Exploring the Leica M EV1 with the Legendary Noctilux 0.95
Bobby Tonelli (@btonelli) shares his journey of Niu Wang Ye 九王爷 with the Leica M EV1.
"When it comes to the Leica M EV1, there’s a lot to be excited about. This is Leica’s first EVF M camera system, and it opens the door to using those fast aperture lenses in a way that’s just a bit more practical."
Now, I recently got the chance to pair it with a lens I’ve always dreamed about: the 50 Noctilux 0.95. On a traditional rangefinder system, shooting at 0.95 can be a real challenge, especially if you’re dealing with subjects that don’t stay still. The depth of field is razor thin, and nailing focus can sometimes feel almost impossible.
So, I decided to put the MEV1 to the test at a lively event: the Nine Emperors Festival.
With all the movement, dancing, and bustling energy around me, it was the perfect opportunity to see how the camera would handle that wide open aperture. Most of the shots I took were right at 0.95, maybe occasionally stopping down to 1.4 or f2 at the most, but really I wanted to see how it performed wide open.
"And the results? Honestly, it’s pretty fantastic. The EVF makes it so much easier to nail that critical focus, even in a dynamic environment.
You’re not going to shoot every single photo at 0.95—sometimes that’s just a creative choice or a stylistic touch—but having that option is a game changer. It gives you a look that no other lens in the Leica lineup can quite replicate.
Even if you’ve got a Summilux 1.4, the Noctilux 0.95 just has a certain magic to it. It’s a little larger, sure, but it’s absolutely worth it. And with the MEV1, it feels like Leica really intended this camera to let photographers get the most out of these special lenses.
So, if you’ve had one of these lenses sitting in your dry box because it was tough to hit that focus sweet spot, this might be the perfect excuse to dust it off and start capturing some incredible images again. It’s a pairing that really brings out the best in both the lens and the camera.
Leica M EV1 - The First Leica M with an Integrated Electronic Viewfinder
The M encapsulates the essence of our philosophy like no other camera. It embodies timeless aesthetics and true photographic authenticity, paired with uncompromising craftsmanship and exceptional image quality. The Leica M EV1 honours this legacy while expanding its horizons.
Shop NowNoctilux-M 50 f/0.95 ASPH - Leica’s Fastest Aspherical Lens
The Noctilux-M 50 f/0.95 ASPH. opens a window to a world beyond the reach of the naked eye. It pushes the envelope of what is physically possible, capturing light beyond the reach of the human eye. Forms dissolve into light, transitions blur into emotions. Nothing is ordinary, expression is everywhere. This M-Lens is made for those who do not merely document, but actively shape. For images that show more than meets the eye.
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