Leica Noctilux-M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH lens

Leica Noctilux-M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH lens

In short: here is the best 35mm lens in history for Leica mount cameras.

If you only buy one lens with a Leica M body, the 35mm focal length is often the choice. This works well for both landscapes and people. This Noctilux series F1.2 aperture allows for images of the prevailing light even in low light and precise control of depth of field. The Noctilux-M 35mm F1.2 is a masterpiece and collector's item, but now its size and imaging capabilities make it an everyday companion for many.

Compared to other Noctilux lenses, this new product is surprisingly small! The cutaway image shows how over 100 years of experience in precision mechanics and optics are used. Completely new manufacturing methods, lens materials and innovations are used. With a very narrow field of view, the focus must also be perfect at different focusing distances, and the cutaway image of the lens looks impressive. According to Leica, the tolerances of both the lenses and the mechanism are now at a completely new level.

Due to its size and focal length, this may well be the only optic in use. Compared to the 50mm, especially the 75mm version, focusing with the rangefinder is easier and the focal length is more versatile.

Image quality, atmosphere and definition are sometimes more than numbers and the Leica Noctilux 35mm is one of those lenses that has something more. For the critical and technically-minded viewer, the images offer sharpness and image contrast (and this is proven by the published MTF charts) already at full aperture, meaning there is not the same dreaminess as in some 50mm models. Distortion and reflections are minimized. The lens does vignetting somewhat at full aperture, but this disappears by stopping down a few stops.

The Leica Noctilux-M 35mm is designed to be used at full aperture, as the manufacturer often suggests. And what's more, at large apertures the sharp parts are very sharp even by the standards set by modern APO lenses, the depth of field transitions to a soft background in a really nice way, and the bokeh has a slightly Leica-like character.

Focusing between 70cm - infinity works like all Leica lenses and the focus is transmitted to the rangefinder. When focusing closer to 50cm, there is a small response when turning the focus ring, the connection to the rangefinder is lost and a whole new world of close focus begins. In this case, focusing is done using the rear screen's liveview viewfinder, the Visoflex electronic viewfinder or the Leica FOTOS program or nowadays the Leica M EV1 camera.

For someone used to DSLRs, the Noctilux 35mm F1.2 is surprisingly small considering its aperture. Compared to its competitors, the size is completely beyond comparison, and compared to Leica's jewel-like little Summilux-M 35mm lens, the size has only increased by a centimeter and the weight is only 78g more. Considering its size, the aperture F1.2 has been a good choice.

For many, this may be the last lens they don't need or can actually replace with a better one.

Specifications:

• Compatibility: Leica M-mount
• Focal length 35mm
• Maximum aperture: f/1.2 (min. f/16)
• Construction: 10 elements in 5 groups, 11 diaphragm blades
• Closest focusing distance: 50cm
  
• Magnification ratio: 1:1.74
• Filter thread: 49mm
• Size: 54.6 x 50.2mm
• Weight: 416g

Sales package includes: Leica Noctilux-M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH lens (11635), leather protective case.

Made in Germany