🔴 BEST 40mm Lens for Leica? (& Nikon) | Voigtlander 40mm 1.4 Nokton vs Heliar vs Ultron

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

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[@cocoricov]

For me, Minolta as a clear winner! I had the nokton 35mm SC and the 35mm c biogon. I finally switched for the rokkor for the 3d separation and color rendition I preferred. This lens is so sharp I am amazed everytime I use it!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks for your input. I have the 35mm Nokton MC (see the 35mm video) and I like Biogons (see specific 21&25mm vids). I would expect the Biogon to win and the Minolta to look smoother but i've not tried the 35mm Biogon C version.

[@chrisreich40]

Another brilliantly done comparison, Matt. Thank you for not wasting viewers time talking about tea, the weather and other stuff. The relevance to me is that I have the version 2 of the Ultron for my SLRs, and have been considering the Nokton as my low-light option for the Bessa R3M rangefinder. It seems one cannot go wrong with Voigtlander these days. Thank you for these videos.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you Chris, yes I try to cut them down to the "bare bones" in hope people watch them/ for longer. Yes the 40mm FL is really nice on the Bessa. I had mine from the R3A. (I just posted the 35mm video if you shoot 35s too!).

[@xjuanx92]

The Minolta is my favorite. Im assuming its the same as the Leica 40mm Summicron. Also used the Voigtlander Nokton, but the weight difference was more than enough to stick to the it as the IQ and contrast is more than acceptable for my shooting style.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes I love the Minolta weight too! Yes I believe very similar to the 40mm Cron

[@renessda5519]

Nice review but I hoped you have tested them on far distences/infinity as well, not only for close-up, because the performance can differ much... so which 40mm is the best for landscape in f5.6-11 incliung sharpness (in corner too), curvage (flat), barrel distortion?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, sorry yes as a portrait guy I normally only use them close up. You might need to search around on the web to see if anyone has shot them for landscapes.

[@Nigel-nar53]

I've got the Minolta but I think I preferred the Nokton but I don't think it's worth making the change, not the amount that I use it. Cheers Mat another interesting video. 👍

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Nigel, just add some contrast and sharpening in PP and it will be almost the same :) I love the weight of the Minolta!

[@MB-or8js]

Another very well done comparison lens test! 40 mm is a FL which I don't own. But I tested the Leica 40/2 M-lens several years ago and was not too thrilled by its very doughnut-like bokeh circles (others like the lens for this reason). IMO the Leica/Minolta 40/2 is one of the most unique lenses regarding its bokeh - but liking or not liking it is subjective.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks MB, I just posted the 35mm edition! Yes I don't mind the Minolta and I like the weight.

[@fffuuuiiis2948]

Hi Matt, apologies for commenting on an old video, I hope you read this. I've been eyeing the Heliar to adapt for my Z7 but held off because of the extra cost for the separate adapter with helicoid, thinking I would need to settle for the Nokton 1.4. I hope you get to review the newly announced Heliar and compare it to the Nokton, would like to hear your thoughts on the pricing, the slow f/2.8 Heliar will sell for $600 yet the faster f/1.4 Nokton is $400.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, no apology needed. I try to reply to all comments. Consider the Heliar M + cheaper 7 Artisan helicoid that I use (see that video). Yes I hope to get the new 40mm so a review will follow.

[@LucyS565]

I like the Heliar and would love to try it. I'm familiar with the Minolta Rokkor and I was always pleased with the results. My favourite? It's a close call, but I'd really like to try the Nokton. Thanks Matt for another fantastic test review!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Lucy, yes the Heliar is very well made and nice on L mount especially but the Nokton is more useful being a 1.4

[@jeromearnould9940]

Wow ... what a busy week end .. testing, editing and posting :-) Well done for another great video. No doubt for me winner is the Leica Summicron 40 mm I have on my CL 35mm

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Jerome, yes I locked myself away for a busy long weekend ha. 35mm video just posted so now I can breath. I forgot you had the 40mm Summicron, great size on the CL!

