Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
p.46 #1Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Lightsearcher wrote:
Thank you for the kind words, I travel now with three primes Voigtlander 21mm, 40mm and Nikon 105mm AIS but the 21mm is the most used specially for architecture shots.
https://marcelobarrera.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p1322636886-6.jpg
https://marcelobarrera.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p1322636827-6.jpg
https://marcelobarrera.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p1322790772-6.jpg
https://marcelobarrera.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p1322764011-6.jpg
https://marcelobarrera.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p1322637766-6.jpg
https://marcelobarrera.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p1322638330-6.jpg
Beautiful Monochrome set!!
akashyap wrote
Great pictures Lightsearcher! I visited London recently with my 24 GM and CV 40, but would’ve loved a 21 for some of my street & architecture shots.https://marcelobarrera.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p1322636886-6.jpg
https://marcelobarrera.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p1322636827-6.jpg
https://marcelobarrera.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p1322790772-6.jpg
https://marcelobarrera.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p1322764011-6.jpg
https://marcelobarrera.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p1322637766-6.jpg
https://marcelobarrera.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p1322638330-6.jpg
Beautiful Monochrome set!!
Feb 01, 2023 at 11:27 PM
p.46 #2Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Thank you very much, glad you like it.
Marcelo
Marcelo
Feb 05, 2023 at 08:32 PM
p.46 #3Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Finally jumped onboard this Nokton train and got myself this gem that I have been dreaming about for couple years now. Found a pristine copy used. Pairs up great with my 40mm Nokton. Just got this 21mm and shot a few test shots around the house. I'm super happy how sharp this lens is even up close when wide open. Renders really lovely images. And with f/8 shooting outdoors it's pretty much overkill on my 24Mp body. 
Nokton 21mm f/1.4 on Flickr
Nokton 21mm f/1.4 on Flickr
Nokton 21mm f/1.4 on Flickr
Nokton 21mm f/1.4 on Flickr
Nokton 21mm f/1.4 on Flickr
Nokton 21mm f/1.4 on Flickr
Nokton 21mm f/1.4 on Flickr
Nokton 21mm f/1.4 on Flickr
Mar 09, 2023 at 09:01 AM
p.46 #4Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Just got the Vm version for my M10r.
Perfect lens, with no tilting or other issues; perfect corners.
The only concern is under f2.8.
When I focus at middle distances over 2.8 I see a front focus on the rangefinder ONLY using this lens.
Below is a sample of the 100% at 1.4
on the left, the correct focus from the RF, and on the right a small correction after the RF going a bit backward (clockwise).
Does someone have a suggestion?
My camera let me shooting the cv28 f2, 40 1.2, 50 APO and 90 Elmarit without any problem, so I suppose is the lens...
Perfect lens, with no tilting or other issues; perfect corners.
The only concern is under f2.8.
When I focus at middle distances over 2.8 I see a front focus on the rangefinder ONLY using this lens.
Below is a sample of the 100% at 1.4
on the left, the correct focus from the RF, and on the right a small correction after the RF going a bit backward (clockwise).
Does someone have a suggestion?
My camera let me shooting the cv28 f2, 40 1.2, 50 APO and 90 Elmarit without any problem, so I suppose is the lens...
Mar 31, 2023 at 08:56 AM
p.46 #5Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Ulysseita wrote:
Just got the Vm version for my M10r.
Perfect lens, with no tilting or other issues; perfect corners.
The only concern is under f2.8.
When I focus at middle distances over 2.8 I see a front focus on the rangefinder ONLY using this lens.
Below is a sample of the 100% at 1.4
on the left, the correct focus from the RF, and on the right a small correction after the RF going a bit backward (clockwise).
https://i.imgur.com/KPgAIVP.jpg
Does someone have a suggestion?
My camera let me shooting the cv28 f2, 40 1.2, 50 APO and 90 Elmarit without any problem, so I suppose is the lens...
Hi Ulysseita,
If the lens front-focuses when using the rangefinder, you may adjust this by 'removing' a shim from the lens mount. Basically shortening the distance between lens and sensor. It's worth noting that the presence of adjustment shims can vary from lens to lens, so I'm not entirely sure if this particular lens has them.
It would be great if Voigtlander offered a simpler solution for correcting RF alignment.
Just got the Vm version for my M10r.
Perfect lens, with no tilting or other issues; perfect corners.
The only concern is under f2.8.
When I focus at middle distances over 2.8 I see a front focus on the rangefinder ONLY using this lens.
Below is a sample of the 100% at 1.4
on the left, the correct focus from the RF, and on the right a small correction after the RF going a bit backward (clockwise).
https://i.imgur.com/KPgAIVP.jpg
Does someone have a suggestion?
