15 Comments
User's avatar
Aaron Bludworth's avatar

"I was ready to sell this lens almost immediately after I got it." I remember and am so glad you didn't!

"I feel like Leica could’ve corrected for this" They couldn't when this was in development, starting over 20 years ago now, but they can now. Look at the 35MM f1/2 Noctilux as a guide on technology, size, and technical perfection coming to v4.

Great review and insights as always. As you know, I'm a 0.95 evangelist.

Gajan Balan's avatar

I appreciate the conversations, big reason why I stuck with the lens.

Marco Secchi's avatar

The “Thanos-snap bokeh” line made me smile, because that’s exactly where most people get stuck with this lens.

They fall in love with the effect before they understand the structure.

What you’re really describing, whether intentionally or not, is not shallow depth of field. It’s control of attention.

And that’s a very different skill.

Gajan Balan's avatar

Well said. Thanks for reading ✌🏾

Christopher Lim's avatar

Excellent review. Yes you’ve correctly stated the initial struggle I also had with this lens. But I refuse to give up and consistently use the lens till I feel I’m getting better at handling this. Your article further help me master this. Thanks once again for all your great write ups.

Gajan Balan's avatar

Thanks for sharing that. Enjoy the journey ✌🏾

Steven Chivers's avatar

Hi Gajan. I originally bought this for my M10P but it now lives manually adapted on my SL2 which IMHO is the perfect platform for this lens. Whilst I use it wide open it is flexible and great stopped down. But F0.95 is where the magic is. As you mentioned in your review it’s all about the background then frame the subject. I find I use this lens for six months then put it away for six months so as to enjoy a different perspective. Oh yes I nearly forgot, I got a silver one to compliment my beard😂

Gajan Balan's avatar

Many benefits with that silver lens, haha. Thanks for reading ✌🏾

Steven Chivers's avatar

Always welcome as always enjoy your content. You have inspired me to break out the Noctilux early this year. Problem this year is that it has been raining so much that Noah signalled abandon ship! Weather sealing the only real issue for me in this part of the Uk.

Roger Goun's avatar

I’ve owned this lens for nine years but it’s time for me to let it go. The arms and shoulders just can’t take the strain anymore. In its place I’m going to spend some quality time this year with the Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2.

Gajan Balan's avatar

Valid reason. Thanks for reading ✌🏾

Jared Weinstock's avatar

Great write up, Gajan. Love that banana bike frame.

Gajan Balan's avatar

Thanks brother ✌🏾

Julien Both's avatar

Some reeeally great picture. I in particular love the portrait with the green foreground. Amazing

Gajan Balan's avatar

Thank you Julien ✌🏾