Nikkor 50mm f1.4 AI-s: 43 years later! RETRO review

[@deathdoor]

Better is Worse. These old lenses really produce a different feel. It's hard to describe but so satisfying.

[@DinoBytes]

Yep, and that's why I think there's room for at least one in every photographer's bag!

[@classic.cameras]

A lot of them give what I would call an explosive bokeh. Love when the background blur just starts moving outward instead of buttery smooth like modern lenses.

[@robertbirnbach2312]

More, please !!!! Any vintage lens reviews in your style would be a win from my perspective!

[@DinoBytes]

Thanks!

[@thissidetowardscreen4553]

Brilliant video Gordon, As a Pentaxian, I been engaged in vintage lens on digital cameras for a long time, Some of the best images are from 1970-80 Pentax lens, the bokeh is so buttery. The coating on lens also give some images a very attractive look. There are so many vintage lens out there. I even use a 8mm film camera lens on one camera, can not match what modern lens can do for unique looks. I stopped buying cameras and turned to buying lens. What a difference it makes. Thanks for sharing!

[@DinoBytes]

You're very welcome, and I will be doing some Pentax in the future - you may have even spotted a cameo by my Pentax MX!

[@piyastudios]

@@DinoBytesI was going to say……is that a Pentax in your review? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you review a Pentax. Granted I only found you after you started this channel. Hey Gordon, how about a look at the Q series? Pentax 17? Pretty please with a cherry and whipped cream on top?

[@shaneweightman]

Weird that, I’ve got that book , that you appear to have two of , in the background, l o l cheers shane uk 🇬🇧

[@duncanwallace7760]

I like seeing a comparison to modern lenses on modern camera bodies, because that's what I have in my kit, so its cool to see what an old lens might look like.

[@oetproductions8101]

Make no mistake Gordon, you definitely are dreamy. Loved this video!

[@DinoBytes]

Thanks, I'll take that!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Great video Gordon! Thanks for the Nikon vintage lens 101 course you threw in as well which would be really helpful for a lot of people. Regarding how to test it, there is only one proper way, it is to test it on a F2 Titan! You knew you have to pick one up on your next Japan trip😂 and thanks for the shout out ❤

[@DinoBytes]

Ha ha! I visited a vintage shop on Brighton recently, and he tried to sell me a Titan! It's my destiny!

[@lensman5762]

I bought my first Nikon, an FE back in 1979. I still have both my F1.4, and F1.8. Along with the 85 F2, 105 F2.5 and the 28 F2.8 these ade the stuff of legends.

[@DinoBytes]

I have some of those on my wanted list!

[@CP23798]

I recently used the ai version of this lens, on a D750, and was impressed by the image quality for a landscape at f5.6. The build quality wins the warm and fuzzies over the plastic stuff. I was impressed enough that I will continue to use the lens without reservations.

[@DinoBytes]

I think they used the same optical formula across many versions, it's a bona-fide classic!

[@alandyer910]

Excellent! You prompted me to dig out my old 50mm 1.4 S-C with a serial number 152xxxx. That puts in the 1973 to 75 era but I had it converted to AI. And yes, the lens mounting flange has been machined out to reveal bare metal but with enough metal left to create the indexing tabs. And there’s no fancy rubberized rings - the focus and aperture rings are machined metal with knurling on them. Ditto on a 105mm 2.5 P-C with serial 536xxx from the same era. Thanks!

[@DinoBytes]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@victorlim5077]

Great video, Gordon. Mounted on the Nikon Zf or Z6iii, you can get the brilliant eye tracking in manual focus. Game changer. My Niikor 105mm F2.5 AIS got a new lease of life.

[@Ralf_Baron]

Gordon, thank you for this very reflective and intriguing review. The aesthetic of handling these Nikon Lenses is unique, their build quality is unreached. It is a pure joy to work with them. I would love to hear your opinion on three other marvelous Nikon vintage lenses: The 28mm 2.8, the 50mm 1,2, and the 105 2.5. I am particularly interested to learn how the 50mm 1.4 compares to the 1.2. Please keep on going with your reviews and videos - all of this is truly unique and has "lots of character". Thank you!

