Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
p.26 #1Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
Here's how to get the "glow" with this lens: wide open, minimum focus distance, dramatic light, and slight motion blur. You won't get the glow without the blur, or at least I couldn't – too sharp when in focus and motion was frozen.
M10-R + CV 75 1.5 wide open at around 360/sec shutter speed, but the wind was blowing hard, so the subject movement was just a little too fast for the shutter speed.
Crop of previous
M10-R + CV 75 1.5 wide open at around 360/sec shutter speed, but the wind was blowing hard, so the subject movement was just a little too fast for the shutter speed.
Crop of previous
Mar 30, 2021 at 08:38 PM
p.26 #2Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
75 1.5 adapted to the GFX:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1496482/32#15550383
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1496482/32#15550383
Mar 30, 2021 at 09:22 PM
p.26 #3Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
M10-R + 75 1.5
B&W conversion in C1, vignette added
Crop of previous
B&W conversion in C1, vignette added
Crop of previous
Apr 03, 2021 at 04:21 PM
p.26 #4Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
CV Nokton 'Vintage' 75/1.5 VM (Sony a7r)
Apr 04, 2021 at 12:00 AM
p.26 #5Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
A link to Cosina's sample photos for this VM 75mm f1.5:
http://www.cosina.co.jp/gallery/iida-75-1_5/index.html
http://www.cosina.co.jp/gallery/iida-75-1_5/index.html
Apr 04, 2021 at 01:07 AM
p.26 #7Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
This lens is much sharper and more versatile than it has been made out to be. Wonderful colour palette and so easy to post process. Many held off due to it being troubled by use on Sony cameras. It's a thoroughly modern formula with a nod to last century aesthetics, reminds me of my (formerly) main portrait lens, the CY 100/3.5. It's a little like the CV 75/2.5 after a gym program. Same energy and natural feel to it. Ultra easy to focus on Sony as well, even easier than the APO-Lanthars. It's now my most enjoyable lens to use in the field. (thanks to Fred for testing it fully)
VM 75/1.5 on a7r Sony
VM 75/1.5 on a7r Sony
Apr 04, 2021 at 06:10 PM
p.26 #8Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
Today with my Z7 + 75/1.5. I do wish I could see the aperture in the EVF, but still very happy shooting with it.
Cropped
Wide open
Cropped
Wide open
Cropped
Wide open
Cropped
Wide open
Apr 04, 2021 at 07:05 PM
p.26 #9Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
philip_pj wrote:
This lens is much sharper and more versatile than it has been made out to be. Wonderful colour palette and so easy to post process. Many held off due to it being troubled by use on Sony cameras. It's a thoroughly modern formula with a nod to last century aesthetics, reminds me of my (formerly) main portrait lens, the CY 100/3.5. It's a little like the CV 75/2.5 after a gym program. Same energy and natural feel to it. Ultra easy to focus on Sony as well, even easier than the APO-Lanthars. It's now my most enjoyable lens to use...Show more →
I can't get enough of this lens. Mine seems very sharp as well. Agree the rendering is very Contax/Zeiss but also very film-like color and tonal transitions. I think this is going to mean I have to get the CV 50 1.5 to see if the character is a match. Right now, the results I'm getting with the CV 50 APO are insanely good, but if I could get the 75 character into the 50mm FOV, I think that would be a perfect two-lens setup.
This lens is much sharper and more versatile than it has been made out to be. Wonderful colour palette and so easy to post process. Many held off due to it being troubled by use on Sony cameras. It's a thoroughly modern formula with a nod to last century aesthetics, reminds me of my (formerly) main portrait lens, the CY 100/3.5. It's a little like the CV 75/2.5 after a gym program. Same energy and natural feel to it. Ultra easy to focus on Sony as well, even easier than the APO-Lanthars. It's now my most enjoyable lens to use...Show more →
I can't get enough of this lens. Mine seems very sharp as well. Agree the rendering is very Contax/Zeiss but also very film-like color and tonal transitions. I think this is going to mean I have to get the CV 50 1.5 to see if the character is a match. Right now, the results I'm getting with the CV 50 APO are insanely good, but if I could get the 75 character into the 50mm FOV, I think that would be a perfect two-lens setup.
Apr 04, 2021 at 07:16 PM
p.26 #10Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
It may be a good pairing, I don't know that one well at all. One thing though, in a land of strange bokeh effects this 75mm does not fail to impress, including very difficult foreground bokeh that trips up a lot of them.
