By David Farkas, Leica Store Miami
Today, Leica
has announced a new M lens, the Noctilux-M 75mm f/1.25 ASPH. The fastest 75mm
lens Leica has produced. At first blush, this lens seems an odd decision. But,
the idea of a 75mm Noctilux isn’t so far fetched. The original Mandler-designed
75mm Summilux-M f/1.4 was based on his groundbreaking 50mm Noctilux f/1.0.
Peter Karbe, the current head of optics at Leica, designed the incredible 75mm
APO-Summicron-M f/2 based on his revolutionary 50mm Summilux-M f/1.4 ASPH.
There also
hasn’t been a replacement for the 75 Lux since it was discontinued back in
2004. So, bringing a super-fast 75mm into the fold actually makes some sense.
Especially one building on the premise of the 50mm f/0.95. Between the longer
focal length and shorter minimum distance, the DOF on the 75mm is actually only
half that of the 50mm Noctilux. And looking at the images, bokeh junkies will
have plenty to like here. The results just ooze creamy Leica goodness.
Promising
exceptional imaging performance, the new 75mm Nocitlux employs a complex
optical design. Nine elements in six groups, all made from glass with high
anomalous partial dispersion and low chromatic dispersion, two of which are
aspherical, and three rear elements that move in a floating lens group. The
floating lens element group moves at a different rate through the focus range,
allowing correction from the minimum focus distance of 0.85m all the way to
infinity.
The lens is
also the beefiest M lens made to date. Tipping the scales at over a full kilo,
this is no lightweight. And to go along with that heft is a massive (for M at
least) 67mm front diameter. If you thought the 50mm f/0.95 was a beast, just
wait till you see the 75. To be on the safe side, Leica is including a tripod
mount for the lens, so you don’t run the risk of damaging the mount on your
M10. But, really, who are they kidding? Like this lens will ever find its way
onto a tripod. Nope. The 75 Noctilux is an available light behemoth and is made
to be let free for handheld shooting.
The Leica
Noctilux-M 75mm f/1.25 ASPH is expected to start shipping in early 2018, with a
price of $12,795. You can pre-order the lens now at Leica Store Miami, by
clicking here, calling 305-921-4433, or by email at info@leicastoremiami.com.
For sample images go here
Press
Release
Leica
Noctilux-M 75 mm f/1.25 ASPH.: A new extremely fast lens enriches the Leica
M-System lens portfolio
Wetzlar, 29
November 2017. For more than 50 years, the name ‘Noctilux’ has been a synonym
for exceptionally fast lenses with an optical design that verges on the limits
of what is physically possible. Today, Leica Camera AG has added a new
highlight to the lens portfolio – the Leica Noctilux-M 75 mm f/1.25 ASPH.
Together with exceptional imaging performance and unique bokeh, its
gossamer-thin depth of focus isolates subjects with extreme precision and makes
it a truly exceptional lens. Its focal length of 75 mm makes it especially
suitable for the creation of portraits with a natural look.
As the depth
of focus of the Noctilux-M 75 mm f/1.25 ASPH. is even shallower than that of
the Noctilux-M 50 mm f/0.95 APSH., it allows even more precise isolation of
subjects. The short close focusing distance of 0.85 m for such a fast lens and
a reproduction ratio of 1:8.8 open up entirely new opportunities in portrait
and close-up photography, while the eleven blades of its iris ensure a soft and
harmonious bokeh in out of focus areas.
To guarantee
this extraordinary imaging performance, the nine elements in six groups that
make up its optical design are manufactured from glasses with high anomalous
partial dispersion and low chromatic dispersion. Two of the elements are
asphericals and reduce other potential aberrations to a hardly detectable
minimum. Here, particular emphasis must be placed on the use of a floating
element within the complex focusing mechanism, which guarantees a constantly
high level of imaging performance throughout the entire focusing range of the
lens – from the closest focusing distance to infinity.
In addition
to the intuitively located focusing and aperture setting rings typical to
Leica, the lens also features an integrated lens hood. This can be extended or
retracted by a simple twist action and can be locked in place in its extended
position. The lens is supplied complete with a tripod adapter for safe and
secure mounting of the lens on a tripod.
The first
lens of this series, the Leica Noctilux 50 mm f/1.2, was revealed to the world
of photography at photokina in 1966. It astounded visitors to the fair and the
industry press with its literally revolutionary optical properties. Ongoing
developments led to the launch of two new generations of the Noctilux, in 1975
and 2008. Each new version was developed under the premise of achieving even
better imaging performance, making the initial aperture value even faster than
its predecessor and simultaneously maintaining the maximum aperture as a
working aperture – it always was, and still is, unnecessary to stop down a
Leica Noctilux-M lens to achieve a great imaging performance.
Together
with the Leica Noctilux-M 50 mm f/0.95 ASPH., the Leica Noctilux-M 75 mm f/1.25
ASPH. is the co-founder of a new family of lenses. The two current members of
this family are both distinguished by their extreme maximum aperture and
exceptionally high performance at all apertures, even wide open, and stand for
pictures with a truly special, uniquely aesthetic look.
When
shooting at maximum aperture, the exceptionally shallow depth of focus of the
Noctilux-M 75 mm f/1.25 ASPH. can be used to particularly effect with the aid
of an electronic viewfinder such as the Leica Visoflex. What’s more, the Leica
M-Adapter L transforms the Noctilux-M into an excellent lens for use on the
Leica SL. When the lens is mounted on the Leica SL, the 4.4 million pixel
resolution of the camera’s EyeRes® electronic viewfinder enables particularly
comfortable and extremely precise focusing.
The Leica
Noctilux-M 75 mm f/1.25 ASPH. will be on sale at the beginning of 2018.
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