[@DinoBytes]

Thanks! Yes, all of those lenses are on my shopping list, but there's more than one 1.2 at quite varying prices...

[@matthewparriott]

Hope this was as much fun for you to make as it was for us to watch. I've had a Pentax K1000 for forever and recently scored a Minolta SRT 101 and have gotten several lenses to go with it. It's been fun shopping and looking for deals and polishing my eBay skills.

[@gewglesux]

I recently purchased an gently used "FA" I haven't tried this yet I think it will work quite well. Thanks Gordon.

[@blue7724]

Great video Gordon, love that youre now featuring vintage lenses aside from vintage cameras! One thing I think would like to see though is a sprinkling of images taken with the cameras/lenses althroughout the video instead of just the end. Cheers!

[@DinoBytes]

Thanks, and good suggestion. I do that in my written reviews, but for video, I try to tell a story, and start with controls, design etc before concluding with image quality. I think there may be a chance to include some in the intro though.

[@manugeee]

Nice review! I also like using vintage lenses on modern cameras and dedicated a whole series of lense test to this topic. 😊 Regarding the Nikon 50mm 1.4 I came to the same results. At the moment I am testing the 50mm 1.8 pancake Japanese version, which seems to be very comparable, but in a much smaller package. Go on with this series, but I think comparing to modern lenses is not that much of a use, because they are so much much better. I would like to see comparisons with other models (predecessors, different company, 1.4 vs 1.8,‘) stuff like this. 😊

[@sailor583]

I too had a Praktica and coveted the Nikon 50 mm f1.4. I finally got one a few years ago to use with my D3200 and my Olympus M4/3 and 4/3. What it lacks in sharpness it provides the warmest color renditions.

[@thecaveofthedead]

I was using a pre-AI version for a good while with my Fujifilm XE1. But I've got to say: when I got the $100 TTArtisan 50 f1.2 - without doing any formal testing - I swear that the hundred buck lens was more contrasty at least at f1.2 than the Nikkor at f1.4, while still being a very nice feeling lens. I suspect even the very cheapest lenses have benefitted from improvements in design and production technology. My favourite old Nikkor is an AI conversion 105 f2.5 - with the metal focusing ring. A really quick throw and a surprisingly sharp lens wide open. But more importantly it's the look of the images that really makes it such a joy. Other than that, you should definitely get the 40 f2.8 for you MX if you don't have one. The pairing of that camera and that lens is just a treat.

[@DinoBytes]

I'm keeping an eye open for a 105... and I must try one of the tt artisan lenses

[@senseofeverthing]

I love these vintage lens reviews! You should try this lens with an Nikon Zf. I don't like the controls that much, but the AF-assistance for manual lenses is second to none. My favorite old lenses are the Nikon AiS 50mm f1.2 (very dreamy), the Nikon AiS 28mm f2.8, the Nikon AiS 105 f2.5 and the Leica 28-70mm (second version).

[@brianmckeever5280]

Congratulations on achieving one of your heart's desires! And congratulations on being in your teens in 1981, some of us are not so fortunate ;-) FWIW, this seems like a great video formula for presenting vintage lenses to my eyes. Cheers!

[@kylelowe]

I love my Nikkor 50mm ƒ/1.4 on my Nikon F3 and adapted to my digital cameras!

[@DinoBytes]

One day the F3 will be mine!

[@kylelowe]

@@DinoBytes Can't wait for that video!

[@vitorb.macarthy348]

The helios 44 is by far my favourite

[@rbob4931]

Very knowledgeable and informative video, a trip down memory lane. I still have mine, #51XXXXX, bought new in 1981. Keep up the good work !

[@UrielPix]

Awesome review, you may want to review the Tokina 90 aka Bokina against the Lumix 100.

