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Voigtlander 50mm f/1 Nokton Review

josh-himes
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p.28 #1 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1 Nokton Review

Fred Miranda wrote:
Yes, that's normal operation. The lens is calibrated taking account focus shift and therefore it's usually perfect aligned with the rangefinder one stop down from wide open. If it would be perfectly calibrated at f/1, by f/2.8 the subject would be noticeably out of focus. With vintage lenses like the Leica 50/1 Noctilux for example this is even more apparent. It's really only an issue with fast and ultra fast lenses since the amount of aberration is higher wide open compared to slower lenses.
Of course, this is an issue with rangefinder focusing only. For those focusing with the help...Show more →

Thanks for the explanation Fred. I will hang on to my copy, because it performs exceptionally well at infinity. It's actually easy enough to hit focus wide open with the RF, now that I know the required adjustment. Focus and recompose is a different story, but that is where the EVF really helps.

Feb 01, 2023 at 10:37 AM

lifeandmylens
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p.28 #2 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1 Nokton Review

Edward Teller wrote:
https://photos.smugmug.com/Nokton-501-ASPH-vs-Noctilux-501-vs-Summilux-5014-ASPH/i-GxKbLkP/0/b8e6d62a/X3/Nokton-50-1-%40-f-1-sconces-X3.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Nokton-501-ASPH-vs-Noctilux-501-vs-Summilux-5014-ASPH/i-LCkd5ns/0/113cd992/X3/Noctilux-50-1-%40-f-1-sconces-X3.jpg

After using both these lenses in a variety of settings for a week, many, not all, of the image pairs (not all shown here) have struck me as if the images from the Noctilux were as if from a dream, and the images from the Nokton were as if from a documentary. Not a very nuts and bolts appraisal, and possibly I've looked at them too long.

I know this is old, but thanks for posting all these comparisons. These are the 2 lenses I've been eyeing for that dreamy look. I've got a great copy of the cv f/1 and just found/bought a mint Noctilux v2 with a recent CLA. Curious to play around with both these lenses myself. Like you, I only plan on keeping one of them, selling the other.

Feb 02, 2023 at 10:32 AM

lifeandmylens
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p.28 #3 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1 Nokton Review

Fred Miranda wrote:
With vintage lenses like the Leica 50/1 Noctilux for example this is even more apparent.

Does the focus patch on your Noctilux not line up at f/1, and you just compensate for it?

Feb 02, 2023 at 10:33 AM

highdesertmesa
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p.28 #4 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1 Nokton Review

There are a lot of sample shots at f/1 in this thread that show image crops from all parts of the frame, but here's one with the same subject moved to different parts of the frame.

Shot on the SL2-S, so results may be better on an M camera. Each shot was re-focused at max magnification.

These are shot horizontally from center to center-middle to center-edge. Results moving diagonal toward the corner were similar.

Without shooting this on the M11 again, which I no longer own, I can't fairly compare this copy of the CV 50 f/1 to my last. But as I reported previously, my last copy had substantial focus shift at infinity but was very sharp at closer distances. This copy seems to be the reverse � no focus shift at infinity but a bit weaker sharpness at closer distances. There is also weaker performance at closer distances at f/1 off center, but that may be due to the thicker SL2-S sensor cover glass.

Crops are 200% magnification � subject at ~3m distance

Feb 04, 2023 at 04:06 PM

Alan Parker
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p.28 #5 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1 Nokton Review

I've been reading along here and it's very interesting to see these discussions on Voigtlander's signature product (or at least one of the more significant optics they have at the moment).
This is honestly what I appreciate so much about this forum

Feb 04, 2023 at 05:07 PM

highdesertmesa
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p.28 #6 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1 Nokton Review

f/2 at maximum macro distance allowed by the adapter. I think stopping down to f/2 is reasonable considering Leica stops down the Q2 to f/2.8 at macro distances. At f/1, the specular highlights were much too distracting for a scene like this, and the point of focus was too soft.

CV 50 f/1 at f/2 -|- closest focus with macro adapter

LEICA SL2-S Unknown Lens lens 50mm f/2.4 1/125s 100 ISO 0.0 EV

Feb 05, 2023 at 08:32 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.28 #7 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1 Nokton Review

lifeandmylens wrote:
Does the focus patch on your Noctilux not line up at f/1, and you just compensate for it?

Hi there! My specific copy does not because I asked Leica to calibrate it to f/1. The downside is that when focusing with the RF patch, the results won't be optimal when the lens is stopped down one or two stops since the lens is no longer compensated to address focus shift.

Not to worry though, there are two options to help you out!

Align the lens to f/1. If the lens is front-focusing, you can try adjusting the focus by removing shims, or sending it in for adjustment. Basically the focusing core needs to be brought closer to the camera.
Or, compensate with the RF patch during shooting while knowing that the lens has a front-focusing issue.
Personally, I always opt for the first choice since I mostly shoot these lenses wide open.

Feb 13, 2023 at 05:35 PM

highdesertmesa
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p.28 #8 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1 Nokton Review

Fred Miranda wrote:
Hi there! My specific copy does not because I asked Leica to calibrate it to f/1. The downside is that when focusing with the RF patch, the results won't be optimal when the lens is stopped down one or two stops since the lens is no longer compensated to address focus shift.

Not to worry though, there are two options to help you out!

Align the lens to f/1. If the lens is front-focusing, you can try adjusting the focus by removing shims, or sending it in for adjustment. Basically the focusing core needs to be brought closer to the camera.
Or,...Show more →

I�ve had two sets of the M11 and CV 50 f/1 now, and both had perfect focus at f/1 with the rangefinder. I can�t imagine owning an f/1 lens and not being able to focus it at f/1 using the rangefinder. I think CV has just kicked out a few mis-calibrated units lately.

f/1 -|- Rangefinder focus at MFD was on the corner of the booklet

Feb 13, 2023 at 07:22 PM

deej2005
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p.28 #9 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1 Nokton Review

Hello,
I�m very interested in this lens, now that it�s coming out next month in Nikon Z mount.
There seems to be some sample variation though that some users have experimented.

