Nikkor-O·C 35mm f/2 - I shoot the cheapest fast 35 I could find!

[@Sup90210]

Nice review! This is one of Nikon’s best lenses. In the 70’s cinematographers converted it to use on movie cameras it was that good.

[@tomscameras]

I didn't know that, thanks for sharing that information! There are some iconic lens designs that were used for movies like the Zeiss 28mm "Hollywood Distagon". But today that's a super expensive lens while the 35mm Nikkors are still pretty cheap to get, luckily!

[@gerryhardman9060]

Years ago I owned this lens and later on I replaced it with a 35 F2 Ais lens which had more coatings and less flare than the original version you’re talking about here. I did a test and took a shot for shot comparison with a 35 F2 Summicron and compared them with a 100 power microscope and found no discernable difference between the two of them other than the Cron had a little less flair. Resolution was on par. What blew them both away was the 55 F3.5 micro Nikkor , the old compensating version that I paid 50 bucks for.

[@tomscameras]

Thanks for your feedback and telling us about your comparison to the Summicron! Yes when a lens / optical design was produced a very long time, the later ones often have better coatings. Also they are just younger, which means less time to accumulate any dirt within the lens elements, or (micro...) scratches on the front / rear lens element, etc. So contrast is often also depending on how well the lens was treated during it's lifespan. I remember I had the 55/3.5 Micro Nikkor many years ago and it was a stunning performer!

[@HaraldEngels]

I was born and grew up in Cologne and I am living since 2 decades in Cyprus - so to see in your video pictures from my beloved home town and one from Cyprus was quite funny. The pics you shot with the Nikkor-O·C 35mm f/2 are looking nice.

[@tomscameras]

Ooh yes, that's quite a coincidence! Thanks for your comment!

[@clarehennessey3653]

I converted one of these to use on my D700, I was delighted with the results.

[@tomscameras]

Yes, these lenses are fantastic for Nikon DSLR cameras as well!

[@Esoxhunt]

I have the same lens, and ai converted it myself. I have used it a lot on full frame digital, where it is amazingly good. On film I tend to use an SMC Takumar 35 mm f2 on my Spotmatics. Not quite in the same class as the Nikon 35mm O.C i think, and also more expensive. I just seems to grab my black Spotmatic more often than my Nikon FM, because it is such a beautiful camera :)

[@tomscameras]

I totally understand you ... Spotmatic's are just such awesome cameras. I also grab my Spotmatic more often than my Nikon, I have to admit :) And about the lenses, I still have to try the 35/2 Takumar one day!

[@fkrayzee]

i picked up one of the earlier versions of this (no "C", just "O") on fleabay, and for the money it's honestly one of the best lenses i've seen. i don't understand why it isn't raved about. i use mine for video often now, and since i never change aperture during a shot, i don't even need to modify.

[@tomscameras]

Thanks for your feedback! Yes I agree with you it's an underrated lens. From what I have read, some video users avoid Nikkor lenses because the focus ring operates the other way round when compared to most other brands. But, as a photographer, I'm of course thankful if they're avoided by the video crowd as that keeps prices lower!

[@fkrayzee]

@tomscameras lol - I am the video crowd! I have a really simple system (I use a variety of lens makes); I think of a string being tied to the follow focus, and the string needs to be kept tight. Too loose or tight and you're out of focus. Some lenses are tied to the top of the follow focus, and some the bottom. I say out loud after every lens change which it is.

[@tomscameras]

@@fkrayzee Yes I thought you're a video guy 😅that follow focus system with the string sounds ingenious. Personally, I also deal with a lot of different camera systems, so the direction of focus and aperture ring doesn't matter so much to me. I find it easy to adjust. But not everyone does, apparently ...!

[@13DCR]

Thanks again for this highly interesting video. I also appreciate your revived Saturday morning schedule :-) You have a good one and wishing you a great weekend! Greetz Mike.