[@JoRoderick]

Thanks for the review. It's a little nostalgic and sad for me, but don't mind me. My stuff has been in storage far away for many years. I have a 1973 f1.4 50mm and I love it. I don't use it for everyday stuff, but it is such a delight. I sold lots of older lens when I immigrated two immigrations ago, but this one I kept. I also have a 2000s-ish version at f1.8, which I also love. For the last 6 years, I've been stuck with my Panasonic G7 with two lenses until such day as I can send for my stuff. :)

[@daniel635biturbo]

Nice review, 90% of my photography with my A7II is done with vintage lenses. I've got a Tamron 28-75 zoom, great lens, but where is the fun, and challenging part in that ? I went the Konica route, and the 57mm f1,4 and the 24mm f2,8 are my favourites. Tip, when comparing to modern lenses, do a comparison on flares, they can be both creative source and a hindrance.

[@Carl.65]

Thanks for the great video. This and the 105mm f/2.5 Nikkor are my favourite vintage Nikon lenses. And I agree re the feel of the focus ring, it just oozes analogue quality.

[@DinoBytes]

Lots of love for the 105, I need to get one!

[@gerryhardman9060]

I owned this lens for nine years. I eventually traded it for a 50 1.4 AFD lens which had better flare control because of the coatings and it was auto focus so it was better for shooting weddings. Originally I bought that lens for $95 Canadian, which is a real steal at the time. With the mirrorless bodies like the Z5 I can still use my AFD lens, but eventually I acquired the AFS version which like you mention has a more rounded aperture and the Bokeh is much nicer than AFD version. At any rate all of Nikons’ offerings have always been Excellent and especially the 50 1.2 which at F2 is just absolutely gorgeous and much sharper than the 1.4. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Good review and glad to see you put in some nice pictures with it rather than just telling us what you think of the lens. Regards, Gerry

[@DinoBytes]

I may well try and pick up the 50 1.2

[@FidelisG]

Hi Gordon, great video as always! If I may suggest, how about the Nikkor 105mm f2.5 vs the 105mm f2D? Both great lenses, would like to hear your thoughts on them. In fact, why not have a old vs new theme every now and then? That sort of content resonates with me as a vintage lens collector.

[@DriveCancelDC]

Hope you check out the 55mm Micro Nikkor line, they still manage to challenge sensors today

[@tomscott88]

Hey Gordon, long time admirer from around 2004-5 when I was 16 and got into photography. The 300v was my first camera quickly followed by a 350d but man I love this channel! Really great work, takes me back and my collection is more modern SLRs and the vintage early SLRS like the 350 and 40d but I do have a a bronica ETRSi and a Leica SL which was my great aunts but really enjoyed watching these vintage vids! Keep it up!

[@DinoBytes]

Cheers! I hope you get a chance to check out some more videos on this channel!

[@tomscott88]

@@DinoBytes I’m on holiday and watched most of them 👌🏻

[@DinoBytes]

@@tomscott88 again!

[@headwerkn]

A great review of a great lens - thanks Gordon! I have the AI version, which came with my current FM (my first was my first proper camera, back in the 1990s) but the lens sees regular use on an F and F2 (where the rabbit ears merrily engage with the older Photomic finders) and my beloved F4, whose autofocus system still provides focus confirmation (and matrix metering) with the older manual focus lens. And yes, the feel of an old manual focus Nikkor is the gold standard. Just the right amount of resistance and control 😊 Would love for you to review more older Nikkors. The feel of the late 60s/early 70s Nikkor-Autos with their deep fluted metal focus collars is amazing. Would be great to get your take on the ‘legendary’ 105/f2.5 too.

