This slightly cropped image is a good example of the pleasingly “rounded” rendering this lens is capable of @ f/0.95 (see my comment under yesterday’s post).
What I’m referring to is the gentle 3D effect, that — unlike the slightly more “cut out of the scene” 3D effect you get with the 50 Summilux ASPH — is exceptionally smooth, very organic. Specifically, his face is gently simultaneously emerging from, and blending into, the background.
Despite this, the point of focus (the nearest edge of the sunglasses) is bitingly sharp.
Incidentally, it’s this level of sharpness at 1 meter (the near focus limit) and the exceptionally smooth bokeh that separate this Noctilux from the previous f/1 version, which renders in a slightly softer way, and which depicts backgrounds in a thick-brush-painterly manner.
—Peter.
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↑Leica M9 and Leica Noctilux @ f/0.95.
Prosophos 
I like this description of yours. Yes, the image is sharp at the point of focus but the roundness produces a gentleness to the image which I like.
Thanks Guy.
Hello again Peter,
This ” portrait reportage ” is like a movie picture … Amayzing !!!
I refound the colors and the character of this noctilux very well here… And the description You made of it ! Something say to me that You are going to keep and enjoy the ” Beast “.
Even if it is not a all day lense… ( If only the minimum focus distance was at 0,7 m… )
We can shoot at 2,8 and keep the character of its bokey and have a close up portrait !
BTW, each lense for each sensation… 😉
My Best to You and Yours.
Hugues.
PS: Hello dear Guy ! 😀
Thank you Hugues. The minimum focus distance is troublesome, but like most limitations, it forces one to think differently… which is probably a good thing.
I have a few more Noctilux images, dear Hugues, that I’ll be posting in the next few days. I believe they have a special “something” to them – I hope that you’ll agree.
Hello Peter
Is there a big difference between Noctilux f / 0.95 and 50mm SUMMILUX that it can justifier owning both lenses – and here I look away from: fokuserer distance, weight – but seen only from the image.
Ps. Already have Noctilux f/0.95
The rendering between the two is subtly different. Something about the 0.95 makes images more muted but somehow more “substantial”, for lack of a better word. The 50 lux images are more hyper-real, more chiseled.
As subtle as the differences are, they are noticeable. Whether owning both is justified, is a personal choice. If one is primarily a 50mm shooter, then owning both may make photographic (if not financial) sense.
Thanks for the quick reply Peter. It will be included in my considerations
Hi Peter,
Despite ordered M240, in the end, I choose to buy and keep another M-E no matter how good\bad M240 is.
I am a 90% Noct 0.95 user. After I found that I reasonably focus well with the Noct on ME, I decide to buy it.
Simplicity is the word, the reason and the heart. Enjoyment is what I am having any seconds.
M240 is good in many ways. However, I hope Leica could keep the M-CCD line and give us a 40M camera, even it is selling $10000.
I don’t give a crap how much it costs, or how many negatives come with it. The Noct is my all-time favorite lens and I constantly kick myself for having gotten rid of mine. I will own the new 0.95 version, it’s just a question of when I can afford it. Your photos remind me — all too well — of what I’m missing without it.
Thank you for sharing.
I sold mine too….
What? Why!!! Your Noct images are so special! I thought you were really convinced on keeping it.
It’s a lens that consumes me when I own it… it financially drains me too, and prevents me from experimenting with other equipment. It’s very un-Leica-like (size, weight). It also has its optical faults. Who knows, though, maybe one day again (not any time soon)?…
Ugh. I can relate, but when I latch onto another… I’m never letting go again. My Noct images continue to be my favorites. I was always amazed by the shadow detail from that lens, even when stopped down. Images are just so… magical with it.
I’m getting to the point where I only want a fast wide-angle, the Noct, a handheld macro, and a long lens — nothing more. I’m still working out which wide-angle (looking more and more like the Lux 21mm everyday), which macro (dedicated or the Noct with a couple of OUFRO rings and some close-up filters), and which long lens (nothing even considered right now).