Noctilux 1.2/50mm 11820 *

LOT
185

Unsold

AUCTION CLOSED – Thank you for your participation!
This item is subject to VAT at the statutory rate of the respective country of destination on hammer price and premium (full taxation), provided it remains in the EU
Product number: AI_20220121_1128_41256
Starting Price €15,000
Estimate €30,000 – 36,000
serial number : 2254822
Condition : A-
Manufacture Year : 1968
LEITZ AUCTION
42
Noctilux 1.2/50mm 11820 *

The 1966 Noctilux 1.2/50mm was the first 50mm lens in the world containing an aspheric element. Leitz Wetzlar optical designers Helmut Frank and Dr Paul Sindel were responsible for optical computation. The lens was introduced in 1966 and was received by the market as a sensation. It is almost entirely free of spherical aberration and coma while producing an exceptionally high contrast. Forty-five years ago, however, even for Leitz, it was quite a challenge to create such a lens, a fact reflected in its price: the lens was almost twice as expensive as the body of a Leica M4. It was replaced by the 50mm Noctilux f/1 in 1976, which – using optical glasses new at that time – could be calculated without aspherical elements and was even cheaper than its predecessor. In ten years of its production, only about 2500 units of the 50mm Noctilux f/1.2 were produced in total, representing one unit per business day. The Noctilux f/1.2 lens can truly be called a legend in the technical development of the Leica lenses. It is sought-after by collectors and still a favourite of some photographers. The offered example is in beautiful cosmetic condition, with good optics (some cleaning marks inside), an original 12503 hood, front cap, plastic keeper and a scarce maker's box with a matching serial number!

LEITZ AUCTION
42