Voigtlander's ultra-fast 35mm for Leica M — the Nokton f/1.2 VM III with improved digital correction.
The Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.2 Aspherical VM III is the third generation of Cosina's ultra-fast 35mm for Leica M mount. At f/1.2, it is one of the fastest 35mm lenses available for any rangefinder system. The Type III specifically improves performance on digital M sensors — reducing colour shift and corner issues that earlier versions exhibited.
Optical performance is very good. Sharpness is good from f/1.2 and excellent by f/2. The f/1.2 speed on a 35mm creates extraordinary shallow DOF for a wide-angle. The Type III optical revision specifically addresses digital M sensor compatibility — the main weakness of earlier versions. Bokeh is smooth and three-dimensional.
Leica M mount with rangefinder coupling. Filter thread is 46mm — compact for f/1.2. Weight is approximately 310 grams. Build quality is outstanding Cosina precision with brass and aluminium construction. Manual focus with smooth helicoid. The Type III is the preferred version for digital M bodies due to improved corner performance.
Available on the used market at moderate prices. Check rangefinder coupling — critical at f/1.2. The Type III is specifically preferred for digital M bodies. An extraordinary fast 35mm for M-mount — the f/1.2 at 35mm creates images impossible from any other M-mount lens. Focus accuracy is absolutely critical.