LEICA REVIVES FAMOUS NOCTILUX LENS

THE LATEST ADDITION to Leica’s Classics range of M-mount lenses is a reprise of one of its most famous. The new Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 ASPH is a re-issue of the original Noctilux-M 50mm f1/1.2, which was made between 1966 and 1975, and was the world’s first interchangeable camera lens to employ aspherical elements. And, of course, at that time, aspherical elements had to be cut and then polished by hand, a process that took in the order of 40 hours. In fact, this is the way Leica still makes its aspherical lens elements.

Essentially replicating the original optical design, the new Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 ASPH is available in two versions. Before the introduction of the original Noctilux in 1966, silver was the customary colour for M mount lenses – with the exception of a few special-edition models aimed at photojournalists that were given a discreet black finish. The Noctilux marked the start of the company’s transition to black-anodised lenses. Prior to releasing the Noctilux on the market, Leica produced just five silver-finish prototypes. They now count among the most coveted and highly-prized M lenses in existence. And only 1,757 examples of the serial production, black Noctilux 50mm f/1.2 were produced. As a result, any well maintained model is also a very highly sought-after collector’s item.

The black anodised variant of the new Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 ASPH. with aluminium lens barrel is available at specialist retailers as of now. The lens comes in packaging inspired by the original box, and is complemented by the same lens container that was provided with the original Noctilux 50mm f/1.2 for safe keeping. The silver chrome variant is limited edition of just 100 units. This model has a brass lens barrel, a front ring engraving which reads ‘LEITZ WETZLAR’ (instead of ‘LEICA’), and is presented in packaging that bears an even closer resemblance to the original.

The Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 ASPH joins the previous re-issues of the Summaron-M 28mm f/5.6 (from 1955), and the Thambar-M 90mm f/2.2 (from 1935).

The black anodised version is priced at $11,100 in Australia.

For more information visit https:// leica-store.com.au.