When the first generation Noctilux F1 (E58) is mounted on the GXR, the body becomes like an additional parts. Not to mention, the No.1 feature of the Noctilux (F1) is the max aperture. A normal lens can be used as wide or telephoto, but the raison d'être of this lens is that the max aperture f1 is added to such basic features. If you focus on the subject in the minimum focus distance wide open, you can take a very unique picture. But, if you focus on the subject 2-3 meters away (wide open, of course), pictures become very different. Although the bokeh is big, the focal length is normal range, meaning you get no telephoto compression effect and it captures with its 40-degree horizontal wide angle of view. I don't know how to put it into words, but I feel I am capturing both the subject and the surrounding air with massiveness. Lecturing aside, there's no other "50mm/f1" and this is the identity of this lens. It becomes a 75mm on the GXR, so I recommend this lens to those who want to crop the subject only using max aperture, just like you do with your short telephoto lens. Or, this lens is the most suitable for someone who is not good at 50mm. One more thing. I found myself focusing only by superimposing the dual-image when using a Leica M camera. But when using the GXR, I use the LCD live-view to focus. The Noctilux has a relatively thick focus depth and unexpectedly it's fun to defocus as well. This is only possible on the live-view (of course, I know there're extraordinary people to do it with a rangefinder). People often say, "If you change your camera, your pictures change, too." And I guess they are right and I think I got another joker to justify my greed.
( Photo & Text : K )
It suddenly started raining buckets in Yuraku-cho. I took the camera out from my bag and focused on the raindrops.
Speaking of parasols, some people use them in a narrow space and I dubiously avoid them. But as far as I see in this picture, they look effective.
The GXR has a pull ISO function and I can manage to shoot in the bright situation like this.
I fired even though there is no focus and this is something I don't do with a rangefinder. I feel that the bokeh shown on the LCD is bigger than the one in the actual pictures, but it's much more accurate than what the DSLR cameras' viewfinder shows. It's fun to shoot being attracted by what the LCD shows.
The doves are hiding under the leaves because of the extreme heat. I shot the sky wide open and it looks pure white.
The real Noctilux picture has a dramatic falloff outside of this frame. When it's mounted on the GXR, it becomes an "excellent" short telephoto lens. Of course, you can still take advantage of it under dark conditions. The thick color is realized on the GXR, too.
