![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/27/Leica_M8_viewfinder_digital_camera_with_extremely_fast_lens_Noctilux-M_50_mm_f1.0_%28edited%2C_white_background%29.jpg/220px-Leica_M8_viewfinder_digital_camera_with_extremely_fast_lens_Noctilux-M_50_mm_f1.0_%28edited%2C_white_background%29.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5a/Optical_diagram_Leica_Noctilux_50mm_f0.95_asph.svg/220px-Optical_diagram_Leica_Noctilux_50mm_f0.95_asph.svg.png)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/ff/Leica_Noctilux-M_lens_50_mm_f1.0_for_Leica_M_cameras%2C_extremely_fast_due_to_large_entry_opening.jpg/220px-Leica_Noctilux-M_lens_50_mm_f1.0_for_Leica_M_cameras%2C_extremely_fast_due_to_large_entry_opening.jpg)
The name Noctilux is used by Leica to designate their camera lenses with the widest maximum aperture. Lenses with that name have been in production since 1966. So far all Noctilux lenses have been made for the Leica M mount.
History
The name Noctilux is a combination of Nocti, which is derived from the word nocturnal, while Lux is Latin for light.[1][2]
Description
The Noctilux lenses have the largest maximum apertures in the Leica range. With various models having f-numbers of f/0.95 or f/1.0 or f/1.2 or f/1.25 as its maximum aperture. It is also the heaviest of all of Leica's lenses.[1]
Market position
The Noctilux is the most expensive lens in the Leica lens range.[1] It is followed by the Summilux.
List of Noctilux lenses
- For the Leica M mount
Name | Focal length | Year | f-number | Filter size | Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Noctilux 50 mm f/1.2 | 50 mm | 1966 – 1975 | f/1.2 | 49 mm | 470 – 515 grams |
Noctilux-M 50 mm f/1[3] | 50 mm | 1976 – 2008 | f/1.0 | 60 mm | 584 grams |
Noctilux-M 50 mm f/0.95 ASPH.[4] | 50 mm | 2008 – present | f/0.95 | 60 mm | 700 grams |
Noctilux-M 75 mm f/1.25 ASPH.[5][6] | 75 mm | 2017 – present | f/1.25 | 67 mm | 1055 grams |
Noctilux-M 50 mm f/1.2 ASPH[7] | 50 mm | 2021–present | f/1.2 | 49 mm | 405 grams |
References
- ^ a b c Taylor, David (2014). Leica M Typ 240 Expanded Guide. United Kingdom: Ammonite Press. ISBN 978-1781450390.
- ^ "Leica Noctilux 50mm Lens History". LEICA REVIEW. 2017-10-03. Retrieved 2020-01-03.
- ^ "LEICA 50mm f/1 NOCTILUX (1976-2008)". www.kenrockwell.com. Retrieved 2019-11-27.
- ^ "Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH. // M-Lenses // Leica M-System // Photography - Leica Camera AG". us.leica-camera.com. Retrieved 2019-11-27.
- ^ "Noctilux-M-75-f-1,25-ASPH // M-Lenses // Leica M-System // Photography - Leica Camera AG". us.leica-camera.com. Retrieved 2019-11-27.
- ^ "Leica Noctilux-M 75mm F1.25 ASPH: Digital Photography Review". www.dpreview.com. Retrieved 2019-11-27.
- ^ "Noctilux-M 50 f/1.2 ASPH // M-Lenses // Leica M-System // Photography - Leica Camera AG". us.leica-camera.com. Retrieved 2021-02-02.
External links
- Official Leica Noctilux-M
- Thorsten Overgaard: Leica Noctilux, King of the Night
- Leica Noctilux: Overkill or Necessity