Relaxed (Nikkor-NOCT meets M9).

Inspiration, Nikon, Nikon 58mm f/1.2 NOCT, Portrait, Q&A, Teaching point

I thought this might be a fun follow-up to yesterday’s post.

A few years ago, I attached the Nikkor-NOCT 58/1.2 to the Leica M9, via a Novoflex adapter, and took this image.

Focusing involved guessing, because of course the Nikkor-NOCT is not rangefinder coupled.

Relaxed

↑Leica M9 + Novoflex adapter + Nikkor-Noct 58/1.2 @ f/1.2.

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Here is another test shot:

M9 + Nikkor-NOCT↑Leica M9 + Novoflex adapter + Nikkor-Noct 58/1.2 @ f/1.2.

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As can be appreciated in the second image, one of the nice things about the Nikkor-NOCT is its near focus ability,

—Peter.

Nikon 58MM F/1.4G: The Nikkor-NOCT, reloaded.

Inspiration, Nikon, Nikon 58mm f/1.2 NOCT, Teaching point

58mm Noct vs. 1.4 Prosophos

Well, not exactly, as this new AF-S NIKKOR 58mm lens has a maximum aperture of f/1.4 (vs. f/1.2), but Nikon promises:

“The AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G is a lens that makes the most of advanced optical design technologies… to achieve high reproduction capability of point light sources even at the maximum aperture, and natural depth of subjects utilizing smooth and beautiful bokeh characteristics. With shooting of distant night landscapes, the lens minimizes the sagittal coma flare…”

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Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?  These were the coveted attributes of the Nikkor-NOCT.

Those of you who have been following this blog already know that the legendary Nikkor-NOCT was my favourite NIkon lens, and may very well be my favourite lens of all time:

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The Pirate 2

The Pirate

Swing

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Will the new lens be as impressive?

I hope so, given all the advances in lens design and manufacturing over the last several decades.  However, one thing I know for sure is that the new lens won’t have that silky-smooth manual focusing with which the old Nikkors were bestowed.

Either way, these are exciting times in photography.

Check out the specifications of the new AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G here, and sample images here.

—Peter.

Sony A7 and A7R.

Inspiration, Q&A, Teaching point

Prosophos Sony A7

I once wrote:

The first manufacturer, other than Leica, who places a 24 x 36 sensor in a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera can count me in as a customer.  I have no doubt that at some point, somebody will do it.

However, the insanely loud shutter on the A7/A7R is a deal-breaker for me.  You can listen to it in this field test video (courtesy The Camera Store) at approximately 5:22 into the video.

The EVF is already dated too.

Too bad.

Still, you have to give Sony credit for shaking the industry.

—Peter.

Welcome David and Raaj!

Inspiration

A brief welcome note for David and Raaj, two fellow photographers who have become dear friends.  They’re making the trek to Canada and will be in Toronto later today.

Unfortunately, after a solid week of sunshine, the forecast calls for rain ALL DAY tomorrow 😦

Oh well… I’m sure the combination of an Aussie, American, and Canuck let loose on the streets of Toronto will result in an interesting Canadian Thanksgiving.

Safe journey, gentlemen.

—Peter.

Ongoing Poll: Should Leica bring back the CCD sensor?

Inspiration, Q&A

Leica has released new firmware for the M240, but the longest running poll EVER! 🙂 addressing the future of CCD sensors in Leica M cameras is still… running.

After 328 votes, the results remain unchanged… but I know there are many votes out there that haven’t yet been cast…

—Peter.

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