Is there a summary sheet of how to do to the lens tests that I�ve seen some folks do when their lens arrives? I would like to know how to test for centering, tilt, sharpness etc. has anyone put together a summary of how to do these tests?

I�m in Canada and definitely don�t have the option of ordering 3 samples, testing them and keeping only the best. I�ve always supported the local independent, family-owned camera store and this type of lens would certainly be a special order for them.

Many thanks.
Dave

Feb 17, 2023 at 05:02 PM

ftllens
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p.28 #10 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1 Nokton Review

EVF f1 focus for Z mount shouldn't matter since just live view. Fred's centering test is very good. The sharpness WO is very good to me even when I has tested it on GFX100.

I have now collapsed my kit into the CV 21 1.4 and this CV 50 1.0. They have the same front filter size so I can use my favorite achromat for closeups using LV on M10M. Then I have the astrhori 40 5.6 for compact one, though I might replace with the CV 40 2.8.

In any case if you're able to find a great copy of this lens, it's a marriage type of keeping level!

Feb 17, 2023 at 08:36 PM

Alan Parker
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p.28 #11 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1 Nokton Review

Interestingly enough this is now confirmed to be coming to Canon RF mount, ahead of Sony E mount or Nikon Z.
Very different exterior design too.

?w=1000&ssl=1

Feb 21, 2023 at 07:28 AM

Juha Kannisto
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p.28 #12 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1 Nokton Review

Nikon Z is still coming next (official release date in Japan is 2/23) and RF version will be demoed at CP+ but release date is not announced yet.

RF version seems to be getting heavier at 650g vs. 598 for Z.

Feb 21, 2023 at 07:52 AM

LarsHP
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p.28 #13 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1 Nokton Review

The Nikon Z version was officially announced on January 16th, so more than a month earlier than the Canon RF mount version. Interesting that an E mount version still hasn't been announced, though.

https://nikonrumors.com/2023/01/16/officially-announced-voigtlander-super-wide-heliar-15mm-f-4-5-voigtlander-nokton-50mm-f-1-mirrorless-lenses-for-nikon-z.aspx/

Alan Parker wrote:
Interestingly enough this is now confirmed to be coming to Canon RF mount, ahead of Sony E mount or Nikon Z.
Very different exterior design too.

Feb 21, 2023 at 04:20 PM

Butterfingers
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p.28 #14 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1 Nokton Review

Crazy, are we not going to get any new Voigtlander FE Mount Lenses? I understand that they already have some made for E mount, but they are now releasing new unique lenses for other mounts and skipping the FE mount.

Feb 22, 2023 at 09:32 PM

Medalofdead
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p.28 #15 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1 Nokton Review

Thanks for the review. That just cured my GAS. I think I'll go 50mm 1.2 GM just fine

Mar 18, 2023 at 12:09 AM

alphanumeric
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p.28 #16 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1 Nokton Review

Voigtlander 50mm F1.0 adapted to Sony a7R iii

Download full resolution, looks much sharper.

Original Size flickr

ISO 100 - 𝑓/1.0 - 1/3200 sec
Original Post on flickr

Mar 22, 2023 at 08:20 AM

LAARILEY
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p.28 #17 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1 Nokton Review

Outside of increased field curvature, what are the downsides to adapting this lens to Sony bodies like the A7SIII and A7IV!? I thought I�d seen something about the rear element protruding into the body close to the sensor?? Is this a real issue??

Mar 27, 2023 at 07:06 PM

ftllens
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p.28 #18 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1 Nokton Review

I adapted it to the a7c with no issues, it looks quite good

Mar 27, 2023 at 10:53 PM

LAARILEY
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p.28 #19 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1 Nokton Review

ftllens wrote:
I adapted it to the a7c with no issues, it looks quite good

Any noticeable drop in sharpness or contrast? I have the 1.2 GM but I want a manual focus 50. It�s between this adapted, the APO, or the Loxia.

Mar 27, 2023 at 11:12 PM

_jim_
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p.28 #20 · Voigtlander 50mm f/1 Nokton Review

I love this lens. Surprising no one, it's challenging to nail subjects eyes at f/1. Even the slightest movement by the photographer or the subject and you've missed the point of best focus a little. With that said, the output is often still 'usable' (your mileage may vary on what you describe as usable). Also, its performance at smaller f-stops is phenomenal (I get it, there's a size penalty, but if you're traveling and it's the only lens you have on your camera you learn to live with it).

Jenny by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Zeiss Ikon ZM, Voigtlander 50mm f/1 Nokton VM (@f/2), Cinestill 800T

Jenny by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Zeiss Ikon ZM, Voigtlander 50mm f/1 Nokton VM (@f/1), Kodak Tri-X 400, Xtol 1:1

Jenny by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Zeiss Ikon ZM, Voigtlander 50mm f/1 Nokton VM (@f/2), Kodak Tri-X 400, Xtol 1:1

Little Island by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Zeiss Ikon ZM, Voigtlander 50mm f/1 Nokton VM (@f/5.6), Kodak Tri-X 400, Xtol 1:1

Jenny by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Zeiss Ikon ZM, Voigtlander 50mm f/1 Nokton VM (@f/1), Kodak Tri-X 400, Xtol 1:1

NYer in Chinatown by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Zeiss Ikon ZM, Voigtlander 50mm f/1 Nokton VM (@f/1), Kodak Tri-X 400, Xtol 1:1

Apr 05, 2023 at 11:10 AM

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