[@JikoMuskato]

I actually had a Canon FD 50mm 1.8 for quite some time but EF adapters weren't really a thing with that as they either had additional glass inside reducing the image quality or didn't give the possibility to focus to infinity. Plus focusing wasn't really that easy with a modern optical viewfinder. But recently I both crashed my EF 50mm and upgraded to a R6 Mark II. And the first thing I did was getting a FD to RF adapter, which now works just fine and IBIS and focus peaking are great and make using this lens pretty easy. It also feels very nice having been built in 1982 according to the serial number. For now that's just my 50mm I'm using until I get to upgrade to something more modern again, which might take a while, looking at recent prices... I'm pretty happy with that lens for the moment. Guess it's time to use more vintage lenses with the R6 Mark II. :D

[@ericj.w.ruijssenaars3421]

What a fun video to watch, Gordon! I myself use a Nikkor 50mm 1.4 and a 24mm 2.8 on my Samsung NX1000 APS-C camera. More episodes on the use of vintage lenses on digital camera's would be awesome 😄.

[@DinoBytes]

Will do!

[@jamesloop]

I’ve been hunting for deals on Nikkor AIS lenses for a couple years. That 50/1.4 looks great and might have to be filed in the back of my mind as well. So far my most prized find has been the 400/3.5 AI ED. It’s a tank but so so beautiful for wildlife on my gh6.

[@DinoBytes]

That's a nice lens!

[@Rocking_J_Studio]

Funny you should post this video today. I just ordered one of these this morning to put on my spotless F3!

[@DinoBytes]

Ah! One day I'll have an F3!

[@1111undici1111]

It's a beautiful lens!

[@JasperBunschoten]

Love this lens so much on my Nikon F3!

[@DinoBytes]

Argh! I want an F3!

[@molybdnum]

@13:00 really is a night and day. Your insights into the subject and creative choices are spot-on. I think balanced-lighting people portraits are the most forgiving of 'vintage' glass flaws; other subjects or scenarios tend to have much sharper highlight contrast areas (inviting wild color-fringing) or would IMHO be better served with more sharpness on the subject. It is of course also a matter of skill and smart choices behind the camera; I love the test shots of the lifeguard stand or old pier when stopped down, and the disco-ball lamp at night where the magenta fringe and corner distortion contribute to the atmosphere. As you say in your conclusion, the magic of cheap, manual fast 50s being so easily adaptable is that you have both the creative control to use extremely shallow DoF and also the more involved controls forcing you to actively decide when to use it.

[@DinoBytes]

Yes, some subjects definitely work better than others

[@ALWH1314]

I bought this lens in 1982 and still have in after 42 years. I use it on Nikon DF.

[@DinoBytes]

Nice combo!

[@khanscombe619]

8:54 better Nikon Af bodies have digital electronic rangefinder focus assist. You absolutely can utilise this on AI-s manual focus assistance. I think it works better than focus peaking. Rack it in as close as you think by eye, then follow the directional arrows to tack it in by solid dot. Snap! And Bob is your uncle.

[@SinaFarhat]

Nice! I used to own a pre ai version that was modified to be used with a nikon f to eos adapter enjoyed it a lot! I ended up trading it for some other photo gear. Keep up the good work!

[@DinoBytes]

Thanks!

[@maxhammick948]

A great review! I'd prefer you to continue testing old lenses on modern bodies, that's where most viewers will be using them and the lower resolution of colour film or period-correct digital bodies means results will only be better on period correct bodies

[@DinoBytes]

Thanks!

[@PMS1950]

As a freelance wedding photographer during the 1970s, I can recall one of my fellow female operatives always using the same gear from our pool of available cameras/lenses. The camera was a battered Nikon F and 35mm nikkor f2. 8 semi wide angle lens. - plus a metz flashgun. The images she took with such a simple set up were consistently superb. She exposed all her shots without a meter and never felt it necessary to use any other focal length.

[@DinoBytes]

When you find a combination that works for you, it is indeed a joyous thing!

[@PMS1950]

@@DinoBytes It certainly worked for my talented fellow operative. I had a similarity 'joyous' and productive relationship with my brace of Minolta 303s and an exquisitely sharp Rollieflex.

[@popofoto]

I really enjoyed watching this! Please compare this one against the 50mm f/2 AI lens (6/4 design) which have often been compared to Summicron 50/2 lens. Thanks 😊

[@DinoBytes]

Glad you enjoyed it! More to come!

