Old Nikon Glass

[rulnacco]

Some of that old Nikon glass is indeed pretty, pretty damn good. I live near Roberts Camera in Indianapolis, and they have a vintage shelf in the back of the used department. I've bought several Nikon non-AI lenses (for $20 or less each) and a couple of Nikkormats from back there recently; the non-AI lenses are actually very useful on my Z8, just as useable there as any AI lens would be.

A recent pickup was a New-Nikkor 135mm/f3.5 that was in truly excellent condition. I recently had a play with it on my Z8 in the studio with strobes, and here's an example of what it can do with a 47-megapixel sensor. That's had practically zero retouching or sharpening done, and I really like the falloff from the in focus to out of focus areas. (That was shot at f8 or f11, can't remember which, at the lens's closest focusing distance.)

 

[George Mann]

I'll try to get a copy of that lens. wondering how it compares to the 50mm f/1.8?

Two different universes. The early single-coated version produces uniquely stunning B&W.

Do you like the rendering of a late 70's/early 80's Summicron? Stick with an H-C Auto to Ai version of this lens.

 

[skahde]

Do you like the rendering of a late 70's/early 80's Summicron? Stick with an H-C Auto to Ai version of this lens.

Having also used several generations of the 50 mm Summicrons, that was exactly my own impression and literally my summary.

 

[IpseLux]

would that be very different from the 50 1.8 AF (pre d-version)? I used this lens for 20+ years before replacing it with the voigtländer 40mm)

P, I just purchased the Ultron 40mm f/2 SL IIS Aspherical Lens for Nikon F (Black Rim). What a magnificent lens!!!
I have a real love for Nippon Kogaku pre Ai lenses. What most folks consider limitations and shortcomings I consider character. A 50mm/1.4 is on my Df right now. What a beautiful lens!
But that Ultron is absolute perfection. Smooth as silk. Sharp like a katana. And as beautiful and in the spirit of all the great Nikkor lenses of the past. It is outstanding.
Can one make a new lens with the character and style of an old Nikkor? Voigtlander did.
Kind regards!

 

[Frank2122]

Hello
I am new to photrio.
I have Nikon FM and an F2 photomic. So far, I have only used ai(s) lenses, but am interested in pre-Ai models. Can I fit these onto my cameras? I’m not worried about metering, but am worried that either they won’t fit at all, or that they might damage the bodies.
Many thanks
Frank

 

[grant.goodes]

Hello
I am new to photrio.
I have Nikon FM and an F2 photomic. So far, I have only used ai(s) lenses, but am interested in pre-Ai models. Can I fit these onto my cameras? I’m not worried about metering, but am worried that either they won’t fit at all, or that they might damage the bodies.
Many thanks
Frank

Welcome to Photrio! Both the bodies you have are compatable with pre-AI lenses. The FM's aperture follower tab can be pivoted out of the way to safely mount a pre-AI lens. The F2 Photomic is built directly for pre-AI lenses.

 

[MartinCrabtree]

The FM2 will not work with pre-AI glass. Attempting to mount will damage the mount interface.

 

[grant.goodes]

The FM2 will not work with pre-AI glass. Attempting to mount will damage the mount interface.

Agreed, but the poster said they have an FM which _does_ work with pre-AI lenses as it has a flip-out aperture follower tab.

 

[skahde]

As Grant said. With the FM push the button and flip the tab at 2oclock on the bayonet up, mount the lens and to measure push the stop-down lever. With the F2 photomic, camera and lens will work as always.

 

[MartinCrabtree]

The FM2 will be damaged if mounting a pre-Ai lens is attempted. I was advising of that and that only. I said nothing of the FM.

 

[skahde]

As an FM2 hasn't been mentioned, this additional information came a little out of the blue.

 

[Frank2122]

Thank you, everyone, for your informative replies.

 

[MartinCrabtree]

Guess I should pay attention.

 

[skahde]

Guess I should pay attention.

All fine, together we got it sorted.