BillBingham2
Registered User
ABG,
What I did was carry an SLR for above 50 and use my RF for 50 and below.
My journey was a bit different as I went from Leica RFs to Nikon (couldn't afford the Leica SLR glass of the size/speed I used) and was very happy.
You might think about a Leicaflex (of your choice, so many good ones to choose from) with a 90 or a 180. While the 180/2.8 is many folks bread and butter, I'd go with the 1/2 stop slower 180/3.4. It intrigues me more (not to mention is smaller). Perhaps a 4s and the 180.
Keep the 50 on the M3, they were made for each other.
Just a thought, horse of a different colour and all.......
B2 (;->
What I did was carry an SLR for above 50 and use my RF for 50 and below.
My journey was a bit different as I went from Leica RFs to Nikon (couldn't afford the Leica SLR glass of the size/speed I used) and was very happy.
You might think about a Leicaflex (of your choice, so many good ones to choose from) with a 90 or a 180. While the 180/2.8 is many folks bread and butter, I'd go with the 1/2 stop slower 180/3.4. It intrigues me more (not to mention is smaller). Perhaps a 4s and the 180.
Keep the 50 on the M3, they were made for each other.
Just a thought, horse of a different colour and all.......
B2 (;->
BillBingham2
Registered User
So, I'm looking for a smaller-ish manual lens for my XE-1. I've got an 85/1.8, but small and the 1.8 are rarely used in the same sentence. I've been thinking about the Sonnar 105 and wondering that or the 135/3.5 Ai, which would you pick.
How does the S mount 135 stack up optically to the F 3.5?
Sorry to Hyjack the thread OP, but it's only slightly, yeah that's the ticket.....
B2
dbarnes
Well-known
Thousands of journalists have used the 35/85 Nikkor combo. It's supremely versatile.
I've shot three of the four manual focus Nikkor 85s. (No experience with the 85/1.4.) All three are swell.
That said, the 1.8 is bigger and heavier. And the newer of the two 2.0 models focuses faster (with fewer degrees of rotation) than its predecessor. It's my favorite of the three.
All three use 52mm filters, very common on Nikon lenses.
B2, I like the 105 Sonnar as it gives more vintage color and rendering, won’t focus as close as the 105 Gauss.
keytarjunkie
no longer addicted
Legend has it, the 10.5cm f/2.5 P (Sonnar) is optically the same, except the rear element was slightly modified to clear the SLR mirror. The 10.5cm f/4 is the same in both mounts, but this lens is much more valuable as a collectible than a shooter. And the 13.5cm f/3.5 is at least similar, if not the same between S and early F mount models. I believe both lenses are
Larry H-L
Well-known
Some interesting history here on the 105mm f2.5 Sonnar to Xenotar formula switch:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explor.../classic-lens-review-nikon-105mm-f25-nikkor-p
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explor.../classic-lens-review-nikon-105mm-f25-nikkor-p
ChrisPlatt
Thread Killer
The 85/2.0 Nikkor can be a bargain, possibly due to sometimes less than stellar reviews.
The 105/2.5 Nikkor can be found at reasonable prices too as so many were produced.
I bought the 85mm when the 105mm proved too long to keep up with my active child.
Both lenses are terrific but I prefer the 85mm, perhaps because I've grown used to it.
Chris
The 105/2.5 Nikkor can be found at reasonable prices too as so many were produced.
I bought the 85mm when the 105mm proved too long to keep up with my active child.
Both lenses are terrific but I prefer the 85mm, perhaps because I've grown used to it.
Chris
The 135/3.5 S mount is also a Sonnar.
james.liam
Well-known
Again, the Voigtländer 90 is just a better lens all around, albeit slower. Colors are richer and cleaner. The 105 can be too tight a FOV. The Nikkor 85/2 was not one of their best, in contrast to the 105/2.5
90 is really a great FL and the CV as an APO is just superior by every criteria except speed.
