What Makes Vintage Lenses So Interesting? | Nikkor AI-S Primes

[@BlaineWestropp1]

1000 subs today

[@EdmundElijah]

I started my KZbin channel because of you!

[@BlaineWestropp1]

@@EdmundElijah dude I love that! keep it up!

[@terrygoyan]

Long time Nikonphile here. I bought my first Nikon camera and lenses in 1974. I am lucky to have a local camera store that gets lots of used Nikkor lenses. The prices are always great as there are very few other Nikon users around here. Most have switched to Z-Mount by now and screaming deals are to be had on equipment I could only dream about in the past. In the last year I've seen (and purchased a few) of some of Nikon's finest old lenses, including a 28 f /1.4 aspheric, a 15 f/3.5 and a 200 f/2 lens. I'm so glad that these beautiful old lenses are seeing new life in movie/video making! 55 micros come through all the time as well as 105 f/2.5 lenses. One thing to look for on these old lenses is snappy aperture blades. Lazy aperture blades probably indicates oil on them and cleaning will be needed. I love the non-clinical renderings these lenses create. Subscribed and looking forward to watching more of these videos!

[@retrofokus6623]

While I have vintage Nikkors, FDs, Minoltas, Russian and German staples, the minimal focus breathing in cine lenses is the biggest reason for using them more than the vintage set. Once you start noticing focus breathing, it is very hard to ignore it (even if the viewer wouldn't notice it). Of course, if one does not do any focus pulls, the vintage lenses are totally fine.

[@MichaelKaykov]

Many LOMO OKS have minimal focus breathing

[@mt.everettrod]

I enjoyed how you spoke about this. You were passionate about why you love vintage lenses and confident about what you presented. I’ve been exploring vintage lenses for photography lately and ended up here. Glad I did.

[@EdmundElijah]

Thank you so much!

[@DANAMIONLINE]

I appreciate your slower pacing instead of 5he overwhelming rapid fire of information

[@EdmundElijah]

Thank you! I appreciate it.

[@jordanadudek]

I better finish my set before this video goes viral 😂 I personally went with the Non-AI Nikkor lenses for a more wild look. But for the price, the Nikkor glass is unparalleled

[@EdmundElijah]

I've got a few more to add to my set before I branch off for non-AI lenses. They seem to be a lot easier to find here in Oklahoma.

[@nikolaramcevic]

Bought 105mm F2.5 around 10 months ago, it sits glued on my Z5. Spectacular characteristics in such well built lens. Must own!

[@jonwaldman94]

Great work as always Edmund!

[@EdmundElijah]

Thank you!

[@calebbrunkow]

Love the video dude! Makes me wanna use my AIS lenses more!

[@EdmundElijah]

Thanks! You’ve got that Leica set now - can’t turn back! Get that 60mm Macro!

[@elvisripley]

It was great to meet you at Goodwill. It’s also interesting that I am seeing this after buying a full set of the Sony GM primes. I did vintage lenses for years and kind of made a full circle back around to the cleanest and purest glass.

[@EdmundElijah]

I’ve been wanting to pick up some Sigma primes for the same reason!

[@shy-guy5544]

Nice video. Are there any Nikkor wide angle lenses particularly noted for their 3d effects? Thanks

[@EdmundElijah]

For 3D effects, check out the Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AIS or 28mm f/2 AIS-both are great for depth and subject separation. The 20mm f/2.8 AIS can also work, though it's a bit subtler. Lighting and subject placement help too!

[@shy-guy5544]

@ Thanks for the information.

[@jkapp374]

I have a question on Nikon Nikkor...can the E series of Nikkors match cut with the AI series lenses?

[@EdmundElijah]

There are so many variables when it comes to manufacturing lenses that it would be difficult to find AI lenses that match together seamlessly. I would say that you could do it, but I'd try them out before buying. You could get scientific with it, or just make it work for you.

