14 replies to this topic

[daveFM2]

Just received from eBay a gorgeous 105 f 2.5


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[Merco_61]

Do you like it, now you have had it for a while?

To me, this is the best all-rounder of all the 6 versions this classic were made in. 

 

If you don't have a hood for it, try to find a HN-8 rather than the correct HS-8 as the spring in the quick-connection tends to lose tension over the years and the last made are nearly 40 years old now. The HN-8 was an optional hood between 1971 and 1977 and is screw-on instead of snap-on.

[Jim_TX]

I once owned it's twin.

 

It's so sharp, you can shave with it in the morning.

 

Get the 85mm f/1.8 as its' companion.  What, your camera bag ain't heavy enough, yet?  

 

/i keed, i keed!

 

I'd love if Nikon made all the fast primes again.  Identical glass, but in the lighter GFRP, AF full frame barrels.  And NOT the "G" series shit.  Real aperture dials, for the win !

[Tony]

What a beautiful set up.  Really sweet.  Looking forward to viewing amazing results.  Thanks for sharing.  )

 

Tonytee.

[La Bikina]

I have one too, I use it in my Nikon D3x and D4.

I collect a lot of vintage lenses, are the best compared to the new made in China lens.

 

Nikon AI-s 105mm f/2.5 Review by Ken Rockwell

[Brian]

105, 105, 105, yes, I've heard of them...

 

nikkor_105_1 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

 

Nikkor105_Monochrom by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

 

 

P2170432 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

 

I need to get a picture of the Black bright-line 10.5cm Finder, external finder for the Nikon S2.

[La Bikina]

I like the Nikon 105mm too ....

Every different model has unic characteristics, it's true.

I only have 3, but two are the micro versions, not the f/2.5

Brian, you are a serious collector, all my respects.

[Brian]

I also have the AF-D Micro-Nikkor 105/2.8, it is sharp.

 

The "odd-one", a Nikkor-T 10.5cm F4 in F-Mount. Offered in Rangefinder S-Mount and F-Mount.

 

I'll have to get some shots of it up, it is a 3-element lens.

[Brian]

 

 

Most people probably do not know that Nikon made a small 10.5cm F4 "Nikkor-T" in F-Mount, when the Nikon F was introduced. This lens was their version of the Leica "Mountain Elmar" 10.5cm F6.3. Most of the camera manufacturers had something like this lens. Canon had the 100mm F4, Minolta had the 11cm F5.6, Zeiss had the 8.5cm F4 Triotar.  Those- all Rangefinder mount. The Nikon lens was available in S-Mount and F-mount. These lenses are not "Telephoto" designs, they are longer focal length "Achromats". All are very smooth Bokeh.

[Brian B]

Timely post.I have been looking at them lately. Yes, the IQ is outstanding. Below MTF Chart from Optical Limits.

[Merco_61]

The 105/1.4 is outstanding. 
 

This thread is, however, about the 105/2.5.

Optical limits have tested this old workhorse as well. 
Vintage Lens Test: Nikkor P.C. 105mm f/2.5

[La Bikina]

Yes, I agree with Peter.

 

The Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 still a very good price quality relation, you can find one about $150-$250.

The optic and mechanical quality is outstanding from the golden era of Nikon, another world compared to the new Nikon made in China trash junk.

If you use one, you will fall in love immediately with this classical optic.

[Merco_61]

To my mind, the essential number of 105 mm Nikkors is at least 6, possibly 7 if you count the 105/1.4.

From oldest to current:

105/2.5 Sonnar

105/4 MicroNikkor

105/2.5 Xenotar

105/1.8

105/2.8 D MicroNikkor

105/2 DC

105/1.4

 

There are some others that are nice, but what they do can be done well with one of the others.

 

When looking for a Xenotar 105/2.5, remember that the Ai-s version has a much shorter focus throw than the older versions. The 105/1.8 is more of a general short tele for PJ use than a portrait lens as this one has the same 140° focus throw as the Ai-s 105/2.5.

 

I don't use my Sonnar as much as I would like to as it needs a CLA.

[La Bikina]

For the moment, I have 3 different 105mm.

 

Nikon 105mm AI-s f/2.5

Nikon AI-s 105mm f/2.5 Review by Ken Rockwell

 

Nikon 105mm f/4 micro

Nikon 105mm f/4 Micro-NIKKOR (1970-1983)

 

Nikon 105mm AF-D 105mm micro f/2.8

Nikon AF and AF-D 105mm f/2.8 Macro Review & Sample Images by Ken Rockwell

[Ron]

One of the reasons I decided to go with Nikon after my exodus from Minolta, was the 105 f/2.5. I had a friend who owned an F2 Photomic with a small cache of lenses, one of which was a 105. I had an occasion to play with it a couple of times and was immediately struck by how smooth the focus was. It was literally like butter, with no drag or play whatsoever. My Rokkors were very smooth focusing lenses, but nothing like that 105 f/2.5.

 

--Ron