3 Of My Favorite Vintage Nikkor Manual Focus Lenses

[@philingram9281]

One of my favorite lenses is the Nikkor 135mm f/2 DC - use it for portraiture.

[@moustachio334]

I had the ones made before the rear protective element. Cambodian humidity and dust destroyed it while I was stuck here during covid. I was always very careful. My heart is still broken. Look forward to the day I can try the 105mm DC.

[@shy-guy5544]

Nice video. Do you think that there is an appreciable difference in image quality between the Nikkor 28mm AI and AIS versions? You mentioned that the number of elements differs. Thanks

[@Wh33lsofFortune]

One of my favorite manual focus lenses is the Nikkor H Auto 50mm f2. I converted the older knurled focus ring version to work with my D700. Absolutely love the image quality, and how smooth the focus is on that thing. I think part of the look is that single blue coating. It really does something to black and white photos. "The Japanese summicron"

[@julesvuottosphotofocus4696]

Great for macro photography with extension tubes or bellows and reversed.

[@PPISAFETY]

I agree wholeheartedly with you on these three lenses, with minor deviations based on my budget when I bought them. After the 28mm f2.8's virtues had been talked up on line, and justifiably so, prices shot up far beyond what I was willing to pay. I did some research and found that the 28mm f3.5 AI-S had also received the CRC feature and had the same optics as the 2.8 version. I got one of those for $40, evidently because it wasn't so well known. I love it, it focuses smoothly, and down to 8 inches as well. I often adapt it to my Olympus mirrorless camera, and as you suggest, leave it focused to 10 feet at f8. I then use the Oly like a point and shoot. Back in the early 70's I was a young kid learning to be a newspaper photographer. I was issued two Nikon F's and three lenses. One was the 50mm f1.4 Nikkor-S. It was often shot wide open in poor light, especially at crime scenes, and it gave a certain look to my photos, as did the pre-AI 35mm f2.8 that I liked. This was probably due to its vignetting when not stopped down. I just bought one of these, made I think in 1967, in perfect condition for $60. It gives the same look as my old one. I also have the 50mm f1.8 Series E, and the 50mm f1.8 AI "Long Nose". These two look the same in images, but I find that I can focus the AI a bit more accurately at times. As for the 105mm 2.5, I have the AI version with a longer focus throw, the one that didn't come with a hood built in. It is my favorite portrait lens, even though I have an 85mm f1.8 and a 135mm f3.5. They are great too, but I just prefer the working distance from the model afforded by the 105mm. I got this one for $75. I couldn't be happier with these three lenses, all similar to your choices.

[@julesvuottosphotofocus4696]

Thanks Tom. I love these old lenses.

[@randallstewart1224]

You hope for some basic accuracy here but.... The 5.8cm 1.4 Nikkor, unlike many of the SLR lenses introduced with the Nikon F in 1959, did not have a precursor rangefinder lens from which it was adapted. (It was introduced in 1959, not 1960.) It was a wholly new lens, designed with a longer than normal focal length to aid in managing correction of optical aberrations while giving enough back-focus to allow the reflex mirror to operate without hitting the back of the lens. Compared to the RF lenses which preceded it and fast normal lenses which replaced it, it suffers from significant chromatic aberration and field curvature. Basically, it was rushed together to launch the Nikon F, then replaced less two years later by the first version of the 50mm 1.4 Nikkor, which was the best lens of the type at the time until upended by the Pentax 50mm 1.4 in 1964. The 5.8cm Nikkor is valued as a collectible to mount on your mint Nikon F in the showcase. No knowledgeable person would actually use it to take photos they valued, unless it was the only fast, normal focal length lens available.

[@bmwohl]

Thanks very much. I've got the 105 f/2.5 and the 28 f/2.8, both in pre-AI. I bought both new in the 1970s and they've got not much use. Time to shoot more with the FTZ and my Z7. That's what retirement is for. Love your channel. ...Barry

[@julesvuottosphotofocus4696]

Thanks Barry, glad you like my channel.

[@shreyaudupa3184]

These videos are great Jules! I'm just getting started with photography and your videos have helped me find my way around my Nikon FM!! Thank you!!

[@julesvuottosphotofocus4696]

Glad to be of help. Have you seen my beginner videos?

[@lumenlarry6197]

Thanks Jules for some great info on your vintage collection! I wasn't aware of the 58mm so I'm looking for one now. It's been fun with the Z6ii, adapter and the ai, ais glass.

