How to Choose Nikon Old Lenses // Nikkor Lens Selection Guide

/ steventanno
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Music by: @ScottBuckley
released under CC-BY 4.0
www.scottbuckly.com.au
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[@jph364]

Dear Steven, many thanks for sharing all these videos that are a clear demonstration of your passion for craftmanship.

[@StevenTanno]

thanks

[@dsaintcrow7077]

I just fall in love, what a passion you show when talk about all this.

[@andrewtongue7084]

Thank you, Steven. In this video, you endorse all that I (personally) believe in Nikon Pre - A I, A I, & A I - S optics; the significance of the 'rabbit ear' coupling was not lost on me. Your passion for these cameras & accompanying lenses is clearly defined. I too love my Nikons !

[@eddyhoughton6542]

Nikon's commitment to lifelong quality and product compatability is admirable, and typical of Japanese manufacturing. Just like with musical instruments, Japan has the truest dedication to quality. Japanese manufacturers like Murumatsu, Yamaha, and Pearl offer instruments that last a lifetime and give solid performance. Steven, thank you for sharing your passion with the rest of the world.

[@mattstone6884]

Like the F3 and the F4, the Nikon FE can also accept the pre-AI lenses, as it also has the button which lifts up the tab on the camera body.

[@andrescastro8198]

OMG I just found your channel and it’s gold! I love vintage and good quality lenses, not these cheap plastic ones from today, which I find very unfortunate from Nikon to have taken that route two decades ago

[@StevenTanno]

Thank you :))

[@thebestoffools]

Super interesting. I have been shooting with a Nikkormat FT3 from around 1983-84 up to when I switched to digital and had no idea why some of my lenses had that shoe. I still have this camera and it works like new. Best camera ever. Thanks for the video!

[@SimplifyingIT]

My father recently passed away and I have all of his Nikon camera equipment. Series F, and FN body plus a range of lenses. Your video was amazing and exactly what I needed to know. I'm looking into a mirrorless Z6ii, I'm so excited to be able to use his old lenses 😊

[@StevenTanno]

Thank you, much appreciate.

[@ericredelman2568]

condolences for your loss. That's very cool that you get to carry on with his old lenses. Take care buddy

[@eddyhoughton6542]

There is no better way to honour your father than to put his equipment to good use. I genuinely hope my children and future grandchildren will continue to benefit from our collection of camera equipment once I have passed. Currently, my daughter, who has grown up in the digital age, is discovering the joy of analogue photography.

[@tonyklein6499]

The best overview of Nikon lenses I ever heard. Thank you.

[@marcgravel3010]

Fantastic video. Great information. Love the B-roll. Love the music. Very interesting naration. Very useful. Thank-you for doing it.

[@StevenTanno]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@patricklindahl868]

I bought a Nikkormat in 1972 (I think) with a Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 and later on a Nikkor-Q 200mm f/4 which I still have. I have used these lenses on my Z6 with an FTZ adapter and I love the smoothness and the color in these lenses. The Nikkormat is used by my son when he want to experiment with film.

[@StevenTanno]

Yes, I love old auto lens too. Thank you very much :)

[@hubertthong7405]

Just discovered your channel Tanno-san. I am picking up photography again after a 30 year gap. I am a fan of older Nikon glass. I currently only use D90 with both AF and non-AF lenses. Hope for more content on a subject we love .... old Nikon glass !!

[@vominator]

Nice. This is probably one of the best videos on these lenses. Good explanation of the evolution and functions. I think too many people just copy the info from somewhere else for their script or notes, and the result is all over the place.

[@StevenTanno]

Thank you so much :)

[@ericredelman2568]

I was in Robert's camera trying to buy an old lens today and I knew the chick didn't know what she was talking about, saying I couldn't use an FTZ to mount it on my z5. I listened to her, didn't spend the $20 and came home and this video pops up on my feed 🤦‍♂

[@RedHell2884]

I am a Nikon fan, I hope to meet you and go on a long photography tour with you. I greatly admire you and believe that you are the best KZbinr ever when it comes to talking about Nikon cameras. With full appreciation and respect : ) Anas

[@StevenTanno]

Thank you so much Anas, have a nice weekend :)

[@jojoaausone]

Fascinating story. Thanks, Steve!

[@withwolves100]

Excellent video - very informative! Well done!!!

[@aniketwagle]

Excellent Video and Great Learning Experience.

[@FZC83]

This video is really helpful! thanks for sharing.

