Dan Kerin

 Leica 50mm F/1.2 Noctilux ASPH

Released in 2021, the Leica 50mm f1.2 Noctilux ASPH pays homage to the original f1.2 Noctilux released all the way back in 1966. The new reissue lens shares many similarities to the original such as the double aspherical design and similar aesthetics. The lens also retains the same optical formula of 6 elements in 4 groups and features 16 aperture blades. This allows for perfectly round bokeh balls at all apertures. Additionally the lens has half stop increments from f/16 all the way down to f/1.2. The minimum focus distance is only 1 meter which could be due to design limitations; however, I assume it’s more of a nod to the original Noctilux. One part where Leica has deviated from the original design is with the filter size. The original featured series 8 drop in filters, while the reissue uses standard 49mm threaded filters which as someone who does shoot with a range of filters is a much-appreciated addition.

As many readers know I am a huge fan of classic Leica lenses and how they render images. I have always been intrigued by the original Noctilux but with prices now in excess of £30k I doubt I will be getting my hands on one anytime soon. In recent years Leica has taken notice of people like me who like the classic lenses and has created a product line of lenses taking design ques from classics such as the 28mm Summaron, 35mm Summilux ‘steel rim’ and others. The f/1.2 Noctilux ASPH is part of this lineup. I have mixed opinions on re-releasing classics, especially in serial production. One part of me thinks it is great that you can buy a new classic lens without the pain of optical imperfections which plague many old lenses due to their age and how they have been stored over the years, but on the other side from a collectors point of view nothing will beat an original.

When it comes to shooting this lens feels and looks stunning on any Leica M camera, feeling well balanced and while yes, it is larger than something like a Summilux its not overly huge like the f/1 or f/0.95 Noctilux lenses. It’s a lens you could use every day without the concern that it will be too heavy or large and detract from the overall appeal that a Leica M system provides. Like with any current production M lens the build quality is superb, having nice and smooth focus and dampened aperture clicks which feel so nice when compared to older lenses which can sometimes go very clicky over time. Like with any fast lenses on a rangefinder system nailing focus can be challenging but when paired with the Leica M3 which has the most accurate rangefinder of all Leica M’s it was a match made in heaven.

Optically, this lens chooses character over sharpness. At some of the wider f-stops between f1.2 and f2.8 the lens is very soft compared to modern offerings from Leica. But this is something to take into consideration when deciding if to buy this lens. This is a homage to the original so if it is sharpness you are looking for go for the f0.95 Noctilux instead. Sharpness aside this lens has some of the most beautiful out of focus areas I have ever seen. Nice and smooth without being distracting and having smooth separation between the in focus and out of focus areas. Unlike older vintage Leica lenses this lens still retains fairly high contrast in comparison. When it comes down to my thoughts on this lens it really depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for clinical sharpness go for the new 50mm Summicron APO lens, if it is speed and sharpness you are after go for the 50mm f0.95 Noctilux. But if you are after a lens which is full of character and can be easily used as your one and only 50mm then the 50mm f1.2 ASPH re issue is worth looking at.