[@MrSimonj1970]

The 105mm is my favourite lens too - I have a PC version like yours, bought in 1987 well used, and it's still going strong on my Z6 today. Having instant 100% zoom and focus peaking make it better than ever. It's also great for macro with the PK13 extension tube. I also love my 1980s 50mm f/1.8 AIS pancake - a tiny little lens that has tons of character wide open, then gets surgically sharp by f/2.8. It will flare nicely too, despite the coatings. I do have a big soft spot for the last 50mm f/1.8 AFS too - I only paid £115 for a used one, and it can make really beautiful images. I think the cheap price makes people think it's inferior, but that's not the case.

[@julesvuottosphotofocus4696]

I agree. The 105 is fantastic.

[@neilpiper9889]

Thanks, now the prices will go up even more. I have the Nikkor p auto105mm 2.5 with the black front ring,the Nikkor 50mm f1. 4 s c auto and am looking to get a Nikkor 28mm ais. Then I will sell my F2 with all three lenses at a big profit. I have started a Ricoh kit now. I have the Kr10 with the 50mm F2 and am looking for the super sharp 28mm f3. 5. I have a indoor market stall setting people up with good kit, and of course giving advice.

[@CarmineGroe]

Thank you Jules for the great insight! Information is great! One recommendation is to present/overlay images taken with a specific lens achieving a specific result that you can speak to. Keep up the great work!

[@Nickporter17]

Thanks for the comparison video! I'm just getting into film shooting with manual lenses. Coming over from high end digital stuff. Anyways I appreciate your recommendations. The only thing feedback wise is the mix was pretty off on this one. Your voiceover stuff was really quiet and the intro and outro music was really loud.

[@Narsuitus]

The 28 and the 105 are two of the finest Nikon lenses. I love using the 28 for landscapes and the 105 for head & shoulder portraits.

[@JB-ou6fl]

Thanks for making this video. It is interesting to see the older (pre-AI) Nikon lenses. I have a collection of AI-S lenses and I like how they look, the metal construction, and the smooth focusing experience.

[@julesvuottosphotofocus4696]

Thank you. The quality of the construction is right up there with Leica in my opinion.

[@JB-ou6fl]

That is good to hear. I do not have Leica lenses and I cannot afford them. So it is nice to hear that the AI-S lenses have a similar build quality.

[@skaterdude10001]

I love my ai-s converted 105mm! i've only had mine for 6 months though, a far cry from 3 decades!

[@julesvuottosphotofocus4696]

Fantastic lens. Holds up well even today compared to much newer lenses.

[@richardsimms251]

Gee. What a great video. I learned a lot of good things about these lenses of which I have several, along with my Nikon F3 HPs. Thank you. RS. Canada

[@grandpascuba]

The 105mm f/2.5 is also my all time favorite Nikon lens, of all Nikon lenses (among MF and AF lenses).

[@julesvuottosphotofocus4696]

I did thousands of head shots with that lens in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.

[@NikolajFreiesleben]

My 3 favorites are ais35/1.4, ais50/1.8 and ai105/2.5

[@julesvuottosphotofocus4696]

I never owned the 35 1.4, but heard many great things about it.

[@micheledeidda2565]

I like the subtle spun: THE FOCUS OF THIS VIDEO IS ..... Thanks , really nice and interesting video.

[@julesvuottosphotofocus4696]

Thank you Michele.

[@davidsharp3675]

Got my 10.5cm f2.5. Its gorgeous and looks great on my F with G2 screen

[@julesvuottosphotofocus4696]

One of my favorite all time lenses. Enjoy.

[@Nikonman77]

Dude , you the man bro … so Studley man. Mel’s completely riveted I don’t know if I can handle the excitement coming off of your show man keep it up brother… oh yeah they’re my favorites to you cannot beat those vintage lenses for sharpness and color resolution

[@julesvuottosphotofocus4696]

Thank you. Look for my video on Nikon F and F2 focusing screens coming October 20th.

[@zsigmondfoldessy8785]

The Nikkor 50mm / 1.2 is the king! :-)

[@julesvuottosphotofocus4696]

Never owned it. Maybe someday.

[@richardsimms251]

Really, a great video presentation of 3 wonderful lenses. I have all 3 and agree with you. Thank you. RS. Canada.

[@roybixby6135]

Great choice. Only I would choose the 24mm over the 28mm.

[@Dstonephoto]

I’ve been on the fence about grabbing the 28mm 2.8d for a D700 as a fun setup for travel/street. The internet claims it’s a dog of a lens and that the AIS version you cited outperforms it. I’ve been shooting for several years and think I know my way around this treacherous minefield of opinions on optics but I’m truly stumped due to the seemingly general consensus . The 2.8d appeals to me because of the autofocus and it’s size . I love manual focus but there’s an appeal about having AF. Is the 28mm 2.8d the tragedy people make it out to be (I’m not concerned with flare or corner sharpness, or , as is often the case, is this blown out of proportion )? I briefly used the 20mm 2.8d and couldn’t fault it and thought the images were fine. Do the tables turn on this matter if we throw that lens on a d810 or d850?

