Return of the legend. Leica Noctilux-M 50 f / 1.2 ASPH lens. re-released

Leica announced the re-release of the Noctilux-M 50 f / 1.2 ASPH., Which was produced from 1966 to 1975. At one time, it became the first lens with aspherical elements. The high aperture, even by today’s standards, further contributed to the approval of the Noctilux-M 50 f / 1.2 ASPH. in legend status. However, the real advantage of this lens, according to the manufacturer, is the picture: the pictures taken at open aperture have “soft, almost fabulous quality due to the unmistakable pattern with exquisite bokeh.”

All these distinctive features were allegedly “carefully preserved” in the new lens, the calculation and design of which is so close to the original that the results in the photographs are almost identical. Even though the lens was originally designed over fifty years ago, its use is by no means limited to nostalgic experimentation. It is enough to close the aperture down to at least f / 2.8 to get the sharpness that meets the expectations of modern digital photography. Significantly, this is the smallest and lightest lens in the Noctilux range.

The lens will be available in two versions: silver and black. By the way, before the original model Noctilux-M 50 f / 1.2 ASPH. Leica lenses were predominantly silver, but this lens was only available in black. A total of 1,757 units were produced, not counting about five silver prototypes. It is not hard to guess how much they are in demand among collectors now.

Variant Noctilux-M 50 f / 1.2 ASPH. with a black anodized aluminum casing is already available for sale at a price of $ 7,695. There will be only 100 pieces of silver-chrome lenses. This variant will feature LEITZ WETZLAR engraving instead of LEICA on the front ring. It costs $ 16,395.