Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/04/11

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Subject: RE: [Leica] Noctilux Advice Sought
From: "Zeissler, Mitch" <mzeissle@gcipoa.gannett.com>
Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2001 05:22:00 -0400

Greg...

I agree with what Tina and Harold have already posted back to you.

In practical use, I leave the filters off and rely on my selection of film
speed to drive my aperture [fast film for low light, slow film for bright
light].  I like to shoot with the Noct wide open, but have discovered that
exposing with neutral density [ND] filters can be a hit or miss proposition.
I have yet to take an ND shot that looked as good as one without.

When I am in environments where the front element is at risk, I put the lens
cap on, but this is a very infrequent occurrence.  However, if most of my
shooting required me to be in those environments, then I would get a UV
filter and keep it on all the time.

Rocking back and forth to focus while wide open really helps, as does a long
rangefinder base.  M3s have the longest base, however my M3 was downgraded
to an M6J rangefinder when it was CLA'd after 20 years in an attic, and it
focuses fine with the Noct.

When shooting with an M/Noct combo with fast film in dim conditions [when
SLR shooters have to use a flashlight to illuminate their target for
focusing], you will observe all sorts of odd glances of disbelief from other
photogs.  I've watched many 35mm and medium format shooters approach me with
a smirk [even among the Leica crowd], only to back off muttering about
"those damn Noct users".

Enjoy it.

/Mitch Zeissler