Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f / 0.95 Aspherical Lens

Breaking the optical “sound barrier” of lens speed 1.1 has been the Holy Grail of lens design for many years. Notably, the Canon 0.95 “Dream lens” was a bold attempt; however this was prior to modern aspherical lens technology.

Following the renowned LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50mm f / 1, Leica is to now launch the world’s first aspherical f / 0.95 prime lens the new LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50 mm f / 0.95 ASPH.

Comparing vignetting and distortion values in a head to head comparison, with both lenses at full aperture, the new lens will be a clear winner and is faster.

Not only this, but the new LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50mm f / 0.95 ASPH also performs comparably with the LEICA SUMMILUX-M 50 mm f / 1.4 ASPH (regarded as the best standard lens ever produced) when stopped down.

At the new 0.95 full aperture, depth of field is so shallow as to allow the most esthetic portraits or detailed studies. Low light becomes even less of a barrier, with the LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50mm f / 0.95 ASPH, surpassing the speed of the human eye even more so than its predecessor.

Hand assembled in Solms Germany, this lens is designed to retain its value and usability for decades.

Available from February 2009, the LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50mm f / 0.95 ASPH is £6290
(inc VAT) SRP (AUD14,200).

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About

Oskar Barnack's genius idea of creating the small format 35mm camera created a revolution in photography in 1925, paving the way for the birth of the Leica Legend. His diminutive, lightweight LEICA A offered a new, undreamed-of freedom in reportage and artistic photography. From that point to the present day, Leica has had a profound influence on our view of the world we live in.

What was started in 1914 with the Ur-Leica quickly turned into a lasting success. In 1932, around 90,000 cameras were already in use. By 1961, the number had increased to a million. Milestones in the development include the rangefinder cameras such as the legendary LEICA M3 in 1954 and the M6 in 1984. The R-System commenced in 1976 with the LEICA R3 - the first electronic Leica. In 1989, the first compact point-and-shoot model entered the market. 1998 also saw the launch of the first digital camera - the LEICA DIGILUX. Without exception, all developments are focused on the requirements of the user and are characterized by the highest quality, focus on essential functions, and comfortable user-friendly controls.