Leica 50mm f1 Noctilux | Thumbprints & Signatures

Today on Thumbprints & Signatures; a series that highlights the unique visual signature of Leica lenses, new and old, we are featuring the Leica 50mm f1 Noctilux-M. Manufactured between 1975-2008 the f/1 Noctilux underwent several changes over its 30+ year production run, both optically and cosmetically. This iteration of the Noctilux in particular is the last version before the creation of its successor, the Leica f/0.95 Noctilux. Due to early production challenges with aspherical lens surfaces, Leitz was forced to find a new solution. The answer was the famous Leitz glass ‘900430’. This type of glass allowed renowned optical lens designer, Dr. Walter Mandler, to make two major and critical adjustments; add half of a stop of light to the lens’ maximum aperture and create the lens with spherical surfaces for all elements to render photographs as to how he envisioned.
The 50mm f/1.0 was Leica’s fastest lens that performed exceptionally well at maximum aperture, resulting in subjects being sharp and in focus, against smooth and dream-like out-of-focus background areas. Even with subjects further away from the photographer, there is a clear separation between the subject and the background, in both daylight and at night when shooting wide open. The lens requires a great deal of practice and skill in focusing wide open with the subsequent photographs being produced providing incredible impact.

[@GastonShutters]

I have the F1.2 and that lens it's not easy to focus with a range finder. These lenses are more of an achievement for Leica than a useful too for an M system.

[@jimsullivan8423]

Beautiful images from that lens!

[@Stickybutton]

I sold mine. I found it too heavy and the focus throw is really long. Took forever to focus. However, it saddens me knowing that it is gone after looking at photos taken from it.

[@gingerbearrr]

great portraits!

[@CameraWestTV]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@mariowanagat1412]

Good job mate, honestly I usually shake my head seeing people shooting this particular glass. I reckon it’s the first time I see someone posting snaps in the way it should been used. That’s how you get the look.
To often I see people using it at minimum distance and wonder without ASPH why it’s soft.
This lens shines when using at correct distance for environmental portraits.

[@msark3103]

Excellent! Thanks!!

[@CameraWestTV]

Glad you liked it!