[@terrygoyan3022]

Just a couple of notes from someone that has used Nikkor/Nikon lenses for fifty years now. Not all ais lenses had their focus throw shortened. Supposedly the aperture control lever was made to make it more linear in actuation. This was done to improve shutter priority exposure accuracy. Another way to tell an ais lens is but a small scoop in the mount. On some cameras it would communicate the focal length. This would help the camera to decide the correct shutter speed range in program mode. Great video! Subscribed.

[@alexparson4472]

Fantastic. Great information and very detailed. This is one of the best informative tutorial I have come across on Camera and lenses. Thank you.

[@jakaskorjanc2598]

Steven, thank you for outstanding and memorable reviews.

[@StevenTanno]

Glad you like them!

[@xiaodixu4913]

so useful and exciting !

[@swansong007]

You are very knowledgeable about Nikon equipment. I’ve learnt a lot from watching your channel. Great stuff.

[@matthewc1m2m3m2]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@chrisloomis1489]

Pre AI , and the AI are correct for my F3 era. Steven , my Elder sister shot on NIKON until her gear was stolen , she loved that glass.

[@justinwasbored]

17:53 Hi, Steven! About a year ago I saw your videos about the Nikon F3 when researching where to strategically spend my money as a student. Your advice helped a lot. Thank you. ❤ Recently I stumbled onto the 35mm f1.4 lens you recommended at a flea market for about 80€. Probably the best value lens purchase I’ve made so far. Thanks you for this amazing tip. Take much care and keep up the great work!

[@StevenTanno]

I am glad and thank！

[@KimHojbergJensen]

Thank you for another great video. I have the 55mm f2.8 ai-s micro, the 35mm f1.4 and the 28mm f2 are now on my list ❤👍❤

[@StevenTanno]

Thank you 👍

[@blvanck]

Thanks for making this detailed video.

[@pascalcr6790]

Finally someone producing super high quality videos, its amazing. thanks a lot

[@StevenTanno]

Thanks：）

[@peterwilson7532]

That was a very enjoyable watch. You have a wonderful mellow manner and a beautiful accent. Subscribed.

[@StevenTanno]

Thanks for your lovely words. have a good day Peter :)

[@johnguira]

❤thank you. Great info,love your details. Much appreciated

[@ebreevephoto]

Thank you for this marvelous information

[@joseuribe1552]

Best video I've ever seen regarding lenses, thank you

[@StevenTanno]

thanks

[@heynosjosh]

My mother used exclusively Nikon in the 80's and 90's. When I shot film I used mostly Minolta, so when I went to take the leap to digital The obvious option was the Nikon Z FC. as soon as I got it my friend gave me a "non working" D200 that actually only needed the battery contacts cleaned. My favorite lens to use on either camera is my old Nikkor-s 55mm, and I had always wondered what that "clip" on the aperture ring was for. Wonderful video.

[@richardsimms251]

Great video. Thanks RS. Canada

[@allyoursrob]

Extremely Worthy Information. Thank You

[@StevenTanno]

Thanks:)

[@pauloricardobarth7533]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Im from Brazil

[@Der_Marc]

So helpful 🎉 Thank you Steven. The overview at 14:30 is really good 👍🏼

[@petermikus2363]

Great video as always, but the meter coupling shoe was first intrudice on the original nikon F actually it coupled directly to the photomic metering prism which you you put in place of the norma one giving the camera a metering system. Which happened in 1962 so a bit eralier in some places the nikon F cameras were actually branded Nikkor F thanks to trademark issues.

[@theblackmanarmedwithacamera]

GREAT INFORMATIVE VIDEO!🤘🏾🤘🏾

[@StevenTanno]

thanks😄

[@robertderrick9489]

Thank you for the info injoyed it !

[@ChrisEllisCRE]

Great video.

[@hasselbladexpert]

Thank you so much for your advice ❤️❤️🙏🙏

[@StevenTanno]

Thank you 😄

[@chrisloomis1489]

I love the old glass myself Steven ... I have many M42 , glass and L39 , also the Exacta mount lenses.

[@JRodPhotoArt]

Wonderful video, thank you for making this one! I have an F4 coming so i am looking for a good lens.

[@carbonejack]

Thanks. Your video answers my question as to why I couldn't mount my Pre-AI lens on my Nikon F3. Thanks. Help video. Dealing with Nikons can sometimes be confusing.

[@mkaestn]

Nice presentation Tanno-san. During my first visit to Japan in 1971 the Nikormat was available, but to my regret I purchased Canon EE to have Canon change mount many times. Later I bought a Nikon FG with cheap "E" lenses and 8008 Af. I still use the older AF "D" lenses on my newer FX DSLR cameras. Keep up the good work.