[@damiendehorn6350]

Nice and simple for why you should use vintage lenses, great video. Would love to know why you opted for the Nikkor as opposed to the trend Leica or Contax (though I have to agree with your choice, Nikkor's are so underrated I just can't fault them price performance is the best)? However on a quick note for me its not a case one or the other, its just a case of the the right tool for the specific job.

[@EdmundElijah]

I was hoping that this video would generate interest in why I chose Nikkor AI-S lenses over others (Leica, Contax, etc) - so I will definitely make a follow-up regarding that!

[@damiendehorn6350]

@@EdmundElijah So looking forward to that. Haven't seen many if any video's on anything other then Leica, FD's and Contax (when comparing).

[@EdmundElijah]

@@damiendehorn6350 I’ll see if I can rent some of the other lenses to compare them all.

[@jdsmedia]

I got a mixed set of Nikons, 24mm Ai f2.8, 28mm Ai F2.8, 35mm Ai f2.8, 50mm Series E f1.8 and a 105mm Ai-s f2.5. The series E is surprisingly good for 50-60 bucks, and i got it for like 30.

[@EdmundElijah]

I need to experiment with more!

[@dukecha]

I'm curious what your thought process was for choosing Nikkor AI-S lenses when there are a lot of other options (Canon FD, Contax Zeiss, Leica R). I'm on the fence with Nikkor and Contax Zeiss.

[@EdmundElijah]

Great question! I opted for Nikkor AI-S lenses because of their unique optical character and build quality, which align well with my shooting style. While Canon FD, Contax Zeiss, and Leica R lenses are all excellent choices with their own merits, the Nikkor lenses offer a certain vintage feel and manual focus precision that I particularly enjoy. Ultimately, it comes down to the specific look and feel you're after in your footage. If you're torn between Nikkor and Contax Zeiss, consider what characteristics are most important to your creative vision.

[@dukecha]

@@EdmundElijah thanks for getting back to me Edmund! I love all your work! I ended up building a Contax Zeiss set with a 28/50/85 because I fell in love with the aspherical aberration. Between C/Y, AIS and FD, I also felt the Zeiss were more robust in build even though all the options are built well. I am still eye balling the Nikon ais 35-70 zoom because I heard it was parfocal and internally zooms

[@EdmundElijah]

@@dukecha I’m thinking about getting one too!

[@Makingthetransition]

This was extremely well filmed and produced.

[@EdmundElijah]

@@Makingthetransition thanks!

[@robert18productions]

Great video. You seem to have both the AI-S 35mm f/2 and the 35mm f/1.4, which of these lenses do you prefer using?

[@EdmundElijah]

I’ve since sold the f/2 and have kept the f/1.4.

[@kevinbatts2804]

This was nicely put together. I'm based out of OKC. Good to see a fellow traveler from Oklahoma on YT. I have been shooting on Canon FD lenses myself.

[@EdmundElijah]

I just moved here! I love OKC. It was the first city we visited in Oklahoma.

[@MarcelGlas]

Very insightful video! Curious to find out what your go-tos are? I'm looking for a wide, a medium and something to get a little closer with.

[@EdmundElijah]

I’d recommend the 24mm f/2, 35mm f/2, and the 55mm f/2.8. Even though the 55mm is a macro lens, it’s great for all around use!

[@MarcelGlas]

@@EdmundElijah Thank you very much for the reply! :)

[@Mat.arantes]

Awesome vídeo Edmund! Hugs from Brazil!

[@EdmundElijah]

Thanks!

[@classic.cameras]

Couldn't agree more. Love vintage lenses and love Nikkor lenses. A lens to check out next is the Nikkor 180mm f2.8 ED AI lens. Picked up one a few months ago. It is just epic!

[@EdmundElijah]

I need a longer focal length for sure!

[@LightDive]

I just got the same lens myself. Looking forward to getting some time with it.

[@andrew_nayes]

Did you film the talking head with the Nikkors as well? Or did you keep one modern lens for youtube?

