LEICA NOCTILUX 50 f/0.95 IN THE STREET - Review and Sample photos

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Here it is again, the legendary Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH this time we're taking it for some street photography. I also compare it to my Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. How do these lenses compare in sharpness, bokeh and rendering? Check it out! Let me know which lens you prefer in the comments,
Tested on a Sony a7rii, Leica M10, M2 and M3.

[@MKWHD]

I got mine a couple of years ago when I bought my first Leica (m10p). I do not use it that much because of the weight and the minimum focusing distance. But when I nail the focus, then it is truly magical. I do not think I will ever sell it. I hope that my son will have it when he grows up.

[@GenericPhotographer]

Yeah, I'd be on the same boat as you. That's gonna make for one awesome heirloom!

[@GillesQuennevilleGQ]

I use it on my M11 with the Visoflex 2 and that help a lot for focus.

[@johnb8538]

Just picked up a 1.0 version 3- can’t wait to use with my m3 and my M11m. Well done- info so helpful

[@jonlieberman997]

I really like 50mm lenses my favorite of which is the Summilux. 6 months ago I added a Notcilux to the team and find that it is the best "one trick pony" I have every had. What it does it does so well. But I submit that not everything needs heavy whipping cream. I feel lucky that when I had the cash I picked up them both. Some might say they are redundant and that is just not the case. I Typically shoot with the M10-R but have an adapter for my SL2-S and in extreme low light with the f .95 and SL2S in body image stabilization opens up some pretty interesting worlds.

[@Bryan-lu4du]

Glass through glass. Yep, I'm glad to hear another photographer bring this up in a video. One of the reasons I enjoy Leica M lenses (and SL) but especially the M ones is the clean, shiny look it gives some of the photos (as long as its in focus). It is legitimately there and photos like glass is a good way to describe it. I think the 50 Lux has it as well, among many others from Leica.

[@GenericPhotographer]

Thanks, glad you agree! The 50 Summilux asph offers a fantastic blend of that glassy look like you said. The 50 Noctilux builds on that loom big time.

[@Stealther]

Your focusing skill is so impressive, well done!

[@philipvernon_photography]

100% On point about this lens 👌 I purchased the Summilux 50 with my M10r just over a year ago then 3 months ago I picked up a used Noctilux. This is by far the most accurate review on this Noct but I must say for all its faults it's pluses are the reason I can't sell it on. Thank you for this amazing review.

[@GenericPhotographer]

Thanks for watching, glad you agree with what I found. The Noctilux is an emotional lens above all else.

[@emmalindsay7972]

Love the street photos 📸

[@GenericPhotographer]

Thanks! Wasn't easy at .95

[@crispin8888]

Thank you for your review and insights. Interesting comment regarding your preference for it on film.

[@GenericPhotographer]

Thanks for the comment! Yes it’s truly remarkable on film!

[@eddienugent2135]

Very nice review ...thank you. I use an f1 Noctilux on an m10 monochrom and color m10. I struggled with focus until I got a visoflex evf2 ...using the noctilux and a 75mm summilux became soooo much more enjoyable with an evf.

[@GenericPhotographer]

After using this lens I can definitely appreciate the added benefit of using an EVF. Well done!

[@Gravitys-NOT-a-force]

For sharp focusing at f/0.95 try using Leica's EVF. While focusing through the EVF take a whole series of photos, not just one or two. You'll get more sharply-focused photos than you'd think. Focusing at f.0.95 with the split-image rangefinder isn't worth the frustration.

[@richardsimms251]

Very interesting video. Thank you RS. Canada

[@marlon.iraheta]

Nice video Andrew ! I would take out a summilux but I dont own one, but then again I"m happy with my summicron 28mm. I know how time-consuming it is to edtit and do these vids my man, KEEP up the great work !!

[@GenericPhotographer]

Thanks Marlon! That 28 Summicron is no slouch either! Thanks for the love, I know you can agree with me when you say that the editing isn't easy haha. See you around!

[@riswanc]

Hi andrew, exactly the findings, in the end it is nice to have at home, very occasional lens when you have other options like the 1.2 for instance or at least a summilux, having said that, it renders the best in 50mm range leica glass or at least most unique

[@GenericPhotographer]

Absolutely, it’s a truly unique lens that has a ton of character in a modern world of lenses that are all seemingly perfect. I can always distinguish a Noctilux shot. Cheers!

[@j.k5654]

I enjoyed this. Thanks

[@GenericPhotographer]

Glad to hear! Cheers!

[@BobSchipper]

Dude, well done!

[@GenericPhotographer]

Thank you 🤝

[@0action847]

I love using the TTartisan 0.95 for black and white.

[@Bryan-lu4du]

Added benefits of using it on an SL based camera: IBIS and the live exposure preview. I really want to try this lens out but might have to settle for the the Voigtlander f/1 if I opt for one. The best lens I've ever used is still the 50 Lux on the M and I have several SL lenses that are technically "sharper" but don't (quite) give the same magic that one does.

[@GenericPhotographer]

The 50 Summilux-M asph is in a class of it’s own. Classic glow with modern optics. It’s my favorite lens

[@j5daniel182]

M bodies have a live exposure preview. It's the big LCD screen at the back. I dont even know why people want a visioflex .

