INTRODUCTION
Tabi basa & greetings everyone. In this post, I’d like to share about my recent trip to Niah National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whilst testing out Leica Noctilux-M 35mm ASPH., the first ever 35mm lens in the Noctilux series, designed for exceptional low-light performance and the unmistakable Noctilux’s shallow depth of field in a compact form.
MY HISTORY WITH LEICA
I have been using Leica since 2015, where I bought a used silver M9-P, along with Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH.
2015 became the year where I am trying to get used to the rewarding experience using a rangefinder, which is a totally different experience from using DSLR. Prior to that I was using a crop sensor DSLR, which was basically an experiment for me.
Before I committed to my first rangefinder, I did a lot of online research and places to purchase it. It was not easy because that time I didn’t know who I should ask about Leica. I also didn’t know any photographer at my area. So it is basically an experiment for me.
I took the plunge and to be honest, it was not easy at first. But it was a rewarding experience, though I didn’t create any images that I can be proud of in that first year. After a year of using M9-P and Summilux 50 combo, I acquired Summilux 35mm FLE. The same year also I purchased my Noctilux 50mm 0.95 after trading in Summilux 50 and few other unused gears. It was a commitment, but I bit the bullet and it was worth it indeed.
Having no influence from anyone that time, I am glad that I purchase it at my own will & without any peer pressure. Only in 2017 I finally have the courage to advertise my freelance photography works, mainly on weddings, events and portraiture.
35MM LENS
When I first started, I don’t really have a baseline or a reference. Therefore, I just experiment around. There are times when I only brought my 35mm lens when I’m doing an event photograpgy because 35mm is such a good well-rounded lens and versatile. 35mm of my choice was no doubt a Summilux 35mm FLE, but since that one was discontinued, I get 35mm FLE II.
Let’s not forget about the legendary Summicron 35mm as well. That lens was also received an Apo-treatment and eventually became one of the best, most-versatile Leica M lenses. Whenever I am doing any photography works, I always go with 35 & 50 combo. All this while, the fastest Leica 35mm lens was Summilux. Then, everything changes when Leica announced Noctilux 35mm in 29 Jan 2026.
SPECIAL APPRECIATION
Thank you to Mr Ng Chi Loon of Leica Malaysia for helping me to get this unit!
NOCTILUX-M 35MM ASPH.
Leica’s Noctilux series is the pinnacle of Leica M’s low-light & high-speed lenes, where the word Noctilux is the combination of Latin word “Noct-” (comes from the Latin word “Nox”, meaning Night) and “Lux” (Light). Therefore, Noctilux stands for Night Light. But for long-time Leica afficionado, Noctilux means “King of The Night”. Noctilux line was started in 1966 with Noctilux 50mm f/1.2, followed by Noctilux 50mm f/1.0 in 1976 until 2008. That makes Noctilux 50mm f/1 as the longest running Noctilux 50mm in the series. Evolution seems to stop for a while until the Noctilux 50mm was released in 2008.
For a while, it seems like Noctilux was only meant to be 1) 50mm and 2) Aperture f/1.2 and below. However, in 2017, Noctilux f/1.25 75mm was released. This is a beast of a portrait lens. For me it like combining the unmistakable bokeh of Noctilux 0.95 and the contrast of Apo-50.
9 years later, another Noctilux was dropped. This time, a wider angle Noctilux, an answer to many Leica afficionado prayers all around the world who wished for it. It offers a 35mm focal length for versatile, reportage-style shooting, featuring a 0.5m minimum focus distance, 3 aspherical elements, and 10/5 lens construction.
When it comes to 35mm, subject to background separation is not as appealing as compared to 50mm within the same aperture. However, thanks to its f/1.2 aperture, finally we are able to get that beautiful bokeh and most importantly, a wider angle of view. Having been using Summilux 35 and Apo-35, I’m pleased with its bokeh. Totally deserving of its Noctilux title.
Now, the next question is how to test Noctilux 35?
GEAR USED FOR TESTING
For this testing purpose, I used my trusty M10-P. In Leica digital rangefinder world, some would say is an old camera, a 24MP camera. However, for me, it is still good enough for my needs. Between upgrading lens and camera, I would always choose upgrading lens first.
TEST SITE: NIAH NATIONAL PARK
Since I will need to test in low light situation, I have decided to go to Niah National Park. Besides, it has been a while since I’ve been there. The last time I was there was when I had a photowalk using my S3, testing out S-70, S-35 and S-100 which I no longer own.
Since I spent most of my time at the urban area, it is good to go to the nature once in a while.
One thing that I love about Niah National Park is that it has Niah Cave Complex, and it has a beautiful jungle that is protected by the Sarawak government. That means it will stay green for a long, long time.
For those who didn’t know, the area was gazetted as a national park on 23rd of Nov, 1974 and the national park was opened to the public on the 1st of Jan 1975.
I can only wonder how beautiful the area is back then when it was first opened. During my recent visit, the walkway shows its age although being made from ironwood, it is incredibly sturdy and weather-resistant.
On 27th July 2024, Niah National Park was included in the UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list. This means Niah National Park is considered to have cultural, historical and scientific significance to humanity.
Niah National Park is a good place for family outing. There will be a lot of walking within the first 2km, and the subsequent 2km is all about going up and down the cave, which can be exhausting for the unprepared.
However, it will be a rewarding experience. Don’t forget to wear a good pair of shoes, mosquito protection (spray, long sleeve and pants), water / hydration, towels and good set of flashlight (or two). By having those ready, the journey to the end will be much more pleasant.
THE DAY OF TESTING
I started my journey around 7.30am and I arrived there at about 9am. Upon arrival, I learned that we can only go up to the Trader’s Cave, the first cave. The subsequent caves are being closed due to severe erosion which poses safety risks to the visitors.
