Leica 50mm f/1.0 Noctilux M Lens

The Noctilux-M is a member of the fastest 35mm lenses in the world. It has mastered extraordinary optical performance and is eminently appropriate for shooting photos in poor light environments and for creating photos containing exceptionally shallow depths of field. The contrast rendition is outstanding, so that scarcely noticeable color hues are authentically separated while the finest compositions of your subject are accurately resolved, even under extremely adverse light situations. The Noctilux-M provides Leica-M photographers the wherewithal that are outside the reach of many other lens outfits.  Replaced by the Leica 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux-M ASPH

Leica lens new updated "6-bit" coding

This Leica lens features the new updated "6-bit" coding, that allows the M digital camera to optically read this information and then identify the lens being mounted. Optionally the M camera can then apply a software based "last stage" vignetting adjustment (for images captured in RAW, the lens mounted is simply recorded, with no changes made).  Read more. May 10, 2011

• A high-performance lens of extreme speed for exceptional optical results

• Includes "6-bit code" which allows the digital M8 and M9 cameras to identify which lens is being used, and also to store this information in image metadata

• Leica Normal 50mm f/1.0 Noctilux M Manual Focus Lens (6-Bit, Updated for Digital)
• Front & Rear Lens Caps
• Soft Leather Lens Case
• Built-In Telescopic Lens Hood
• 3-Year Limited Warranty

The only lens when there's no light and you need the picture, November 11, 2006

By Mark W. Bohrer "Technology Writer & Documenta... (Saratoga, California)

I own three Leica 50mm lenses. The Noctilux is the one I use for weddings and commercial indoor work without flash or studio lights.

Pictures from this lens lack the sparkle of those from more recent Leica designs, but in a poorly-lit room with ISO 800 film, there's no other alternative if you have to get the picture without flash.

My lens is a first-version 50mm f/1, 11 821, but the optical formula hasn't changed since Walter Mandler designed it in 1976. Stopped down to f/1.2, the vignetting wide-open reduces a little.

The lens makes great images stopped down further, too, but it's a real boat anchor to carry. If you don't need the f/1 speed, the 50mm f/1.4 Summilux is much lighter and smaller. I use the second version - it's optically excellent. They're available used for less than $1000 if you hunt around a bit.

Another reviewer cites Canon's EF 50mm f/1, but this lens has been discontinued. Even used, it can fetch over $5000.

Canon will release the new EF 50mm f/1.2 in late 2006. For fast 50mm lenses, it and the Noctilux are your only choices.

M Mount Adapters
The Leica M mount was introduced in 1954 at the same time as the Leica M3. It's been the mount of choice on every Leica M series thru the present day Leica M7 film camera and Leica M9 digital camera and Lenses.

The M Mount was also the mount used for Minolta's CLE rangefinder, on the Konica Hexar RF, on the later versions of the Voigtlander Bessa family and Lenses, the mount for the Rollei 35RF, also quite recently on the newest Zeiss Ikon Rangefinder and Lenses..

Benefits of Lens adapters is versatility, and saving money with the continued use of the preferred lenses you already own.

Drawbacks of lens adapters is the inconvenience, no electronic connection between the adapted lens and your camera body A couple of factors are necessary for a lens adapter to work properly. First, the camera body "lens registration" space or the expanse between the mount of the lens to the sensor or film surface. Two, the "throat size" of the mount or the mount diameter. An adapter flanked by the body of the camera and a lens from different brands, this registration distance of the adapted lens must be larger than the registration distance on the body; plus the lenses throat-size must be less than the throat size on the body mount. M lenses can be adapted to Canon EOS, Nikon, Micro Four Thirds, and Sony Nex Cameras.