I do hope they make more like this, many want a new 35/1.7 too. Fred did some work on the new 50/1.5 you can look over. Its design looks like the 75/1.5 for sure, but with less APD glass and it shows, I feel. Tiny and 198 grams.
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1669693
Some of his images and Cosina's samples of the Cosina lady:
http://www.cosina.co.jp/gallery/iida-50mmF1_5-II/06.html
..all tend to stronger contrast than the 75mm, which is very settled in post work, like the 50/2 APO. The 50/1.5 does not like the Sonys from what I see. Its drama comes from this contrast, much like the C-Sonnar. Maybe more a purist B/W lens? People want different things from their lenses, but the 75mm is a broad field to explore, where some of them you have to work within what they do.
VM 75/1.5 on a7r Sony
I do hope they make more like this, many want a new 35/1.7 too. Fred did some work on the new 50/1.5 you can look over. Its design looks like the 75/1.5 for sure, but with less APD glass and it shows, I feel. Tiny and 198 grams.
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1669693
Some of his images and Cosina's samples of the Cosina lady:
http://www.cosina.co.jp/gallery/iida-50mmF1_5-II/06.html
..all tend to stronger contrast than the 75mm, which is very settled in post work, like the 50/2 APO. The 50/1.5 does not like the Sonys from what I see. Its drama comes from this contrast, much like the C-Sonnar. Maybe more a purist B/W lens? People want different things from their lenses, but the 75mm is a broad field to explore, where some of them you have to work within what they do.
VM 75/1.5 on a7r Sony
Apr 04, 2021 at 09:32 PM
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p.26 #11Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
Love mine too and often use it together with the old CV 35/1.7 VM. When a wide angle may be needed I add the small CV 21/3.5 E. A really nice and light kit capable of great results.
From a cold day by the river in January.
A7II and CV 75mm f/1.5
From a cold day by the river in January.
A7II and CV 75mm f/1.5
Apr 05, 2021 at 01:09 AM
p.26 #12Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
Very little CA and it seems to never be a bother. And the bokeh handling, quite exquisite.
Apr 05, 2021 at 05:28 PM
p.26 #13Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
HelenaN wrote:
Love mine too and often use it together with the old CV 35/1.7 VM. When a wide angle may be needed I add the small CV 21/3.5 E. A really nice and light kit capable of great results.
From a cold day by the river in January.
A7II and CV 75mm f/1.5
https://helenasphotography.com/keep/2021/20210116_002_a7ll-cv75b.jpg
https://helenasphotography.com/keep/2021/20210116_003_a7ll-cv75b.jpg
https://helenasphotography.com/keep/2021/20210116_037_a7ll-cv75b.jpg
https://helenasphotography.com/keep/2021/20210116_039_a7ll-cv75b.jpg
https://helenasphotography.com/keep/2021/20210116_042_a7ll-cv75b.jpg
https://helenasphotography.com/keep/2021/20210116_055_a7ll-cv75b.jpg
https://helenasphotography.com/keep/2021/20210116_057_a7ll-cv75b.jpg
Beautiful light and comps Helena!
Love mine too and often use it together with the old CV 35/1.7 VM. When a wide angle may be needed I add the small CV 21/3.5 E. A really nice and light kit capable of great results.
From a cold day by the river in January.
A7II and CV 75mm f/1.5
https://helenasphotography.com/keep/2021/20210116_002_a7ll-cv75b.jpg
https://helenasphotography.com/keep/2021/20210116_003_a7ll-cv75b.jpg
https://helenasphotography.com/keep/2021/20210116_037_a7ll-cv75b.jpg
https://helenasphotography.com/keep/2021/20210116_039_a7ll-cv75b.jpg
https://helenasphotography.com/keep/2021/20210116_042_a7ll-cv75b.jpg
https://helenasphotography.com/keep/2021/20210116_055_a7ll-cv75b.jpg
https://helenasphotography.com/keep/2021/20210116_057_a7ll-cv75b.jpg
Beautiful light and comps Helena!
Apr 05, 2021 at 05:32 PM
p.26 #14Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
The images on this thread made me re-purchase the CV 75/1.5! Can wait to try it on my new M10-P. 
I was considering the M10-R since I sold my M10 but since I exclusively use the rangefinder (no EVF or LCD), I thought that the extra MP and the lack of sensor stabilization would not really give me a lot more in terms of resolution. Also that extra MP data with the same buffer and processor probably means slower camera operation.