[@cyrilhamel8289]

Great idea! And excellent review 😊

[@DinoBytes]

Thanks! More vintage lenses to come!

[@cyrilhamel8289]

@@DinoBytes excellent news! 😊👍🏻

[@christophertyler1882]

How would you compare this Nikon to some of the new manual lenses from companies like TTArtisans or 7Artisans? From my understanding these new lenses are basically using optical designs from the 70’s & 80’s, right?

[@DinoBytes]

I haven't tested any of those new ones you mention, but it'd be interesting to see...

[@paololarocca7684]

this is also an history lesson! I think that nowadays we can get a similar experience, including the relatively small size and metal dense feeling, with the Chinese manual focus lenses, three of my favourites are the Kaman 21mm 1.8, the meike 35mm 1.4 and the ttartisan 50mm 1.2., have you considered reviewing some of these lenses ?

[@DinoBytes]

I should give them a go...

[@AndySnap]

Oh this makes me so nostalgic for these wonderful manual Nikkor lenses...sigh... I used to have 24, 35, 50, 55micro, 85, & 180mm Nikkors, the sad words being 'used to'...sob😢

[@victorlim5077]

@@AndySnap What happened to them? They work fantastic on the newer Z bodies like the Zf and Z6iii. Eye tracking and subject tracking even when using MF lenses.

[@DinoBytes]

You should pick some up again!

[@AndySnap]

@@victorlim5077 I simply sold them when I got the AF versions of the same...a thing I'm sure many did, not thinking ahead, hence the nostalgia...

[@victorlim5077]

@@AndySnap I can relate to that. Sold my 28mm F2 AIS to fund a AFS lens 10 years back. Still regret that till today. Still have my 105mm F2.5 AIS with me though.

[@rayrayg9]

I got the 50mm 1.4 S.C that's AI-converted. I love its vintage looks both the physical design and optics. Do you know how this pre-AI differs optically from the AI/AI-S?

[@DinoBytes]

I think the pre AI version was quite similar, but you'd have to check Roland Vink's resources as he knows way more about the subtle differences and evolution!

[@rayrayg9]

@@DinoBytes Thanks for the rec's!

[@mikaelnilsson5912]

More bright vintage lenses! I have some from my dad I use on my a7IV but they are a bit too dim.

[@vintagevantics]

Picked up one of these that had been match to a Canon 5DC. Omg it’s a marriage made in heaven!

[@DinoBytes]

They are nice!

[@naturligfunktion4232]

It is a lovely lens. I use it on my trusty Nikon FM. Usually with Ultramax

[@joerg_koeln]

My first Nikon was a FE2 with this lens, which cost a fortune (I was in high school). It was everybody‘s dream to have a f/1.4 lens instead of a f/1.7 or f/1.8. I sold it because I got the f/1.2 for a great price. Recently I bought a F3 which came with the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 pancake version - same build quality, but much much smaller. But this f/1.4 is still a great lens - optical quality was always good enough for me (I‘m an amateur).

[@DinoBytes]

Nice! I'm looking for a 1.2 but they're a bit pricey

[@joerg_koeln]

@@DinoBytes Keep on looking, it cost "only" 100€ more than I got when selling the f/1.4

[@ronronontravel3111]

Thank You for this review. Now iam sure, dont need this lens. But very interesting video. I have the 55mm ais f2.8 micro. The use is also very smooth, love it. And the results are very sharp. But the usecase is complet an other than for the 50mm 1.4.

[@DinoBytes]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@qingyunwang3802]

I fancied the AI-S 50mm f/1.4 before settling on the AI 55mm f/1.2 as it provides better background separation while still being budget friendly enough. Both are good “gateway lenses” into the vintage world.

[@DinoBytes]

Yes, I'm tempted by the 1.2 as well, as it's not much more expensive, but I heard the 1.4 was sharper. I'll still get one to compare though!

