This 35mm was released after the NOKTON Classic 40mm. While the 40mm is modeled after the non-aspherical Summilux, the 35mm's lens diagram is very similar to the first generation Summicron 35mm F2 (so-called "8-elements"). Both the non-aspherical Summilux and the 8-elements are so expensive for old lenses, so we can say that the Nokton 35/40mm are something we can get "new," "in an uniform condition," and "in an affordable price." This lens is similar to these Leica lenses in that "the aperture has an effect." It's a little soft wide open, and it gets sharper and more delicate as you stop down. Actually, if you stop down 1-1.5 f-stops, you can settle the picture. It's certainly very similar to the Leica lens, but according to my comparison using F2, the Leica one has thicker focus depth and produces stronger double-lined bokeh. In short, the Leica one is an old lens both in name and reality, whereas the Nokton is an advanced version of the original Leica version. Simply as one lens, it's very compact and handy, yet has an f1.4 high-speed. This lens allows you to enjoy the classical depiction wide open. At the same time, you can get a great performance at smaller aperture, which is not too hard unlike modern lenses. And the best of all, it's exceptionally reasonable. It becomes around 50mm on the GXR and I highly recommend it.
( Photo & Text : K )
Bokeh is very unique, but I chose this complicated background to get this result. Once I start thinking what I can do to utilize the potential of a lens, I cannot stop and it's also dangerous.
Back bokeh changes dramatically depending on the background and the distance. Getting an old lens is a sort of gambling. In addition, the 8-elements is oddly deified, so very often the quality doesn't match the high price. But with the Nokton, your satisfaction is guaranteed.
To say nothing of the uniqueness and massive bokeh wide open, f1.4 comes in handy in dark situations. It's very compact yet high-speed. This means you can deal with a variety of situations.
As I mentioned above, the picture certainly gets settled if you stop down 1-1.5 f-stops, but it's sharp enough wide open unless you shoot at near minimum distance.
Just like the NOKTON 40mm, there're two versions: single and multi-coated. Of course, I used the single-coated version for this shooting. The ghost and flare are dynamic. If you are crazy enough to say "it's no fun if the lens is dependable," go straight to the single-coated version.
