The beauty of imperfection: Voigtlander Nokton Classic 40mm f/1.4 review

When it comes to lenses, there are 2 cults among photographers. One is chasing technical perfection. The other cherishes character and artistic expression. One can’t stand any tiny imperfection. The other hates anything that is too clinical. Due to this fact, the Voigtlander Nokton Classic 40mm f/1.4 is one of the most controversial lenses out there. It’s not a perfect lens at all, from a technical point of view it’s not even close to what’s acceptable by modern standards.

But in practical use, it can be a different story. For some people, myself included, this imperfection actually gives unique character. A soft lens with lots of vignettes, crazy flare (especially the single-coated version) and bad corner sharpness will fall so far behind any modern lens. But they have their special place in photography. Let’s take a look.

Nokton 40mm ergonomics

This lens is very small, and it’s perfect for travelling. It weighs only 175 grams, and the tiny size not only means that it’s lightweight but it’s also quite comfortable when carrying the camera with a strap. It has a very small profile from above. The camera is unlikely to get in the way or bump on anything. This is a huge advantage when travelling, I can walk a long time carrying my camera with the strap without it feeling cumbersome.

I once did a 5-hour photo walk in London with a 24-70 zoom lens. I appreciated the zoom function, but it’s very uncomfortable carrying the camera on a camera strap. I have to carry a backpack just to use it to carry the camera comfortably. It’s a pain in the ass whenever you have to take the camera out, take some shots and put it back in.

On the other hand, in Havana, I could walk with the Voigtlander lens and carry my camera with a strap all the time. I didn’t feel that tired at all. I totally think a camera strap and lightweight setup is the way to go for travel photography.

The smoothness of the zoom ring is between Zeiss Sonnar, which is very little, and Zeiss Distagon 35 f/1.4, which is very stiff. All my Voigtlander lenses have similar levels of smoothness. I have 28mm, 40mm, and 50 mm for ZM mount, and I also have 10.5 and 25mm for MFT mount. The feeling of the zoom ring is very similar. This is not the case for Zeiss. My feeling is that Voigtlander has better consistency on the focus ring smoothness than the Zeiss ZM lens. It’s surprising because both are made by the same factory in Japan.

This lens is well-built. Full metal, it feels solid in the hand. The lens cap is much better built than the Zeiss ZM. With fewer lens elements, lights can pass through less amount of glass. This results in less light lost which will give better low light performance but the lack of correction elements also make it prone to optical issues like vignetting and distortion.

Portrait photography: embracing imperfection and character

In the realm of portrait photography, the Nokton 40mm f/1.4 stands out for its ability to render images with a distinctive charm. Unlike many modern lenses that strive for perfect sharpness and minimal distortion, the Nokton celebrates the beauty of imperfection. Its f/1.4 aperture allows for a stunningly shallow depth of field, isolating subjects and creating a creamy, dreamy bokeh that feels almost tangible.

When you photograph a person with the Nokton 40mm, you’re not just capturing their likeness; you’re capturing their essence. The lens imparts a soft glow around the edges at wide apertures, lending a romantic and timeless quality to portraits. Skin tones are rendered with a pleasing warmth, and there’s a certain gentle falloff in focus that flatters the subject, making every portrait feel intimate and personal.

The 40mm focal length sits comfortably between the traditional 35mm and 50mm, providing a slightly wider perspective that feels natural and true to life. This makes it ideal for environmental portraits where you want to include a sense of place and context around your subject.

Street photography: capturing moments of authenticity

On the streets, the Nokton Classic 40mm f/1.4 truly shines. Its compact size and relatively unobtrusive appearance make it a perfect companion for candid photography. Street photographers often seek to blend into the background, capturing life as it unfolds without disturbing the scene, and the Nokton is adept at this subtle approach.

What sets this lens apart in street photography is its remarkable ability to convey mood and atmosphere. The same qualities that make it perfect for portraits—its distinctive bokeh, gentle sharpness, and warm tones—also excel in capturing the vibrancy and chaos of urban life. At f/1.4, it allows for shooting in low light, preserving the ambient glow of streetlights or the soft hues of twilight, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

The manual focus ring on the Nokton might initially seem like a drawback for fast-paced street photography, but many find it to be a blessing in disguise. The tactile experience of focusing manually encourages a slower, more deliberate approach, leading to more thoughtful compositions and a deeper connection with the subject.

The emotional impact of the Nokton Classic 40mm f/1.4

What truly makes the Voigtlander Nokton Classic 40mm f/1.4 special is the emotional response it evokes. Photography is, after all, not just about capturing light—it’s about capturing feelings, stories, and moments. This lens excels in this realm, transforming everyday scenes into visually compelling narratives imbued with emotion and depth.

For portrait photographers, it’s a tool for revealing the soul behind the eyes, capturing the nuances of expression and personality. For street photographers, it’s a window into the world, allowing them to capture fleeting moments with an authenticity that resonates.

In a market flooded with technically perfect lenses, the Voigtlander Nokton Classic 40mm f/1.4 stands out as a reminder that sometimes, perfection lies in the imperfections. It’s a lens with a soul, one that invites photographers to see the world not just through their eyes, but through their hearts.

So, whether you’re capturing the quiet intensity of a portrait or the bustling energy of the streets, the Nokton Classic 40mm f/1.4 will be your faithful companion, helping you create images that are not just seen, but felt.

Summary

If manual focusing is something you can handle, you should seriously consider this lens. The special character of this lens makes it easily stand out from all the modern lenses. It’s in Leica M mount, which means you can easily adapt it with any mirrorless camera.

The light weight is another advantage which can be fair important if you do travel and street photography. There are not many other alternatives to consider; 40 mm is not common with this focal length and weighs only 175g; you probably can’t find anything even near similar to it. By the way, it’s not that expensive at all. You can find a used copy for around $300.

Any drawbacks? For me, the real drawback is the corner sharpness. Unless you stop down to f/2, you only have good sharpness at the central 2/3 area. This can be an issue when your main subject is near the very edge of the frame. When that happens, your only choice will be shooting with a smaller aperture. But when you do that, the character of the lens will be gone. It looks just like a modern lens.