Noctilux

The name Noctilux is used by Leica to designate camera lenses that have a maximum aperture of f/0.95. This is the largest f-number offered by Leica in its lens range. The lens has been in production since 1966 and carries on to the present day. So far all Noctilux lenses have been made for the Leica M mount.

A Leica M8 with a Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/1 lens.
Optical Diagram of Leica Noctilux 50mm f/0.95 ASPH lens.

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 73 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 73 mm 405 grams

References
  1. Taylor, David (2014). Leica M Typ 240 Expanded Guide. United Kingdom: Ammonite Press. ISBN 1781450390.
  2. "Leica Noctilux 50mm Lens History". LEICA REVIEW. 2017-10-03. Retrieved 2020-01-03.
  3. "LEICA 50mm f/1 NOCTILUX (1976-2008)". www.kenrockwell.com. Retrieved 2019-11-27.
  4. "Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH. // M-Lenses // Leica M-System // Photography - Leica Camera AG". us.leica-camera.com. Retrieved 2019-11-27.
  5. "Noctilux-M-75-f-1,25-ASPH // M-Lenses // Leica M-System // Photography - Leica Camera AG". us.leica-camera.com. Retrieved 2019-11-27.
  6. "Leica Noctilux-M 75mm F1.25 ASPH: Digital Photography Review". www.dpreview.com. Retrieved 2019-11-27.
  7. "Noctilux-M 50 f/1.2 ASPH // M-Lenses // Leica M-System // Photography - Leica Camera AG". us.leica-camera.com. Retrieved 2021-02-02.


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