[@StevenTanno]

thanks, we are all N lover 😂

[@lighturpl3]

Very helpful!!!

[@ivaa7777JAWA]

Great information

[@cowboyyoga]

Hi ))) Wow! And another great video! Thank you!

[@StevenTanno]

Thank you :)

[@paganphil100]

Excellent and very helpful video......now I know which "old" lenses will work on my Nikon F2 (AND on my Nikon D500).

[@StevenTanno]

Thank you ：）

[@teddyblair3922]

Steven you're the man!!

[@hughsydney2620]

Hi, Steven great job. Thank you for sharing. I use my pre ai 35mm f1.4 and adox film. It’s sharp and nice.

[@StevenTanno]

Yes it’s sharper in many f1.4 lenses. Thanks 😄

[@ultimas20]

Nikon did share some of their knowledge on vintage lenses on the 1001 nights blog. It's a really interesting blog and their articles are very insightful, they give detailed history and the principlies and goals behind some of the lens designs themselves.

[@whyno5341]

感謝分享，節奏很舒服，中秋快樂🥮

[@douglas_hifi]

Thanks by this documentary!!!

[@campbells0ups]

the 55mm f/1.2 non-AI is a fun lens, great rendering! unique bokeh as well

[@eYACTION]

So interesting and nice to learn 🙂

[@StevenTanno]

thank so much

[@GreatWaterCircus]

Thank you

[@ArminHirmer]

very nice, thank you

[@FacesOfLA]

Beautiful video. I just bought a Voightlander 58mm 1.4 nokton for my Nikon F4s •• amazing lens. No one talks about it on KZbin

[@StevenTanno]

F4 is best camera in this world，👍

[@jorsetti]

Nice video! I think the Nikkor 28mm f/1.4D is widely accepted as legendary

[@luiseduardo22285]

Good video, Love it

[@StevenTanno]

I'm glad

[@michaelmalodrums9674]

I recently changed to a Nikon z 6 II and two of my favorite old ai lenses to use on it with beautiful results is the nikkor 105 mm 2.5 and the nikkor 135mm 2.8 which I was very surprised how sharp it was with manual focus peaking on a mirrorless ! Thanks for the wonderful video , I will think about your recommendations 🙏🏻

[@StevenTanno]

thanks😄

[@shy-guy5544]

This is interesting. Did you have to use an adapter? Thanks

[@michaelmalodrums9674]

@@shy-guy5544 yes I use adapters now I’ve changed from the Nikon Z6ii to the Z 8. I have the Nikon adapter and another I bought on Amazon for M 42 screw in lenses to Nikon Z cameras I love it )

[@johnw.3636]

I absolutely love my 105mm 2.5! It's stunning!

[@michaelmalodrums9674]

@@johnw.3636 definitely a special lens . I love mine

[@jj963963jj]

Well informed on those "AI" differences, thank you 😀

[@daledanowski9962]

thanks

[@campbells0ups]

i enjoy adapting these old nikkors on my canon 5Dmkii. I use AI-S, AI, and pre-AI lenses they all work great with simple adaptor

[@TrggrWarning]

I have a 50mm lens with this U mount and vivitar automatic tele converter 3x-3. The vivitar has pin that goes into that slot and u mount so when you adjust aperture ring on 50mm it moves aperture on vivitar. There are no markings and a spring holding tension on vivitar aperture ring so it doesn’t work very well with my other Nikon lenses. I had no idea it was used for anything else, cool!

[@user-em2vb1jm3o]

谢谢 可以听懂你讲话好开心 我的英语又行了🤣

[@victorlim5077]

Great information and video. My biggest regret was selling my AIS 28mm F2. Still have my AIS 105mm 2.5 though. Once I get the Z fc, will probably get a dumb adaptor to mount it on.

[@StevenTanno]

Thank you！👍😄

[@DPImageCapturing]

Great video Steven! I did exactly what you mentioned in modifying my lens with a metering coupler. I modified my Nikkor AF-S 17-35 2.8D. It had the dimples also and so does my Nikkor AF 80-200 2.8D, which I will modify also, CHEERS!

[@pawpawforhealth]

I agree with the labeling of the 55mm f1.2, the 35mm f1.4, and the 28mm f2.0. I use them in video production now mounted on my Canon R6. One other true superstar is the 135mm f2.0. It is equal to the 35mm in sharpness.