[@EdmundElijah]

I have been using the Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 for my talking heads!

[@preshmtz]

where did you get the lens hood for the 28mm? Thanks in advance

[@EdmundElijah]

It's a cine front ring from SIMMOD!

[@alexced3923]

Excellenmt audio. How did you do it_?

[@EdmundElijah]

Check out my video titled: 5 Simple Tips for Better Audio | How to Improve Your Videos

[@MatchRoad]

also the nikkors in general are probably one of the most consistent lenses, you can mix lenses with newer versions like the AF/D and the FX DSRL and maybe Z mount too, with leica for example, its harder to find color matching lenses with serials of the same year, witch is wild

[@EdmundElijah]

That's an interesting point!

[@bradl2636]

This is why mixing generations of Minolta Rokkors (MCI, MCII, MCIII, MD, MDII) isn't a good idea for cinema use. Color matching is a pain because Minolta constantly changed their glass formulations and coatings. This is also why the rehousing companies are a ripoff because they are mixing generations of glass. I'm actually NOT a fan of butchering vintage photography lenses for cinema use.

[@EdmundElijah]

@@bradl2636 Rehousing companies normally don’t supply the lenses, though. Why don’t you agree with it?

[@waynealejo]

I think I was your 1000d sub, congrats!

[@EdmundElijah]

Thank you so much!

[@Jnewtonwright]

Great video. Subscribed!

[@EdmundElijah]

Thanks!

[@fridadeivizsla2729]

which camera do u use in the talk part? and lens :)

[@EdmundElijah]

I use a Canon C70 and a Nikkor 35mm f/1.4. I’m considering switching, though!

[@fridadeivizsla2729]

@@EdmundElijah very nice image (and a super good grading).. switching to!? I'm thinking to switching to h2s from a7iv.. but who knows 🤣

[@EdmundElijah]

@@fridadeivizsla2729 that’s what I am considering!

[@fridadeivizsla2729]

@@EdmundElijah ;) Why do you want to switch to H2s? I saw that you have used it in the past

[@EdmundElijah]

@@fridadeivizsla2729 I’m just interested in changing things up for a bit!

[@alexanderjohansson3947]

Do you have any experience with nikkors ai-s lens zoom

[@EdmundElijah]

I do not - I want some, though!

[@alexanderjohansson3947]

@@EdmundElijah i ordered one yesterday. I would like to try and film a sports event with it. But not sure how it will do haha

[@EdmundElijah]

@@alexanderjohansson3947 Which one?

[@alexanderjohansson3947]

@@EdmundElijah nikkors ai-s 35-105mm

[@EdmundElijah]

@@alexanderjohansson3947 That’s the lens that I want!

[@ronouellette]

Great video Edmund! I also have a C70 and some Nikkor lens... Which adapter are you using to go from Nikon F to RF mount?

[@EdmundElijah]

SIMMOD’s conversion kit! It’s great, and reversible.

[@ronouellette]

@@EdmundElijah Thanks!

[@ronouellette]

​@@EdmundElijah I went to check it out... Do you actually need to get one kit for every lens? Did you try any other adapters that doesn't involve changing the mount of the lens?

[@EdmundElijah]

@@ronouellette Which camera body are you using?

[@ronouellette]

@@EdmundElijah The Canon C70. I have a PL mount and the Canon 0.71x Ef to RF.

[@nathanryan7018]

This is a really great video! I have a pretty similar set (no 1.4's, but I have the 200mm f4 and I love it!)

[@EdmundElijah]

I need that lens!

[@nathanryan7018]

Oh it's such a fun lens, and such a different perspective. The clarity and detail are off the charts.@@EdmundElijah

[@nathanryan7018]

Also, you should try the current Voigtlander F-mount lenses. I think there are 4 (28mm 2.8, 40mm f4, 58mm 1.4, and 90mm 2.8) They are excellent and built in the same style as the AI-S lenses@@EdmundElijah

[@EdmundElijah]

@@nathanryan7018 I’ve actually been interested in those!