My camera let me shooting the cv28 f2, 40 1.2, 50 APO and 90 Elmarit without any problem, so I suppose is the lens...
Hi Ulysseita,
If the lens front-focuses when using the rangefinder, you may adjust this by 'removing' a shim from the lens mount. Basically shortening the distance between lens and sensor. It's worth noting that the presence of adjustment shims can vary from lens to lens, so I'm not entirely sure if this particular lens has them.
It would be great if Voigtlander offered a simpler solution for correcting RF alignment.
Mar 31, 2023 at 09:22 AM
p.46 #6Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
Perfect lens, with no tilting or other issues; perfect corners.
The only concern is under f2.8.
When I focus at middle distances over 2.8 I see a front focus on the rangefinder ONLY using this lens.
Below is a sample of the 100% at 1.4
on the left, the correct focus from the RF, and on the right a small correction after the RF going a bit backward (clockwise).
https://i.imgur.com/KPgAIVP.jpg
Does someone have a suggestion?
My camera let me shooting the cv28 f2, 40 1.2, 50 APO and 90 Elmarit without any problem, so I suppose is the lens...Hi Ulysseita,
If the lens front-focuses when using the rangefinder, you may adjust this by 'removing' a shim from the lens mount. Basically shortening the distance between lens and sensor. It's worth noting that the presence of adjustment shims can vary from lens to lens, so I'm not entirely sure if this particular lens has them.
It would be great if Voigtlander offered a simpler solution for correcting RF alignment.
I was wrong, Back focus, so I have to correct to a closer distance to get the proper focus.
Ulysseita wrote
Just got the Vm version for my M10r.Perfect lens, with no tilting or other issues; perfect corners.
The only concern is under f2.8.
When I focus at middle distances over 2.8 I see a front focus on the rangefinder ONLY using this lens.
Below is a sample of the 100% at 1.4
on the left, the correct focus from the RF, and on the right a small correction after the RF going a bit backward (clockwise).
https://i.imgur.com/KPgAIVP.jpg
Does someone have a suggestion?
My camera let me shooting the cv28 f2, 40 1.2, 50 APO and 90 Elmarit without any problem, so I suppose is the lens...
If the lens front-focuses when using the rangefinder, you may adjust this by 'removing' a shim from the lens mount. Basically shortening the distance between lens and sensor. It's worth noting that the presence of adjustment shims can vary from lens to lens, so I'm not entirely sure if this particular lens has them.
It would be great if Voigtlander offered a simpler solution for correcting RF alignment.
I was wrong, Back focus, so I have to correct to a closer distance to get the proper focus.
Mar 31, 2023 at 09:35 AM
p.46 #7Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Ulysseita wrote:
Perfect lens, with no tilting or other issues; perfect corners.
The only concern is under f2.8.
When I focus at middle distances over 2.8 I see a front focus on the rangefinder ONLY using this lens.
Below is a sample of the 100% at 1.4
on the left, the correct focus from the RF, and on the right a small correction after the RF going a bit backward (clockwise).
https://i.imgur.com/KPgAIVP.jpg
Does someone have a suggestion?
My camera let me shooting the cv28 f2, 40 1.2, 50 APO and 90 Elmarit without any problem, so I suppose is the lens...Hi Ulysseita,
If the lens front-focuses when using the rangefinder, you may adjust this by 'removing' a shim from the lens mount. Basically shortening the distance between lens and sensor. It's worth noting that the presence of adjustment shims can vary from lens to lens, so I'm not entirely sure if this particular lens has them.
It would be great if Voigtlander offered a simpler solution for correcting RF alignment.I was wrong, Back focus, so I have to correct to a closer distance to get the proper focus.
To be sure, use a vertically placed ruler in front of the camera. Begin by focusing on a number with LV, then refocus using RF. If the focus shifts closer to the camera, it indicates front-focusing. Conversely, if the focus moves away from the original number, it suggests back-focusing. Correcting backfocus is simpler, as you only need to add a shim to the mount. Begin with a very thin shim and gradually increase its thickness until the RF focus is spot-on. It's worth noting that following the adjustment, the hard stop for the infinity distance may be slightly off. However, you will have the ability to accurately focus using the RF, which is your main goal.
Fred Miranda wrote
Ulysseita wrote
Just got the Vm version for my M10r.Perfect lens, with no tilting or other issues; perfect corners.
The only concern is under f2.8.
When I focus at middle distances over 2.8 I see a front focus on the rangefinder ONLY using this lens.
