Artra Lab Nonikkor-MC 35mm f/1.4 (1960s)

Leica L-Mount

Review

The Artra Lab Nonikkor-MC 35mm f/1.4, produced in the 1960s, is a fascinating piece of photographic history that continues to find relevance among contemporary photographers, especially with its Leica L mount compatibility. This lens is renowned for its sharpness and beautiful bokeh, which has led to a resurgence in interest for vintage glass.

Build Quality and Design

The Nonikkor-MC 35mm f/1.4 is beautifully constructed, featuring a robust metal body that gives it a classic charm. The lens feels solid in hand, and the attention to detail in its design enhances its vintage appeal. The focus ring is smooth and well-damped, making it easy to achieve precise focus, while the aperture ring has a nice tactile feedback, allowing for easy adjustments on the fly. However, the lens does lack modern conveniences like weather sealing, which could be a downside for outdoor shooting in challenging conditions.

Optical Performance

This lens is known for its exceptional optical performance for its time. It provides sharp images with a pleasing contrast, even wide open at f/1.4. Chromatic aberration is well-controlled, and the color rendition is quite warm, adding a nostalgic quality to images. The bokeh produced by the Nonikkor-MC is creamy and pleasant, making it an excellent choice for portraiture and creative compositions. However, users should be mindful that at wider apertures, there can be some significant vignetting, which may or may not suit your creative vision.

Compatibility with Leica L Mount

The Artra Lab Nonikkor-MC 35mm f/1.4 is an excellent match for the Leica L mount system, and thanks to adapters, it can find a home on modern Leica cameras without much hassle. Photographers will appreciate the ability to combine this vintage lens with the advanced technology of modern Leica bodies, benefiting from enhanced performance while enjoying the unique characteristics of this classic lens.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional sharpness and contrast, especially at f/1.4
• Beautiful, creamy bokeh that enhances subject isolation
• Solid, vintage build quality with smooth focus and aperture rings
• Unique character and color rendition that adds charm to images

Cons

• Lacks modern features such as weather sealing
• Noticeable vignetting at wider apertures
• Availability might be limited due to its vintage nature

Verdict

The Artra Lab Nonikkor-MC 35mm f/1.4 is a superb lens that appeals to photographers who appreciate classic optics and the character that vintage glass can bring to their work. With its beautiful build quality and impressive performance, it remains a relevant choice for both enthusiasts and professionals using Leica L mount cameras. While it does come with a few limitations typical of vintage lenses, the pros significantly outweigh the cons, making it a worthwhile addition to any lens collection.