[@50mmnikonainikkor55]

Great content. Thank you.

[@EdmundElijah]

Thanks!

[@johnmuniz328]

Very informative. Thank you. Youre from tulsa? Tell the von lankens hello from texas!

[@EdmundElijah]

Thanks!

[@ShortImpactMedia]

Cool video!! Likes the no music and no gimmicks! Very kosher/halal

[@EdmundElijah]

Thanks so much!

[@richardsimms251]

Excellent

[@EdmundElijah]

Thanks!

[@redbeardproductions-kevind9806]

Hey I live in Skiatook, but I do most of my work in Tulsa!

[@EdmundElijah]

Email me! [e-mail]

[@redbeardproductions-kevind9806]

@@EdmundElijah will do

[@EdmundElijah]

@@redbeardproductions-kevind9806 I’m waiting!

[@redbeardproductions-kevind9806]

@@EdmundElijah just sent it

[@nikolasdeco1321]

I love the look of vintage lenses, and would love to use them to film stuff. Could I use these ones you specify to film with my fuji x-e4? Or you wouldnt recommend that

[@EdmundElijah]

Yup! Just need to get an adapter from Urth.

[@atruceforbruce5388]

What you need is nikkon 50-300 ed ais.

[@EdmundElijah]

That’s true!

[@atruceforbruce5388]

@@EdmundElijah what nikkon said was it was the finest manual lens they ever made. After owning it for a year I can say it's not misplaced sentiment.

[@redbeardproductions-kevind9806]

We should get together and compare your Nikors with my Super-Takumars...

[@ChristianAndrew1.4]

The old Nikkors are the original Art lenses... and still are.

[@EdmundElijah]

I love them!

[@ChristianAndrew1.4]

@@EdmundElijah 100% agree, its all I shoot with.

[@SiiteLi]

the focus throw on those is just too damn short. I used to be a Nikon vintage lens advocate, untill I did a blind test with the Sigma I series lens.. and concluded that those Nikons are simply Traditional Chinese medicine, other than the placebo effect it has on my psychology.. it doesnt do much for me...

[@EdmundElijah]

Bummer!

[@puntoeffe_]

Grazie

[@PhilippeOrlando]

So you're saying, even though this is not what I'm trying to do, that if a young filmmaker wants to emulate the look of what she sees in Netflix series and Amazon Prime series she should use Nikkor AI-S? I fully disagree. These lenses will make her piece look like Harold and Maud, which is fine if her story is set in the 70s. But is she's trying to tell a contemporary story happy in 2024, she should use lenses to which the audience is used to see those stories being filmed with. Why would you use 50 year old lenses to film a sci-fi piece happening in the future, or a crime story happening today? Now if somebody is going to produce a Western, a Buck and Swash movie , why not!

[@EdmundElijah]

Are you aware that Dune II used vintage Soviet lenses? Or that the Batman used a few? I believe that you’re having a hard time understanding why vintage lens characteristics can aide you as a filmmaker. I can find additional examples of films and tv shows that use vintage lenses and are available on Netflix and Amazon Prime, if you’d like.

[@seth7971]

很奇怪的是......zeiss outs 28 & 55 & 85 在我的肖像摄影项目(D850 GFX50II)里面有很好的Character, 但是在我的视频项目(sigma fp)里却失去了魅力, 同样的被摄体 在同样的环境 同等的光照效果下. 几乎每次在拍摄之后去仔细察觉的时候都会让我无奈的笑出来. 当然, 客户对所有的结果都很满意. 来自中国大陆的问候和感谢

[@TomPark1986]

I'm dying because everyone says 28 mm... But man I don't want to shell out 200 bucks for 10 mm wider 😩

[@AroojNaveedJustin]

woo

[@EdmundElijah]

Thanks!

[@AroojNaveedJustin]

@@EdmundElijah 😇😇