Why do some people prefer Nikon pre-AI glass to later Nikon glass?

Soeren · Nov 6, 2016

chip j said:
Ignorance is Bliss

So you're able to tell which lens was used, be it Ai nikor, pre Ai nikor, zeiss or Canon or whatever, no matter the process otherwise in question
Then this one should be easy for you

kobaltus · Nov 7, 2016

BMbikerider · Nov 7, 2016

I will go along with the later lenses feeling almost like toys. However the earlier lenses were/are acknowledged as being softer in contrast but with B&W this is possibly a bonus. Shadows are not so likely to get blocked up or highlights burnt out. I use all AF lenses with my F6 and so far have managed to deal with the increased contrast by increasing exposure and reducing development.
When comparing my AF Nikon lenses with those of my Bronica ETRSi, I use the earlier 'E' Lenses wich have slightly lower contrast and the effect is just the same. This also seems to give better colour rendering with colour negative film, the colours being less saturated and more natural.

jonasfj · Nov 7, 2016

I prefer AI-s lenses. I guess the main (and probably only) reason is that it is practical to put some boundaries when you are collecting something. I want to use the lenses on different bodies, including digital, so it had to be AI or AI-s.

I now have the following AI-s lenses:

28/2.8 AI-s crc - very cool because of it's biting sharpness and the close focusing distance

50/1.2 AI-s - not as sharp as modern lenses, but the out-of-focus areas have a certina very cool look

105/2.5 AI-s - very sharp and beautiful out-of-focus areas

Use use these lenses on a Nikon FE, Nikon FA, Nikon F4 and Nikon F100. I used to have a Nikon D700 and am thinking about getting a D750 or D810.

Cheers,

Jonas

chip j · Nov 7, 2016

BMbikerider said:
I will go along with the later lenses feeling almost like toys. However the earlier lenses were/are acknowledged as being softer in contrast but with B&W this is possibly a bonus. Shadows are not so likely to get blocked up or highlights burnt out. I use all AF lenses with my F6 and so far have managed to deal with the increased contrast by increasing exposure and reducing development.
When comparing my AF Nikon lenses with those of my Bronica ETRSi, I use the earlier 'E' Lenses wich have slightly lower contrast and the effect is just the same. This also seems to give better colour rendering with colour negative film, the colours being less saturated and more natural.

Interesting about the color neg film--I hate "gangbusters" color and will never use Velvia for that reason. This world is phony enough.

Theo Sulphate · Nov 7, 2016

Soeren said:
...
Then this one should be easy for youView attachment 166714

28mm f/2.8 AIS, set at f/8
B+W UV filter
Nikon FE, 1/125
Agfacolor, ISO 100, frame 16
Swans are Gertrud, "Mike", and Rolf

Easy.

Soeren · Nov 7, 2016

Theo Sulphate said:
28mm f/2.8 AIS, set at f/8
B+W UV filter
Nikon FE, 1/125
Agfacolor, ISO 100, frame 16
Swans are Gertrud, "Mike", and Rolf

Easy.

Wauv how did you know? Did you read on the back of the photo?

blockend · Nov 7, 2016

Soeren said:
Then this one should be easy for you

After a scanner and the internet has had its wicked way, I'm surprised people can claim anything of a screen viewed image. It looks like slide film, but even that can be messed with in PS.

Soeren · Nov 7, 2016

blockend said:
After a scanner and the internet has had its wicked way, I'm surprised people can claim anything of a screen viewed image. It looks like slide film, but even that can be messed with in PS.

Yes you're right
It is slide film, straight scan and otherwise untouched

flavio81 · Nov 8, 2016

Theo Sulphate said:
28mm f/2.8 AIS, set at f/8
B+W UV filter
Nikon FE, 1/125
Agfacolor, ISO 100, frame 16
Swans are Gertrud, "Mike", and Rolf

Easy.

You forgot to figure out that the pH of the water was 7.2 that day.

Soeren · Nov 8, 2016

Actually 5,8 and highly radioactive.
It was a trick question
Film is fuji provia 400 120 and the lens is the mamiya sekor 80mm f/2,8 on mamiya 645 Pro.

Why do some people prefer Nikon pre-AI glass to later Nikon glass?

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