3 replies to this topic

[fast_fifty]

Hi all,

 

My Nikon experience is mostly limited to film as I have a brace of F801Ss with an AF 50/1.8 which I enjoy using.  I'm interested in picking up an older, manual focus 50mm as I enjoy using manual lenses on other platforms and want one for the Nikons (and probably for adapting to my Lumix S5 at some point too).  Maybe in the future I could pick up a mechanical Nikon film SLR too.

 

I know that I need an AI lens for the F801S, to be able to meter, but if I got a pre-AI lens would it just be unable to meter, or would it not be able to mount on the camera?  Would the lack of bunny ears impact the ability to mount or the usefulness on an older mechanical SLR?

 

Beyond that, I see that there are several speed options - f/1.8, f/2 or f/1.4.  From what I've read, the f/1.4 is not great wide open but bokeh may be smoother than the slower options.  Of the slower options, there are those who like the rendering of the f/2 over the 1.8 and even the 1.4.

 

Sharpness is good but so is smooth bokeh and general rendering.  I don't need the speed of a 1.4 but if there's a big difference in rendering from f/2 to f/4 then I might consider that a better option.  I'd like to hear some opinions, whether it's from film users or digital users still using these old lenses.

 

Many thanks

[Merco_61]

Mounting a non-Ai lens on an F801 will break the Ai tab on the body as the aperture ring protrudes too far rearwards.

If I remember correctly, it is only the short Ai-S version of the 50/1.8 and the Series E that lacks the bunny ears. All the others work with full meter coupling on Nikkormats and F and F2 Photomics.

 

I would rather go for a 50 or 55 Ai f/1.2 lens than either of the slower options, not for the speed, but for the rendering. I would stay away from the 50/1.2 Ai-S as the short focus throw mahkes it harder to focus precisera than the others.

 

In this gallery are some samples from the 50/1.2 Ai.

50/1.2 Ai - Gallery - NikonForums.com

[La Bikina]

I have one Nikkor-S auto f/1.4 adapted to AI and I bought the same time with my F3 I used after with my D3x and D4 and no regrets only the close focus to 2 ft. It's the only inconvenience if I need to find one, but it's enjoyable focus with it and the quality it's awesome, mechanically solid and with one 52mm MC UV filter you solve almost all the problems with single coat.

I remember that I used in my old D2x with APS-C is like 75 mm and was pretty good idea too.

 

Peter you are right the f/1.2 it's the most desirable, I am freak so be sure my option would be the 55mm f/1.2 that it's a bit lil different and cheaper.

 

Nikon 55mm f/1.2 Review

 

If I won the lotto, the 58mm f/1.2 nocturnal would be mine

 

Nikon Noct-NIKKOR 58mm f/1.2 Review & Sample Images by Ken Rockwell

 

The price is for rich people and seriously collectors only.

[Brian]

 

The 55/1.2 is "center Sharp", edges are soft. The Ai version is optically the best with some changes to the formula, and has closer focus than the older versions.

 

The 50/2 is the sharpest of that era.