I was considering the M10-R since I sold my M10 but since I exclusively use the rangefinder (no EVF or LCD), I thought that the extra MP and the lack of sensor stabilization would not really give me a lot more in terms of resolution. Also that extra MP data with the same buffer and processor probably means slower camera operation.
Apr 05, 2021 at 08:46 PM
p.26 #15Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
nehemiahphoto wrote:
I realize I am a dying breed here, but I want less micro contrast and sharpness and smoother rendering than the CV typically delivers. I have been playing with different diffusion filters to liking on the CV 75/1.5 with great success (to my liking). Images have a much different feel when processed mindfully.Very film-like rendering. Reminds me I need to order a Black Pro Mist 1/4 in 58 and 52mm for the CV lenses I've bought recently.The one above with shot with a 1 in overcast light. I have a 1/2 as well, which is a little more neutral and does better in contrasty and harsher light. I don't want to spam the thread, but I have been using them more on the 35i, and they've been great. Mostly a 1/2 on the CV--the 1/8 doesn't really alter the feel of the image.
The wider lenses require less powerful numbers to get the same affect. Wonderfully, the Sigma 35i and CV 75/1.5 share the 58mm filter thread. I am enjoying the IQ effect so much, I've order...Show more →
Do these diffusion filters affects AF accuracy in the case of your Sigma lenses?
highdesertmesa wrote
nehemiahphoto wrote
philip_pj wrote
It does some special stuff right at the transition zone. Some prefer f2 as their preferred point of compromise, both work well and it will vary by taste (and resolution too). People really want bite in their portrait lenses these days.The wider lenses require less powerful numbers to get the same affect. Wonderfully, the Sigma 35i and CV 75/1.5 share the 58mm filter thread. I am enjoying the IQ effect so much, I've order...Show more →
Do these diffusion filters affects AF accuracy in the case of your Sigma lenses?
Apr 05, 2021 at 09:48 PM
p.26 #16Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
I realize I am a dying breed here, but I want less micro contrast and sharpness and smoother rendering than the CV typically delivers. I have been playing with different diffusion filters to liking on the CV 75/1.5 with great success (to my liking). Images have a much different feel when processed mindfully.Very film-like rendering. Reminds me I need to order a Black Pro Mist 1/4 in 58 and 52mm for the CV lenses I've bought recently.The one above with shot with a 1 in overcast light. I have a 1/2 as well, which is a little more neutral and does better in contrasty and harsher light. I don't want to spam the thread, but I have been using them more on the 35i, and they've been great. Mostly a 1/2 on the CV--the 1/8 doesn't really alter the feel of the image.
The wider lenses require less powerful numbers to get the same affect. Wonderfully, the Sigma 35i and CV 75/1.5 share the 58mm filter thread. I am enjoying the IQ effect so much, I've order another one or two of different types. I think I'll be able to get a very attractive Summilux like look on the CV but with smoother structural rendering, smaller size and about 3k cheaper
Excited to try out one or two of the new filter on the CV 75. And, when I want egregious amounts of fine detail resolution, which this lens has in spades--wow, I stop it down and it's incredible. All with the CV 75
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51077393387_2dfe9979e0_k.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51008110440_bcfdd8cfe4_k.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51077393692_fd72154974_k.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51008110765_1ece59b4fe_k.jpgDo these diffusion filters affects AF accuracy in the case of your Sigma lenses?
No.
Or, at least not in a way I can detect on my a7c with my 35i even WO with AF-C on moving dogs. The 35i is my only AF lens ATM, but I have a Samy 75/1.8 arriving I will try as well. I also don't find the MF harder until I put the 1 on, which is more powerful and really does put a SA/diffusion layer. I actually ran a test shooting Black ProMist 1/8, 1/4 and then 1 (1/1) and naked with both a CV 75/1.5 and 31 limited on a tripod with a human model for my own understanding. I also have a couple more coming to do further experimenting as they have different affects. I can share my findings on FM if you and others are interested.
nehemiahphoto wrote
highdesertmesa wrote
nehemiahphoto wrote
philip_pj wrote
It does some special stuff right at the transition zone. Some prefer f2 as their preferred point of compromise, both work well and it will vary by taste (and resolution too). People really want bite in their portrait lenses these days.The wider lenses require less powerful numbers to get the same affect. Wonderfully, the Sigma 35i and CV 75/1.5 share the 58mm filter thread. I am enjoying the IQ effect so much, I've order another one or two of different types. I think I'll be able to get a very attractive Summilux like look on the CV but with smoother structural rendering, smaller size and about 3k cheaper
Excited to try out one or two of the new filter on the CV 75. And, when I want egregious amounts of fine detail resolution, which this lens has in spades--wow, I stop it down and it's incredible. All with the CV 75https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51077393387_2dfe9979e0_k.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51008110440_bcfdd8cfe4_k.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51077393692_fd72154974_k.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51008110765_1ece59b4fe_k.jpg
No.
