Lens ReviewMorten ByskovNovember 14, 2023Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 Review, Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 sample photos, Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 image quality, Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 adapted to Fujifilm X, Nokton 50mm f/1.2 review, Voigt 50mm 1.2 on Fuji, Voigtlander 50mm 1.2 on Fujifilm XComment

Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 - Adapted to Fujifilm X

The Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2, M-Mount, adapted to a Fujifilm X Series camera — The Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 (M-Mount) adapted to the Fujifilm X-Pro2

Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 Review

Adapting the Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical (M-Mount) to a Fujifilm X-Pro2 With a K&F Concept Leica M to Fujifilm X Adapter

Back in February/March, I tested the Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR over a few weeks on a road trip and in a variety of scenarios. It is indeed a marvel of a lens which to this day I would love to have in my kit.

When my friend Kyle @secondteamkyle lent me the Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 my primary goal was to test it on my GFX camera but last minute I also decided to take it for a spin with my Fujifilm X-Pro2.

Even though this review will be a bit shorter and with fewer sample images than usual I hope I am able to shed some light on the differences in using this manual focus lens as opposed to the autofocus XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR.

A Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 adapted to a Fujifilm X-Pro2 — The Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 (M-Mount) adapted to the Fujifilm X-Pro2 with a K&F Concept Adapter

Specs, Handling, and Build Quality

The following section is from my Nokton 50mm f/1.2 review when used on the GFX but it applies here also.

The build quality of the Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 is excellent with a beautifully dampened and smooth focus ring. The aperture ring is equally well executed with perfectly dampened friction and is clickable in half stops.

The 12-blade diaphragm blades may in part explain the exceptional bokeh produced by the Nokton 50mm. The lens has two aspherical elements and in total, 8 elements in 6 groups.

The minimum focusing distance is perhaps a bit disappointing at 2.3', 70 cm. The latest Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 focuses down to 1.5' / 45 cm but I believe many of the former Summilux versions are in line with the Nokton 50mm in this regard.

At 12.1 oz, 344 g, the Nokton 50mm f/1.2 feels substantial with a good heft to it and it is well-balanced on my X-Pro2.

At the time this review was written the Nokton 50mm f/1.2 retailed for $1,049.00.

Image Quality

The Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 is a terrific lens on the APS-C-based Fujifilm X Series. Although my X-Pro2 does not have the latest generation sensor, images from this 24-megapixel are rich in color and detail and the Nokton 50mm f/1.2 ensures gorgeous-looking bokeh.

On my GFX camera vignetting was a slight concern but on the cropped X-Pro2 sensor this is now a non-issue and you can happily shoot this lens wide-open all day long for a shallow depth of field and when the lights are low.

The sample images in this review can be viewed up to 2500 pixels wide, depending on your monitor size. Please click to view larger images or pinch-zoom if on your mobile phone.

The Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 mounted on a Fujifilm X-Pro2 using a K&F Concept Adapter — The Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 (M-Mount) adapted to the Fujifilm X-Pro2 with a K&F Concept Adapter

Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 vs. Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR

The two lenses are in the same price category, the Nokton being manual focus only and the Fujifilm autofocus. With a weight of 15.7 oz, 445 g, dimensions of 3.1 x 3", 79.4 x 76 mm, and a filter size of 67mm the Fujifilm lens is only slightly heavier but considerably bulkier. It is also worth mentioning that it is weather-sealed whereas the Nokton is not.

I have enjoyed using both lenses and would put them in two separate categories. The Nokton 50mm f/1.2 is for casual use when you have the time and luxury to slow down. The image quality is stunning but you should be prepared for missed shots if you are planning to use it for events, kids at play, or anything that moves.

The Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR is the kind of lens you should be comfortable bringing for a paid gig where you need to adapt quickly to any given situation. The image quality is equally stunning perhaps with a more clinically correct rendering whereas the Nokton has an air of vintage-style rendering.

The front grill of a red Cadillac. Sample image from a Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical adapted to Fujifilm X — West End, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro2, Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 (Leica M-Mount), K&F Concept adapter

Wrapping Up This Quick Look

Based on this quick photo walk with the Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 I like what I see. It would been nice to have a bit more time with this lens as it has a wonderful character not only in the way it renders photos but also in the way it handles.

I have now tried it on Fujifilm GFX, and X-Pro2, and I have an upcoming post where I have used it with the Nikon Zf as well. Spoiler alert. It does rather well on this camera also.

A man is enjoying a coffee break at Starbuck in the West End of Vancovuer. Sample image from a Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical adapted to Fujifilm X — West End, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro2, Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 (Leica M-Mount), K&F Concept adapter

There are a few sacrifices when using an adapted lens such as this. There is no EXIF information going to the camera and you need to find a suitable adapter. I find that the K&F Concept adapters are reliable and affordable at the same time but there are several other options.

Lately, I have been gravitating more and more toward manual focusing. The way you read and can maneuver a scene is different when manually focusing. You are in complete charge. Yes, this can also have downsides with eyes slightly out of focus or scenes that are impossible to follow as they happen too fast.

Tinkering with lens setups and if manual focusing appeals to you I suggest having a mix of manual focus and autofocus lenses as they supplement each other and work well in different scenarios.

A late September sunset along the Stanley Park Seawall in Vancouver. Sample image from a Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical adapted to Fujifilm X. — Stanley Park Seawall, Vancouver, Fujifilm X-Pro2, Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 (Leica M-Mount), K&F Concept adapter

Pros

Solid build quality
Superb bokeh
Vintage character rendering

Cons

Manual focus only
No EXIF info going to the camera

Please see more sample images below.

Price / Availability

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Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 - B&H Photo

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