[@Trevellian]

@@DinoBytes Yes, would love to see a comparison to the f/1.2.

[@0action847]

@@DinoBytes generally the vintage 1.2's perform better at f2 than the 1.4's do at f2 but not wide open.

[@francochamps3855]

I'd love a review of the classic Tamron 90mm F2.5 SP adaptall lens. Back in my retail days, this was the industry standard in macro's, and Im using one as a portrait lens on my Nikon DF. It really is impressing me how sharp it is, and renders colour beautifully too. A thorough review would be amazing.

[@DinoBytes]

Hah! Funny you should mention that lens, as I actually owned one! I remember it being absolutely amazing - all the Tampon SP lenses.

[@francochamps3855]

@@DinoBytes It was meant to be mate! Mine is the SP II version. Wonderful glass.

[@robertsaunders5740]

Your lens should start the first two serial numbers as #28 and listed as made for them by KEMINE. And highly rated. I still have and use the adaptal 2 zoom lenses with Canon DSLR adaptors.

[@danielbdbe]

could you tell us what is the name of this japanese store ? where is it loacted ? thanks

[@DinoBytes]

It's called 2nd base in Akihabara

[@classic.cameras]

My favorite Nikkors has to be the Nikkor 28mm f2.8 AIS (its about 10x better then the f2 and it focuses so close) and the 180mm f2.8 ED AIS. But pretty much they are all good.

[@DinoBytes]

Good call

[@vidthreenorth4007]

It would be nice to see it compared to a Canon FD SSC 1.4 lens.

[@mikewinburn]

Gordon, can i use this on the Nikon Zf?

[@DinoBytes]

Yes, it should work via an adapter bur I'm not sure what assist features work

[@mikewinburn]

@@DinoBytes- sorry.. didn’t see this reply till today. Thank you. I’ll make my way to my local camera store to see what can be done.

[@slr7075]

More vintage Nikkor lenses!

[@DinoBytes]

Ok!

[@just_eirik]

Nikon made some of the most beautiful lenses back in the day! Love their use of color. Would be fun to see your take/review of the Pentax 645 150mm f3.5. I have it on GFX (51mp) and its so good! Sharp even at 3.5.

[@ChaitanyaShukla2503]

I have old Pentax-a 50mm f2.8 Macro, such a fun lens to have in bag. Compared to modern 50s its small, MF works beautifully and its quite inexpensive lens to procure for anyone who wants to start with Macro.

[@DinoBytes]

Nice suggestion, thanks!

[@mcrazza]

For a second I thought you were reviewing a Nikon Z lens. Come on Nikon, show Gordon some Z love!

[@classic.cameras]

True story. I once found this lens at a thrift store for $10 CAD. It was a very good day. Later sold it for about $200. That was a bette day. Only reason I sold is I have the Nikkor 50mm f1.2 AIS. I love these Nikkors ane have 24 to 180mm now.

[@DinoBytes]

Yeah, once you start, I fear you can't stop. More to come!

[@classic.cameras]

@@DinoBytes can't wait to hear about your 45mm lens. I had the opportunity to buy it once on facebook but decided to pass as I have about 50 50mm lenses already.

[@kuroexmachina]

this is what the new retro z mount lenses for the ZF should have looked like

[@DinoBytes]

exactly

[@HS-lt8eu]

I miss the slideshow music…

[@DinoBytes]

I may bring it back!

[@reinhartreuschel5499]

I like this lens with half-format DSLR: crop factor is 1.5x, so 75mm telephoto with aperture wide open - phantastic for portraits, and low budget, too;-)) @philosimot

[@DinoBytes]

Good plan

[@lensman5762]

This is a very good lens, brilliant for its time. It is sadly not the best Nikkor manual lens. That accolade belongs to Nikkor that the Japanese kept for themselves, and that is all that I am prepared to say.

[@DinoBytes]

Which ones?!

[@deejayiwan7]

Your hair looks different 🤔

[@DinoBytes]

No hat