Leica lenses have been in a league of their own. The company has incorporated some iconic names that have changed the way we look at image-making. Examples such as the Leica 50mm f2 Summicron-M ASPH and the Leica 28mm Elmarit-M f2.8 prove that high image quality comes at a price. It now appears that Leica is reviving another iconic series with its first-ever lens: Noctilux 35mm f1.2.
According to the press release, the Noctilux was introduced in 1966, underscoring the company’s commitment to innovation. The name is made up of the Latin words “noctu” and “lux”, meaning “night” and “light”, and refers to the speed of this optical series. With a maximum aperture of f0.95, Noctilux lenses are the epitome of optical development. And now, wth the 35mm f1.2 ASPH, Leica is adding the first 35mm ever to the list. Before this, the company had introduced 50mm and 75mm lenses.
Like the other models, the lens is designed to produce high contrast, a distinctive look, and a shallow depth of field. So what does the lens entail? The lens features 10 elements in 5 groups, including three aspherical lenses. A floating element ensures consistent imaging performance over the entire focusing range. In fact, Leica states that the lens is created in Wetzlar using innovative Precision Glass Molding (PGM) technology. The latter is designed to shape lenses in a “highly precise process, achieving exceptional quality standards.” As the company explained:
The generational leap of the new 35mm Noctilux-M f1.2 ASPH. is driven by Leica’s ability to develop and manufacture the entire Precision Glass Molding (PGM) process in-house, which is used for the production of the new flagship Noctilux-M lens. From optical design and ultraprecise toolmaking to metrology and high-temperature glass pressing. This end-to-end control fundamentally expands what is optically and mechanically possible.
The lens also features a 0.5m minimum focusing distance, 11 aperture blades, and measures 50.2mm in length. And, it weighs just 416g. When paired with the M EV1, focusing with the 35mm becomes convenient. Leica M rangefinder cameras can focus down to 70cm using the optical viewfinder. For closer distances between 70cm and 50cm, focusing is done using Live View on the rear screen or the Visoflex electronic viewfinder. The Noctilux-M 35’s large focusing throw makes precise focusing easier at these close distances.
We tested it on a standard M11P as well, and focusing seemed perfectly fine there, too.
What makes the Noctilux 35mm so exciting is that it gives photographers a chance to experience a wider angle of view while maintaining the same quality they expected. For instance, portrait, reportage, documentary, and street
Photographers will enjoy the lens the most. Given the performance of the 50mm f0.95, which we absolutely adored, there is a lot of hope for the 35mm f1.2.
The Leica Noctilux-M 35 f1.2 ASPH is now available at $9,650.
Sample Images
