35mm Nikon fixed focal length lenses

BMbikerider · Jan 21, 2014

Is it my imagination but in UK I cannot find one 35mm F2.8 AI or AIS lens for sale. There are plenty of the f2 models and 2.8PC lenses but none of the Plain manual focus . (No, don't suggest Fleabay I won't have anything to do with them after they declined to help when I accidentaly bought a stolen FE2 body some years ago.)

But going back to the original thread, I have never found a poor prime Nikon lens. The f2/85 AIS isn't as contrasty as the others but that is by design as a portrait lens, but it is still sharp.

E. von Hoegh · Jan 21, 2014

RalphLambrecht said:
they might be like some wines and get better with age.mine is certainly as good as it wasalmost 40 years ago.it is a marvelof optical technology.just like the 24f/2.8.well done Nikon. I know mine won't be for saleas they work perfectly with the latest digital bodiesas well.

Another vote for the 35/2 Nikkor-O, it's been my only 35 since the mid 1990s. I had it, as well as the 2.8 version, both pre-AI. I kept the f:2 because it was not only one stop faster, it has more even illumination at f:2 than the f:2.8 had at 2.8.
FWIW, the f:2 went through two professional photographers before I got it, there is quite a bit of shiny naked aluminum on the focus and aperture rings, the rest of the lens (except for the glass which is nearly perfect) has liberal wear, but the focussing is still smooth and tight, the aperture free and perfectly even - there aren't many anythings made this well any more.

mweintraub · Jan 21, 2014

I had the 35mm f2D since new and sold it for a used f2 AI-S. Couldn't be happier. I shoot both MF and AF bodies.

Don't have much experience with the 2.8 variety, but I'm sure those are stellar.

pdeeh · Jan 21, 2014

BMbikerider said:
Is it my imagination but in UK I cannot find one 35mm F2.8 AI or AIS lens for sale.

http://www.lcegroup.co.uk/Used/Nikon-Nikkor-35mm-F2.8-AI-(Manual-Focus)_69478.html

PhotoJim · Jan 21, 2014

The consensus I understand is that the 35 E is probably the worst of Nikon's 35s although it's not too awful. I'd take it for free but it wouldn't be the one I'd choose if I bought one.

The best value for money is the 35/2, any version. the AF and AF-D are best and most flexible but they are all good. If you're on a budget then simply get a 35/2.8 and sacrifice the stop.

The 35/1.4 is super pricey unfortunately.

I went crazy and bought the Rokinon 35/1.4 new. It's manual focus but has the CPU contacts for full metering compatibility and it's very sharp. It is, however, quite large.

mweintraub · Jan 21, 2014

PhotoJim said:
... The best value for money is the 35/2, any version. the AF and AF-D are best and most flexible but they are all good. If you're on a budget then simply get a 35/2.8 and sacrifice the stop. ...

I disagree. I was unhappy with the AF-D model I had. I found it pretty soft in the edges. Bjørn Rørslett's review backs this. I didn't put the Ai-S through full tests, but it's a great lens.

http://www.naturfotograf.com/lens_wide.html

gone · Jan 21, 2014

I use AI'd lenses on both my EM and FG, as well as my N8008s. No issues. These lenses also work fine on my Nikkormat FT2. What's not to love?

I'm not a wide angle shooter, but like chip used to have an AF 28 105. If you can live w/ the slow speed and pincushion issue at 28mm, boy, that is one sharp lens at 35mm!

Ricardo Miranda · Jan 21, 2014

Momus
They work fine for most functions. It is only the flash functions that are affected on the EM with AI'd lenses.

Christiaan Phleger · Jan 22, 2014

Having nearly every single one of the Nikkor 35mm (almost got a near mint O.C drat!) I'd say that the f/2 Ais represents the very best value, bang for buck lens. I also highly recommend the f/2.8 6 element >77xxx for a slow yet stellar little lens; and of course the-price-is-no-object f/1.4 N.C radioactive in factory Ai.

alinnman · Jan 22, 2014

I really like the 35 mm focal length and I have invested in *two* 35 mm lenses for Nikon..
For film bodies I use a Zeiss Distagon f/2. Marvelous glass, wonderful performance. A little on the heavy side but it is very well balanced om my F3.
For my digital camera I use the AF-D 35/2. Also very good. Autofocus is fast. When travelling I sometimes combine the AF-D lens with my Nikon FM2n. Makes a very neat package. I know test results probably would say the Nikon lens is inferior to the Zeiss but I have never seen this in practice.

clayne · Jan 23, 2014

The 35/1.4N Auto is one of my favorite lenses.

daleeman · Jan 26, 2014

Oren Grad said:
John White still does AI conversions, for not much money:

http://www.aiconversions.com/

I had him convert a 35/2 Nikkor-O that I picked up for very little money as part of a kit.

John did three of my lenses. Great job and fast turn time. A good way to step up older lenses to meet the meter needs of newer cameras.

35mm Nikon fixed focal length lenses

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