[Leica] Re: 50mm Voigtlander

[Peter Klein <pklein@2alpha.net>]

"Stuart Phillips" <stuart.phillips@rcn.com> wrote:
> Thanks Nathan, I wondered if it was the Nokton. I was interested
> because of course it's an interesting alternative to a Summilux or
> even a Noctilux. Were any PAWs or images on your site taken with it by
> any chance?

Stuart:  For some Nokton picture, have a look here:

    http://www.2alpha.com/~pklein/lhsa2002/

Just click on the .htm files (they all begin with 2-digit numbers). All
the pictures in this folder were taken with the 50mm Nokton, wide open or
nearly so.  The one exception is "20gilbert.htm", which was taken with an
old 85/2 Nikkor.

You can see the characteristic bokeh effects in "13Henning" and
"14Tuulikki, but I must admit to darkening the two major highlight blobs a
bit in the latter.  I've seen much harsher bokeh effects in other people's
pictures, but so far mine haven't bothered me enough to look elsewhere.

I think what most people object to in the Nokton bokeh is that out of
focus highlights don't fade out around the edges--the edge is stark and
harsh.  Also, out of focus stuff has a "wiry" look to it.  However, I've
noted a similar effect in the 35 Summilux ASPH.  Maybe people object to
the 35 ASPH less because on a 35, the OOF stuff is smaller and less out of
focus, and therefore less harsh.

You can pick up a barely used Nokton for $250-300, try it out for a while,
and sell it for hardly any loss if you don't like it.  I intend to shoot
with mine for a while.  I also am keeping my 50 Summicron no matter what.

Hope this is helpful,
- --Peter



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