A new version of the famous Leica M lens returns, and it's available now for $7,900 – the Noctilux 50mm f/1.2
(Image credit: Leica)
Leica has just announced the latest version of one of its most famous Leica M lenses, the Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 ASPH – and it is available now for a reassuringly expensive $7,900 / £6.700 / AU$11,300.
We initially spotted the Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 ASPH on the manufacturer's UK Twitter account . This new lens has been carefully adapted to the design of contemporary optics and, despite modern technology, it delivers the unique look that continues to impress creative photographers today.
In 1966, the Noctilux 50 f/1.2mm astounded expo visitors and the trade press alike with its revolutionary optical attributes. The lens offered a maximum aperture that was enormous by the standards of the time, in conjunction with exceptional optical performance.
This was partly due to the fact that the Noctilux was the world’s first serially produced lens to feature two aspherical elements, whose purpose was to reduce spherical aberration when shooting at the maximum aperture and improve rendition quality.
(Image credit: Leica)
To re-issue this iconic lens, the original calculations and construction were only minimally changed, and then carefully adapted to the glass types and production methods available today to deliver performance that is every bit as impressive now as the original's was back in the Sixties.
Following the initial UK reveal, the new Noctilux lens has since appeared on Leica's other international pages and stores – perhaps not coincidally close to the launch of the new Leica M11 rangefinder camera, which has proved extremely popular with Leica customers.
It seems only fitting that the release of Leica's most advanced M-series camera ever made is accompanied by the release of a modern reinvention of one of Leica's most legendary lenses. Even if it does happen to be one of the most expensive nifty fifties on the market!
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For nearly two decades Sebastian's work has been published internationally. Originally specializing in Equestrianism, his visuals have been used by the leading names in the equestrian industry such as The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), The Jockey Club, Horse & Hound, and many more for various advertising campaigns, books, and pre/post-event highlights.
He is a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts, holds a Foundation Degree in Equitation Science, and is a Master of Arts in Publishing. He is a member of Nikon NPS and has been a Nikon user since the film days using a Nikon F5 and saw the digital transition with Nikon's D series cameras and is still to this day the youngest member to be elected into BEWA, The British Equestrian Writers' Association.
He is familiar with and shows great interest in street, medium, and large format photography with products by Leica, Phase One, Hasselblad, Alpa, and Sinar. Sebastian has also used many cinema cameras from the likes of Sony, RED, ARRI, and everything in between. He now spends his spare time using his trusted Leica M-E or Leica M2 shooting Street photography or general life as he sees it, usually in Black and White.
