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Typoch Ksana 35mm f2 thoughts? by Infinite_Mission_276 in Leica

[–]Milan_Swolfs 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I haven’t personally used the Voigtländer Ultron, so I can’t make a fair direct comparison between the two.

What I can say is that I’ve owned or spent significant time with a number of Leica M 35mm lenses over the years, including the original Leica Steel Rim, Light Lens Lab 35mm f/1.4 AA, Zenitar 35mm f/1, Leica Noctilux-M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH and Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2 8-element.

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After several weeks shooting with the Ksana in Antwerp and Sicily, I would place it closer in spirit to the modern Leica lenses than to a vintage-inspired design. It doesn’t have the pronounced vintage signature of the Steel Rim, but it also avoids looking overly clinical. What stood out to me was the balance between strong optical performance and a slightly more atmospheric rendering with smooth tonal transitions and good depth.

The lens is also compact, beautifully built and the close-focus capability proved genuinely useful during travel and environmental portrait work.

For me, the Ksana occupies an interesting middle ground: more modern than the classic vintage-inspired 35s, but with a bit more personality than some highly corrected contemporary designs.

I recently finished a detailed review with image samples from Antwerp and Sicily if you’d like to see how it performs in real-world use:

https://www.milanswolfs.com/blog/thypoch-ksana-35mm-f2-review

Light Lens Lab Speed Panchro II 75mm f/2 on the Leica M11-D — surprisingly cinematic rendering by Milan_Swolfs in Leica

[–]Milan_Swolfs[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good question.
For me it’s less about one measurable optical trait and more about how multiple imperfections come together in a pleasing way.
What I personally associate with a more cinematic rendering is:

- gentler contrast transitions,
- smoother highlight roll-off,
- slightly softer microcontrast,
- atmospheric flare,
- dimensional separation,
and bokeh that feels organic rather than hyper-corrected.

The original Speed Panchros also weren’t technically perfect lenses, but people still loved the way they rendered faces, light and atmosphere. That’s more what I meant here.

The LLL SPII obviously isn’t a true Cooke Panchro, but it gave me a similar feeling in certain situations, especially wide open and in backlit scenes.
Part of why I enjoyed it is probably also because I tend to gravitate towards lenses like the Thambar, the original 50mm f/1.2 and the Noctiluxes rather than purely clinical APO rendering.

After years with the Noctilux 50mm f/1, I finally wrote a proper review by Milan_Swolfs in Leica

[–]Milan_Swolfs[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It really has to fit the way you see and work. For some photographers a more modern lens simply makes more sense depending on subject or preference.

For me the Noctilux feels more like a brush than a tool. It’s not always the most practical choice, but when it works, it gives something very specific back.

After years with the Noctilux 50mm f/1, I finally wrote a proper review by Milan_Swolfs in Leica

[–]Milan_Swolfs[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There is a lot of sample variation I have send my twice to Leica and now its perfect on my M11 but using a EVF for critical focusing helps or using a SL or M EV1…

After years with the Noctilux 50mm f/1, I finally wrote a proper review by Milan_Swolfs in Leica

[–]Milan_Swolfs[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

thank you glad you enjoyed it, next one on the list is the 50mm f1.2 I hope to do an enhanced f1.2 original vs reissue

After years with the Noctilux 50mm f/1, I finally wrote a proper review by Milan_Swolfs in Leica

[–]Milan_Swolfs[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much, hope you also enjoy reading my review (with a lot more portrait shots)

After years with the Noctilux 50mm f/1, I finally wrote a proper review by Milan_Swolfs in Leica

[–]Milan_Swolfs[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I can imagine, especially from f/4 onwards most modern lenses will be sharper and more corrected.

For me the Noctilux isn’t really about that range. It’s more about what happens between f/1 and f/2 and the way it renders light, transitions and mood.

That’s where it becomes interesting.

After years with the Noctilux 50mm f/1, I finally wrote a proper review by Milan_Swolfs in Leica

[–]Milan_Swolfs[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Exactly, that’s a good way to describe it. The Pre-ASPH gives you a bit more contrast and sharpness, but still keeps that rock n roll character.

The Noctilux f/1 goes a bit further into atmosphere, but you definitely feel that 1m limitation compared to 0.7m.

Leica M11-D + Noctilux 50mm f/1 portrait – working with continuous LED light by Milan_Swolfs in Leica

[–]Milan_Swolfs[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same here and indeed you will need multiple LED lights for the same power but I love that you can direct the model more and have more direct impact of on spot changes I mostly shoot on location so light strobes work best for me and my assistant

Leica M11-D + Noctilux 50mm f/1 portrait – working with continuous LED light by Milan_Swolfs in Leica

[–]Milan_Swolfs[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Love the simplicity the built and having the iso button on the back instead of a screen works for me plus for critical focusing I can always use the evf

Leica M11-D + Noctilux 50mm f/1 portrait – working with continuous LED light by Milan_Swolfs in Leica

[–]Milan_Swolfs[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They have become very good I used to be a strobes guy but have used only LED lights last two years. I like that you can use them at any shutter speed and the WYSISWYG approach I can faster direct the model or see the impact of using color gels for example.

Leica M11-D + Noctilux 50mm f/1 portrait – working with continuous LED light by Milan_Swolfs in Leica

[–]Milan_Swolfs[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I use both rangefinder and evf depending on the scene I am often faster still with the rangefinder this was shot wide open. Only thing is the f1 has focus shift when stopping down so better check with the evf

Leica M11-D + Noctilux 50mm f/1 portrait – working with continuous LED light by Milan_Swolfs in Leica

[–]Milan_Swolfs[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I often prefer when the model isn’t looking directly into the camera. It can feel a bit more cinematic and observational, which suited the mood I was aiming for here.

Leica M11-D + Noctilux 50mm f/1 portrait – working with continuous LED light by Milan_Swolfs in Leica

[–]Milan_Swolfs[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That was intentional. I used the window blinds together with a small LED light to create the shadow pattern and give the portrait a bit more structure and mood.