Steve M.
Veteran
Thanks to some knowledgeable people here, I was informed that I couldn't use my non AI 50 2.0 Nikkor lens on an N8008s. It looked like my only options were to have mine converted, or simply buy an AI lens. I also, briefly, had this Plan C idea of modifying (butchering) an N8008s so I could use the lens on it. Well, the N8008s is on the way to me, and it wasn't quite as cheap to buy as I'd hoped ($35, which I suppose I should be quite happy about actually). So Plan C isn't as attractive as it was. If I screw it up, I'll have a nice $35 Nikon ashtray.
The path of least resistance says just keep the non AI lens on the Nikkormat, and buy an AI 50 2.0 for the N8008s. Problem solved. But are they optically identical? Cosmetically they look very different. All that nice metal on the earlier lens has been replaced by the more modern plastic/rubber body. The non AI lens I have is very good. Looking at photos from the AI lens that I used to have, it's better. But is this just sample variation, or is there an optical/coating difference? What I especially like about the non AI lens is that it's low contrast. I can always add contrast w/ a yellow filter or in printing, but it's harder to go the other way.
The path of least resistance says just keep the non AI lens on the Nikkormat, and buy an AI 50 2.0 for the N8008s. Problem solved. But are they optically identical? Cosmetically they look very different. All that nice metal on the earlier lens has been replaced by the more modern plastic/rubber body. The non AI lens I have is very good. Looking at photos from the AI lens that I used to have, it's better. But is this just sample variation, or is there an optical/coating difference? What I especially like about the non AI lens is that it's low contrast. I can always add contrast w/ a yellow filter or in printing, but it's harder to go the other way.
rlouzan
Well-known
Hi Steve,
I hope this information helps.
Regards,
Robert
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/50mm-f2.htm
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/nikortek.htm#aid
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FS: Hand Made Leather Camera Wrist Straps
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/phot...a-wrist-straps
I hope this information helps.
Regards,
Robert
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/50mm-f2.htm
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/nikortek.htm#aid
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FS: Hand Made Leather Camera Wrist Straps
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/phot...a-wrist-straps
BobYIL
Well-known
Steve, it's no big deal, just convert your non-AI to AI. Follow these :
http://www.zi.ku.dk/personal/lhhansen/photo/repair/aimod/aimod.htm
http://www.chr-breitkopf.de/photo/aiconv.en.html
(I have the early 50/2 Nikkor-H, 102xxxx, looking like survived from the WWII, came with my first Nikon F. I like it..)
http://www.zi.ku.dk/personal/lhhansen/photo/repair/aimod/aimod.htm
http://www.chr-breitkopf.de/photo/aiconv.en.html
(I have the early 50/2 Nikkor-H, 102xxxx, looking like survived from the WWII, came with my first Nikon F. I like it..)
jb17kx
Established
Butchering your F-801S, even if "successful", will render it incompatible in future with all AI lenses (and that includes AF).
The earliest 50/2 with the scalloped-metal focus ring (known as an F-type Nikkor) is single-coated and marked "NIKKOR-H". The C-type version was introduced in 1972 marked "NIKKOR-H.C" and is multi-coated with the usual Nikon Integrated Coating. Otherwise as Ken states the optics are the same the whole way through.
As much as the scalloped-metal is gorgeous, the AI lens isn't a huge departure and your "plastic/rubber" comment is incorrect - the focus ring is indeed rubber, but is simply a rubber ring inset into a groove in the metal. Other than that the construction is identical and in fact the enamelling on the AI version seems to wear better than the earlier jobs.
The earliest 50/2 with the scalloped-metal focus ring (known as an F-type Nikkor) is single-coated and marked "NIKKOR-H". The C-type version was introduced in 1972 marked "NIKKOR-H.C" and is multi-coated with the usual Nikon Integrated Coating. Otherwise as Ken states the optics are the same the whole way through.
As much as the scalloped-metal is gorgeous, the AI lens isn't a huge departure and your "plastic/rubber" comment is incorrect - the focus ring is indeed rubber, but is simply a rubber ring inset into a groove in the metal. Other than that the construction is identical and in fact the enamelling on the AI version seems to wear better than the earlier jobs.
sparrow6224
Well-known
I second jb17 -- the Ai lens is all metal, with a rubber grip on the focusing ring.. If you choose not to do the Ai conversion yourself: I would send to John Winter. You can read his services ($25 for conversion to Ai) at his web site: http://www.aiconversions.com/
Steve M.
Veteran
Ah. I should probably go the route of just buying another AI lens, but I think I'll get the one I have AI'd, as it seems like a really good copy. So many times I've had really good lenses and stupidly sold them, so this one stays. I'm contacting John Winter now, and thanks for the link. These Nikons are more complicated than the Leicas, where it's either an M, an LTM, or an R.
Didn't know the later ones were metal too. I used to shoot the AF Nikons and I'm pretty sure they were plastic, but then again my memory ain't like it used to be. Nothing wrong w/ that, I just like the feel of the metal ones.
Didn't know the later ones were metal too. I used to shoot the AF Nikons and I'm pretty sure they were plastic, but then again my memory ain't like it used to be. Nothing wrong w/ that, I just like the feel of the metal ones.
nikon_sam
Shooter of Film...
N
Nikon Bob
Guest
I'll second Sam's suggestion that installing an ai conversion kit is quick and easy if you can find one to match your lens serial number range. You might find this interesting http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/specs.html#50slow it will tell tou the differences between various 50/2 Nikkors. There is also a section on that site that will tell you what number Nikon ai conversion kit you will need.
Bob
Bob
Steve M.
Veteran
Darn, my lens serial number is 2257646. Not even close. That eBay conversion kit looks wonderful AND it's w/ real Nikon stuff. I'm tempted to buy one just for the future.