Leica Noctilux-M 75mm f/1.25

Leica Noctilux-M 75mm f/1.25 ASPH

The 75mm Noctilux is the second lens to carry the Noctilux name in the modern M lineup, joining the 50mm f/0.95 ASPH and extending the family's pursuit of extreme speed into a short telephoto focal length aimed squarely at portraiture [1][2]. Leica markets it as a portrait optic whose f/1.25 aperture, combined with the longer focal length, yields an even shallower depth of field than the faster-sounding 50mm Noctilux[4]. It was officially announced on 29 November 2017 with a US list price of $12,795, and shipping began in early 2018, placing it among the most expensive lenses in the M catalogue [3]. The lens carries model number 11676.

Optically the lens uses nine elements in six groups, with two aspherical surfaces and elements made from glass with anomalous partial dispersion to suppress aberrations across the very large aperture. A floating element built into the focusing mechanism is used to hold performance steady across the focus range, a design point Leica attributes to optical designer Peter Karbe. The barrel is substantial: it weighs just over a kilogram and is built in the understated, all-metal style typical of M lenses. Handling features include an 11-blade diaphragm intended for smooth out-of-focus rendering, an aperture ring running from f/1.25 to f/16 with click stops and unmarked half-stop detents, a broad ridged focusing ring with hard stops, a built-in retractable lens hood operated by twisting the front of the barrel, and a tripod foot on the underside of the lens itself. As a manual-focus rangefinder-coupled M lens it focuses to 0.85 m, giving roughly a 1:8.8 maximum reproduction ratio, and can also be used on Leica SL and other mirrorless bodies with an adapter.

The Noctilux-M 75mm f/1.25 ASPH has been produced as a single black anodized version since launch, and no major factory finish variants or special editions are widely documented.

Optical qualities

Rendering Reviewers describe the lens as delivering high detail wide open together with very smooth, rounded out-of-focus rendering, with the bokeh frequently cited as one of its defining traits and well suited to portraits. Leica positions the look as one of soft subject-to-background transitions with an almost three-dimensional separation at full aperture.

Bokeh and transitions The 11-blade diaphragm and the wide aperture produce backgrounds that testers characterize as creamy and nicely rounded, which is central to the lens's intended portrait use.

Distortion and vignetting Independent testing found distortion kept to a minimum, as expected for the focal length, with no obvious distortion visible in normal use.

Aberrations Chromatic aberration is generally well controlled; reviewers noted only occasional purple or blue fringing along high-contrast edges in strong light, mostly visible at 100 percent magnification rather than at normal viewing sizes.

History

Development and Launch The lens grew out of an extended development program. One reviewer who tested pre-production samples reported handling several prototype versions over an eighteen-month period, noting that converting a strong prototype into a consistent production lens was a central challenge. Leica frames the 75mm as a companion to the 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux, broadening the high-speed Noctilux concept that dates back to the original 50mm f/1.2 of the 1960s into a portrait-oriented focal length. It was unveiled in late November 2017 and reached buyers in early 2018.

Special editions No major factory special editions, regional variants, or alternative finishes for this lens are widely documented; it has been offered as a black anodized M lens under model number 11676.

Collector Notes Buyers should confirm the presence of the built-in retractable hood and the tripod foot, both standard features, and check the smooth operation of the focusing and aperture rings given the weight and complexity of the mechanism. Because the lens is large and front-heavy at over one kilogram, careful handling and accurate rangefinder calibration matter for sharp results at f/1.25. As a current-production, high-value lens, originality and complete accessories such as caps and the original packaging are worth verifying before purchase.