Hi all, I'm going to buy a Noctilux 50mm f/1,0 for Leica M mount. I see one written Leica Canada and the other has no Canada on the lens (Germany ?) Are they the same quality and the same price ? Thank you Rgrds Erick

-- (eik@bdg.centrin.net.id), December 15, 2001

Answers

Look on the barrel (near the focus ring on the bottom) of the one with no obvious writing -- it will probably have (in very small, stamped-in print) the words "made in Canada" on it... This one is also probably the newer of the two. If they both use E60 filters, there is probably not a significant difference in quality or value assuming they are in the same condition. However, the older one may use E58 filters, in which case you should be aware that any filter attached will be more prone to vignetting. Leica recommends no filters be used on the Noct, but at least with the E60 version you can add a filter without having it vignette.

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), December 15, 2001.

The Canadian Noctilux is the best one because it was specifically formulated for the long dark nights they have so much of the year in Canada.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), December 15, 2001.

PS: ;>)

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), December 15, 2001.

Erick

There are several barrel variations of the Leica 50/1.0 Noctilux BM lens. All are optically identical and will perform similarly. The first had a detachable plastic hood and E58 filter size. Then Leica changed the filter size to E60 (in order to standardize on E60, which was also used for the 75/1.4 Summilux M lens). This lens had a similar plastic hood with a slightly larger ring. Later, Leica switched to a build-in extendable hood, keeping the filter size at E60, but increasing the bulk and weight of the lens slightly.

This lens was designed by Leitz Canada; the earlier lenses say Leitz, and the later ones just say Leica. Earlier lenses were manufactured in Canada, and the last ones say Germany. I'm not sure if these lenses are fully made in Germany, since I understand that production continued in Canada after Leica moved to Solms.

One thing I can tell you is that there is NO difference in vignetting between the E58 and E60 versions, the only reason the filter size was changed was the decision of the factory to standardize on E60. All versions of the 50/1.0 Noctilux show vignetting at large apertures with uniformly bright subjects due to light fall-off. I personally think the earlier Leitz Canada Noctilux lenses were better constructed (as a general statement), and the engraving is certainly more precise.

In practice, any version of the Noctilux you buy will give the same performance, providing the glass is good. BTW, this lens is uniformly regarded as the finest super-fast 50 mm lens ever made. However, stopped down, it will not be quite as good as the 50/2.0 Summicron, because of focus shift and other residual optical errors. It is a fabulous low light lens, but as a general purpose 50, nothing can beat the Summicron.

-- Eliot (erosen@lij.edu), December 17, 2001.

I just bought the early model of Noctilux...2200 USD.The price does not hurt so much,because it looks like large diamond.It is very clear, for so open lens.Sometimes looks like holding a glass of water.I wonder if it is going to keep the retail price..I can not aford it,but I hope I can get almost the same amount,if I get broke and would have to sell it. With the digital future,I wonder if the used leica prices are going to go up, or down.Do I have a diamond,or just a glass of water. Alexander puppetshow@hotmail.com

-- alexander barti (puppetshow@hotmail.com), March 23, 2002.