Or, at least not in a way I can detect on my a7c with my 35i even WO with AF-C on moving dogs. The 35i is my only AF lens ATM, but I have a Samy 75/1.8 arriving I will try as well. I also don't find the MF harder until I put the 1 on, which is more powerful and really does put a SA/diffusion layer. I actually ran a test shooting Black ProMist 1/8, 1/4 and then 1 (1/1) and naked with both a CV 75/1.5 and 31 limited on a tripod with a human model for my own understanding. I also have a couple more coming to do further experimenting as they have different affects. I can share my findings on FM if you and others are interested.
Apr 05, 2021 at 10:12 PM
p.26 #17Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
Thank you Fred! Glad to hear that you have re-purchased the lens. I have tried a friend's old analog Leica and really enjoyed the shooting experience, so I'd love to own a digital Leica. Maybe some day.
Nehemia, yes, if it's not too much bother please share your findings. Love my Haida black mist 1/4 and it'd be great to see your examples before deciding which one to get next. (Btw. when I have used the filter for photos I post here at FM I always mention it.)
I have tried a friend's old analog Leica and really enjoyed the shooting experience, so I'd love to own a digital Leica. Maybe some day.Nehemia, yes, if it's not too much bother please share your findings. Love my Haida black mist 1/4 and it'd be great to see your examples before deciding which one to get next. (Btw. when I have used the filter for photos I post here at FM I always mention it.)
Apr 06, 2021 at 01:25 AM
p.26 #18Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
For anyone who wants to make a foray into diffusion filters, it's worth noting that Formatt-Hitech is currently having an Easter sale on their Black Supermist filters, with a set of four (1/8, 1/4, 1/2, and 1) selling for slightly over US $200 (https://www.formatt-hitech.com/cinema/black-supermist-circle-kit). That's about what I paid for just one of my Schneider Hollywood Black Magic filters, so it seems like a good deal to me. You need to enter the promo code SPRING20 at purchase, which gets you 20% off; looks like the sale ends on April 12. They're available in 77mm or 82mm circles; for step-up rings I like the ones sold by Duclos Lenses as they are solidly made and come with a rubber cap so you can leave the step-up ring on all the time if you like. I use these filters on multiple lenses and have a few different step-up rings.
The main caveat with diffusion filters is that they can produce speckled bokeh when you have an in-focus subject in the foreground with out-of-focus highlights in the background; speckles in the bokeh can also appear more generally when shooting close subjects wide open on fast lenses (faster than f2). The bokeh, most noticeably the OOF highlights, gets peppered with small dots and it doesn't look good. I can even provoke it on my 1/8 filter; I took some photos with it this morning against the light to test and indeed I see speckles.
The main caveat with diffusion filters is that they can produce speckled bokeh when you have an in-focus subject in the foreground with out-of-focus highlights in the background; speckles in the bokeh can also appear more generally when shooting close subjects wide open on fast lenses (faster than f2). The bokeh, most noticeably the OOF highlights, gets peppered with small dots and it doesn't look good. I can even provoke it on my 1/8 filter; I took some photos with it this morning against the light to test and indeed I see speckles.
Apr 06, 2021 at 03:33 AM
p.26 #19Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
nehemiahphoto wrote:
I realize I am a dying breed here, but I want less micro contrast and sharpness and smoother rendering than the CV typically delivers. I have been playing with different diffusion filters to liking on the CV 75/1.5 with great success (to my liking). Images have a much different feel when processed mindfully.Very film-like rendering. Reminds me I need to order a Black Pro Mist 1/4 in 58 and 52mm for the CV lenses I've bought recently.The one above with shot with a 1 in overcast light. I have a 1/2 as well, which is a little more neutral and does better in contrasty and harsher light. I don't want to spam the thread, but I have been using them more on the 35i, and they've been great. Mostly a 1/2 on the CV--the 1/8 doesn't really alter the feel of the image.
