Voigtlander 35mm Nokton f1.2 lens just arrived from Stephen Gandy (Camera Quest) this week.
Optics
- first rolls (Tri-X, 320 ISO & Neopan 1600, 800 ISO & development pulled one stop) look great. Minimal falloff - not nearly as noticeable, like on the Noctilux wide open.
- comparing it to my negs shot with the 35mm Summilux ASPH, the Nokton seems just as good. But please bear in mind that I'm shooting with the above fast, B&W film - there may be more of a difference if you shoot with ultra fine, slow, colour slide film.
Build quality & handling
- old style, scalloped focus barrel is very smooth. I thought I might miss not having a focus handle, as on my other M lenses, but not so, thanks to the nice action. Aperture ring has positive clicks.
- Size is substantial & it's a heavy lens, but not nearly as awkward as a Noctilux.
- Black finish is nice, altho' not spectacular. White & red markings are not as brightly painted as on Leica lenses.
Accessories
- purchased the optional M-style, vented hood. Nice, all-metal piece in a dark gray, crackle finish. Seems to provide a bit more physical as well as flare protection compared to the minimal shade that comes with the lens (altho' that one is nicely made too - also, less instrusive in the viewfinder). Both hoods lock onto the lens with a threaded screw.
- metal Voigtlander 35mm finder. Spectacular optics, very bright & clear. A bit of a tight fit in the MP's hotshoe, but nothing a bit of filing can't solve.
So far, this lens performs superbly and considering the price (under $1000 US) it's a great value.
Optics
- first rolls (Tri-X, 320 ISO & Neopan 1600, 800 ISO & development pulled one stop) look great. Minimal falloff - not nearly as noticeable, like on the Noctilux wide open.
- comparing it to my negs shot with the 35mm Summilux ASPH, the Nokton seems just as good. But please bear in mind that I'm shooting with the above fast, B&W film - there may be more of a difference if you shoot with ultra fine, slow, colour slide film.
Build quality & handling
- old style, scalloped focus barrel is very smooth. I thought I might miss not having a focus handle, as on my other M lenses, but not so, thanks to the nice action. Aperture ring has positive clicks.
- Size is substantial & it's a heavy lens, but not nearly as awkward as a Noctilux.
- Black finish is nice, altho' not spectacular. White & red markings are not as brightly painted as on Leica lenses.
Accessories
- purchased the optional M-style, vented hood. Nice, all-metal piece in a dark gray, crackle finish. Seems to provide a bit more physical as well as flare protection compared to the minimal shade that comes with the lens (altho' that one is nicely made too - also, less instrusive in the viewfinder). Both hoods lock onto the lens with a threaded screw.
- metal Voigtlander 35mm finder. Spectacular optics, very bright & clear. A bit of a tight fit in the MP's hotshoe, but nothing a bit of filing can't solve.
So far, this lens performs superbly and considering the price (under $1000 US) it's a great value.