Found a Noct...

[Airy]

... AIS, 9-bladed, ser no 190xxx, very good condition, functioning and performance seem ok.
Price tag 3950, talked down to 3000€ (I know the boutique to try and sell at high prices, so I did not hesitate).

Hmmm... still hesitating...

Recent bargains, anyone (apart from the Fierce Bear of the North, who seems to be lucky) ?

[longzoom]

I have 2 of them.  The first one is 7-bladed version, beaten almost to death. I used to fix it myself - loose helicoid, oiled blades, so on...  The second one is brand new 9-bladed last version, never used. Couple years ago have tried them on D800. Put them back, on good dry shelf... Will keep them forever, for nostalgic reason of stone age film era  they were created for... In my private experience, my third-party 50mm 1.4 AF lens is universe ahead, in every measurable department one can imagine. 4x times  cheaper, 2x times bigger and heavier... It is clearly understandable, your way will vary, as well as your experience and look on such things... LZ   

[pluton]

As a recognized connoisseur of the normal lens focal lengths, you should have one.  As long as you can sell it for approximately what you paid for it, you are safe.

[Tristin]

If it is in excellent condition, the price is typical.  I am certain you are well aware of the Noct and do not need anyone to sell you on it.  I can't blame you for hesitating on the price.  Worst case scenario if you purchase it; you find it not worth the money and re-sell it for negligible, if any, loss.  Let us know how it all pns out. :-)

[John Geerts]

Price of the Noct knows a downward trend.  Three Ais versions were sold in July on ebay around 2.400 euro. 

[longzoom]

Price is staying unmovable till new version coming. It may happen at any time, as it is with new 105. Nobody predicted such innovation, so old 105/2 is losing 30% immediately, and dropping is not final. LZ

[Danulon]

And what is the likelihood of another Noct 1.2?

Afaik the 58 1.4 AF-S already was supposed to be its replacement.

[Fons Baerken]

The current price in Holland is around €2500, some 5 years it was below 2k, for me that is way too expensive, even for a voigtlander 125, which is much dearer to me.

[Frank Fremerey]

I have been thinking about the topic for a while: I will wait until I find a Neo-Noct for unter 900€, then get one.

[Airy]

Thanks all for feedback. Indeed, since I am fond of standard lenses, I am very tempted to add this very special one to the inventory (the last two additions were the 50/2 AI and the Zeiss Milvus 50/2, both second hand, yesss). Problem is, I am not even sure to use it more often, or with more satisfaction, than either of the two aforementioned lenses that only cost a fraction of the Noct. The 50/2 buy is all Fons' fault, by the way, and I do not regret it. The Noct is certainly overpriced, if only imaging qualities matter. We're paying for the legend.

Buying and reselling seems a safe option though, since the likelyhood of any similar MF lens to be produced is close to zero - Zeiss' closest matches have been released twice (Otus and Milvus versions), Samyang released a 50/1.4 that is not bad...

And concerning the MF standard lenses, I have yet to find a long nose 50/1.8 AIS.

I still have the Neo-noct as an option (a second hand one is still available, it seems...), but at 1100€.

[David H. Hartman]

Is acquiring a Noct the equivalent of achieving one's philosopher's stone?

Dave the Pauper

Perhaps if I can achieve my philosopher's stone I too could own a Noct...

[Airy]

ah ah not really

getting a 50/2 AI and enjoying it also works and costs less

In any case the aim is to achieve something with the lens that other lenses won't do. With the 50/2, the answer is simple, it has got a 6-blade diaphragm with all consequences. With the 50/1.4 SC you get that "toothpaste" bokeh on highlights, etc etc

[Jacques Pochoy]

And concerning the MF standard lenses, I have yet to find a long nose 50/1.8 AIS.

Next year, at the first Week End of June, try to get to Paris and to Bièvre's photo-fair (since you won't have the "braderie" this year), you'll find the "long nose" cheap (I got one there, with my 50/2 AI and some other lenses)... :-)

[Airy]

Great. By the way, how does it compare with the 50/2 ? (possibly in another thread)

[Jacques Pochoy]

I can't really decide... I'll do some pictures and post in another thread at the end of the week...