Artra Lab Nocturne 50mm f/1.2

Focal length: 50 mm
Aperture: f/1.2
Weight: 784 g
Filter diameter: 52 mm
Min. focus distance: 70 cm
Length: 80 mm

Overview

The Artra Lab Nocturne 50mm f/1.2 is a manual focus standard prime for Leica M-mount rangefinder cameras, offered in limited runs in several finishes. It is aimed at M-system users and collectors who want a very fast 50 mm with a hand-finished, retro appearance. Artra Lab specifies it as a full frame lens. The lens appeared in December 2023, and the black paint and silver chrome limited editions became available in August 2024.

Optical design

Artra Lab lists 8 elements in 6 groups, an 11-blade diaphragm and an angle of view of 46 degrees. The maximum aperture is f/1.2 and the smallest is f/16. These figures are the same as those given for Artra Lab's Nonikkor-Nocty 50mm f/1.2 for mirrorless mounts.

Focusing and handling

Focusing is manual, and the minimum focus distance is listed as 0.7 m, which is the usual limit for a coupled rangefinder. A fast f/1.2 aperture is demanding to focus precisely with a rangefinder, so the lens may suit mirrorless cameras with adapters or live view as well. The front takes 52 mm filters.

Build and size

The lens is about 80 mm long and weighs 784 g, which is heavy for a 50 mm M lens. Artra Lab offers a black paint version limited to 80 pieces, a silver chrome version limited to 99 pieces and a brass version. According to the maker, the black paint copies a 1950s painting technique and is meant to wear off over time and reveal the copper underneath, so the paint wear is part of the intended look.

Where it fits

Among current 50 mm options for M-mount in this database, the Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH and the TTArtisan 50mm f/1.4 ASPH both have a maximum aperture of f/1.4, which is a little slower than f/1.2. Artra Lab's lens trades size and weight for the faster aperture. The Nonikkor-Nocty 50mm f/1.2 is the same maker's version for Nikon Z, Sony E and Fujifilm X.

Pros and cons

Pros

Very fast f/1.2 aperture on M-mount
11 aperture blades
Several finishes, including brass and a deliberately aging black paint
52 mm filter thread

Cons

Heavy at 784 g
Limited editions, so availability depends on the run
Rangefinder focus at f/1.2 is demanding

Verdict

The Nocturne is a niche lens for Leica M shooters who want an f/1.2 standard prime and appreciate the finish options. It is bulky and heavy by M standards, and its main appeal is the large aperture and the character of the design rather than compactness.

Technical Specifications

min focal length: 50 mm
max focal length: 50 mm
max f (min zoom): f/1.2
max f (max zoom): f/1.2
min. aperture: f/16
Elements: 8
Groups: 6
Weight: 784 g (1.73 lb)
Filter diameter: 52 mm
min focus distance: 70 cm (27.56 in)
Length: 80 mm (3.15 in)
Diameter: –

Simulate depth of field and angle of view

Which cameras does the Artra Lab Nocturne 50mm f/1.2 fit?

The Artra Lab Nocturne 50mm f/1.2 fits all Leica M-Mount cameras and covers the full 35 mm format.

Leica M-Mount cameras

Full frame:: Leica M EV1, Leica M11-D, Leica M11-P, Leica M11 Monochrom, Leica M11, Leica M10-R, Leica M10 Monochrom, Leica M-E (Typ 240), Leica M10-P, Leica M10-D, Leica M10, Leica M-D (Typ 262), Leica M (Typ 262), Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246), Leica M-P (Typ 240), Leica M (Typ 240), Leica M-E (Typ 220), Leica M Monochrom (Typ 230), Leica M9-P, Leica M9

With the Leica M-Adapter L the lens can also be used on Leica L-Mount cameras.