Experience Photographic Excellence: Unveiling the Leica 35mm f/1.2 Noctilux-M ASPH
The Legacy and Evolution of the Noctilux: A Long-Awaited Arrival
Fast 35mm lenses have been available for some time, with options like the Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 Nokton serving Leica users for years. The Noctilux name itself is synonymous with high-speed, high-cost optics from Leica, including several 50mm lenses boasting apertures as wide as f/0.95. The introduction of the 35mm f/1.2 Noctilux, priced at $9,650, has been a long time coming, finally bringing this esteemed designation to a popular focal length.
Ergonomics and Craftsmanship: A Seamless Integration with the M-System
Despite its formidable f/1.2 aperture, the 35mm Noctilux is designed for portability and ease of use. Weighing a mere 14.7 ounces (416 grams), it feels light and balanced on a Leica M11 camera, making it ideal for travel. Its 49mm filter thread is practical, and the lens barrel's profile ensures minimal obstruction of the rangefinder's view. Leica's renowned build quality is evident in the finely crafted focusing and aperture rings, and a discreet, built-in retractable hood adds to its thoughtful design.
Operating the lens is intuitive, thanks to a well-proportioned knurled metal focusing ring. Unlike some smaller Leica lenses, it omits the half-moon focusing assist knob, but its design makes it easy to manipulate without looking away from the viewfinder, ensuring smooth and precise adjustments even in demanding shooting conditions.
Optical Brilliance: Uncompromising Image Quality
The technical sophistication of Leica lenses is legendary, and the 35mm Noctilux is no exception. Its optical formula incorporates three aspherical elements to achieve maximum performance. Advanced multi-coatings effectively suppress flare, a common challenge with ultra-fast lenses, even in bright, direct sunlight. Contrast remains robust at wide apertures like f/1.4, and any ghosting or reflections are remarkably minimal, a testament to its superior engineering and the effectiveness of its integrated hood.
Longitudinal chromatic aberration (LoCA), often a concern with such wide apertures, is exceptionally well-controlled. While slight green and magenta fringing might appear at f/1.2, it is minor and quickly disappears when stopping down even slightly. The lens's overall freedom from chromatic aberrations underscores its outstanding optical design.
Artistic Expression: Bokeh, Sunstars, and Sharpness
The lens renders exquisite bokeh, characterized by a pleasing cat's eye effect at f/1.2 in specular highlights, transitioning to beautifully round shapes when stopped down. The 11-bladed aperture, while not perfectly circular, can produce striking sunstars. Backgrounds are rendered with a soft, dreamlike quality, free from harshness, allowing subjects to stand out distinctly, especially when shooting up close at f/1.2.
Sharpness is impressive, with abundant detail and excellent contrast in the center of the frame even at f/1.2, indicating the lens's readiness for wide-open shooting. While corners may exhibit some vignetting and minor softness at f/1.2, these effects quickly diminish with a slight adjustment of the aperture, providing consistent detail across the entire image. The lens also offers a closer-than-average minimum focusing distance of approximately half a meter. A haptic click on the manual focus ring signals the engagement of this close-focusing range, at which point the rangefinder decouples, and photographers can rely on the rear LCD, an electronic viewfinder (like the M EV1), or a Visoflex attachment for precise focusing. This capability, while not true macro, is ideal for intimate portraits.
The Ultimate Choice: Value and Alternatives for Discerning Photographers
The Leica 35mm f/1.2 Noctilux stands as the premier ultra-fast 35mm lens for the M-series, a triumph of optical engineering with negligible drawbacks in performance. Its portability adds to its appeal, making it a versatile tool for various photographic endeavors. However, its nearly $10,000 price tag positions it firmly in the luxury segment, even within Leica's premium offerings. While some may question the cost, devoted Leica enthusiasts will likely find the exceptional image quality and user experience to be a worthwhile investment.
For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, the Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 Nokton IV presents a compelling alternative. It offers comparable optical performance, including sharpness, flare resistance, and beautiful bokeh, at a fraction of the Leica's price, making it a strong contender for photographers who prioritize value without sacrificing too much quality. Ultimately, the decision to purchase the Leica 35mm f/1.2 Noctilux comes down to a balance between an uncompromising pursuit of perfection and practical considerations of cost.