🔴 £30,000+ Leica Noctilux 50mm f1.2 REMAKE (Light Lens Lab 1966 50mm f1.2)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

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[@rexypoooo]

Light Lens Lab really is the best at replicating vintage lens since they go to the distance to replicate glass manufacture technique and compositions of the original lens. The LLL 1966 is pleasing, and it does simulate the warm flare well. From your comparison, I enjoy the 7Artisan most from its glowy bloom of near focus highlight; maybe it is time to get GAS again.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Rex and great group Zoom call tonight. Yes the 7A is a no brainer just from the price + focuses to 0.7m which is great for us M shooters.

[@rexypoooo]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I have a TTa 50 1.5 and always thought the 7A is a budget version of that lens, but from what you demonstrated here, it is a completely different beast!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@rexypoooo yes these companies often do similar lenses. Normally I prefer TTA but here the 7A is awesome.

[@rexypoooo]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom That is great to know! I too prefer TTA, but now I might see if I can snipe for a cheap 7A copy

[@mproyuclan]

It is a brilliant lens, had to wait about 9-12mths from pre-order to delivery but absolutely gorgeous!!!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks for feedback! Great you already have it. I can't wait to see what I can do with it.

[@chrisloomis1489]

Matt : Glad your giving some love to the LTM Canon 05mm 1.2 ; I have a beautiful custom painted Dream Lens Canon 0.95 , had her for years , is going on the SL-3 soon ... is patterned after the Jamie Fox lens , from 35MMC , the same master did mine in same livery through JCH ( Bellamy ) , and it is magic. The 50mm 1.2 is the next step down from the extreme of the glowing Dream Lens ... and I have enjoyed it on my SONY A7R2 / A7S2 ... lovely image creator. Another , the 50mm 1.4 , LTM Canon , I suggest. Try the 50 1.4 .... Well I have to say , I am a L39 CANON fanboy. Well ; nuff said. Great video Matt. Cheers. Chris .

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Chris! I have the 1.4 and 1.8 already, see those videos! (Canon did make some great lenses). I did a video on the dream lens but I don't own that one.

[@AdamCzarnowski]

Your pics show that the f1.2 canon has real character and magic. I have a 0.95 but my canon 1.2 isn't going anywhere.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@AdamCzarnowski thanks Adam, 1.2 video coming soon!

[@chrisloomis1489]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Matt : the only one I do not have is that 1.8 Canon ... I will have to get a good example to round out the Canon 50's. I do love the feel from the L39 Canon the color if shooting into purple skies , into light and water , ( I have not shot portraits yet 🥲 ) are rich and have a feel of Kodachrome ... vibrancy .

[@gregpantelides1355]

I can’t wait for their 35mm f1.4!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes!

[@mgscheue]

I had one on pre-order and sadly decided to cancel when it came in due to vet bills and other things. Looks great, and I think I'll put myself on the wait list.

[@cornellouis]

can't wait to hear what you think. i got the titanium!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great stuff! Yes I missed the first round sadly. Will do!

[@dlyon9673]

Thank you for this interesting review. I'm fortunate to have one of these lenses and enjoy it a lot -- most often I use it on my Lumix S5ii -- although it does feel very weighty. The build quality is fantastic. Another option which you have previously reviewed and liked, as I do also, is the TTArtisan 50mm f0.95.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

I’ve been enjoying my Minolta MD 50-1.2 on my S5ii!

[@dlyon9673]

@@Joe_VanCleave That's another very nice lens!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks and great to hear you have this lens already. Yes it is better suited to the SLs/S5 etc for weight balance.

[@fourcornerseducation8828]

I know not quite as fast but the 1950s 1.5 Nokton is a lens I think you would like - the M39 Nokton is like rocking horse dung, but the Prominent version on the Voigtländer adaptor is fun - sadly have only ever borrowed one.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! I have the lesser talked about Nokton 50/1.5 ASPH 2000s ish dated lens. Also nice.

[@fourcornerseducation8828]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Yes if you like the LLL 66 - I personally but only from the images I have seen think its more like the NoKton than the Noctilux - I know the Voigtländer gets compared to the summilux but it draws very differently and the LLL samples and your video - have bot looked at the blog images yet - feel more ton than lux :) but even the prominent version is now stupidly priced.

[@williambooker5681]

I have a feeling that was my Elcan, only just returned it earlier this month, just wasn't right for me but health to enjoy!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks William, appreciated! It works well for my Leica III and M bodies so I felt lucky to get one of the last copies.

