Leica Noctilux 50mm f/1.0
Used to be the sole fastest commercially available 35mm lens in the world - but remains as the fastest modern lens in the rangefinder camera system. First model appearing in 1976. Current version Noctilux-M. New glasses enabled the Notilux to be re-computed to give outstanding maximum aperture of f1 and also dispense with aspherical surfaces - thus making the manufacturing process simpler. The new version is a complete new design with seven elements instead of 6 elements and with "air lenses" for additional correction. This lens is heavy for a standard 50mm - in fact, most leica 35mm lenses are heaviest in its class - focal length by focal length, aperture to aperture compared with other lenses of different makes. This lens weighting almost 630gms. But its gives you all the extra speed yet retaining superior performance that you would need in low light photography, I bet you can bear with the weight. The Aspherical lens surface tackles common spherical coma in low light photography, thus, bright spots of light source will be rendered more natural in eventual images.
It is expensive - just like any other Leica lenses. But first rated mechanical construction, optical performance and couple with rangefinder's strongest element - bright frameline for easy focusing, does attract some followers and for those demanding photographers who often works in low natural light condition.
By the way, a couple of years back, an American friend of mine offered me a unit of this and said it is "special" - I don't know what he meant, until not too long ago, Stan Tamarkin of Tamarkin Photographica, NY confirmed to me that mine is a prototype version of Noctilux. So ...what should I do with it now ?May be if I am free, I will try to take a picture of the lens and put here for all Leica fans to share.
The older version (Note there isn't any telecopic lens hood built within).
As promised, here is my lens.
Can anyone Leica Guru confirmed this ?
Note the serial Number 271-287, made in Canada.
Came with a leather case.
IF you are a Leica co-enthuasist or a collector, please click here, I may need some help from you !Specifications
Focal length/Aperture: 50mm f/1 Lens construction: 7 elements in 6 groups Picture angle:(diag/hor) 45° Diaphragm: manual Aperture scale: f/1.0~ f/22 Exposure measurement: Via full aperture method; Distance scale: Graduated in meters and feet from 1m
(3 ft to infinity (oo))Weight: 630g
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