Hoping to build a system, some lens recommendations please - Nikon

fotch · Apr 19, 2013

LJSLATER said:
Good point. I'm extremely compulsive, so I NEED to have a 100% viewfinder. This also means I've filed my negative carrier on my enlarger, and I leave my slides unmounted which is fine except I can't project them.

It's probably easier for most to use a viewfinder with 95-97% coverage.

Or use 100% for all except slides, then use a 97% viewfinder camera, like an FE or? I never found it that hard to allow some space when shooting slides with my F3.

Klainmeister · Apr 19, 2013

I feel like I opened up a Pandora's Box here. I guess I need to start making some decisions. Because we also have a D series Nikon camera, another thought it to get a N90s with a motorwind and then go for those first gen lenses and be happy with it. Just never used those before.

ac12 · Apr 19, 2013

I have a 35-105 on my F3 and a 28-85 autofocus on my F4. I like short zooms for the convenience. But the cost is a slower lens.
About zooms. If you have a MANUAL focus lens, then a 1-ring push/pull zoom focus ring is great. If you have an AUTOFOCUS lens on an autofocus body, then a 2-ring zoom would work, and you just ignore the focus ring.
WARNING. If you need to service a zoom, expect it to cost a LOT $$$. This is simply because the zoom mechanism makes it more time consuming to disassemble and reassemble (and colimate) than a prime lens. I was given a $200+ estimate to CLA my 80-200/f4 zoom.

I prefer the F3 w/o a motor. w/o the motor, it is easier to handle and lighter. The times that I wanted a motor drive is less than 1/10 of 1%, so I feel it is not worth it, unless its is free. But then how much less would the F3 be w/o the "free" motor drive?

lxdude · Apr 19, 2013

An F4 would give you the high shutter speeds, along with a 100% viewinder, but it's big and heavy. Newer models like the N8008s, the N90s, and the F100 give you great capability with high shutter speeds, and are proven reliable, also. The N8008s and N90S are really dirt cheap these days. I don't have a problem focusing manually with these AF cameras, but if it is a problem, you can get an aftermarket screen.

Halka · Apr 20, 2013

Klainmeister said:
Looks like $250 is the going rate for the 35mm f/2

Is there any zooms that go from let's say 28-70 or anything that's worth considering. I've been a prime guy, but I am thinking this will be motor winder + wide/mid zoom for quick shooting.

On KEH for example, yes. I've been looking for one on the bay, and some examples from respectable (enough) sellers just sold for about USD 150. Not sure about you, but I've taken a plunge a few times and wasn't disappointed. Just give it time and inspect the seller's history thoroughly. Just a rule of thumb: don't look at anyone that has < 99.7% positive feedback

The used market in the USA is nice, but since shipping prices and import taxes are quite substantial, I've been forced to rely on the auction site more.

Klainmeister · Apr 20, 2013

I tend to shop with KEH because I aint much of a gambler, and frankly, they've had such amazing customer service I couldn't imagine why not.

Right now, looks like we are going to end up with an F100+motor, 50mm 1.4 AF, 20mm 2.8 AF, 35mm 2.0 AF, and the 75-300 4.0 AF. At least, that's how the current mood feels.

waynecrider · Apr 20, 2013

Klainmeister said:
I was going to go Pentax but now thinking Nikon will be easier since we have so much gear anyhow.

Ah what fun to speculate on a new system and accessories. (When so much can sit unused.) It stirs the blood and imagination. Beeeelch; excuse me.

Anyways, I picked up a FT2 Nikkormat last year, and while I was in a funky get rid of everything mood last week, upon perusing the body and lenses for marks, pre sale, I realized that it was just to nice of a small system to sell. I only put it together for about $200, + or -, body, 50 Non-Ai f2 and 35mm AIS. It was really the 35mm that influenced my decision. The difference between this body and some of the Nikon AF's that I own or have handled, is that this body has personality; It's not a plastic fantastic computer does it all machine. I want to pick it up and use it; If I wasn't so bored with the offerings around town. It also has the magnificent stop down push button on the top plate. Now while I'm not looking to influence your decision towards such a doorstop, I wonder what it is about the medium format system that turns you off. Because I've got to say that any extra real estate, from my estimation, is a big plus for big prints. Pentax on the other hand will always be a draw for me. Some lenses are just magic.

So I'll make an intermediary suggestion before you go whole-hog AF. (boring) Especially since your out in what I consider some prime real estate for shooting. Buy yourself a wide format folder. Light, 120 film, some great lenses and fun to shoot, with personalities, and some are cheap. Sell the rest in the meantime and sit on your thoughts. You just never know how your mind will, or can change regarding what might be (another) right camera.

