Fujifilm vs Leica — 50mm f/0.95: Which ultra-fast 50mm should you buy?
Short answer: if you want legendary Leica rendering and collectibility (and the budget for it), the Noctilux is unmatched; if you want that dreamy f/0.95 look on a budget for Fujifilm, Sony, Nikon Z, Canon RF, MFT or other mounts — the Meike 50mm f/0.95 gives you most of the aesthetic for a tiny fraction of the price. Leica Camera
Why photographers chase f/0.95 50mm lenses
An f/0.95 50mm lens delivers an ultra-shallow depth of field and extreme low-light capability — great for portraits with creamy bokeh, moody nighttime scenes, and cinematic separation of subject from background. Leica built the Noctilux as a flagship M-lens that pushes the limits of what a 50mm can do optically and aesthetically. Leica Camera
The contenders at a glance
Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 (the benchmark)
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Aperture: f/0.95 — Leica’s fastest aspherical 50mm. Leica Camera
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Who it’s for: Leica collectors, rangefinder purists, pro photographers who want iconic rendering and are comfortable with manual operation and premium pricing. Leica Camera
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Price note: historically, the Noctilux launched as a very high-end, premium lens (reports at launch put it around ~$11,000), so this is a luxury purchase as much as a photographic one. WIRED
Meike 50mm f/0.95 (affordable alternative)
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Aperture: f/0.95 — yes, Meike offers the same ultra-wide maximum aperture in a very different price bracket. Meike Global
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Optical build (high level): ~7 elements / 5 groups, 13-blade iris, ø62mm filters (specs vary slightly by mount). Meike Global
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Weight: around 420 g (varies by mount). Meike Global
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Price: typically around $189.99 USD on the Meike store — a fraction of Leica’s cost. Meike Global
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Who it’s for: photographers who want that dreamy f/0.95 look without spending thousands — hobbyists, content creators, wedding & portrait shooters on a budget, and anyone experimenting with ultra-shallow DOF.
Side-by-side: practical differences
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Build & finish
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Leica: top-tier machining, heritage M-lens feel and mount compatibility. Leica Camera
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Meike: solid budget construction, manual focus, tactile focus/aperture rings — not Leica levels but very usable. Meike Global
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Optical character
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Leica: renowned for unique “Noctilux” rendering — subjectively one of the most pleasing bokehs and tonal transitions in existence. Leica Camera
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Meike: produces strong subject isolation and pleasing bokeh for the price — you’ll get that dreamy look, though micro-contrast, flare control and corner sharpness differ from Leica’s premium optics. Meike Global
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Price & value
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Leica: a long-term collectable and statement lens — expensive. WIRED
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Meike: Incredible value if your goal is the look rather than brand prestige. Meike Global
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Who should buy which?
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Buy the Leica Noctilux if: you want the absolute best Noctilux rendering, own an M system (or plan adaptations), collect Leica gear, or pricing isn’t a constraint. Leica Camera
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Buy the Meike 50mm f/0.95 if: you want the f/0.95 aesthetic for portraits/low light on a budget, or need a lightweight manual lens compatible with many mirrorless systems. Meike Global
Quick specs (Meike 50mm f/0.95 summary)
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Focal length: 50mm (APS-C / crop field of view on many mounts)
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Maximum aperture: f/0.95
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Aperture range: f/0.95–f/16
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Elements/groups: 7 elements / 5 groups
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Iris blades: 13
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Filter thread: 62mm
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Minimum focus: ~45 cm
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Weight: ~420 g (varies by mount). Meike Global
Ready to buy? (affiliate links)
If you want the Meike 50mm f/0.95 for your system, here are the exact product pages (affiliate links you can use to purchase):
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Fujifilm X mount (recommended for Fuji shooters): Same lens — other mounts (pick your mount):
Note: Links above point to the Meike product pages you provided. Prices and stock can change — check the product page at checkout. Meike Global
Final verdict
If your budget allows and you want a historic, museum-quality lens with an iconic look, the Leica Noctilux remains in a class of its own. If you want the dramatic f/0.95 look for real work (portraits, cinematic video, low-light), and especially if you want compatibility across modern mirrorless systems without breaking the bank, grab the Meike 50mm f/0.95 for your mount from the links above. It’s the pragmatic way to get started with ultra-fast 50mm creativity.
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