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Photo

Bought my first Nikon DSLR


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4 replies to this topic

#1
Stillshot2

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It's a D750, am enjoying the 50mm 1.8g with it, now just need a longer lens. Tried a 135mm f2.8 ai but focus ring was very stiff and had to send it back. Do the older scalloped lenses have this problem with the grease drying up and getting stiff too?

#2
Merco_61

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It is mostly a question of how the lenses have been stored, used and serviced.

 

The 135/2.8 Ai has a wide helicoid, similar to the 180 and gets stiffer when not in use, the 105/2.5 Ai has less problems like this. The same goes for the 135/2 and the 135/3.5 in all versions. 



#3
Stillshot2

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Ok that's useful information. I'm looking at a scalloped focus ring version 105mm f2.5. that has been AI'D. Would that be a good lasting option for my dD750?

#4
Merco_61

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Probably, if it hasn't been abused.

 

One thing to remember about these is that there were three different versions.

  • The first one was made from 1959 until March 1971. It is a wonderful portrait lens but the later versions have much sharper corners. It has a smaller rear element than later versions. It is basically a Sonnar formula lens with the 5 elements placed in 3 groups.
  • The second one (1971 to 1973) is still single-coated but is a Double-Gauss formula with a more even sharpness and contrast, making it slightly better for landscape photography. 4 groups.
  • The third one 1973-March 1975) is the same optically as the later K and Ai versions with multi-coated elements handling shooting against the light much better without losing contrast. Still Double-Gauss, but with better coatings. Marked P•C on the front bezel.


#5
Stillshot2

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Got a P-C version on the way that was factory AI converted. Fingers crossed but I'm excited for it since it looks like it's built very tank-like, similar to my old Super Takumar lenses