Below is a sample of the 100% at 1.4
on the left, the correct focus from the RF, and on the right a small correction after the RF going a bit backward (clockwise).
https://i.imgur.com/KPgAIVP.jpg
Does someone have a suggestion?
My camera let me shooting the cv28 f2, 40 1.2, 50 APO and 90 Elmarit without any problem, so I suppose is the lens...
If the lens front-focuses when using the rangefinder, you may adjust this by 'removing' a shim from the lens mount. Basically shortening the distance between lens and sensor. It's worth noting that the presence of adjustment shims can vary from lens to lens, so I'm not entirely sure if this particular lens has them.
It would be great if Voigtlander offered a simpler solution for correcting RF alignment.
To be sure, use a vertically placed ruler in front of the camera. Begin by focusing on a number with LV, then refocus using RF. If the focus shifts closer to the camera, it indicates front-focusing. Conversely, if the focus moves away from the original number, it suggests back-focusing. Correcting backfocus is simpler, as you only need to add a shim to the mount. Begin with a very thin shim and gradually increase its thickness until the RF focus is spot-on. It's worth noting that following the adjustment, the hard stop for the infinity distance may be slightly off. However, you will have the ability to accurately focus using the RF, which is your main goal.
Mar 31, 2023 at 09:41 AM
p.46 #8Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
Perfect lens, with no tilting or other issues; perfect corners.
The only concern is under f2.8.
When I focus at middle distances over 2.8 I see a front focus on the rangefinder ONLY using this lens.
Below is a sample of the 100% at 1.4
on the left, the correct focus from the RF, and on the right a small correction after the RF going a bit backward (clockwise).
https://i.imgur.com/KPgAIVP.jpg
Does someone have a suggestion?
My camera let me shooting the cv28 f2, 40 1.2, 50 APO and 90 Elmarit without any problem, so I suppose is the lens...Hi Ulysseita,
If the lens front-focuses when using the rangefinder, you may adjust this by 'removing' a shim from the lens mount. Basically shortening the distance between lens and sensor. It's worth noting that the presence of adjustment shims can vary from lens to lens, so I'm not entirely sure if this particular lens has them.
It would be great if Voigtlander offered a simpler solution for correcting RF alignment.I was wrong, Back focus, so I have to correct to a closer distance to get the proper focus.
To be sure, use a vertically placed ruler in front of the camera. Begin by focusing on a number with LV, then refocus using RF. If the focus shifts closer to the camera, it indicates front-focusing. Conversely, if the focus moves away from the original number, it suggests back-focusing. Correcting backfocus is simpler, as you only need to add a shim to the mount. Begin with a very thin shim and gradually increase its thickness until the RF focus is spot-on. It's worth noting that following the adjustment, the hard stop for the infinity distance may be slightly off....Show more →
That could be a solution, thanks Fred!
Do you have tips on where to find these shims?
other test at various distances, always 1.4, RF vs RF- a bit (so yes, backfocus)
this lens is impressive, more than the CV28!
Ulysseita wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
Ulysseita wrote
Just got the Vm version for my M10r.Perfect lens, with no tilting or other issues; perfect corners.
The only concern is under f2.8.
When I focus at middle distances over 2.8 I see a front focus on the rangefinder ONLY using this lens.
Below is a sample of the 100% at 1.4
on the left, the correct focus from the RF, and on the right a small correction after the RF going a bit backward (clockwise).
https://i.imgur.com/KPgAIVP.jpg
Does someone have a suggestion?
My camera let me shooting the cv28 f2, 40 1.2, 50 APO and 90 Elmarit without any problem, so I suppose is the lens...
If the lens front-focuses when using the rangefinder, you may adjust this by 'removing' a shim from the lens mount. Basically shortening the distance between lens and sensor. It's worth noting that the presence of adjustment shims can vary from lens to lens, so I'm not entirely sure if this particular lens has them.
It would be great if Voigtlander offered a simpler solution for correcting RF alignment.
That could be a solution, thanks Fred!
Do you have tips on where to find these shims?
other test at various distances, always 1.4, RF vs RF- a bit (so yes, backfocus)
this lens is impressive, more than the CV28!
