Rayt
Nonplayer Character
Anybody have any practical experience with this Nikon 85mm f/1.5 lens in either Nikon RF or Leica screw mount? How is it at f/1.5? All I know is what I have read on Cameraquest.
I got to handle an LTM version and an S-mount version at one of the many Tokyo camera shows a while back.
Certainly an impressive looking lens with a huge front element, but the Nikkor-P 8.5cm f2 is as about as big a lens that I'd want to use on an RF so I couldn't imagine actually carting one around and using it.
Certainly an impressive looking lens with a huge front element, but the Nikkor-P 8.5cm f2 is as about as big a lens that I'd want to use on an RF so I couldn't imagine actually carting one around and using it.
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
I did have a LTM version of this lens for several years. Very much similar to the Summarex for Leica. Better contrast than the Summarex. but wide open it wasen't that good (by todays standards) -but neither was the Summarex. Quite prone to flare and VERY heavy. You can almost hear the focussing mount on a Nikon "groan" when you turn the ring. Great collectable - but something like the 85f2.0 is far more practical and better performer.
raid
Dad Photographer
How does this lens compare with the Canon 85mm/1.5?
I like my Canon.
I like my Canon.
Rayt
Nonplayer Character
Thanks. I'll give it a miss. I managed to get my hands on an Angenieux 90/1.8 in LTM so that will keep me busy for at least a few weeks!
raid
Dad Photographer
:bang:TWoK
Well-known
Hrm, I found a LTM version for cheap. I think a 35/1.8 LTM, 50/1.1 Nokton and 85/1.5 LTM would be a killer 3 lens RF kit. It being large doesn't scare me, but I can't find any images from the lens besides these two: http://imaging.nikon.com/products/imaging/technology/nikkor/n19_e.htm
I'd really rather have the s-mount version, but I am sure that would be very awkward on an S3 versus a M6.
I'd really rather have the s-mount version, but I am sure that would be very awkward on an S3 versus a M6.
I've got two 85mm f1.5's in LTM.
One is a little better than the other (sample variation), but both pretty good wide open. On an R-D1, very sharp to the edges. On film, pretty good.
Stopped down after f4, one of the sharpest short teles I have ever tried. No oil on the blades of either one.
One is a little better than the other (sample variation), but both pretty good wide open. On an R-D1, very sharp to the edges. On film, pretty good.
Stopped down after f4, one of the sharpest short teles I have ever tried. No oil on the blades of either one.
TWoK
Well-known
How much did you pay if you don't mind me asking?
Almost nothing for one. It was ridiculously mis-listed and ill-photographed on eBay about 8 years ago. I was very clever to spot it if I must say so myself.
The other one I bought with a large bag of assorted 1950's gear from a guy having a stoop sale. I paid $400 for the whole bag.
I never seek these things out in retail outlets. I sell retail, I buy when I use my wits or stumble on something.
I would guess, in today's market, a LTM version in excellent user condition would go for around $1500 - $2000 USD.
The other one I bought with a large bag of assorted 1950's gear from a guy having a stoop sale. I paid $400 for the whole bag.
I never seek these things out in retail outlets. I sell retail, I buy when I use my wits or stumble on something.
I would guess, in today's market, a LTM version in excellent user condition would go for around $1500 - $2000 USD.
TWoK
Well-known
So I've seen 3 LTM versions and you have two, but I've not even heard of someone with the S-mount version. Why is that? The LTM version should be significantly rarer right?
Without Googling to refresh my memory, I believe according to published literature there were about 2000 LTM versions made.
Having said that, I question that figure. I think there were more. One of the serial numbers of one I have doesn't match the published timelines I have seen.
Having said that, I question that figure. I think there were more. One of the serial numbers of one I have doesn't match the published timelines I have seen.
TWoK
Well-known
What I just read said there were only 2000 total.
I read that all the time, but like I said, I question the accuracy of that figure.
TWoK
Well-known
Do you have any shots you could post?
In response to a query I once made to the archivist at Nikon:
So more than 2000 of these lenses were made?
It's not so rare?
On Aug 12, 2005, at 3:44 AM, Ito.Mikio2@nikonoa.net wrote:
Dear Mr.JXXXX
The result which I investigated, it became as follows.
1) The lens with serial number 367028 was produced in 1958 or 1959.
2) In later production, "C" letter was not carved.
Regards
*********************************************
Mikio Itoh
Nikon co. PR div.
Archivist
E-mail: ito.mikio2@nikonoa.net
So more than 2000 of these lenses were made?
It's not so rare?
On Aug 12, 2005, at 3:44 AM, Ito.Mikio2@nikonoa.net wrote:
Dear Mr.JXXXX
The result which I investigated, it became as follows.
1) The lens with serial number 367028 was produced in 1958 or 1959.
2) In later production, "C" letter was not carved.
Regards
*********************************************
Mikio Itoh
Nikon co. PR div.
Archivist
E-mail: ito.mikio2@nikonoa.net
Last edited:
TWoK
Well-known
I mean pictures taken using the lens.
Small jpgs of photo posted online show nothing about lens performance.
TWoK
Well-known
Well they could show me a bit of it's character. Frankly having seen only two shots from this lens anything would be wonderful.
According to Rotoloni's latest tome (i.e. factory records), 1,353 were made (685 in Nikon mount, 489 in LTM, and 179 in Contax mount).
Lemonsha in the Ginza had two Nikon mount versions last time I was there.
Lemonsha in the Ginza had two Nikon mount versions last time I was there.