I bought the NOKTON classic 40mm F1.4 for VM mount for Leika at Photo Suffren, a used camera store located near the Eiffel Tower, and fell in love at first sight.
The NOKTON classic 40mm F1.4 is a manual focus lens like the APO-LANTHAR 50mm F2 Aspherical I introduced the other day, but it is not a lens that pursues the highest performance image quality like the APO-LANTHAR 50mm F2. However, it is not a lens that pursues the highest image quality like the APO-LANTHAR 50mm F2. When you actually use the lens, you will notice that it is quite soft when the aperture is wide open, especially at the four corners, so you need to be careful because the image flows a lot, but if you stop down to F4 or more, the resolution improves to some extent, making it a very interesting lens.
The photo above was taken from the Sumida River with the aperture stopped down to F8. I liked it because the resolution is quite good and it has the flavor of a classic lens.
Shot taken with the NOKTON classic 40mm F1.4 at Charles de Gaulle Airport in the early morning
It was a very dark day, so I opened the aperture to F2.8, and was able to capture an attractive shot by placing the subject in the center of the image.
The old-lens-like tasteful images of the NOKTON classic are addictive
This is a shot of my partner’s hand just before we left for Tokyo. Unlike the APO-LANTHAR 50mm F2, which is a resolution-obliterating lens, the special coating that reproduces a soft, fluffy image and classic color tones is very attractive.
Satisfactory results for compositions close to the sunset
When stopped down to F5.6 with a sunken circle composition like the photo above, you can also create a crisp, modern-style image.
The focus ring has a comfortable torque that is typical of Cosina, so focusing is just plain fun!
Cosina’s focus ring has an appropriate amount of torque, making focusing fun! Although a manual focus lens does not allow for speedy shooting like an autofocus lens, if you enjoy shooting in your private time as a hobby, you can rediscover the fun of photography by taking your time while enjoying the feel of the focus ring.
The NOKTON classic has very natural colors and a very pleasing finish
In both dark and bright situations like this, it produces photos with surprisingly natural colors, which makes me want to use it more. It’s an expression that doesn’t break the bank, so retouching is easy, and the NOKTON classic’s typical flavor is appealing.
It gives a slightly retro look to portraits
It is lightweight and compact, has excellent color expression, and is fun to shoot because it creates a slightly retro atmosphere even when photographing people during a trip.
A lightweight, compact, classical lens recommended for travel
If you are someone who values classical expression or the individuality and flavor of the lens more than high resolution, I can highly recommend this lens. Weighing only 175g, I would like to take it out when traveling to reduce my luggage as much as possible, and I think it is a great lens especially when I want to enjoy taking snapshots in the city.
A walk through Tokyo and Shonan with the APO-LANTHAR 50 mm F2