Mar 31, 2023 at 09:54 AM
p.46 #10Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
FNFNSNC
ILCE-7RM2 Voigtlander NOKTON 21mm F1.4 Aspherical lens 21mm f/1.4 1/1000s 100 ISO -0.7 EV
ILCE-7RM2 Voigtlander NOKTON 21mm F1.4 Aspherical lens 21mm f/1.4 1/4000s 100 ISO -0.7 EV
ILCE-7RM2 Voigtlander NOKTON 21mm F1.4 Aspherical lens 21mm f/1.4 1/4000s 100 ISO -0.7 EV
ILCE-7RM2 Voigtlander NOKTON 21mm F1.4 Aspherical lens 21mm f/4.0 1/30s 400 ISO -0.7 EV
ILCE-7RM2 Voigtlander NOKTON 21mm F1.4 Aspherical lens 21mm f/2.8 1/30s 320 ISO -0.7 EV
ILCE-7RM2 Voigtlander NOKTON 21mm F1.4 Aspherical lens 21mm f/5.6 1/30s 500 ISO -0.7 EV
ILCE-7RM2 Voigtlander NOKTON 21mm F1.4 Aspherical lens 21mm f/4.0 1/30s 400 ISO -1.7 EV
ILCE-7RM2 Voigtlander NOKTON 21mm F1.4 Aspherical lens 21mm f/1.4 1/50s 100 ISO -1.7 EV
ILCE-7RM2 Voigtlander NOKTON 21mm F1.4 Aspherical lens 21mm f/4.0 1/30s 1000 ISO -1.3 EV
ILCE-7RM2 Voigtlander NOKTON 21mm F1.4 Aspherical lens 21mm f/1.4 1/125s 100 ISO -0.7 EV
ILCE-7RM2 Voigtlander NOKTON 21mm F1.4 Aspherical lens 21mm f/5.6 1/30s 100 ISO 0.0 EV
ILCE-7RM2 Voigtlander NOKTON 21mm F1.4 Aspherical lens 21mm f/5.6 1/30s 125 ISO 0.0 EV
Apr 09, 2023 at 03:27 AM
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p.46 #11Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Peire wrote:
FNFNSNC
Very nice, Peire! Two recent shots.
FNFNSNC
Very nice, Peire! Two recent shots.
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ILCE-1 Voigtlander NOKTON 21mm F1.4 Aspherical lens 21mm f/10.0 1/40s 100 ISO 0.0 EV
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ILCE-1 Voigtlander NOKTON 21mm F1.4 Aspherical lens 21mm f/10.0 1/50s 100 ISO 0.0 EV
Apr 09, 2023 at 03:49 AM
p.46 #13Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Ulysseita wrote:
Perfect lens, with no tilting or other issues; perfect corners.
The only concern is under f2.8.
When I focus at middle distances over 2.8 I see a front focus on the rangefinder ONLY using this lens.
Below is a sample of the 100% at 1.4
on the left, the correct focus from the RF, and on the right a small correction after the RF going a bit backward (clockwise).
https://i.imgur.com/KPgAIVP.jpg
Does someone have a suggestion?
My camera let me shooting the cv28 f2, 40 1.2, 50 APO and 90 Elmarit without any problem, so I suppose is the lens...Hi Ulysseita,
If the lens front-focuses when using the rangefinder, you may adjust this by 'removing' a shim from the lens mount. Basically shortening the distance between lens and sensor. It's worth noting that the presence of adjustment shims can vary from lens to lens, so I'm not entirely sure if this particular lens has them.
It would be great if Voigtlander offered a simpler solution for correcting RF alignment.I was wrong, Back focus, so I have to correct to a closer distance to get the proper focus.
To be sure, use a vertically placed ruler in front of the camera. Begin by focusing on a number with LV, then refocus using RF. If the focus shifts closer to the camera, it indicates front-focusing. Conversely, if the focus moves away from the original number, it suggests back-focusing. Correcting backfocus is simpler, as you only need to add a shim to the mount. Begin with a very thin shim and gradually increase its thickness until the RF focus is spot-on. It's worth noting that following the adjustment, the hard stop for the infinity distance may be slightly off. However, you will have the ability to accurately focus using the RF, which is your main goal.That could be a solution, thanks Fred!
Do you have tips on where to find these shims?
Hi Giuseppe,
I get shims from Misumi. Here is the link: https://us.misumi-ec.com/vona2/detail/110302677870
You can really fine tune this with 5, 10, 20, 50 micron versions.
Fred Miranda wrote
Ulysseita wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
Ulysseita wrote
Just got the Vm version for my M10r.Perfect lens, with no tilting or other issues; perfect corners.
The only concern is under f2.8.
When I focus at middle distances over 2.8 I see a front focus on the rangefinder ONLY using this lens.
Below is a sample of the 100% at 1.4
on the left, the correct focus from the RF, and on the right a small correction after the RF going a bit backward (clockwise).
https://i.imgur.com/KPgAIVP.jpg
Does someone have a suggestion?
My camera let me shooting the cv28 f2, 40 1.2, 50 APO and 90 Elmarit without any problem, so I suppose is the lens...
