Leica 50/0.95 Noctilux-M Six Bit #11602 black anodized (E60) New USA / Free Shipping (USA)

Description

Leica 50/0.95 Noctilux-M Six Bit  #11602 New USA  / Free Shipping (USA)

LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50mm/f0.95 ASPH – the world’s fastest aspherical 35 mm lens: The new LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50 mm f/0.95 ASPH. represents a new milestone in lens design

The LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH offers a unique range of features.

A remarkable 11% increase in speed has been achieved in a lens with nearly the same diameter and only a slightly longer barrel than its predecessor, the Noctilux-M 50mm f/1. At the same time, image quality has significantly improved while maintaining the characteristic, slightly soft rendering of the previous model. Even at full aperture, the LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH delivers excellent sharpness, with only a slight decline towards the edges—though this is less noticeable on the Leica M8 models due to their smaller sensor format. Stopping down results in a continuous and substantial performance boost, reaching exceptional sharpness across the entire image field at f/5.6. This high level of performance is largely preserved even in close-up photography, thanks to a “floating element.”

For a lens of this speed, vignetting is remarkably low. At full aperture in 35mm format, maximum light falloff in the corners is just 3.2 stops, while on Leica M8 models, it is around 1.5 stops. Stopping down to f/2 significantly reduces vignetting, leaving only the natural light falloff. Distortion is minimal, with a slightly barrel-shaped effect that remains imperceptible in practical use, maxing out at just 1%.

The lens construction follows a modified double Gauss design, utilizing eight elements to achieve its outstanding optical performance. Five of these elements are made from glass with anomalous partial dispersion to correct chromatic aberrations, while three feature exceptionally high refractive indices. The two large-diameter aspherical elements are crafted with meticulous grinding and polishing. Additionally, the rearmost optical element is a “floating element,” moving independently to maintain superior image quality at close range.

Summary

The LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH is a groundbreaking high-performance lens, combining extreme speed with image quality rivaling the finest lenses available today. It expands the creative possibilities of Leica M photography, setting a new benchmark in optical excellence.

After more than 30 years, Leica has once again surpassed its own record, introducing the world’s fastest aspherical lens. As the successor to the legendary Noctilux-M 50mm f/1 (introduced in 1975), this new model incorporates cutting-edge optical and mechanical advancements. Despite nearly identical dimensions, it offers a noticeable increase in speed. The exceptionally shallow depth of field at f/0.95 produces portraits and close-ups with unparalleled artistic impact. When stopped down slightly, image quality reaches levels comparable to the Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH, regarded as one of the finest standard lenses ever made.

In low-light photography, the Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH surpasses human vision. It enables handheld shooting even in candlelight, making it an extraordinary tool for available light photography. Thanks to its “floating element,” high image quality is preserved across all focusing distances. Additionally, improvements in vignetting and distortion further enhance its superiority over its f/1 predecessor.