90 is really a great FL and the CV as an APO is just superior by every criteria except speed.
markjwyatt
Well-known
I have the Nikkor-P.C 105mm f2.5 in Contax mount. I have not used it much yet. It feels very big on a Contax RF, but on an SLR probably would be fine.
honeysuckle 2 by Mark Wyatt, on Flickr
honeysuckle 2 by Mark Wyatt, on Flickr
pluton
Well-known
This is the single biggest drawback to the vintage manual focus Nikon SLR lenses.
Most, if not all, of F/K/Ai/Ais era Nikon lenses use Al/Al helicoids, which, if used much after the original grease has evaporated, will destroy themselves. The focus action then becomes rough and stiff...very unpleasant!
Most 85/1.8 H, H.C, AI lenses I've ever seen over the last 40 years have damaged helicoids. This model seems to be particularly prone to being damaged by neglect of helicoid lubrication.
I got an 85/1.8 K/Ai that is only slightly damaged, which makes the focusing slightly stiff once re-lubricated, an effect which I happen to like.
Interestingly, certain Nikon primes, such as my 180/2.8 ED AiS, never seem to develop the rough helicoid disease, and the focusing action remains smooth---without shop service---for decades.
CMur12
Veteran
I really like the 85mm focal length, as it provides a lovely perspective. It is, in fact, my "normal" lens.
My next most used lens is a 28mm, satisfying very neatly my needs in a wide angle.
I probably take 90% of my photos with these two focal lengths, the ideal team for me.
If you are pushing somewhat reluctantly beyond 50mm, I think an 85mm lens would be less of a stretch and a better all-around tool. In my opinion, 105mm is just enough longer to make it a more specialized lens, with less universal application.
- Murray
My next most used lens is a 28mm, satisfying very neatly my needs in a wide angle.
I probably take 90% of my photos with these two focal lengths, the ideal team for me.
If you are pushing somewhat reluctantly beyond 50mm, I think an 85mm lens would be less of a stretch and a better all-around tool. In my opinion, 105mm is just enough longer to make it a more specialized lens, with less universal application.
- Murray
pluton
Well-known
An unusually good AiS-era zoom. I have found it difficult to find one that's not beat up and falling apart.
keytarjunkie
no longer addicted
Ah yeah, I did some more research and think you may be right. It is extremely simple - four elements in three groups. 13.5cm f/3.5 S-mount Via MIR:
The 13.5cm f/3.5 Auto (F-mount) lens supposedly keeps this Sonnar design from 1959 to 1969, and then the optical design was modified from 1969 to 1977 but I'm not sure how. After 1977 the 135mm f/3.5 AI was a new compact design unrelated to the earlier lenses.
Sierra Club
Established
Got 135 f/3.5 AI-S and 105 f/2.5 AI-S - love'em both.
Always a pleasure to use them.
105 works great contre-jour.
135 is cheaper but also produces beautiful images.
Both have nifty integrated telescoping hoods.
Always a pleasure to use them.
105 works great contre-jour.
135 is cheaper but also produces beautiful images.
Both have nifty integrated telescoping hoods.
The 135/3.5 later versions, built in lens hood, are 4 element in 3 group Sonnars, just like the original S-Mount lenses of 1950. They are multi-coated, lighter, use 52mm filters, usually less cost. I have an early MIOJ 13.5cm F3.5 in Leica mount and the last-batch AIs mount. Go for the later version.
The Nikkor 85/2 is much smaller than the 85/1.8. The latter- about the size of the 55/1.2. The 85/2- closer to a 50/1.4.
AlexBG
Well-known
My children are very active, even my XT3 couldn't keep up with them. Also probably why I never really go for longer lenses, even looking at my lightroom catalogue and seeing what focal length I use with the 16-55, it's very rare to go above 40.
BillBingham2
Registered User
Hey Brian,
Not sure the attached info is right. Is the newer 135/3.5 (AI-s) a sonar design? I’m feeling more than my usual stupid today.
Thanks.
B2 (;-?
Not sure the attached info is right. Is the newer 135/3.5 (AI-s) a sonar design? I’m feeling more than my usual stupid today.
Thanks.
B2 (;-?
The Nikkor 135/3.5, produced up through 1983- is a Sonnar formula lens, 4 elements in 3 groups- same as the 13.5cm F3.5 of 1950. I think it is the last Sonnar formula lens made in F-Mount.