Klainmeister · Apr 20, 2013

Well, my new project is 4x5 pinholes enlarged to 20x24 in the darkroom and I have sheets full of 6x7 that I am doing a lith portfolio with. My consideration of the early AF lenses is that they have good quality and can meter correctly with my D5100. I use digital for film making, so having interchangable systems is a major plus for me. I'll still have a Yaschica TLR and a 4x5 with multiple lenses and hoping to get a 6x12 back. That should give me numerous options for shooting.

In all honesty, I wouldn't have considered 35mm at all until recently, when I was enlarging some Acros negatives and realized that they are so sharp and beautiful that I really began to wonder why I was shooting 6x7 to begin with. Tonality, yes, but then that's what the 4x5 is for. Also, I got 80 rolls of 35mm for less than $100 (all Acros 100, Neopan 400, Tmax 100 and 400), so I need an excuse to shoot em!

cjbecker · Apr 20, 2013

I would say to only buy lenses when there is a need, That will make you very proficient with the lenses that you have. For about 5 years I only shot with a normal lens. 50 on 135 and 80 on 6x6. Finally I had a valid reason for a wide a few years back and have shot with it and learned its uses. a few months ago I needed a tele and now use it and still learning it's strengths and weaknesses. but it really makes you use the lenses to there beat ability and let's you brain do less thinking and just let the images make themselves.

Lamar · Apr 20, 2013

Interestingly enough with all my cameras, film and digital, the one that I get the most satisfaction from is the Nikon F Photomic FTn.... About the only time I break out the F100, as great a camera as it is, is when I use my 80-400mm and that is just so I can shoot handheld using VR.........

Klainmeister · Apr 20, 2013

Lamar said:
Interestingly enough with all my cameras, film and digital, the one that I get the most satisfaction from is the Nikon F Photomic FTn.... About the only time I break out the F100, as great a camera as it is, is when I use my 80-400mm and that is just so I can shoot handheld using VR.........

That's the other consideration: buy an older system because of the character, and just get a N90 or something for the zoom lens shooting. Heck, who knows?! Too many great options out there.

brofkand · Apr 20, 2013

I actually just got a Nikkormat FTN with a 55 3.5 Micro (see my earlier thread in this forum). I expected to just sell it, but since I have so little invested in it I might keep it. Seems like a beautiful camera! Hoping to get to the local arboretum to test out the lens.

ac12 · Apr 20, 2013

KSK
I would think twice about the 20. With a lens that wide you have to be very careful about wide angle distortion.

MartinCrabtree · Apr 20, 2013

I'm drooling over the F5 Nikon.

LiamG · Apr 20, 2013

Klainmeister said:
I tend to shop with KEH because I aint much of a gambler, and frankly, they've had such amazing customer service I couldn't imagine why not.

Right now, looks like we are going to end up with an F100+motor, 50mm 1.4 AF, 20mm 2.8 AF, 35mm 2.0 AF, and the 75-300 4.0 AF. At least, that's how the current mood feels.

Looking at that list, my only suggestion would be consider rolling the 20mm & 35mm into the 20-35 f/2.8 AF-D; it's heavier than each, but not both, better made, cheaper than both together (if you get one in the $600 range), and a competitive performer optically. On the other hand, just having a light body with a light wide angle is nice, sometimes I wish I had that option. Still, it's my only Nikon wide-angle currently, and it's never let me down.

Klainmeister · Apr 21, 2013

Ok, so options continue to grow. I guess at this point maybe considering an FA and a 35mm F/2 and just sticking with that--seeing as though that's my ideal lens and I really prefer the older build in my hands. I just got offered a gorgeous nickel plated Zone Vi 4x5 with two brand new Schneider lenses for a good price, so Nikon stuff might not be top priority at the moment!

Vilk · Apr 21, 2013

F2 and never ask these questions again (you'll be just growing your F2 stable for the rest of your life )

be patient and wait for the 35/2 O.C and 85/1.8 H.C; buying anything else now will just extend the wait before you get these two

ps. of the dozens of Nikons I have owned the two FAs and the F3 were the only ones that failed on the job; anecdotal, I know, but hey, life's a joke anyway, no?

Klainmeister · Apr 21, 2013

Haha, glad to know that!

Les Sarile · Apr 21, 2013

Klainmeister said:
Ok, so options continue to grow. I guess at this point maybe considering an FA and a 35mm F/2 and just sticking with that--seeing as though that's my ideal lens and I really prefer the older build in my hands. I just got offered a gorgeous nickel plated Zone Vi 4x5 with two brand new Schneider lenses for a good price, so Nikon stuff might not be top priority at the moment!

If you need the featureset of the FA then there is no manual focus Nikon alternative. Besides, it really is a fine shooter!

Hoping to build a system, some lens recommendations please - Nikon

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