Voigtländer Nokton Classic 35mm f/1.4 II MC (Leica M) lens

Voigtländer VM Nokton Classic 35mm f/1.4 II MC lens

The Voigtländer Nokton 35mm F1.4 II is a modern classic - in more ways than one! The optical construction of the lens is very traditional, so-called Gauss type, reminiscent of lenses from the 60s. But at the same time, the production methods, lens elements and coatings in this multi-layer coated MC version are new.

And what does this mean: at F1.4 the image is a bit dreamy, the image is sharp in the center but the details soften at the sides and the bright areas make the image glow, i.e. the so-called glow effect appears. At F2 the image glows and when dimmed even further the technical quality of the image is like from a modern scope.

The lens has two different sides, and the nature visible at F1.4 allows for a sense of atmosphere that is not possible with new lenses. A similar Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde effect is also offered by classics based on a similar Gauss type, such as Leica's early so-called Steel rim Summilux and the new lenses MS Optic's Apollo.

The mentioned modern innovations in coatings and one lens element, however, mean a neutral color scheme and a better minimized focus shift phenomenon than the first version. This means that this one is better suited for shooting with rangefinder cameras such as the Leica M. Focus shift means that the focus changes if the aperture is adjusted afterwards, for example by dimming to a smaller aperture. The shape of the focus plane also better enables the focus & recompose technique, i.e. the focus can be adjusted from the center and the composition can be done after this.

Otherwise, the Voigtländer Nokton is a good basic product from the manufacturer, meaning the mechanical quality is very good. Despite its small size, the lens is great to use, the aperture control is precise, and the focus tab is a finger rest to help with focusing.

Specifications:

• Compatibility: Leica M-mount
• Focal length: 35mm
• Aperture: F1.4 (min. F16)
• Closest focusing distance: 70cm
• Optical construction: Gauss, 8 elements in 6 groups, 10 diaphragm blades
• Filter thread: 43mm
• Size: 55 x 28.5
• Weight: 189g

There is no lens hood in the sales package.