[@indraneilbiswas]

I have the pancake 40 mm Ultron since 2013 and use it often on both FX and APS-C Nikon bodies. Amazing little lens. I also got the newer Voigtlander 40 mm for Nikon F as well (I have a feeling they changed the optical glass , I see more transmission). The pancake version is not available new anymore.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Neil, mine is the SLII I think (it's not the very latest one).

[@Peter-df1br]

Hi Matt. I have the SL2s. I'm considering the Voigtlander Nokton MC 40mm F1.4 VM. I'm also considering the Novoflex Leica M Lens to Leica SL/T Camera Body Lens Adapter. Are you aware of any exposure issues with the adapter and a SL2 system other than 'A' mode being unavailable? I have a habit of using Auto ISO as well. I really don't want to have to buy the expensive Leica adapter. I have not encountered any unfavourable reviews of the Novoflex adapter. Your thoughts?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Peter, I use the Leica and Novaflex adapters and i've never noticed a different (but I do shoot in M mode). Novaflex are nicely made and good price.

[@Peter-df1br]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks!

[@carlosmerelles1791]

Hello friend, as always amazing videos, just sold my Minolta CLE with the Rokkor...but want another 40mm so do you reccomend the Voiglander 40mm 1.2 over the 1.4??is it worth spending those almost $350 USD extra dollars??

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

For mirrorless the 1.2 is good, classic look 1.4

[@carlosmerelles1791]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I want to use it with a M10, 9 or 8 and M6...

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@carlosmerelles1791 1.4 for me

[@Docmakesfotos]

I own the Minolta and the Nokton but the Minolta is the 0ne that gets used the most!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

The Minolta is a lovely weight/ size

[@Fe_lix]

I really really like the texture, 3D effect and Bokeh of the Heliar. Too bad they are not making a version with focusing for L39. It could compete with the Elmar 5cm F3.5 in compactness with a little more light, slightly larger FOV and its awesome results.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Felix, yes I wish it was LTM with helicoid! We need some new LTM lenses.

[@lluismiquelmunguia551]

For your consideration next time: the rollei 40mm f/2.8 sonnar! The same lens that is available in the legendary Rollei 35s, but made for LTM.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Ah yes thank you! I looked to buy that lens a few times but resisted! Thanks for the reminder :)

[@greysuit17]

That Minolta is pretty nice!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes super light weight and a nice size.

[@dannysanchez6454]

I’d like to know your thoughts on the Voigtlander Nokton 40mm f1.2 Aspherical. So far I’ve had incredible results but I haven’t tried as many lenses as you have.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Danny, very nice lens, see the full review video I did for it.

[@dannysanchez6454]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom ah ok! Will do. Thanks.

[@aukisun]

Fantastic review, thanks Matt!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Ivan, see the similar videos for other focal lengths!

[@highlander200107]

The 40/1.4 Nokton Classic SC is my Bae!!!!!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

I thought you'd appreciate it John! :) .. the 35mm version didn't seem to do quite as well but perhaps it had tougher competition (see today's vid).

[@highlander200107]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I have seen another reviewer refer to the 40mm Nokton Classic as containing Pixie Dust, to explain why it was such an outstanding performer.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@highlander200107 haha, did I tell you that lens started my journey to Leica., all down to that one lens! (Bought early in my photography journey on a m43 G1 Lumix, couldn’t use on Nikons I then bought so final bought the m9.

[@sindbadsailor7868]

Hey really like your comparison here.. do you think the nokton f1.4 will be good on leica cl? Or will it be too big?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! No it’s definitely not too big. It’s smaller than most lenses. (As you may know I have the CL)

[@sindbadsailor7868]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom thanks for your reply… yes I’ve seen the video and read your review on the website also… it’s really compact with minolta rokkor 40mm f2… just wondering how the Leica CL will be with the nokton 40mm f1.4

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@sindbadsailor7868 heavier than the crazy light Minolta but as compact

[@spillogic]

Hi Matt, totally love your work and especially appreciate these reviews... in 4 days! Wow. I have a question for you. So I have the 35mm Nokton v2 which I love and going to keep. However I am craving a more compact walk around lens and narrowed it down to the 40mm Nokton or the 35mm skopar, both being super compact and pretty! Which would you suggest between the two? Which of the two has a more distinct rendering compared to the 35mm Nokton? TIA

