50mm f/1.4 lens, this Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1 Leica M Mount Lens, at $1149.00 USD, is quite a good alternative lens, IMO.

3. I have no problems with the low cost of Voigtlander lenses, as compared to Leica M lenses. For, example, some time ago, I posted in the forum here that I really didn't see much difference in the same images I shot using my new (at that time) Leica 24mm f/1.4 lens as compared to the IQ of my Voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 lens. Either way, I like using both lenses (especially the small size of the Voigtlander 35 1.4 lens); and, as I already have the Voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 lens, saw no reason to purchase a Leica 35mm f/1.4 lens (though this could change when Leica releases an update version of their 35mm f/1.4 M lens, as is rumored).

4. Sometimes, I feel as though some folks expect far more than is practical for some of their lenses, or far more than even the specifications of the lenses they purchased; and, even some of my friends, have yet to find a lens they seemingly don't dislike something about.

If, it's IQ is anything like that of my Voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 lens (and, there's no reason to suspect otherwise), you should like it a lot, and especially regarding the cost of the lens.

I really look forward to using the lens more now. These and the other samples I have seen (plus the few shots I have managed) are all most encouraging.

Cheers,
Barry.

goodlensgoodlens:

And, thanks for taking the time to post and share some of your first images from using the lens; looks, like you are well on your way enjoying and having fun with your new lens ---- congratulations, on being able to get one.
--
BRJR ....(LOL, some of us are quite satisfied as Hobbyists ..)