Leica 50mm F1 Noctilux Fastest Production Lens in the World The Leica Noctilux came in three types.  All were built and designed in Canada except the still in production model currently being manufactured in Solms, Germany.  The Noctilux F1 started life as the Noctilux F1.2.  The F1.2 model was a 6 element design with two glass aspherical surphaces, it was extremely difficult and expensive to manufacture and is now very rare and sought after by collectors. The new design F1 was designed with 7 elements and was no longer manufactured with Aspherical elements. Any Noctilux lens is fairly rare.  It is a marvelous lens that was designed to be used wide open at F1 with virtually no loss in sharpness or contrast.  The lens is fairly big and heavy compared to the 50mm Summicron. Leica 50mm F1 Noctilux and Leica 50mm F2 Summicron Size Comparison   Many people will tell you to opt for the Summicron.  I will tell you to get both.  The Noctilux is not meant to be compared to the Summicron for use, they are different tools for different jobs. I love this lens.  Taking pictures at night time is a Thrill you will never forget, handheld of course!  This lens will allow you to shoot, after the sun goes down, with 100asa film, handheld at 1/125-1/250.  Simply amazing.  The light of one candle is enough to take pictures with this lens.  A whole new world of photography awaits those who are bold enough to break out of the box and purchase the Noctilux.  After shooting with this lens, I can tell you that I would never be without it. City Light - Sunsets - Landscapes - Night Time Photography This lens does it all.  Don't be afraid to use it as your normal lens either.  You will get marvelous results stopped down as well.  Take this one lens with you, start shooting in the morning, keep shooting to the next morning if you like!  Theres nothing better than standing there shooting this lens handheld when evry other person is on a tripod.  They just scratch their heads and think 'this guy will never get a sharp picture' 'whats this guy doing' 'what is he shooting with?' 'thats not a Nikon' 'I'm puzzled' 'damn missed that shot'...  You will know better. Leica 50mm F1 Noctilux 1976 - Current Production Lens Elements 7 in 6 Groups Filter Size 58mm Type 1 - 60mm Type 2-3 Focal Length 50mm Aperture F1-F16 Angle of View 45 Degrees Weight 580-630 Grams SN# 2,740,000 to Current Prod. Type 1    2,740,000-2,919,656 58mm Filter/Hood 12519 Type 2    2,919,657-3,220,708 60mm Filter/Hood 12539 Type 3    3,220,709-Present 60mm Filter/Hood 12544 Leica 50mm F1.2 Noctilux 1966 - 1975 Lens Elements 6 in 4 Groups 1 Aspherical Filter Size Series 8 Focal Length 50mm Aperture F1-F16 Angle of View 45 Degrees Weight 515 Grams Hood 12503 Which Noctilux is best? The optical configuration is the same in all three types.  Only the hood and filter size changed.  Otherwise they are basically all the same.  I have the type 1 because I like having first model production and the convenience of 58mm filters.  If you use your Noctilux at F1, do not use a filter or vignetting will result.