Coming Soon: Voigtlander Nokton 35 1.4 SC Classic on the M 240
Coming soon, my review of the $630 Voigtlander 35 1.4 SC (Single Coated) on the Leica M 240. I recently just picked up this lens from CameraQuest.com and I am pleasantly surprised. While it is nothing like a 35 Lux ASPH FLE, it is a classical, smooth and interesting lens for sure. At 1/10th the cost of a Leica Lux (new) this Voigtlander could be the 35 some of you have been looking for, though some will not be a fan of the classic draw.
So look for this review soon on the M, which I still love BTW 🙂
Here are a couple of snaps I took today for fun with the 35 1.4 SC and M 240:
Wide open, minimum focus at .7 meters
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ISO 3200 – f/1.4
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Again, at 1.4
Focus is spot on using the RF so I will be shooting with this guy for the next couple of weeks and then will post my thoughts. I reviewed the MC version years ago on the M9 and that can be seen here. To those looking for perfection, then this is not your lens. For those looking for Character and old school charm, this just might be it 🙂 The price is right and the build and feel is superb.
1.4 Bokeh from the SC
You can check out this lens at Cameraquest.com . I am a fan of the SC because it will give a little bit of a softer less contrasty look, will give a little flare and behave more like an old classic Leica lens.
Great! This lens would be perfect for FF NEX.
My thoughts exactly. I purchased the Nokton 50mm f1.5 and 35mm f1.4 MC for about $1400. So although it is more money than the new FE 35mm f2.8 for the Sony A7, instead I have 2 focal lengths covered by fast lenses as long as I am willing to manual focus.
Also, the manual focus lenses can be used on other camera with a simple adapter unlike AF lenses.
Good luck with it!! I tried one out but had to send it back as it back focussed really badly once you started to stop down (apparently a common problem with this lens). With the M (240) large megapixel count it became even more noticeable, consequently I found it unusable unless shot wide open
Just ordered one of these for my M. The focus shift will be a moot point with the EVF will it not? I’m enjoying using the EVF over the RF at the moment. I’m happy for a bit of ‘classic look’ and softness. I have a 35 Cron Asph so I have sharpness and distortion covered if i need it 😉
Yes, with the EVF there will be no focus shift at all. 🙂
I use the Nokton 35 MC on my M6 TTL for a couple of years.
I think , It’s just perfect with color films (like fujifilm Superia 200 : soft sharpness, fine film grain, beautiful light rendering). Nice rendering with BW film of course.
Barrel distortion can be corrected with photoshop , if you think it’s a problem.
Photos are not the reality so choose the lens you need for your artistic expression.
Philippe
I used to own this lens and used it a lot on my M9. The copy i had suffered from some pretty heavy focus shift from f/2-f/4 so I sold it in the end and got a 35 cron instead.
The Nokton was plenty sharp and had some pretty cool character, but in the end the focus shift drove me nuts…
love this lens on my nex7, tiny kit, really nice images. And for me, fun to shoot into lights, it gives an always interesting flare
Sharpness is not the issue with this lens (or any modern lens, really). The major issue is barrel distortion. If you don’t mind that, it’s a good (and tiny) lens.
I’d rather spend 2x the $$$ and get the 1.2, but they’re really totally different lenses.
I had this lens for a while. Nice bokeh, but it didn’t meet my expectations concerning sharpness, and since I used it on a Leica, the difference with my Summicrons was to big, so let it go ….
But that is what this lens is about. It is also 5X less cost that a Summicron 🙂 I think that is why they named it “Classic” so you know what you are getting into. It’s more like a 1st gen 35 Lux than any cron. The features of this SC lens is flare, glow, slight softness. Much like buying a vintage 35mm or 50mm lens but new with warranty for about the same cost.
Would be interested in see a couple shot with this lens from your NEX as well if you have time! 🙂
I had this little bugger for a couple of days but was a little disappointed by its only so so sharpness (really soft in the edges wide oden).
When I swapped it for the 40mm version though I was more than happy. Used on a NEX5N the Nokton 40mm 1.4 sc gives a FOV of 60mm and deliveres excellent sharpness insignificant distortion and super creamy old-school looking colors and contrast. Bokeh was a little chaotic at f1.4 but quite nice at f2.
One of the best lenses I ever owned.
I can wholeheartedly agree to this. The Nokton 40mm f/1.4 S.C gives some great looking character. I have been using it on my X-Pro1, and I really like the way it handles. 40mm on the RF coupling is however not ideal. But I guess with the M240 Live View you could give the 40mm a small review too, Steve?
Hi Jonas, I also have the X-Pro 1, and I’m thinking about getting either the 35mm, or 40mm Nokton, how does it handle and is it easy to focus with focus peaking, and do you have any examples from both the 35mm and 40mm.
Thanks
Ruben,
Check the compatibility matrix of the fuji adapter ring.
I am not sure it works with the Classic 35 1.4.
I have both (40mm and 35mm using them on the Nex5). i bought both in used mint condition. The 35mm 1.4 was the later one. and its the lens that gives me the most satisfying results. this lens makes me happy. it has very good colors. at f2-f2.8 it has wonderful rendered out of focus areas (i use it with a heliocoid adapter) . from f5.6 it gets sharp. the 40mm nokton has also good colors. i use it at exhibitions as a complementary lens for the 15mm heliar. but the 40mm is not as vivid as the 35mm 1,4
another plus for the 35mm 1.4 is the versatility in postpro. it has very “even” colors.
it looks good saturated, desaturated. its fun to play with the sliders.
greetings michael
Hi Steve,
Yes this would be nice to have some practical insights. I know de 35 nokton f/1.2 is very ok for 1/3 of the
Summi 35 f/1.4.
The SC single coat on a M 240 would be a nice couple… can’t wait