Rolfe: No trouble, just wanted to clarify. Since I had just purchased the manual focus AI lens that resolved my original challenge I had that on the brain and missed that in your first post you were referring specifically to the older non-AI lenses. I don't disagree with you on the non-metering finders. My most used cameras these days are non-metered and I'd have happily gotten one when I got the F2, but shock of shocks they seem to be going at a significant premium. In fact the going rate for prism finders of all types for the F or F2 seem to be little less than for a camera with the same prism, which probably explains why I saw so many bodies being sold sans finder. Now that I have the metered prism though, the thought of getting less than full function from it just bugs me even though stopped down metering wouldn't be that much of a problem.
Xmas: Yes, the significant juggling was one of the things I was considering, especially as I only continue to own 35mm gear for those times when I want to go light an mobile. Maybe a Nikon F2 doesn't strike a lot of people as light, but I'm thinking relative to the RB67 system I use otherwise.
John: I think you're right about what's happening to the price of the old non-AI lenses. These old single coated optics certainly seem to have their fans, some of them among us by the sounds of things. This combined with the fact that they can only get scarcer probably accounts for the fact there didn't seem to be any savings relative to a similar AI lens unless condition was an issue. In fact I'd say a particularly clean example might go for more. In any case the majority of them can easily be AI'd if they haven't been already if usability with a more modern camera is a consideration.
Personally though, I feel drawn to the manual focus AI/AIs lenses. It's more of a feel thing than anything else. Somewhere in the smooth motion of the focus ring with that just right amount of resistance, the satisfying heft in the hand, the smart click of the aperture dial, Nikon hit a sweet spot for me. The 50mm AF is a fine bit of optic but the more I think of it's plasticy feel (and look) and whizzy-aroundy focus ring, the happier I am to be replacing it. Having equipment one loves to use is one of the joys of analog photography.
Oh, and about cementing the ears in place: had I gone the way of modding the AF lens I would have wanted it to be undo-able without too much fuss or sign it had been done in the first place save the screws filling the holes. Even if I could have stuck it down neatly (which if you knew my history with any sort of glue you'll know there's some doubt as to) I want the option of removing it without leaving a scar. I'm with Xmas here, I'd rather not have a part bodged on to an otherwise nice lens. If the plastic aperture ring can't be relied on to hold the threads in my book it's a job best left unattempted. All's well that ends well I s'pose, now it will be. (Unattempted that is.)
-Joe
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