If the lens front-focuses when using the rangefinder, you may adjust this by 'removing' a shim from the lens mount. Basically shortening the distance between lens and sensor. It's worth noting that the presence of adjustment shims can vary from lens to lens, so I'm not entirely sure if this particular lens has them.
It would be great if Voigtlander offered a simpler solution for correcting RF alignment.
Do you have tips on where to find these shims?
Hi Giuseppe,
I get shims from Misumi. Here is the link: https://us.misumi-ec.com/vona2/detail/110302677870
You can really fine tune this with 5, 10, 20, 50 micron versions.
Apr 09, 2023 at 09:09 AM
p.46 #14Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
A photo I took yesterday with my recently acquired 21mm/1.4. A fine lens!
DSC01954 by Al Trujillo, on Flickr
DSC01954 by Al Trujillo, on FlickrApr 28, 2023 at 09:17 AM
p.46 #15Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Al Trujillo wrote:
A photo I took yesterday with my recently acquired 21mm/1.4. A fine lens!
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52851845475_ce9ece49cd_b.jpgDSC01954 by Al Trujillo, on Flickr
The Voigtlander 21/1.4 lens is one of the best options out there. I have found that when shooting at smaller apertures, such as f/5.6 or smaller, the Voigtlander 21/1.4 Nokton produces better corner resolution than the Leica 21/3.4 SEM. I have tested this with two optimal copies of both lenses, and the Voigtlander 21/1.4 consistently outperformed the Leica 21/3.4 SEM in terms of corner resolution. The only downside is the size and weight when using it on a M body.
A photo I took yesterday with my recently acquired 21mm/1.4. A fine lens!
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52851845475_ce9ece49cd_b.jpgDSC01954 by Al Trujillo, on Flickr
The Voigtlander 21/1.4 lens is one of the best options out there. I have found that when shooting at smaller apertures, such as f/5.6 or smaller, the Voigtlander 21/1.4 Nokton produces better corner resolution than the Leica 21/3.4 SEM. I have tested this with two optimal copies of both lenses, and the Voigtlander 21/1.4 consistently outperformed the Leica 21/3.4 SEM in terms of corner resolution. The only downside is the size and weight when using it on a M body.
May 05, 2023 at 09:37 AM
p.46 #16Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Hey Fred & friends 
I just purchased a copy of the beautiful voigtländer. While sharpness is great in the center, the borders are lacking sharpness quite a bit on my RV. A bit of testing revealed that on the RV my copy shows some significant field curvature. To get sharp corners even at F8, I have to go quite a bit beyond the optimum in the center. Near infinity this is hardly possible. Has anyone also mounted his voigtländer by any chance on an RV? Could this be a "bad copy" issue or might this be camera / sensor related?
Thanks
Edith: I also just tested it on an A1. There the curvature is also obvious.
I just purchased a copy of the beautiful voigtländer. While sharpness is great in the center, the borders are lacking sharpness quite a bit on my RV. A bit of testing revealed that on the RV my copy shows some significant field curvature. To get sharp corners even at F8, I have to go quite a bit beyond the optimum in the center. Near infinity this is hardly possible. Has anyone also mounted his voigtländer by any chance on an RV? Could this be a "bad copy" issue or might this be camera / sensor related?
Thanks
Edith: I also just tested it on an A1. There the curvature is also obvious.
Jun 02, 2023 at 08:44 AM
p.46 #17Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
I Just bought another copy. Here, the field curvature is a bit lower but still there.
Jun 04, 2023 at 10:47 AM
p.46 #18Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
davidmathar wrote:
I Just bought another copy. Here, the field curvature is a bit lower but still there.
FC was mentioned in Fred's test. See:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1603441/8#14911507
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1603441/7#14910948
I Just bought another copy. Here, the field curvature is a bit lower but still there.
FC was mentioned in Fred's test. See:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1603441/8#14911507
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1603441/7#14910948
Jun 04, 2023 at 10:51 AM
p.46 #19Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
Ah, OK. Thanks. I just read the very beginning of Freds review, where he stated it is essentially flat field.
Jun 04, 2023 at 12:31 PM
p.46 #20Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 Nokton Review
A couple of images taken with the CV 21mm f/1.4. I'm very pleased with this special lens!
Corn Lily BW 4 0623 by Al Trujillo, on Flickr
Corn Lily BW 6 0623 by Al Trujillo, on Flickr
Corn Lily BW 4 0623 by Al Trujillo, on FlickrCorn Lily BW 6 0623 by Al Trujillo, on FlickrJun 22, 2023 at 06:24 AM