Leica 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux-M ASPH (Black) Lens # 11686 New USA /Free Shipping USA / In STOCK

Leica Camera is happy to announce a new member of the Leica M lens family, one that is making its return from the pages of our history. The Leica Noctilux-M 50 f/1.2 ASPH. is a reissue of the legendary original Leica Noctilux lens that was such a landmark achievement for Leica in 1966 when it was first released. The original Noctilux was a crowning technical achievement in optics, as it was the first lens to feature two aspherical elements, as well as a trendsetter for its incredibly fast aperture and visual signature with dreamlike bokeh that the Noctilux lineage carries forward today. To re-issue this iconic lens, the original calculation and construction were only minimally changed, and carefully adapted to the glass types and production methods available today.

1966 – One of Leica’s Historic Achievements in Optics The first Noctilux lens In 1966, the Noctilux 50 f/1.2 astounded expo visitors and the trade press when it debuted with its positively revolutionary optical capabilities. The lens offered a maximum aperture that was enormous by the standards of the time, in conjunction with an exceptional optical performance and visual signature that was unmatched. This was partly due to the fact that the Noctilux was the world’s first serially produced lens to feature two aspherical elements, reducing spherical aberrations at maximum aperture and improving rendition quality. The original Noctilux 50 f/1.2 was produced from 1966 to 1975, and only 1,757 units were ever made. It was one of the first serial production Leica lenses to feature a black finish. In the course of the transition from silver to black lenses, a small number of Noctilux 50 f/1.2 prototypes were made in a silver finish, and today they are among the most coveted collector’s pieces in the history of Leica M lenses.

2021 – The Groundbreaking Classic Returns Leica Noctilux-M 50 f/1.2 ASPH.
Carefully adapted in line with modern lens design, the Leica Noctilux-M 50 f/1.2 ASPH. marks the return of one of the most famous lenses made for
the Leica M-System.
Its light sensitivity further contributed to the Noctilux’s legendary status and continued lineage – as did its unique aesthetic: images captured at open
aperture are imbued with a soft, almost dreamlike quality – creating an unmistakable look with an exquisite bokeh.
To re-issue this iconic lens, the original calculation and construction were only minimally changed, and carefully adapted to the glass types and production
methods available today. The lens comes in packaging inspired by the original box, and is complemented by the same lens container that was provided with the original Noctilux 50 f/1.2 for safe keeping.

The silver chrome variant, released in parallel, will be strictly limited to a production run of 100 units. The special edition model features a brass lens barrel, a front-ring engraving that reads the classic LEITZ WETZLAR branding just like the original, a special edition number (001/100 – 100/100) and comes in packaging that bears an even closer resemblance to that of the original.