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks yes it takes 8-10hrs per video so a busy few days ha. The 35 and 40 1.4 are very similar so if you want different don’t get another Nokton.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

40 is got got low light and gives you shallow dog but if you want the smallest get the Skopar. (I guess you watched the 35mm video so saw the Skopar results vs 1.2 and 1.4 Nokton)

[@spillogic]

Thanks for the quick replies! Yes I’ve seen those videos and it’s what made me now consider the 35mm Skopar instead of the 40mm Nokton. I figured the Skopar would also provide a slightly different look compared to the 35 1.2 I have, while also being super compact. Looking forward to more of your work!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@spillogic thanks, I’ll admit I’ll use my Skopar more too now! Not sure if you know but you can get it in LTM too which I have so on a Leica iii or Bessa R it’s a perfect compact setup 👌🏻

[@kevin-parratt-artist]

From that choice, the Nokton f1.4 👌

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

For character yes, for sharp check out the new Heliar LTM. I just bought it. Love it for film!

[@UnorthodoxWriter]

Am I crazy for wanting to sell my Nokton Classic 35mm f/1.4 and Heliar 50mm f/3.5 to cover the cost of that beautiful little 40mm Heliar? 😍

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hey Rudy, check today's 35mm video and then decide! :) The Heliar 40mm is lovely :)

[@UnorthodoxWriter]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Got one a few days ago! But I feel like it’s almost irresponsible to keep it just for its sexiness and compactness over the 35mm Nokton Classic’s sharpness and faster aperture 😂 By the way, the Heliar does touch the inside of the CL a bit when both, lens and adapter are fully retracted 🤫 Oh, and the Hoage adapter has deeper grooves on the focusing ring. I might give that a try since I didn’t enjoy turning the 7Artisans.

[@punkrachmaninoff]

You forgot the excruciatingly underrated Konica 40/1.8!? 😰📸

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Sorry i've never tried that lens! I've made a note! Thanks.. maybe in the future :)

[@patrickjclarke]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I know you are going to think I’m a broken record, but yeah, the Konica 40mm is up there and currently on my M240. I also sent you a note on FB and tagged you on Flickr if you want to see the Konica 50mm up against my Cron and the Olympus 50 f/1.4

[@fffuuuiiis2948]

I have that as my current main lens, Konica 40/1.8 with an adapter on my Nikon Z7, it's great, travelled to Europe and Japan with it.. Have been contemplating both the m-rokkor 40mm/2 and the heliar 40mm/2.8 as light-weight travelling setup, the heliar is odd but very appealing to me somehow.. Of course now I also have the new Nikon z40mm to choose from. And keep one of the m-mount lenses for a yet-to-buy Leica rangefinder which will become my main camera keeping the z7 as my 2nd camera. (edit) Thanks for the video, very informative. Makes me want the heliar even more.

[@anthonyaveray1324]

Thanks!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

No problem!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks for the Super Thanks Anthony 🙏🏻

[@lander.96]

Can I put a nokton on a Nikon F2 from 1973?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes I think so. Nikon F mount was standard across all bodies.

[@lander.96]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thank you! So fast. Saved me time.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@lander.96 I try! You got me at a good time.

[@lightloving683]

…and then there is the Summicron 40. One of my all time favorites. Especially traditionally printed B&W. It’s not the same as the Minolta.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks I looked at the Summicron before getting the Minolta. I like the slightly smaller size but I wanted high contrast so I went with the later Minolta. Yes I bet the Cron is great for your B&W.

[@lightloving683]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Spot on Matt. I prefer a lower contrast baseline when printing. And work from there.

[@Leicam10]

Great video. To bad you had to record it in a airplane ✈️ 😂

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! Yes sorry, i've since bought a laptop as the desktop is too noisy!

[@Leicam10]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom no worries just fun. I think your videos have gone much better last few months both in production and content. Less naked girls more Leica knowledge 👍