Newbie in SLR, lens choice?

[jbielikowski]

I really don't like manual focusing with AF Nikkors it's totally undamped, feels like a toy... but that's also caused by build quality.

Bear in mind that oldest Nikkors (with letters) won't mount on FM2 unless converted to AI.

 

[Dwig]

...What about F2 H.C.? ...

Excellent option provided that it has be Ai Converted, otherwise it won't mount on an FM2 without damaging the body.

My preference would be either the Ai-s f/2 or 1.8 (early version). The f/2 "H-c" and later "K" version (looks like the Ai version but isn't) are also very good choices once converted. The earlier still "H" version isn't multi-coated, which isn't bad except in rather extreme lighting situations.

 

[J enea]

i have the 1.8d and the 1.4 ai. I used the 1.8d for years until i got the 1.4. I love the feel of the focus on the ai and ai-s lenses, much better than the feel of manual focusing the D lenses. I now use the d lens on auto focus cameras.

In my mind, all things being equal I feel the picture quality is slightly better on the 1.8d over the 1.4 ai lens, especially with slide film. with B&W enlargements, the difference is not really noticable until you get up to 11x14 and larger. corners are much better with the 1.8 over the 1.4.

So I guess it depends on what you plan to shoot. if you are shooting landscapes where you need corner to corner sharpness, I have aways prefered the 1.8 over the 1.4, or most of the slower lenses obver the faster lenses. if you are shooting portraits or people or things in the center of the frame at large apertures, like 1.8 to 4 and the corners are out of focus, then i feel that the 1.4 is sharper in the center over the 1.8, but not by a lot.

I also like the fact that you can get the 1.8d lens NEW for $120, the best deal in nikon lenses today.

 

[CK Dexter Haven]

Get the 50/1.8 Series E (with metal ring) and spend the rest of the money on other focal lengths. The Series E is sharp, tiny, and has very nice bokeh. I'm happier with it than i was with all the Leica 50s i tried.

 

[jamin-b]

In the same predicament a month a go I opted for the Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f1.4 and am very pleased. I figured with its build and extra speed and stellar reviews and knowing my self I would always be coveting it so I might as well "save" and buy it first...

I also picked up a 35mm nikkor o with a very ugly ai'd job but excellent optics and mechanics for $25, which on average made the Nokton seem cheaper 🙂

 

[CK Dexter Haven]

In the same predicament a month a go I opted for the Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f1.4 and am very pleased. I figured with its build and extra speed and stellar reviews and knowing my self I would always be coveting it so I might as well "save" and buy it first...

I also picked up a 35mm nikkor o with a very ugly ai'd job but excellent optics and mechanics for $25, which on average made the Nokton seem cheaper 🙂

Not that i need another ~50mm, but... do you have any shots with the 58 Nokton? I really shouldn't ask, but i don't seem to be able to control myself....

 

[Bruno Gracia]

How many options! I guess these old fellaws will need hood?

 

[jamin-b]

Not that i need another ~50mm, but... do you have any shots with the 58 Nokton? I really shouldn't ask, but i don't seem to be able to control myself....

I've only just scanned them, not too successfully, and usually do some adjusting in lightroom, but also have never figured out how to post photose. drop me an email and I'll be happy to send samples...

 

[Kate-the-Great]

How many options! I guess these old fellaws will need hood?

I've never used a hood with my 50mm Nikkors, and haven't had flare problems. Of course I'm sure others here may tell you to always use a hood without exception, so it's entirely up to you. "normal" focal length Nikkors don't seem too flare-prone FWIW.

 

[Kate-the-Great]

I like, sorry, love the Nikkor-H 50/2, and I suppose you can find one that is AI'd for not all that much money. At one time I had three of them.

I've been curious about the 55/3.5, since I don't do much available darkness stuff. Many 55/2.8 seems to suffer from stiff grease. Getting something like this serviced won't cost you a ton.

The 55/3.5 should be more reliable in that regard, as it's a simple unit-focused design without the floating elements of the 2.8 version. The focus on my sample of the 3.5 is hardly damped at all- I wasn't even sure there was grease in the helical at all until I checked.

 

[Godfrey]

I've never used a hood with my 50mm Nikkors, and haven't had flare problems. Of course I'm sure others here may tell you to always use a hood without exception, so it's entirely up to you. "normal" focal length Nikkors don't seem too flare-prone FWIW.

I use hoods all the time, it's a reflex now.

G

 

[Dwig]

The 55/3.5 should be more reliable in that regard, as it's a simple unit-focused design without the floating elements of the 2.8 version. ...

+1

The f/2.8 was notorious for problems with the helicoid lube migrating onto the iris blades. Proper cleaning requires a rather substantial teardown. It requires skill and knowledge to reassemble properly and not get the floating element section out of sync.

I used a later pre-Ai f/3.5 (multicoated) for quite a number of years. They're great lenses if you don't need the speed.

 

[CK Dexter Haven]

How many options! I guess these old fellaws will need hood?

I used to be steadfast about using hoods. But, now i don't. If i were shooting for a client, and had to create consistent, repeatable, critical results, or were shooting in a studio with lights, i'd use a hood. For personal stuff, i like the idea of flare every once in a while. Still, though, without the hood, i haven't seen any evidence of a problem. I don't shoot a lot, but, even with the old, 'cheap,' consumer-grade 50/Series E, in summer sunshine in Rio, i didn't have any problems. Plus, with that lens, part of the attraction is the compact size. If i put a hood on it, i might as well just shoot with a bigger lens.

 

[jamin-b]

Not that i need another ~50mm, but... do you have any shots with the 58 Nokton? I really shouldn't ask, but i don't seem to be able to control myself....

Some samples from my first rolls with the 58mm Nokton (and with the FM3A...):

https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=96319283@N08&sort=date-taken-desc&text=nokton 58mm&view_all=1

 

[Bruno Gracia]

Thanks guys.

Jamin, nice stuff!