[@Bryan-lu4du]

@@j5daniel182 yes although you can not always see it when it’s bright outside, a viewfinder appears *much* larger, and your photos will potentially have more blur because the camera will not be as steady vs pushing the viewfinder onto your eye and back of the camera to your face.

[@j5daniel182]

@@Bryan-lu4du all you need to do is just glance on the lcd once anyway and then use the viewfinder. The exposure is not gonna change

[@Bryan-lu4du]

@@j5daniel182 yes, but when you take the photo and are holding the camera in such a way that it isn’t up to your eye it isn’t going to be as steady and the results will be softer, at least without IS.

[@christopherhowell3209]

Great video... like to see it on a m10 monochrom!

[@GenericPhotographer]

Thanks for watching, so would I!

[@olepetterson4382]

Great video! Impressive skills getting subjects in focus at that speed. What is the F stop you're using here in the streets?

[@GenericPhotographer]

Thanks. I was using .95 mostly believe it or not.

[@FredRanger]

Great video my friend. I also prefer my 50 Summilux more than any other options. Also, you reminded me that we are way overdue for 2 things: 1 - go out and shoot some street photog (with you?) 2 - do that collab we keep talking about. Anyways, we'll connect "offline" ;-) Keep up the good content work. Cheers!

[@GenericPhotographer]

Thanks Fred, hard to use any other lens than the lux! Yes we're overdue, let's get moving monsieur! Down for both!

[@FredRanger]

@@GenericPhotographer for shizzle

[@Drone_Tube]

Hi Andrew, I would like to study photography in Canada. Do you know if LaSalle College is a good option in Montreal?

[@rolandrickphotography]

Thanks for the real world review. - Lot’s of persons there afraid of the fresh air?

[@smor07]

Je confirme, ce Noctilux convient parfaitement au SL2. La mise au point est facilitée par le Focus Peaking. Le confort est énorme. Alors qu'avec mon M240P, la mise au point est très difficile.

[@sultanabran1]

i think the whole point of shooting the noctilux is for the F0.95. if you're not going to shoot it wide open, then shoot something else. rad video

[@helmutziewers311]

Try the Noctilux on an SL2-S - whole different world and magic combo

[@mr_cramberry]

Please review voigtlander 50mm F1.0

[@GenericPhotographer]

Absolutely! As soon as I can get my hands on one haha

[@MrLaloapatzingan]

the camera you used to shoot the video has better dynamic range than the leica m11

[@GenericPhotographer]

It’s all about the lighting 😉

[@eduardswoboda9836]

Comparing that Noctilux with your Summilux is like .... comparing a Porsche with a Volkswagen....it is such a bull.... to compare that lenses ... because these are two different worlds.... I think its all about the look and the workflow.... there is no better or worse... its a question of style, knowledge and talent.... anyway it as to really a pleasure seeing you comparing two different products

[@MilmidStudios]

The Noctilux suffers from some pretty bad chromatic aberration (as expected). When you zoom in at 16:37 the Summilux REALLY stands out as superior! And I'm sure you pay for it... haha

[@ductritran8637]

I don’t know how you can shot a moving subject focus at wide open 0.95 . I can only do it when peoples stop walking . Not easy to nail it on wide open when use this lens on Leica M .

[@dariobertagna9817]

Thanks so so far far as we es

[@cubekong6272]

Person in the background:(Parda gi na to boath baregi q ki me v pharuga) 4:57 English:(If you study you will grow because I study)

[@gurugamer8632]

Lot of the photos are out of focus. Try using an EVF.

[@villageblunder4787]

APSH. So wow. A 1.4. Never before in human endeavour...

[@MrLaloapatzingan]

Hablas español ? 13:47 dijiste no bueno.

[@GenericPhotographer]

Si haha

[@jjjoooojjj]

Ironically it makes homeless people look good .. Great review. Thanks.

[@jasongold6751]

The size and cost are prohibitive. The easy way, if you have a good SLR, Nikon-F, Canon S series, Pentax K or Spotmatic, place a fast lens into a 2xTele-xtender use at max f stop. Sure it's not 0.95 but the effects are super. Don't close down. Enjoy.

[@dariobertagna9817]

Thanks so so far far as we e

[@mariowanagat1412]

don't like comparison to the lux, the Nocti is far more superior.its a Generation 3 lens, the lux is G2!it simple requires more attention from the operator, not so much in. focus but in exposure. harsh highlights and what not, its exposure.the lens doesn't take photos, the photographer does. if you get that right the fringing is far lesson issue. Going walkabout and don't be precise on settings will frustrate. I alsothinkis the safest lens to buy. The lux is available like sand by the ocean but the .95 still only a few. you can sell very quickly to a decent price at any time. this lens is gorgeous , never mind the weight, still tiny compared to slr or the ML crap

[@d30gaijin]

There is no "bouquet" in bokeh. We're not talking about a flower arrangement, rather a lens out of focus area concept. It comes from the Japanese term. Please do not Canadianize the term as too many do.