Nikon Pre Ai 5cm S F2 & Pre Ai 50mm H F2 Opinions on each...

S

Simon D.

Guest
Ok,

I might be wrong but I believe that before the Nikkor Pre Ai 50mm H F2.0 there was a 5cm S F2.0 lens of a different computation. A few weeks ago I read here on RFF somewhere that one lens was substantially "better" than the other. I have tried the search function but cannot find that post so forgive me if this is an obvious question!

Does anyone have any information or experience regarding these two lenses? Any photographs to post to illustrate each lenses qualities? Which do you prefer?!

Regards to all,

Simon
 
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I have an H, an HC, a K series and an AI. I dont have the 5cm so can't comment. On digital (d700) the last 3 perform as near as a hair identically. The H lens, earliest one I have seems to give warmer colours. All of mine are identically sharp. They are all sharper at F2 than my old AI 1.4 at F2 and my new AFd 1.4 at f2.
I really like the Nikon 50mm f2's and for what they cost are a complete bargain.
The main thing I've found is that when the helicoids get dry, you get focus jump especially with the D700 but not so much with the film F2 cameras I have. Hope this is helpfull.
 
I have both. The 5cm f2 Nikkor-S is a collector's lens, the 50mm F2 Nikkor-H is much better in terms of higher contrast, Bokeh, and overall sharpness. The Nikkor-S was a retrofocus design, and early attempt to clear the mirror housing.

Now: the Nikkor-S 5.8cm F1.4, a "cult" lens for good reason. I have one of those, too. Lower Contrast, Swirly Bokeh, nice rendition. It is close in formula to the Summarit and original Summilux.

5cm f2 Nikkor-S, wide-open
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From what I've read and from my own experience, the Nikkor-H.c 50mm f/2.0 (pre-AI) or the AI version (identical except the AI mount and the "-H.c" omitted from lens engravings), is one of the best if not the best Nikkor 50mm lens. The earlier Nikkor-H (w/o the ".c") is the same with just the standard single layer coatings. Its a relatively simple design, only 6 interior glass-to-air surfaces, and the difference in coatings is all but trivial.

Here's a link to an excellent set of pages on Nikkor standard lenses in F-mount:

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/50mmnikkor/index1.htm
 
I have only used three different Nikkor-H 50/2 (buying and rebuying - I guess I am very alone in this, hmmm....?) but compared to other 50's I have had it is a keeper. And no, I am not selling the one I have right now! :)

Sharp, sweet OoF rendering and works fine without a hood, due to deeply recessed lens elements.
 
Thanks for the input everyone!

My experience with the pre-ai 50's is a 50mm s 1.4, which came with my Nikon F. Its a super lens in its own right but recently I have started to look around at what else was available at the time. For the price of these 50/2 H lenses and given the input above how can you go wrong! I have one on my mental "wants" list!

Thanks everyone!
 
I enjoy the look of the images drawn by the s (??) version of this lens. If you look around ebay (also Pacific Rim Camera Store online) you will see that AI conversion rings are still available for this lens. You can then use it on your digital Nikon. Nice tones and quite sharp enough in keeping with its reputation.

Picture064_R.jpg
 
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There was never an AI Conversion kit for the Nikkor-S 5cm f2 lens. The construction is different from the later non-AI lenses. If you look on the back of an old lens, they do not use visible screws to hold the mount into the lens.

You can Ai convert it by cutting the aperture ring at the appropriate position.

The Nikkor-S 50mm F1.4 has factory AI rings available, but you have to get the right serial number grouping. I have a list of AI conversion kit part numbers related to each lens by SN grouping. I should scan it someday.
 
Rod,

I forgot that you had a 50/2H! I might give that a try when we meet up?!

Brian,

That list you have sounds fascinating! Out of interest, which Ai kit do I need for my 50/1.4S, serial number 1091600? Where would one find an Ai kit these days?

Simon
 
I looked at the list- it has the Sn groupings. 635511-2797020 50/1.4 all use the same part. Would have cost $18.50 for Nikon to do the conversion. In 1978. I have a 1978 Dealer's catalog.

Pacificrimcamera.com has conversion kits for the 50/2, but is out of them for the 50/1.4.

You best bet is to buy a "junker" lens in the Sn range that has been AI'd. They pop up.
 
"I have a list of AI conversion kit part numbers related to each lens by SN grouping. I should scan it someday."

Brian: That would be seriously useful! I've struggled with finding the right rings for several pre-AI lenses.
 
I found the data sheet- and it groups the lenses by SN, gives the conversion price, but did not list the specific part number of the Kit.

As for the Kits- pacificrimcamera.com is about the only place I know that has them "new-old-Stock". There list has shrunk considerably over the last few years. I AI'd my Zoom-Nikkor-C 80~200/4.5 using a kit from them.

http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/catalog/ch73.htm

I will scan the sheet- it would be useful for picking up AI'd lkenses and knowing which range of lenses they fit. I have a near-perfect AI ring for the Nikkor-Q 135/2.8 picked up off a parts lens.

EDIT/UPDATE:

http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/aimod.html

Does a great job providing this information.
 
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Brian: Thanks for the link --- very useful, indeed.

I've found a few conversion rings at Koh's Camera --- Jimmy still has a smallish supply available.
 
I really like my Nikkor-S 5cm.. probably my favorite $14 lens! :) There's decidedly less contrast than the H, but i'm actually liking that 'quality' more and more these days.. Some examples:

f8:
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And wide open:
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More here.
 
And a few from the Nikkor-H:

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As Brian pointed out, higher contrast + sharper than the S, but that's not necessarily always bad. Depends on what your expectations/goals are, i suppose. I try to play both lenses to their strong suits.. and for what the H's are going for, everyone should have 5 of 'em. :D

EDIT: i guess it's worth pointing out that these two sets of photos were shot on entirely different film stocks - the pics from the S were Neopan SS at 400 in D-76, and the H examples are Eastman XX @ 400 in Fujidol.. not exactly a 'by the book' test. But in the interest of full disclosure, and all that jazz..
 
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