[@Odins.Valhall]

Hi Matt✌ Wow, the cromatic aberrations can be seen very clearly in the white lettering👌I think even if it's only a replica and the price is already high, it's pretty blatant, of course it may also have the advantages of light intensity, at least for those who need it. I also work a lot with open aperture but in the old style with vintage glass. Lg Anderl

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes, most fast lenses have this look, LLL just copy the Noctilux

[@rossxjohnson]

There are some chinese sellers / stores selling these for close to retail on ebay. Honestly I prefer the Mr Ding 50mm 1.1. Much cheaper, great character and has some glow to it.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Ross, yes I saw eBayers selling other LLL lenses. Yes there are a few other lesser know fast 50s out there.

[@johnkasianowicz6536]

Nice quick review Matt. The LLL 1996 50 mm f/1.2 looks attractive. I went with used Leica glass, hoping Leica will be around if and when my lenses need service. It was a hassle getting some of,y old Nikon glass CLAd.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks John! Yes a pretty lens for sure. Yes I know you love Leica so getting a used Leica lens makes sense.

[@johnkasianowicz6536]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I do prefer Leica glass because I assume they’re more likely to fix their kit, but I also have some Voigtländer LTM & M lenses, plus an old Nikkor LTM lens too.

[@awpqq]

Black lx tape looks absolutely fine on my Q3.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks for info. A very popular camera right now!

[@awpqq]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom my only camera now - traded everything else a year ago to get it - all I need now as I'm retired after 50 years pro shooting! Love it.

[@otimoluk]

The Canon F1.2 (mine's 1956) took care of all my vintage and very fast apertured 50mm requirements, there just isn't any need to look at another F1.2 lenses for vintage rendering including sharpnes and flare etc and it's wonderfully small for a lens that fast. It's only the Noctilux F1 I'd consider instead of it and that's only a subjective rendering opinion.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes the Canon 1.2 is a nice lens for sure. Smaller and lighter than many too as you mention. F1 is nice but not cheap.

[@johnkasianowicz6536]

I have two Leica Noctilux-M 50 mm lenses (f/1.0 and f/1.2 re-issue), and they render like vintage lenses but quite differently. This Fall, I’ll do a shootout test with these and my other Leica 50 mm M lenses (Summilux f/1.4 ASPH II, Summicron-LTM f/2 v.1 collapsible + LTM to M adapter, Summarit f/2.4) and my Voigtländer-Heliar-LTM 50 mm f/3.5 nickel-plated collapsible + LTM to M adapter.

[@empiricusdremomys7210]

The LLL 1966 comes with a 12503 sunshade, UV and even ND filter. Wonder whether you had those around to test?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Sadly not but stay tuned. Full review will come.

[@empiricusdremomys7210]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Great, I am curious what you think. I have the lens and it is my favorite right now. One can unscrew the two halfs of the shade to take out the UV filter. The lens needs a shade for sure.

[@rjbiii]

Purple fringing drives me crazy lol.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes better in B&W!

[@webersteve1547]

The bad news is, for me, that this lens is so beautiful, that I never take it out.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

It is crazy pretty isn't it!! I need it just for that orange lens coating haha

[@johnkasianowicz6536]

It certainly is pretty on screen. I imagine that it looks nicer in hand.

[@webersteve1547]

@@johnkasianowicz6536 it does. It is really that well made. I just wish their black paint version would be a bit glossy

[@chrisloomis1489]

Um ; Matt : I got it in brass and black paint ( pre ordered ) , and if your out in a " sketchy " area , no worries... you can brain a thief , with this thing. ... totally , K.O. time but I digress. ☺ I am still learning mine , and hope to develop film images from this lens soon , and even more exciting , buckle it up to the SL-3 and see the results. Please do not ruin my surprise 😲

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great stuff Chris, and yes these things in brass are SOLID! I am getting a black one to match my Ms but will likely use it on the SL in the long term. Hope to use it on film too ofc!

[@chrisloomis1489]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Yes : I am still setting up my SL -3 , I purchased the SL-3 to use on my vintage M 42 / L 39 lenses as well as more Leica lenses as I can afford these. . The SL-3 is a huge step up from any SONEY body I have used it has more mass and a higher quality feel too. I wish there was a half case made for them to protect the base od the SL-3 body. .