I can see visible disappointment from the visitors that were with me registering their names, including one family from South Korea.
Anyway, since I am already here, I just register myself, paid RM10 and head towards the jetty.
AT THE JETTY
Since there are no bridge connecting the national park and the main land, boats are being used instead. I believe this is for security reasons.
On my way to the jetty, I have spotted few cats of Niah, which I immediately took photos. The Niah River was murkier than usual that time due to heavy rain carrying all those soil from upriver.
The boatswain ferried me across the river despite only being solo traveller. Usually they will wait for more passengers, but he made the journey since there were no one else anyway.
ACROSS THE RIVER
Upon arrival, I noticed the crocodile warning sign. Also, for those who keen to know more about Niah’s history, they are more than welcomed to visit Niah Archaeological Museum. Worry not because the admission is free.
I decided to stop by later and make my move to the Trader’s cave.
ALONG THE JOURNEY
There were a lot of beautiful sceneries along the journey. I am glad that I am using the the right shoes because the pathway is slippery due to rain, moss patch and the fallen leaves.
The weather also was surprisingly pleasant. The sky was overcast, and it acts like a huge diffuser. creating a good lighting all around the area.
Throughout the walkway, there are four shelters, namely No.1 Tenggiling, No.2 Keruing, No.3 Keli and No. 4 Nyamuk. The fourth shelter was probably named “nyamuk” because there were a lot of mosquitoes there.
The area has a lot of still water, hence becoming a good breeding ground for the mosquitoes.
The buttress root (akar banir) also impressed me, as you can see in the pictures.
TANGAP COMMUNITY CRAFT STALL AND WASHROOM
After walking for 2kms, I’ve finally arrived at the only toilet in the area. Since Niah National Park is located at the heart of the jungle, it is important that you treat it wish respect. We consider it as someone’s home, hence don’t just simply cause any unnecessary disturbance or noise.
Besides, you get to enjoy the fresh air and sound of nature.
At the craft stall, I am greeted by the ladies there.
Since the light is rather dim, and backlight was quite strong, I decided to use my flash here. The compact flash, SF-24D is perfect pair for M10.
Don’t forget to use TTL mode and change the aperture to f/1.2 in the setting.
The gate to the cave complex reminds me to the movie Jurassic Park. I am glad that there are no raptors here, or any other biologically-engineered creatures trying to chase me.
TO TRADER’S CAVE
As mentioned earlier, only Trader’s Cave is accessible. Therefore, I make full use of my time there and capture the beautiful sceneries.
The rendering of Noctilux 35 is pleasing and it is not super sharp like Apo-35 and with its signature Noctilux bokeh, it is a beautiful combo indeed. Didn’t I say its so light for a Noctilux?
Inside the Trader’s cave, there were plenty of green rocks. It was unique though. I can only imagine the things that happened there for the past thousands of years. Must be fun to watch its imaginary timelapse. If only we have such technology. Perhaps not in this lifetime.
I ascended the stairs to see for myself the noticeboard that they were talking about. Indeed, it was closed.
I was mentally ready to go all the way to the Painted Cave, but this happens. I wonder which part of the cave that was affected, but it is probably too dangerous to proceed.
After enjoying the view before my very eyes, photographed it after, I decided to go back.
TIME TO SAY GOODBYE
The journey to the jetty was relatively quick since I don’t have to stop, except for capturing the distance to the jetty and occasional shots of the surroundings.
NIAH ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
Since I have some time to kill, I decided to make a stop at the museum. Over there, I took photo of the Great Cave, named the West Mouth (Lubang Kuala). There were also a lot of interesting items there, including the story of Niah Cave and its geographical story. It feels like I am doing a geo-trip coming here and learning about the limestone cave which was originally formed as a coral reef in the Lower Miocene era.
ENDING THE JOURNEY
There was another family waiting for the boat at the jetty with me. Since the boatswain was nowhere to be seen, the kids made some noise to attract his attention. Turns out that the boatswain went somewhere, probably were having his lunch.
Upon arrival at the other side, I was spotted by my fellow photography friend, CL4Y, a figurine collector too.
HANDLING OF NOCTILUX 35MM
After using Noctilux 35 throughout the entirety of this trip, I am more convinced that this is indeed a good daily lens for M system. For my use cases, I will definitely use it for my events, especially if I plan to travel light. Just 35 and 50 is adequate for me.
Was there any focusing issue? You might ask. I had no issue with focusing at all with this lense. The focusing feels familiar despite not having a focusing tab like Summilux 35mm and Apo-35.
In terms of weight, this is not a huge lense like the Noctilux 0.95. Its weight is almost similar to Noctilux 50mm f/1.2.
As for its apeture ring, it is good and not annoyingly loose as Apo-50’s aperture ring that tend to be knocked over and goes down to smaller aperture.
Close focusing is manageable too, though those using M EV1 will benefit from this. However, for other M users, the use of Visoflex or Live View is recommended to ensure proper focusing and composition as you will be focusing closer than 0.7m and up to 0.5m.
For me that is a huge plus already because traditionally Noctilux can only focus up to 1 metre only. Only in 2017, the min focus distance was reduced to 0.85m by Noctilux 75mm, and finally down to 0.50m with the introduction of Noctilux 35mm.
When going down to the closest focusing distance, caution has to be exercised due to extremely shallow depth of field.
EPILOGUE
I had fun testing out Noctilux 35mm at Niah because I get to walk, enjoy the beautiful view and capture the surroundings using my M. I think that is the most important thing: get the gear that inspires you to keep shooting, and writing.
I hope you will find this sharing useful. Until next time, take care!
Emcee | Photographer “Tukang Rantek” | YouTube