[@tezrh]

This is a very informative video, thank you. I just bought a D7100 to take some photos of my paintings. I know it's an old camera, but it has a very low SC and works as brand new. And I got it because it opens up the possibility of working with some really amazing lenses. I found a 55ml Nikon Micro F2.8 MF lens. I think 1979. I'm finding out how versatile the lens actually is. They both turned up today, so I've been having fun setting everything up! lol

[@StevenTanno]

Very wise choice. Shoot painting macro lens is the best choice.

[@tezrh]

@@StevenTanno Thanks, that's good to hear, because I am learning as I go along. lol

[@arielgajda3335]

I agree, the Pre Ai is the best!!!! 🤙👏👍🇦🇷

[@guag9591]

Thanks a lot!

[@StevenTanno]

Thanks :)

[@arneheeringa96]

I've had a prong mounted on a 35-105 AF lens to use it on my F2 and Nikkormats. I have no newer Nikon SLR's.

[@pancakelens75]

I have my late fathers lovely old F2, so I absolutely know what those metal “rabbit ears” are for😊

[@StevenTanno]

👍！😁

[@daktarioskarvannederhosen2568]

it is a mechanical connexion to the aperture information gauge on nikon f and nikon f2 bodies.

[@michaelcase8574]

Great info my friend. It's interesting how NASA went to a Hasselblad for the moon landing.

[@StevenTanno]

Yes Hasselblad also :)

[@CarmineGroe]

Thank you for your guidance and passion for Nikon glass. I am new to Nikon after having shot Contax and Zeiss , Canon, Hasselblad and Pentax. I now shoot with Nikon Z and use the ai 105, 2.5 and 28, 3.5 - I also have the Nikon Z 50,1.8 lens which is very nice. Which in your opinion is the best Nikon 50mm lens? Thank you.

[@kotaxu8719]

Auto 55 1.2

[@256k_]

Nikkor ai 135mm f3.5 is a beautiful lens. I don’t know how to explain it, something about the way it renders colours and it’s bokeh is just beautiful! My favourite nikon lens. I never tried the 35mm f1.4. I will have to buy one and try it.

[@randallstewart175]

Hang onto your wallet wen you go for the 35mm 1.4. It is one of the most expensive manual focus Nikkors, apart from the big telephotos. It is reputed to be the sharpest Nikkor ever made, but also a difficult lens to use well. (why???)

[@yannmurzeau722]

Very usefull, thank you so much Which lenses would you recommend 85 mm to 105 mm ?

[@360icon]

My first camera was a Nikkormat in the late 70s, then the F2

[@360icon]

In the past month ive ordered 12 mint nonAI and AIs lens from Japan on ebay, so far 4 have arrived in beautiful condition! Im using a Novoflex to Sony adapter on a Sony A7iv and a7riii infrared- some lenses have had the meter claw removed from lens barrel- there are 2 screws that fastens claw to lens- can the claw be removed by the 2 screws or is it more complicated to remove them?

[@arielgajda3335]

How do you use a Pre Ai lens in a Nikon F4? First push the deph of field button? Measurement the light, release, and then press the shooter button? Great video! 👍👏🤙🇦🇷

[@StevenTanno]

Yes like this😂

[@nestorlopez85]

Great video! I have a Nikon N70, also known as a F70 in other countries. According to your video, it is AF mount. I would like to buy a 70-200 f2.8 zoom lens. Which one do you recomend? Thanks for the information.

[@pakko7416]

Great video, Steven, very informative ideed! Thank you!

[@xiaodixu4913]

can you share some nikon old zoom lens as they were good and costness

[@schen5921]

For Nikorrmat and Nikon F Photomic, after mounting the lens, you need to rotate the aperture ring all the way forward and back to establish the max and min apertures. It was said that you could spot a Nikon shooter from a mile away from this maneuver 😂

[@robertdavis1255]

Thanks for sharing your experience.....can you help...I have a 70-210mm 'D' lens & it will not auto focus on my D7100 or D500 cameras...it will manual focus only....do I need special settings on my cameras for the lens to AF

[@alberte58]

Better overall optical performance alternatives for the Nikkor AIS 35mm f/1.4 are the Zeiss Distagon 35mm f/1.4 (850 gram) or f/2.0 (570 gram). Get the ZF.2 version for correct CPU communication with the camera.

[@StevenTanno]

Yes！thanks：）

[@RedHell2884]

How do I mount Nikon Nikkor Ai-s Ais or Ai lenses in DSLR cameras? D version we can use it in dslr. anyway I have nikon FG-20 Until now. Nice Video

[@philipwong5126]

Dear Steven, Any chance you can share your thoughts on Nikkor-T 10.5cm F/4 lens?