[@tomscameras]

Mike, thanks for your nice comment! I'm trying my best with the Saturday mornings, I know you guys appreciate it! :)

[@devquebec882]

Agfa pictures are just amazing. thks

[@tomscameras]

Thanks! I have to admit my color scanning skills suck big time :) but I am also just a great fan of the look of black&white film! And the Agfa is cheap and available in almost every drug store still!

[@garymorrison277]

With the exception of the 20mm f3.5 UD and wider I've all the A for auto (pre ai) multi coated lenses and are all factory converted or I have been able to find a conversion ring for them. And yes, I've the newer K, Ai, and the AF version, but there's still something about the extra weight and the feel of metal in your left hand.

[@tomscameras]

I do like factory AI conversions but I do not like the "homemade" conversions where the original non-AI aperture ring is butchered. Of course, that also works, but from a collector's point of view, such a lens is just not nice anymore :)

[@Carfree-Cities]

I had two of them, one the very earliest and one AIs version. I think the glass in the first one might have been a little better than the AIs version I bought around 1986. Always use a hood with this lens (generally a good idea anyway). The extreme corners are very soft.

[@tomscameras]

Thanks for your feedback! It might be that the optical formula was changed a bit in that long production run … sometimes there’s not a lot of official information on this. You’re right with the lens hood. I sometimes shade the front lens element with my hand but of course that’s not the professional way 🤨

[@Carfree-Cities]

@@tomscamerasI always use hoods--they're permanently installed. The provide excellent protection for the glass and also significantly, sometimes greatly, improve image quality. Look for someone shooting a feature film, and there will always be a matte box in front of the lens.

[@YIIA2929]

Which hood do you use for the AIs version? HN-3?

[@tomscameras]

@@YIIA2929 The "official" lens hood for the AI/AI-s 35/2 is the HN-3 yes.

[@YIIA2929]

@@tomscameras Thank you, great review

[@vominator]

I found one that someone had done a home AI job on. Works quite well except of course I have to guess the metering...But I was already used to guessing exposure from using pre-ai lenses on a Nikon D40. I have a 200mm f/4 Q.C with a factory AI conversion. Gives really unique colors, almost like KodaChrome

[@tomscameras]

Yes there are many home AI'd Nikkor lenses out there. They normally work as well as a factory conversion, only thing is that you can't read the aperture in the viewfinder. Only from a collector's point, home AI conversions are not that nice! I remember I used the old 200mm many years ago, I also had the first 135/3.5, also with a factory AI conversion. Some of those old telephoto lenses have a unique quality!

[@TakahiroOda]

Great that you used the stair footage LOL

[@tomscameras]

Of course! Took us three takes! 😁

[@rvbsoundfactory]

Very nice 35mm b&w looked fab👌. Actually I'm thinking about getting one for my F5 Nikon which one do you think AIS version or the D version autofocus. I guess that's a question for myself. Matrix metering plus autofocus with the D version🤔

[@tomscameras]

The AF version has different optics. They're also good! So, in the end, it's really a question for yourself :)

[@samsen3965]

Good find. Not easy to catch a fast wide-angle these days and I'm truly hoping to find me a Canon F2 of the same FL with that majestic concave front element for up to twice the price of this lens but no luck so far. I take your word on sharpness coz I think there is an element of misfocus (Or motion blur) in your sample image. I have had the Nikkor pre-AI 28mm F2 for decades now and love that gem. Needless to say, Liked and you have a new Sub. and btw, I LOVED that Renault-5 you show toward the end of the clip. Had one long back and really enjoyed the kind of drive it used to provide. Sad that Renault has terminated some of their great products and even worst, they are none existent in Northern USA!

[@samsen3965]

Oh forgot to mention, I too, LOVE the old pre-AI, full metal, especially the partially chrome look of older/original Nikkors to the plasticky more modern ones despite the coating improvements.

