Leica Announces Noctilux-M 75mm f/1.25 ASPH

Today, Leica has announced a new M lens, the Noctilux-M 75mm f/1.25 ASPH. The fastest 75mm lens Leica has ever produced. At first blush, this lens seems an odd decision. But, the idea of a 75mm Noctilux isn't so far fetched. The original Mandler-designed 75mm Summilux-M f/1.4 was based on his groundbreaking 50mm Noctilux f/1.0. Peter Karbe, the current head of optics at Leica, designed the incredible 75mm APO-Summicron-M f/2 based on his revolutionary 50mm Summilux-M f/1.4 ASPH.

There also hasn't been a replacement for the 75 Lux since it was discontinued back in 2004. So, bringing a super-fast 75mm into the fold actually makes some sense. Especially one building on the premise of the 50mm f/0.95. Between the longer focal length and shorter minimum distance, the DOF on the 75mm is actually only half that of the 50mm Noctilux. And looking at the images, bokeh junkies will have plenty to like here. The results just ooze creamy Leica goodness. (scroll down for sample gallery)

Promising exceptional imaging performance, the new 75mm Nocitlux employs a complex optical design. Nine elements in six groups, all made from glass with high anomalous partial dispersion and low chromatic dispersion, two of which are aspherical, and three rear elements that move in a floating lens group. The floating lens element group moves at a different rate through the focus range, allowing correction from the minimum focus distance of 0.85m all the way to infinity. An eleven blade aperture guarantees out of focus elements are rendered without any harsh angles.

The lens is also the beefiest M lens made to date. Tipping the scales at over a full kilo, this is no lightweight. And to go along with that heft is a massive (for M at least) 67mm front diameter. If you thought the 50mm f/0.95 was a beast, just wait till you see the 75. To be on the safe side, Leica is including a tripod mount for the lens, so you don't run the risk of damaging the mount on your M10. But, really, who are they kidding? Like this lens will ever find its way onto a tripod. Nope. The 75 Noctilux is an available light behemoth and is made to be let free for handheld shooting.

The Leica Noctilux-M 75mm f/1.25 ASPH is expected to start shipping in early 2018, with a price of $12,795. You can pre-order the lens now at Leica Store Miami, by clicking the link below, calling 305-921-4433, or by email at info@leicastoremiami.com.

Order the Leica Noctilux-M 75mm f/1.25 ASPH Now

Sample Images

Press Release

Leica Noctilux-M 75 mm f/1.25 ASPH.: A new extremely fast lens enriches the Leica M-System lens portfolio

Wetzlar, 29 November 2017. For more than 50 years, the name ‘Noctilux’ has been a synonym for exceptionally fast lenses with an optical design that verges on the limits of what is physically possible. Today, Leica Camera AG has added a new highlight to the lens portfolio – the Leica Noctilux-M 75 mm f/1.25 ASPH. Together with exceptional imaging performance and unique bokeh, its gossamer-thin depth of focus isolates subjects with extreme precision and makes it a truly exceptional lens. Its focal length of 75 mm makes it especially suitable for the creation of portraits with a natural look.

As the depth of focus of the Noctilux-M 75 mm f/1.25 ASPH. is even shallower than that of the Noctilux-M 50 mm f/0.95 APSH., it allows even more precise isolation of subjects. The short close focusing distance of 0.85 m for such a fast lens and a reproduction ratio of 1:8.8 open up entirely new opportunities in portrait and close-up photography, while the eleven blades of its iris ensure a soft and harmonious bokeh in out of focus areas.

To guarantee this extraordinary imaging performance, the nine elements in six groups that make up its optical design are manufactured from glasses with high anomalous partial dispersion and low chromatic dispersion. Two of the elements are asphericals and reduce other potential aberrations to a hardly detectable minimum. Here, particular emphasis must be placed on the use of a floating element within the complex focusing mechanism, which guarantees a constantly high level of imaging performance throughout the entire focusing range of the lens – from the closest focusing distance to infinity.

In addition to the intuitively located focusing and aperture setting rings typical to Leica, the lens also features an integrated lens hood. This can be extended or retracted by a simple twist action and can be locked in place in its extended position. The lens is supplied complete with a tripod adapter for safe and secure mounting of the lens on a tripod.

The first lens of this series, the Leica Noctilux 50 mm f/1.2, was revealed to the world of photography at photokina in 1966. It astounded visitors to the fair and the industry press with its literally revolutionary optical properties. Ongoing developments led to the launch of two new generations of the Noctilux, in 1975 and 2008. Each new version was developed under the premise of achieving even better imaging performance, making the initial aperture value even faster than its predecessor and simultaneously maintaining the maximum aperture as a working aperture – it always was, and still is, unnecessary to stop down a Leica Noctilux-M lens to achieve a great imaging performance.

Together with the Leica Noctilux-M 50 mm f/0.95 ASPH., the Leica Noctilux-M 75 mm f/1.25 ASPH. is the co-founder of a new family of lenses. The two current members of this family are both distinguished by their extreme maximum aperture and exceptionally high performance at all apertures, even wide open, and stand for pictures with a truly special, uniquely aesthetic look.

When shooting at maximum aperture, the exceptionally shallow depth of focus of the Noctilux-M 75 mm f/1.25 ASPH. can be used to particularly effect with the aid of an electronic viewfinder such as the Leica Visoflex. What’s more, the Leica M-Adapter L transforms the Noctilux-M into an excellent lens for use on the Leica SL. When the lens is mounted on the Leica SL, the 4.4 million pixel resolution of the camera’s EyeRes® electronic viewfinder enables particularly comfortable and extremely precise focusing.

The Leica Noctilux-M 75 mm f/1.25 ASPH. will be on sale at the beginning of 2018.

Tech Specs