[@julesvuottosphotofocus4696]

I have both but have never compared them side by side. I prefer a manual focus for street photography of people setting the lens for hyper focal focus and just raising the camera to shoot. The AIS is also much better made. I don’t think the AF version is a bad lens. I should do a video comparing them. You got me wondering if the AIS is really that much better. Thanks for your comment.

[@davidsharp9805]

Got myself an old 10.5cm too and its a beauty on my 63 Nikon F

[@elenablanche6859]

что можете сказать про 180мм 2.8 никон никкор для портретов снимали ли Вы на него какая версия лучше

[@jean-claudemuller3199]

Nikkor 105 2.5 exists in 2 very different optical constructions, both with 5 lenses. The first dreamy version came out in 1953 for Nikon S rangefinder cameras and modified in F mount in 1959. in 1973 beginning with serial number 500001 came the new pre-AI optical construction sharper and less dreamy in 1977 it was modified in Ai series in 1981 in AI-Sseries

[@julesvuottosphotofocus4696]

You are correct. I should have stated that I compared the Minolta to the 1959 version.

[@reinhartreuschel5499]

That's o.k. For me, the 2.8/28 AIS CRC is one of the best Nikkors ever. My 55 and 105 mm lenses are the 'Micros' with f 3.5 und f 4.0 - use them all on Nikon F cameras and Nikon D300. Another finde Oldie is the older Version of the Nikkor Q-Auto 4/200 - on D300 a crisp and very low cost bur pretty lens (here: 300 mm).

[@douglaslemus1726]

I have the 105 and 28mm Ai version love them both. Is there a significant difference between the ai and ais versions??

[@julesvuottosphotofocus4696]

The 28mm 2.8 AIS is an 8 element design and is superior to the 28 AI which is a 7 Element design. The 105’s I believe are the same optically but the AIS has a built in shade and shorter focus throw.

[@douglaslemus1726]

Damn should I replace the Nikon 28 ai then ahaha

[@julesvuottosphotofocus4696]

@@douglaslemus1726 I wouldn't as long as you are pleased with its performance.

[@terrywbreedlove]

Don’t like my 28mm AIS. Good sharp lens just don’t like the focal length. Love my 55 F2.8 AIS micro sharp as a tac that lives on my F3. My old non ai 35mm really is a great focal length for me it lives on my F2. My 135mm F2 AIS is a special lens I don’t use much but such a fantastic lens. I have so many 50mm 1.8 and 1.4 lenses. Every time I buy an old Nikon they always seem to come with a 50mm. Now I want to add a 20mm f2.8 and 85mm 1.4 AIS lenses to my kit. I can shoot them on the D850 and F3hp.

[@unclefester6501]

Awesome video. Thank you.

[@alwinbenjamin]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@randallstewart175]

Like most of the few 1.4 lenses made in the late 1950s, the 58mm Nikkor is not much to write home about. It's almost worthless wide open, and it runs well behind other Nikkors at f 8.0. As soon as Nikon could devote time and effort to designing a new normal focal length 1.4 lens, they did so. The 50mm 1.4 replaced it in 1962, and moved Nikon from the rear of the pack to the leader position until the Pentax 50mm 14 was introduced several years later. I bought my first new SLR in 1962 along with the new 50mm 1.4 Nikkor. I used it exclusively (for economic reasons) until 1976 and have many excellent 11x14 inch enlargements to show for it. In 1976, I also bought the 105mm 2,5, which deserves its reputation IMO. It was stolen and replaced with the later double Gauss design version. I also bought the 28mm 3.5 in 1976, having the last optical formula for that lens, which transitioned to Al and AIs mounts up to 1983. It may be the most ignored uber-lens in the Nikkor inventory, and I added a 28mm 2.0 later (also a Nikkor uber lens), so I've not tried the 28mm 2.8. A three prime lens kit of 28mm, 50mm and 105mm will cover nearly all general photography in my experience.

[@artoffighting06]

You've got to be kidding me, ..what??? 5,8cm equals 58mm, for real? Thanks for clarifying that; finally ..finally my life begins to make sense. :O

[@unclefester6501]

They told me we were converting completely to the metric system by 1976 and made us learn all of it in grade school. Guess they've given up on that.