Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical Lens for Sony E-Mount Instruction Manual

1. Product Overview

The Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical lens is a high-speed manual focus lens designed for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras. It is optimized for full-frame sensors and features an aspherical optical design. The lens incorporates electrical contacts to transmit lens settings to the camera's Exif data and supports 5-axis image stabilization by providing distance information.

Key characteristics include:

• Optimized for Sony sensors with enhanced aspheric performance.
• Features an aperture click stop switching mechanism, useful for video recording.
• Constructed with an all-metal barrel for durability.
• Manual focus operation for precise control.

Figure 1: Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical Lens. This image displays the lens from a front-side angle, showcasing its compact design and the prominent front element.

2. Setup

2.1 Mounting the Lens

1. Ensure the camera is powered off before attaching or detaching the lens.
2. Align the white index mark on the lens barrel with the corresponding index mark on the camera's lens mount.
3. Rotate the lens clockwise (when viewed from the front) until it clicks into place. Do not force the lens.

2.2 Initial Camera Settings

After mounting the lens, power on the camera. The lens's electrical contacts will communicate with the camera, enabling features such as Exif data recording and support for 5-axis image stabilization (if available on your camera model). Ensure your camera's "Release without lens" setting is disabled if you encounter issues.

3. Operating the Lens

3.1 Manual Focus

This lens features manual focus only. To achieve focus:

• Rotate the focus ring located on the front part of the lens barrel until the subject appears sharp in the viewfinder or on the camera's LCD screen.
• Utilize your camera's focus peaking and magnification assist functions for precise focusing. These features are supported by the lens's distance encoder.

3.2 Aperture Control

The aperture ring is located near the camera mount. It allows for manual adjustment of the aperture in 1/3 stop increments. The aperture range is from f/1.2 to f/22.

3.3 Click Stop Switching Mechanism

For video recording, the lens includes a mechanism to disable the aperture ring's click stops. This allows for smooth, stepless aperture adjustments during filming. To engage or disengage this feature, locate the small switch or lever on the aperture ring and move it to the desired position.

4. Care and Maintenance

• Cleaning the Lens: Use a soft, lint-free cloth or a lens brush to remove dust. For smudges or fingerprints, use a specialized lens cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth. Apply solution to the cloth, not directly to the lens.
• Storage: When not in use, attach the front and rear lens caps. Store the lens in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Avoid areas with high humidity to prevent mold growth.
• Handling: Avoid dropping or subjecting the lens to strong impacts. Do not attempt to disassemble the lens, as this will void the warranty.

5. Troubleshooting

5.1 Image Appears Out of Focus

• Ensure you are using your camera's focus peaking or magnification assist features for accurate manual focusing.
• Check that the lens is securely mounted to the camera body.

5.2 No Exif Data Recorded

• Verify that the lens is correctly attached and the electrical contacts are clean and making proper connection with the camera.
• Consult your camera's manual to ensure settings related to lens communication are correctly configured.

5.3 Aperture Ring Not Clicking

• Check the click stop switching mechanism. It may be set to the "smooth" (de-clicked) position for video recording. Adjust it back to the "clicked" position if desired.

6. Specifications

7. Warranty and Support

7.1 Warranty Information

This product is covered by a 1 Year USA Warranty. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims. The warranty covers manufacturing defects under normal use. It does not cover damage caused by misuse, accidents, unauthorized repairs, or normal wear and tear.

7.2 Customer Support

For technical assistance, service, or warranty inquiries, please contact your authorized Voigtländer dealer or the manufacturer's customer support. Refer to the contact information provided with your purchase documentation.