Nikkor 21 4

raid

raid

Dad Photographer
Local time
12:52 PM
Joined
Nov 2, 2005
Messages
36,563
I have a Nikkor-O 2.1cm 4 without RF coupling, of course. Does anyone here own a Nikkor 2.1cm 4 RF lens by any chance? I haven't seen any recent threads on this lens.

I use my SLR lens on a Nikon F2 in mirror lock-up mode and with an external viewfinder. I am about to return using this rig.

nikkor0.21.4-X5.jpg


The camera feels quite heavy and solid.

I wonder if it is more fun to use the modern and light CV 21/4! I have a CV lens in Nikon mount, but I don't use Nikon RF cameras. It seems that this lens when used with an adapter cannot be used with the Leica M9.


nikkor0.21.4.2-X4.jpg
 
I have the 2.1cm Nikkor F mount but I use it on my Leica M4. I modified a Novoflex adapter to accept the Nikkor by JB welding a small piece of plexiglass to act as the key that prevents the lens from rotating. On the M4 it's a great lens.
Phil Forrest
 
This is a great modification idea, Phil. I am not as skilled as you are, though, and until further notice, the lens stays as is in SLR F mount. How do you like your images from your lens?
 
Aside from the convenience of RF coupling in the super angulon f/3.4, I like the images better because there is slightly less vignetting with the Nikon. And really, at 21mm, even wide open, exact focus isn't critical.
I like using non-reflex motion picture cameras and I have to scale focus 100% of the time. I just got a 50mm f1.6 Kodak Anastigmat and using that wide open is going to really challenge me. I'll be using the measuring tape for anything less than 8 feet at a wide aperture. No such trouble with the 2.1cm Nikkor!
Phil Forrest
 
I already have a 16/8 converted to M mount, do I will keep the Nikkor in F mount.
There is no need for RF coupling.
 
Oh yeah, I need to stress that when I perform modifications like this, I ensure that the lens can always be returned to original form and spec. In this case, I modified the adapter so if I want to use the lens on my F2 when I'm out shooting with that camera and a 50mm, I can easily put it on as the lens and camera were originally made to do. No modification of the lens itself happened.
For anyone who wants to do a similar adapter modification, when you mount the lens on the Leica, the adapter must be on the camera already or the rear elements of the 2.1cm Nikkor hits the top of the box inside the camera and could scratch off the black coating. Don't mount or dismount the adapter + lens as one piece. Just an important note.
Phil Forrest
 
Hey Raid,

The Nikkor-O 21mm f/4 was the first ultra-wide lens I used, on loan from my uncle, in 1969 to 1972 or so. I used it on a Nikon F body. It's a terrific performer, IMO.

The easiest thing to do to lighten up the F2 + lens is to switch the head on the F2 to either a waist-level finder or the plain prism head. The F2's metering head is quite a heavy lump and it's completely irrelevant with this lens fitted since the mirror has to be locked up. You can get a waist level finder for the camera from Ebay for about $40 or so. :D

I wouldn't adapt this lens to anything else, personally. Fitted to the F or F2 with a waist level finder, it's barely heavier than a Leica M, about the same size physically, and does exactly the same thing. Having had the Color-Skopar 21mm f/4 lens as well, I have to say that I think the Nikkor 21mm is a slightly better performer although it may have a little more corner light fall-off.

G
 
B-9 said:
Voigtlander F accessory shoe.

https://cameraquest.com/VCSL1215.htm
Click to expand...

Well, that tends to sell for about $250, when you can find it. A waist level finder is $40 from Ebay. :)

The Nikon F and F2 already have their own accessory shoe anyway... and there are plenty of adapters that fit on it for a standard accessory shoe mount for much less than that (and those also give you a standard flash hot shoe).

G
 
Years ago I bought a LTM to Pentax screw mount adapter. Then I used a number one Pentax screw mount extension tube to get the correct register. Now I wish I had a LTM to Pentax K mount adapter so I could mount my K mount lenses. I guess I'll have to dream on.
 
Probably the only thing I would change is get a plain prism for her.

Another option, if you're into a bit of a hack is.....

Get an old FTN Prism and Dremel the top off it. Make it a cover to protect the mirror and stay on with the clips.

Very cool classic glass. Thanks for sharing.

BTW, if you need an extra F/F2 adapter let me know, I got one I can share.

B2 (;->
 
Thank you Bill.
I am not handy enough to manage such a hack.
Do you mean a F/F2 hot shoe accessory?

I have used this lens with one roll of film many years ago.
 
BillBingham2 said:
Probably the only thing I would change is get a plain prism for her.
Another option, if you're into a bit of a hack is.....
Get an old FTN Prism and Dremel the top off it. Make it a cover to protect the mirror and stay on with the clips.
Very cool classic glass. Thanks for sharing.
BTW, if you need an extra F/F2 adapter let me know, I got one I can share.
Click to expand...

A plain prism would work to lighten the camera too, but cost for one in good condition is $100-$250. A waist level finder is lighter, smaller, and costs as low as $35.

Hacking an FTn prism finder just makes my skin crawl. Never mind that even a beat up one is likely more than $40 ... and then you have to basically destroy it. A WL finder remains useful and lightens the F2 by a lot.

(Yes, I did this with my F Photomic FTn when I used it with the 21mm lens years and years ago...)

G
 
I don't have a F body so hard to say, but if you want to go lighter ( are M's lighter than a F? ) with the lens maybe use it on a Nikon RFer? Or on a M with the appropriate Amedeo adapters? Do you have such adapters or do you have a Nikon RFer?
 
Digital sensors can get damaged by such non-retrofocus lens. It cannot be used as is on the M8 or M9. I am sure of it. It has to be a film camera.

I have a Nikon RF camera and several Leica film RF cameras.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom