8 replies to this topic

[Patrick9]

I have an FE that looks almost new from the photo's I saw of it. I also made an offer on a FM2 with 2 lenses. It was accepted so I now have them. They need a good cleaning on the outsides but the glass and view finder are clear and clean  the meter works, and the seals look to be in good shape. I just need to replace the rubber on the focus ring of the 105 f 2.5 and free up the aperture ring on it and on the 24 f 2.8.  The feel a bit gummy or stiff when turning. The blades snap when the lever is moved so I think it is just the rings. I am hoping I don't need to disassemble the lenses to get the rings cleaned up. 

I hopefully can shoot a roll thru both bodies by this week end. Then the almost will be gone

[Merco_61]

You now have two out of five of the most classic PJ prime lenses of the late 70's. The other three are the 35/1.4, the 50/1.4 and the 180/2.8. It's a great start to the Nikon film experience. If you have to remove the bayonet mount to free the aperture ring, remember that the screws are JIS-head and not Philips, just like on a Pentax lens. Moody-tools make a great set of JIS screwdrivers that can be bought relatively cheaply.

[Patrick9]

I am hoping that I can free it up without disassembly. but if I must I will. I have a set of the screwdrivers some where here . Both lenses feel tighter stopping down than up. Almost like a coke has been spilled on it and gotten down in the ring. Luckily the Blades work fine with the lever so the lenses work just snugger than I like.

I would like a 50 and 35. The 180 might be an interesting lens to have as well.

One question I see there is an adapter that will allow me to mount my Pentax M lenses. Do the adapters work very well ?  

[Merco_61]

The adapters with a lens in them can work well, if the glass is good in the lens. Adapters without a lens lose infinity focus.

 

The cheaper alternatives to the classic 35 and 50 are quite nice too, and less temperamental in use.

The 50/1.8 was made in several versions over the years, the Series E or the short AIS are the sharpest in the corners of the manual focus ones and are the same optical formula as the AF version but with a nicer feel when focusing.

The 35/2 AI or AIS are very much better than the later AF lens. The AI has a longer focus throw than the AIS, they are both the same old 8 elements in 6 groups that was introduced in 1965, but with the AI coupling on the aperture ring. The 35/2.5 Series E is a workable substitute until one finds one of the better, faster lenses.

[Patrick9]

The adapters with a lens in them can work well, if the glass is good in the lens. Adapters without a lens lose infinity focus.

 

The cheaper alternatives to the classic 35 and 50 are quite nice too, and less temperamental in use.

The 50/1.8 was made in several versions over the years, the Series E or the short AIS are the sharpest in the corners of the manual focus ones and are the same optical formula as the AF version but with a nicer feel when focusing.

The 35/2 AI or AIS are very much better than the later AF lens. The AI has a longer focus throw than the AIS, they are both the same old 8 elements in 6 groups that was introduced in 1965, but with the AI coupling on the aperture ring. The 35/2.5 Series E is a workable substitute until one finds one of the better, faster lenses.

That is good to know. I have a Tamron 90 macro, as well as a couple of other M Pentax lenses I would like to be able to use on these bodies

A 50 is probably next on my list.

So far I have the 105/2.5 working as it should and the scale along with all the numbers clean and the colors in the scale and numbers look good. Now for a grip on the focus ring and It will be ready. the 24/2.8 is clean but still  just a  tad stiff.  The Fm2 body is clean now as well. I think I am going to replace the seals and mirror bumper then It should be ready for a roll of film. The mirror bumper shed a little while I was cleaning the mirror. The mirror was filthy.

[TBonz]

Your comments are interesting Peter.  If you are talking about the Series E from (roughly) the mid 80's, I was never much of a fan.  Note that I wasn't shooting Nikon at the time, but was working at a photo shop where we sold them.  They always seemed so plastic and breakable that I never considered them near the quality of the "standard" Nikon lenses of the day.  Perhaps I was wrong about them or was thinking of a different lens series.

[Merco_61]

The Series E is awful mechanically but very nice optically. Unlike the AF version it stays put when focused. I recommend it more as a stopgap while looking for a nice normal. They are cheap and plentiful as the EM and the Cosina-made FG-20 were sold with them as standard, at least here in Europe.
A short AIS is better built, but with the same nice optical quality.

[yauman]

Ok, you want a great prime lens for your Nikon film camera?  How about a Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 !  Now that's nice - don't remember the last time I've seen a f/1.2 lens!

[Merco_61]

Ok, you want a great prime lens for your Nikon film camera?  How about a Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 !  Now that's nice - don't remember the last time I've seen a f/1.2 lens!

It is a nice lens, but corners are more vignetted, and a bit soft compared to the AI 50/1.4 between f/1.4 and f/2.8. Flare is better controlled, though.