Leica has announced the Noctilux “Titan”, a special edition of the Leica Noctilux-M 50 f/0.95 ASPH. It will be limited to 100 lenses worldwide. In the UK, it will retail for £14,000, including tax.
The first Leica Noctilux-M was introduced in 1966 and gained a reputation as an optical masterpiece. Each of the previous Noctilux generations redefined the limits of what was technically possible, raising imaging performance to yet higher levels. As an example, the Leica Noctilux-M 50 f/0.95 ASPH surpassed the perception of the human eye. This Wetzlar tour de force now appears in an exclusive special edition: the Leica Noctilux-M 50 f/0.95 ASPH. “Titan”.
Complementary
All visible components of the special edition are made of solid titanium, a lightweight and exceptionally resistant metal, giving the lens an elegant appearance and making it the ideal complement to all previously released Leica M-Cameras in titanium finish.
Limited to 100 pieces worldwide, the Noctilux-M 50 f/0.95 ASPH “Titan” achieves images with an unmistakable character, just like the series version.
According to Leica:
With its extremely shallow depth of field at open aperture, it produces pictures with a unique bokeh and inimitable aesthetics. Even in low light, the Noctilux-M brings out the finest details and impresses with a high-contrast, brilliant imaging performance.
Leica Noctilux Titan availability
The Leica Noctilux-M 50 f/0.95 ASPH “Titan” with an engraved special serial number will be available globally at selected Leica Stores from today (14 September 2023), and the UK retail price will be £14,000, including VAT.
Read more about the Leica Noctilux
A cup of coffee works wonders in supporting Macfilos
Did you know that Macfilos is run by a dedicated team of volunteers? We rely on donations to help pay our running costs. And even the cost of a cup of coffee will do wonders for our energy levels.
I had to read through several reports on this lens to find it is solid Titanium and not simply a finish applied to chrome or other materials. Leica had made an M6 Titanium back when the original M6 was being manufactured, I had already experience with the Nikon F3T and how tough the camera plates were when I fell on the camera and sandwiched it on granite only to find a tiny dent. My M6 Titanium I later found was simply a coating, it dented horribly from a fall from its base backward on a metal surface. Subsequently it spotted with corrosion from the zinc plate.
I won’t have the opportunity to buy this new Noctilux, I continue to enjoy the Leica M60 and it’s stainless steel finish, the 35mm Summilux lens sold in the issue is simply gorgeous. Leica has not made any further stainless steel lenses, from what I understand it is a very difficult metal to work with for Leica lenses.
Message from the editor:
We have revised the appearance of the comments section on all Macfilos posts. Instead of being right at the end of the list of comments, the “Leave a Reply” box is now at the top, immediately under the article.
We have also changed the order of the comments. The latest comment is now at the top, with the earlier messages scrolling down. Please let us know what you think about this. It is easy to swap the sorting method, and we would like to make sure everyone is happy.
Mike
That’s more “user friendly” , thanks for that change…
PS- I’m frustrated by Leica releasing these new versions of technically same products. It is different when it is a Q body with a different colour, I appreciate that. I’m sure there are a few buyers who would love this version of the lens but considering how many people buy a brand new noctilux, that’s a question mark. – just my opinion. I am eagerly waiting for an M11p or similar.
With only 100 examples, it’s pretty academic in this case. I would bet that all of them have been sold already. And they were probably earmarked for favoured customers even before launch. That said, it’s most likely a good investment if left on the shelf for a few years.
I will spray paint my lovely VM 50/1 with titanium paint and laugh all the way to the bank.
Anyway, it is a very lovely looking lens. There are are going to be a few lucky owners. Apparently titanium is more finger print resistant for those that just like to fondle their lenses.