The wider lenses require less powerful numbers to get the same affect. Wonderfully, the Sigma 35i and CV 75/1.5 share the 58mm filter thread. I am enjoying the IQ effect so much, I've order another one or two of different types. I think I'll be able to get a very attractive Summilux like look on the CV but with smoother structural rendering, smaller size and about 3k cheaper Excited to try out one or two of the new filter on the CV 75. And, when I want egregious amounts of fine detail resolution, which this lens has in spades--wow, I stop it down and it's incredible. All with the CV 75
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51077393387_2dfe9979e0_k.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51008110440_bcfdd8cfe4_k.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51077393692_fd72154974_k.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51008110765_1ece59b4fe_k.jpgDo these diffusion filters affects AF accuracy in the case of your Sigma lenses?No.
Or, at least not in a way I can detect on my a7c with my 35i even WO with AF-C on moving dogs. The 35i is my only AF lens ATM, but I have a Samy 75/1.8 arriving I will try as well. I also don't find the MF harder until I put the 1 on, which is more powerful and really does put a SA/diffusion layer. I actually ran a test shooting Black ProMist 1/8, 1/4 and then 1 (1/1) and naked with both a CV 75/1.5 and 31 limited on a tripod with a human model for...Show more →
I use the Black Pro Mist 1/4 sometimes and haven't had any focusing issues with the RF 50 1.2, X100V, or Q. Still subjects, single point. I like the effect on wide-open bokeh at close distance, and the subject/point of focus seems to stay pretty sharp.
Fred Miranda wrote
nehemiahphoto wrote
highdesertmesa wrote
nehemiahphoto wrote
philip_pj wrote
It does some special stuff right at the transition zone. Some prefer f2 as their preferred point of compromise, both work well and it will vary by taste (and resolution too). People really want bite in their portrait lenses these days.The wider lenses require less powerful numbers to get the same affect. Wonderfully, the Sigma 35i and CV 75/1.5 share the 58mm filter thread. I am enjoying the IQ effect so much, I've order another one or two of different types. I think I'll be able to get a very attractive Summilux like look on the CV but with smoother structural rendering, smaller size and about 3k cheaper
Excited to try out one or two of the new filter on the CV 75. And, when I want egregious amounts of fine detail resolution, which this lens has in spades--wow, I stop it down and it's incredible. All with the CV 75https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51077393387_2dfe9979e0_k.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51008110440_bcfdd8cfe4_k.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51077393692_fd72154974_k.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51008110765_1ece59b4fe_k.jpg
Or, at least not in a way I can detect on my a7c with my 35i even WO with AF-C on moving dogs. The 35i is my only AF lens ATM, but I have a Samy 75/1.8 arriving I will try as well. I also don't find the MF harder until I put the 1 on, which is more powerful and really does put a SA/diffusion layer. I actually ran a test shooting Black ProMist 1/8, 1/4 and then 1 (1/1) and naked with both a CV 75/1.5 and 31 limited on a tripod with a human model for...Show more →
I use the Black Pro Mist 1/4 sometimes and haven't had any focusing issues with the RF 50 1.2, X100V, or Q. Still subjects, single point. I like the effect on wide-open bokeh at close distance, and the subject/point of focus seems to stay pretty sharp.
Apr 06, 2021 at 08:54 AM
p.26 #20Voigtlander 75mm f/1.5 Nokton Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
The images on this thread made me re-purchase the CV 75/1.5! Can wait to try it on my new M10-P.
I was considering the M10-R since I sold my M10 but since I exclusively use the rangefinder (no EVF or LCD), I thought that the extra MP and the lack of sensor stabilization would not really give me a lot more in terms of resolution. Also that extra MP data with the same buffer and processor probably means slower camera operation.
You'll love it on the M10-P with the 75 1.5. I had the M10-P Reporter edition, but it had an issue with the Kevlar cladding coming apart, and I replaced it with an M10-R.
The images on this thread made me re-purchase the CV 75/1.5! Can wait to try it on my new M10-P.
I was considering the M10-R since I sold my M10 but since I exclusively use the rangefinder (no EVF or LCD), I thought that the extra MP and the lack of sensor stabilization would not really give me a lot more in terms of resolution. Also that extra MP data with the same buffer and processor probably means slower camera operation.
You'll love it on the M10-P with the 75 1.5. I had the M10-P Reporter edition, but it had an issue with the Kevlar cladding coming apart, and I replaced it with an M10-R.
Apr 06, 2021 at 08:56 AM