"blooming" in old nikkor lenses

[tglmatt]

Ive been testing out a few pre-ai nikon lenses lately and ive noticed on all of them that there is significant "blooming" or glowing in the brightest highlights. The ones Ive tried are the 35mm 2.8 nikkor S, and the 200mm f/4 Q. Neither had any filters on them and both were somewhat bad, with the 35mm getting somewhat better when stopped down. I was originally planning to buy a few of these lenses, but if this is a normal thing among older nikkors then I think Im going to go for something a bit newer. So to people who have used these types of lenses before, are the ones I found an anomaly due to light haze or something, or is this just something you have to live with on these older lenses?

Sorry i cant provide any test shots, they are all on film and Im waiting on another c41 kit atm. Still, any input would be appreciated

 

[sissysphoto]

probably need disassembly and cleaning

 

[cooltouch]

I've run into what I've always referred to as "blooming flare" on some old aftermarket lenses, which typically disappears once the lens is stopped down a stop or two. I have a few pre-AI Nikkors -- none of which match yours -- but I've never noticed this with mine. Neither of your lenses are multi-coated, though (or else they'd have a "C" after the S and Q), so this might be some of the problem.

 

[Eric Rose]

Isn't that what they call the "Leica glow"

 

[chip j]

I have a bunch old Nikkors--if my highlights "glow', I'm happy.

 

[jim10219]

Yeah, I’ve noticed this problem as well. It really only effects the lenses in bright, contrasty scenes when the lens is shot wide open. Filters and hoods don’t help, but stopping down does. The newer ones have better coatings and don’t really suffer from this as much. It’s one reasons I prefer my old manual focus Pentax lenses to my old Nikkors. That SMC coating was ahead of its time.