LEICA 35MM F1.2 NOCTILUX

THROUGH THE FOG TO THE TOP OF EUROPE
February 4, 2026
LEICA 35MM F1.2 NOCTILUX

For the past year, the 35mm f/1.2 Noctilux has been a whisper among the initiated—a lens of myth and rumor. Thanks to my friends at Leica Switzerland, I was finally able to step behind the glass.

 

My journey was one of stark contrasts, beginning in the quiet, ethereal silence of Biel-Bienne, where a dense fog offered the perfect canvas to test the lens.

 

From those muted lowlands, I ascended to the Jungfrau region, finding myself among the ancient glaciers at the "Top of Europe." What follows is a curated documentation of those forty-eight hours: a transition from the soft, veiled mists of the valley to the sharp, crystalline brilliance of the peaks. This is the 35mm Noctilux, wide open and above the clouds.

 

To see the full Feature Click here

 

 

About the author

Phil Penman

UK-born, NY-based photographer Phil Penman has documented the rapid flux of New York City's streets for over 25 years. With clients ranging from People Magazine to The Daily Telegraph, he has photographed celebrated living legends, including Jennifer Lopez and Bill Gates, and captured historical moments such as the September 11th Terrorist Attacks. Penman's distinctive style, versatility, and dedication to his craft has won him prestigious awards and exhibitions, including the Leica Fotografie international Picture Prize and distinction as one of the "52 Most Influential Street Photographers" alongside industry legends, Henri Cartier-Bresson and Sebastião Salgado

Add a comment