AI Convert or Leave Alone? Nippon Kogaku 50mm f1.4

[mudman]

Just want to make sure I don't ruin a collector's item or something by having this converted to AI instead of being left alone. Excellent condition 50mm f1.4, from about 1969 or so. Marked Nipon Kogaku instead of Nikkor (which they switched to in the 1970's). Any worries or can I get it updated to work with my other cameras without having to slap myself in the head? I can't find the AI ring conversion kit for it, so the original ring will be filed down by my local repairman. I already have the 50mm f1.8 AF, and a 50mm f2 AI.

 

[markbarendt]

I doubt the collectors value is that much, check eBay or KEH if your really worried.

http://aiconversions.com/ is where I had my 50mm f2 done.

 

[Bob-D659]

You can check the serial number at Roland vlinks site. It it is a real low #, it might have some collectors value. The original standard 1.4 lens for the F was the 5.8 cm model.

 

[mudman]

Thanks. Collectors are a funny bunch, so I just wanted to check before I put it under the knife.

Mark - I've heard the ai conversions guy is good, but so is my local guy, and I don't have to ship it around.

 

[tony lockerbie]

The older lenses have become a bit collectable if left unadulterated, but these Nikkors are quite common, so I wouldn't fret too much. Of course, you can buy an old F or Nikkormat to go with it!

 

[mudman]

Tony - It came on a Nikon F . Would like to be able to use it with all my cameras though.

 

[Dave Pritchard]

I have read many opinions that the Nikon glass is all good. The older lenses are not better than later production. Later lenses actually have better coatings.

I have an older 50mm f2, which I really like (used on my F). I decided to get a newer AI lens to go with a N90, as the non-AI would not fit.

Do you really need the half-a-stop difference in speed?
Have you tried out the f1.4 to see if it is better than the other lenses you have?

 

[Pumal]

Get a Nikon F4 and you can use it with it. Also FM and FE

 

[mudman]

I have read many opinions that the Nikon glass is all good. The older lenses are not better than later production. Later lenses actually have better coatings.

I have an older 50mm f2, which I really like (used on my F). I decided to get a newer AI lens to go with a N90, as the non-AI would not fit.

Do you really need the half-a-stop difference in speed?
Have you tried out the f1.4 to see if it is better than the other lenses you have?

yep I've used the f1.4, and while I dunno if its better, it sure is fun . Very Sharp at f1.4. Much better contrast than the f1.8 that I have. I also tend to shoot in low light a lot, so the extra 2/3rds of a stop over f1.8 would be great. I would say it's as sharp or sharper than the 50 f1.8 I have Compared to the 50 f2, I don't know. I gave that lens to my Mom to use on an N2000 a year or two ago. I do have an FE (which I'm going to sell since getting the F) but I just like to be able to use all of the lenses I own on all of my bodies (crazy as that may sound). I also own an F100, N90s, Fm2n and a D300. Why limit myself to using it on one body? I just wanted to make sure it wasn't collectible first before I had it modified.

A few shots from the f1.4

@ f1.4

@f8

@f2.8