[@philmtx3fr]

Well I am not so convinced about very fast lens on an M except using an electronic view finder . Then even if this lens is reasonably good and well built, I am not a big fan of it and I prefer a TTartisan 50mm f 0.95 on an hybrid with a macro ring to get shorter minimum distance. So don t worry I won t steal one in the coming batches :). Have a nice day Matt.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Phil! Yes the TTA is also great but that's better on EVF cameras for sure. M cameras are fine with the LLL and others if well setup. That said the SL is better as I use the LLL close focus ring as you mention.

[@monochromebluess]

Excellent review and comparison. Was taken by your watch. What is it ?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Well spotted. My Dad just passed away and it was his favourite. It's a passed down watch from his parents era, a French automatic, quite valuable I think.

[@steven1811]

How do you like this lens compared to the 7artsisns 50mm 1.1?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

The 7A offers the most value and I use it but the LLL wins. See last nights video (and linked videos).

[@sunny16portraits]

So in your free time you like to sit around F5ing the LLL website? 😅 j/k. Love the coating on this lens, must be nice for b&w!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

It's these damn videos that cost me.. I visited to get 1966 info and just had a "quick look" and spotted the mentioned LTM! Haha.. Felt lucky but now I'm poor as a result haha.

[@ihlavanda]

I have that lense, don't want anything else

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Nice! Yes I missed the pre-order sadly so happy I get another chance.

[@ihlavanda]

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Waited 2 Years for a copy of mine. But they know it's all a manual manufacturing process, no problem.

[@Flipopotamus]

I think my biggest issue with Light Lens Labs is that their lenses cannot be calibrated by the buyer... not without extensive experience at least. Just a bit of a let down with these given that lenses from several other third party M mount lens manufacturers are either significantly cheaper, can be calibrated very easily at home, or both.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, there are 2 approaches here. 1) You do it properly in the factor as it was done historically by Leica and LLL copying Leica. 2) Save money and let the user calibrate their own lenses and charge less. 7A and TTA went for option 2 as they are targeting the lower end of the market. LLL and Leica are option 1 as they are at the top of the market. Both have pros and cons. (If you buy a Leica or LLL that isn't calibrated return it).

[@webersteve1547]

@@Flipopotamus good point, but I have several of their lenses and they were all perfectly calibrated

[@smartdoctorphysicist3095]

Hi is the Voigtlander 50mm F1.2 Nokton better than Light lens lab 1966 50mm F1.2 ASPH will you please let me know.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Very different. Voigtlander is sharp and modern from f2 and more character wide open. 1966 is remake of a vintage lens so more imperfections/ character.

[@donaldobrien9171]

1 mil is 0.0254 mm. 0:12 Why is this so hard for youtubers to know this?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@donaldobrien9171 thanks! I’ve no clue where you get the number from but I checked for you and see I shorten the word mm to mil.

[@donaldobrien9171]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom go to Google. Type 1 mil in mm

[@donaldobrien9171]

​@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaComGoogle " 1 mil in mm", Google will tell you the conversion

[@donaldobrien9171]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom go to google. type in " 1 mil in mm " all will be revealed

[@jakkatoe]

just a heads up that your light lens lab link has been flagged as harmful

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes I saw that, strange. I will try to generate a new link. It still works, I checked it. Thanks for mentioning.

[@hyonkwon9322]

Not a replica, it’s a copy!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Copy* thanks.. but a better copy than the Leica remake so I still value their efforts ("better" meaning more accurate to the original than the remake which is 52mm ish not 50mm, modern coatings etc etc)

[@tapanawathaprasert6006]

​@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Yes they do it better than leica.

[@Ron-j5m]

Sorry Matt, I’m not impressed. None of the pictures were pleasing for my taste. All the very best

[@Tekrel]

Cool story bro

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, yes not everyone likes arty old lenses so it won't be for everyone. Photos were RAW files so not my usual preset edits that I normally share.

[@alexandrafasciano9501]

I´m really wondering, that no one else see it.

[@klinkhamerphoto]

U should invest in sunscreen instead...

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, you need to know the facts before jumping to conclusions. It's not sun damage and I wear suncream. It's just a skin condition that I'm trying to find a solution too. Similar to rosacea but different.

[@qizhang5042]

It would be great if the Light Lens Lab could add some scratches and wear marks to match its vintage image quality.

[@bjmarchives]

Now I know to keep my LTM version if they’re not planning on making any more.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

They do a brassed version!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

100% I think the LTM lenses are made in smaller batches