[@tomscameras]

Hey, maybe I missed focus in one of the shots? Or the scanning wasn't perfect? There's always a lot of room for errors, especially when using a manual focus lens. Overall, I do find this lens very sharp nonetheless. But I am sure that if you put it on a digital camera and compare with the newest Sigma Art, the latter one will always win any direct competition. As for the Renault, I think they were called "Le Car" in the U.S.? But as far as I know, they only exported the very first generation from the 70s and early 80s to America. I also know there was a car called the Eagle Premier in the U.S. in the early 1990s which uses a lot of the technology of the Renault R25. No one bought them, though, but the old reviews were very favorable, actually!

[@samsen3965]

@@tomscameras Thanks for all the great words. Yes, and I personally do a lot of Manual lens use daily on my digital bodies but more recently only on mirrorless ones s.a. Olympus/Fuji/Sony because of their great great EVF and the ability to magnify the view by 10x for the critical focusing (I firmly believe focus peaking or zebra, etc are at best a "Suggestion" if not a gimmick). But then I don't compare most of my vintage lenses to current-day, computer-designed, and well-cooked glass ingredients and recipe lenses s.a. made not only by Zeiss but by Samyang and 7Artisan and likewise. I'm pretty sure the Canon's 35mm F2, especially the Concave front end, earlier version has better sharpness than what I say here, though must admit the sharpness here is great. As for my Renault 5... or Le Car (You are spot on), It was a dream to drive that little car. I remember the angle of approach and departure were/is even better than some dedicated off-road cars we have today in the market! So no wonder that car could do so much out of the pavement, without any modification. I seriously wish someone could bring a company to rent an old car for people who missed their ole loved ones, so much. I guess this could be a great money-making idea if one has the ability to execute it! Anyways thanks a lot for the nostalgic talk and ole good memories. Have a great day.

[@edscannell1019]

Great review Tom. Think I’m going to bite the bullet and purchase one for my FM2! Can I ask what strap you are using while on the photo walk?

[@tomscameras]

Thanks Ed! Sadly I don't know the brand of the strap ... it was a gift 15 years ago and there's no brand label on it (maybe got lost long ago ...).

[@edscannell1019]

@@tomscameras ah no problem... thanks 🙏

[@ohjajohh]

Great video! I'm in doubt if I should buy this lens too or not.... I don't need it, but I kind of want :)

[@tomscameras]

If you find it for a good price, go for it! 😃

[@geradebowden2692]

I have the AI version and it’s one of my favorite lenses

[@tomscameras]

Thanks for your feedback! Yes, this lens has a lot going for it!

[@neilpiper9889]

I have the Huongnu 35mm F2 af in Nikon F mount. I paid £60 3 years ago new.

[@tomscameras]

That's a good price for sure!

[@SlickLicksWithAlex]

Which strap and strap connector are you using here?

[@tomscameras]

I am really sorry - I get asked this a lot and the truth is, I don't know! 😅 That strap was given to me by a photographer friend about 20 years ago and I can't remember which brand it was. It also doesn't have a brand name anywhere on it ...

[@jessehorstman]

Are the weird colors from your film or from the lens coating?

[@tomscameras]

I'm sure that's courtesy of my mediocre scanning skills! The lens produces quite neutral colors!

[@jessehorstman]

@@tomscameras Thanks. I bought one! Perhaps it is the film?

[@tomscameras]

@@jessehorstman it could be. But really, I think it's my scanning. Color negative film is not the easiest to scan. And I normally shoot analog black&white so maybe I didn't put enough effort into sorting out the colors in the scans that I show you here.

[@jessehorstman]

@@tomscameras I don't know anything about film or scanning it. Please don't take my question as a personal criticism. I'm thankful for the lens review.

[@tomscameras]

@@jessehorstman don't worry about that! I just tried to give an explanation! Many thanks for your kind comments and feedback!

[@Capibaro]

goeie hoody

[@tomscameras]

Well spotted!