lxmike
M2 fan.
How good is the Nikkor pre AI 50mm f2, I have heard some glowing reports and wondered if any RFF members had one or used one in the past
cheers Mick
cheers Mick
Nikkor 50 F2 pre AI
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Jerevan
Recycled User
Opinions will be all over the place, but for me: a favorite lens. I had the Nikkor-S 50/1.4 and still, the 50/2 won the day. At the moment I have two, both Nikkor-H.
With the prices for non-converted lenses being lower, there is no point in not trying it out at least and see for yourself.
With the prices for non-converted lenses being lower, there is no point in not trying it out at least and see for yourself.
MarcoVenturiniAutier
Newbie
Well,
it was the lens my father used on his Nikkormat to take pictures (of me too).
So, obviously, it is the best lens in the world.
Photography has nothing to do with lines/mm and all with emotions.
Ciao,
Marco
it was the lens my father used on his Nikkormat to take pictures (of me too).
So, obviously, it is the best lens in the world.
Photography has nothing to do with lines/mm and all with emotions.
Ciao,
Marco
lxmike
M2 fan.
thanks for the reply, I have my eye on a couple on ebay, a scalloped pre AI and a Late version pre AI with rubber focusing grip
lxmike
M2 fan.
thanks for the reply, and your right it is all about emotions but sometimes you can find a lens that will disapoint or perform in a way that it should not, I had this once with a Pentax 40mm M series 2.8 pancake, it turned out to be a bit overarted (in my humble opinion.
Vics
Veteran
The Nikkor-H 50mm 2.0 NAI is a KILLER lens. I have one that is a total rattletrrap, and still one of the sharpest lenses I have and such tones like you wouldn't believe! I had a 50/1.4 and gave it away, but I'd never sell my Nikkor-H. I also have the Nikkor-S 2.0, but it's not in the same class as the H.
maclaine
Well-known
I have one permanently affixed to my Nikon F, and occasionally I'll swap out my 50mm f/1.8 AI from my F3 if I want a lower contrast look or just that silky smooth feel of the all-metal, scalloped focus ring version. Terrific lens, and a bona fide classic.
I actually have an extra copy that is in excellent condition I've been meaning to post for sale. I picked it up attached to a body I wanted, but I don't need it. I can give you a sweetheart of a deal on it, if you're interested. PM me.
KoNickon
Nick Merritt
A fine lens. My first "real" camera was a Nikkormat FT2 that came with this lens, the last pre-AI version with rubber grip (I don't know whether it was ever made in AI, come to think of it). I remember being a bit chagrined that it was "only" f2, but I got over it!
lxmike
M2 fan.
lxmike
M2 fan.
thanks for the reply, looks like I need to get a Nikkor 50 f2 H
Rdtaylor_sea
Member
I've got a 50 f2 NAI HC as well as a 50 f1.8 AIS and 50 f1.2 AIS. The HC is probably my favorite SLR lens with the way that it renders.
Stuart John
Well-known
I like mine. I use it on my FM2.
Here is a shot taken with the FM2 and 50mm F2
and one more
Here is a shot taken with the FM2 and 50mm F2
and one more
lxmike
M2 fan.
Thanks for the reply chaps, looks like a Nikkor 50mm f2 h is my next purchase
waynec
Established
I got the late Pre-Ai rubber grip model and tested it out. My results were:
Best aperture F8
Second Best, F2.8, F4, F5.6 even
Third best, F8.5, F5.6, F11, F11.5 even
F16 last, F2 pretty dam good but flared in the sun.
Great lens, nice and sharp.
Best aperture F8
Second Best, F2.8, F4, F5.6 even
Third best, F8.5, F5.6, F11, F11.5 even
F16 last, F2 pretty dam good but flared in the sun.
Great lens, nice and sharp.
telenous
Well-known
Go for it, great lens. I used to have a 50/1.8 AIS pancake and didn't like it at all. It kind of made everything look like cardboard cutouts. Later I got an early Nippon Kogaku 50/2 H factory converted to AI and love it. Goes for a pittance too.
Have a look in this write-up for the lens, particularly the bit about performance: http://imaging.nikon.com/history/nikkor/2/index.htm
The following, from a recent roll:
Have a look in this write-up for the lens, particularly the bit about performance: http://imaging.nikon.com/history/nikkor/2/index.htm
The following, from a recent roll:
MarcoVenturiniAutier
Newbie
Hi,
How do you use it on the FM2? I understand we are talking of the pre-AI version and that the FM2 cannot take non-AI lenses 😕
Ciao, Marco
Dirk
Privatier
I have the rubber ring pre-AI K version and the H version. Both are great. I prefer the H for B&W; the K is slightly more contrasty and great for color. But both are great for either, with slighly different "feel" in the way they render the image. In my book, either one competes for best manual focus SLR 50mm lens with the Summicron v.II, the SMC Takumar 55mm 1.8 and the Hexanon 50mm 1.7 EE.
lxmike
M2 fan.
Thanks for the very inspiring and encouraging replies chaps
nobbylon
Veteran
In the past I had the H, the K and the AI. On digital FF the H always gave warmer results with the other 2 near identical colour. All 3 seemed near identical in sharpness and bokeh. Correct me if wrong but I thought these 3 had identical lens groups. It was just coating changes.
I still have the H with factory Ai kit but seldom use it. It's my only remaining mf Nikkor for my F2.
I still have the H with factory Ai kit but seldom use it. It's my only remaining mf Nikkor for my F2.
Stuart John
Well-known
Mine was converted to Ai at some time before I owned it. I believe It was just a replacement aperture ring that Nikon made. I also have the older 105 F2.5 with the chrome nose that has also been converted to Ai. I hope to pick up a converted 35mm O F2 and a converted 85mm F1.8. That would give me a nice set of vintage Nikkors with scalloped focusing rings to use with my FM2 and B&W film.
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