[@othomophoto8433]

Thank you for all the great info. will the nikkor 105mm 2.5 AIS work on the nikon D610?

[@StevenTanno]

YES! thanks :)

[@randallstewart175]

What is not explained here is why Nikon first adopted and retained the "Prong", a clumsy, fussy, and inconvenient external metering coupling system, where other camera makes had adopted internal meter coupling, which was cleaner looking, automatically operating and not exposed to physical damage. The reason is the Nikon F, which was first introduced with no meter to couple to. When it became clear that in-camera metering, then TTL metering was going to a standard requirement of all cameras, Nikon was stuck with a body which could do none of that. so they put the meter in the removable prism, and the lens had to connect to the prism, not the body. The F2 continued that by-then antiquated system, because Nikon had built a huge system around it. When the first Nikkormat was introduced in the late 1960s, it was clear that an internal meter coupling, like later used in the AI system, was in all ways better, but the need to keep the F/F2 as a reference prevented common sense from prevailing for another decade. With introduction of the FT3, FM, and FE, the AI meter coupling system was adopted, and the prong because a useless appendix. Thereafter, new lenses still had the prong for a number of years in order to give backwards compatible function on pre-AI bodies. Later, the prong was dropped, but Nikon would install one for you if you requested it.

[@jamesoliver6625]

It's an anachronistic appendage which carries a testimony as to why it's so convenient for me to shoot lenses as old as 45 years old today on my 3 Nikon DSLRs none of which are older than 7 years old. It's nice to not be held hostage to the new and modern.

[@kyriadespoinaki5066]

I remember the excitement of finally getting a proper Nikkor with a meter coupling shoe in 1988 - even though I had just upgraded from an FG (with series E lens) to an FA body, neither of which needed the metal coupler. However, although I knew why it was there it was to me at the time an instantly recognisable badge of quality. I'm still using Ais lenses and I've always used the coupling shoe as a quick visual and tactile way to orient lenses prior to mounting - so it actually has a use for me that was maybe unintentional in its design

[@jamesoliver6625]

@@kyriadespoinaki5066 If you get past the modern marketing mantra of "sharper is better" and look for lenses that are maximized for capturing subtle tones around the mid-tone (50% grey when talking print, 18% grey when talking reflective wedges) you find yourself swimming in Nikon glass from the early 70s through the 90s.

[@Der_Marc]

Interesting. ❤

[@kpkjolso]

Many thanks for a great video mr. Tannon👍 I did’nt know that ai and pre-ai lenses had longer focus strokes, that was a very useful information. I love using old Nikkor glasses on my Z camera, and l remember l was kind of surprised of how short the focus stroke was on the ais lenses. With regards to NASA, if its good enough for them, its certainty good enough for me too😁

[@philipwong5126]

Dear Steven, Any chance you can talk about the Nikkor-T 10.5cm f/4 lens(The Mountain Nikkor Lens)?

[@polum6539]

Hi Steven, you explainted perfectly about lenses. I have 28f2.8 Ai and this lens is great, do you think a better is to buy 28f2.8Ais to change from Ai ? or no? particulary sharpnes is important for me. I use with D750. Great yours films about cameras.

[@StevenTanno]

No need change to AI-S but you may try a 28mm f/2.0 AI-S that's a great lens. :))

[@ThongLe-sz5oj]

Can you review all mf lens of f mount like Zeiss Voigtlander... Which lens is best?

[@ranycuevas03]

A very helpful videos, I'm planning to buy a Nikon FE2 and I'm curious what are the best Nikkor lenses that won't affect the aperture priority mode. Still some Nikkor lenses are expensive. Any recommendation what are the best Nikkor prime lenses for FE2? Thank you.

[@StevenTanno]

About lens selection I would say depending on which view angle you like. AIS version 105mm f/2.5, 50mm f/1.2, 28mm f/2 they are all good Nikon lens.

[@ranycuevas03]

@@StevenTanno Thank you I will consider those. Stay safe

[@atruceforbruce5388]

Do you feel that the glass of modern lenses is really all that much better than the ais era glass used in the older lenses?

[@kennyiklei]

Great video. Thank you for sharing. I’m new to photography. I’ve just bought z50. My friend gave me an old AI 35mm 1.4. Can I use it by adding FTZ II adaptor?

[@StevenTanno]

yes you can ：）

[@kennyiklei]

@@StevenTanno thanks

[@kennyiklei]

@@StevenTanno thanks