Nikon MF Lens Repair

[twvancamp]

I'm in a bit of lens conundrum and hoped I might gather a few more opinions.

Got a box of old Nikon gear on Craigslist for $60--several non-ai lenses, two Nikkormats and a 28mm f2 AI lens. The latter was what caught my eye when I saw the listing. Sadly, the 28mm has a very stiff/squeaky/dry feeling focus throw. The glass is in good condition though.

28mm is my preferred focal length, and I have the 28 2.8 AIs which I've been happy with. I would never have paid full price for the f2, but now that I have one, I find myself wanting to get it working.

So I guess I have two questions. First, any recommendations for a lens repair spot that would be affordable enough to make a CLA on the f2 cost effective? I have searched online a bit and sent out some estimate requests, but a lot of places recommended in old threads seem to no longer be active.

Second, there isn't much online about the f2, but what's there suggests it's a great lens. Any first hand accounts? I put it on my mirrorless, but it's hard to detect much difference between it and the 2.8 without more real testing.

Appreciate any thoughts!

 

[narsuitus]

Second, there isn't much online about the f2, but what's there suggests it's a great lens. Any first hand accounts? I put it on my mirrorless, but it's hard to detect much difference between it and the 2.8 without more real testing.

Appreciate any thoughts!

I owned and used three 28mm Nikkor lenses (A. f/3.5 pre-AI, D. f/4 perspective control, and f/2.8 AIS).

When I decided to replace my 28mm f/2.8 with a faster 28mm lens, I considered the 28mm f/2 Nikkor and the Zeiss 28mm f/2 Distagon T* ZF 2 (B). I selected the Zeiss because based on my research, the f/2 Nikkor did not have the same excellent image quality as the f/2.8 version. Based on performance tests that I performed, at the same apertures, the f/2 Zeiss was equal to the f/2.8 Nikkor in image quality.


28mm Lenses by Narsuitus, on Flickr

 

[narsuitus]

First, any recommendations for a lens repair spot that would be affordable enough to make a CLA on the f2 cost effective?

I have had good service from:

International Camera Repair
Suite #503
9 N. Wabash Ave
Chicago, Illinois 60602

312-630-1017
WWW.icamera.com
info@icamera.com

They repaired a 105mm f/2.8 micro Nikkor for me.

 

[twvancamp]

Thanks for your thoughts, narsuitus. If the f2 doesn't offer much improvement over the 2.8, I may just sell it off as is. More money for film.

 

[Phil_F_NM]

The 28/2 does not catch up to the /2.8 until f/5.6, really. The f/2.8 has way less distortion but it's more conservative in max aperture so the designers could make it near perfect that way. The f/2 lens is nice but in my opinion, not worth the high prices that it has been driven up to. Motion picture folks love it because it is a roughly normal focal length and makes a decent separation between subject and out of focus areas.
Phil Forrest

 

[wwfloyd]

I owned and used three 28mm Nikkor lenses (A. f/3.5 pre-AI, D. f/4 perspective control, and f/2.8 AIS)...


28mm Lenses by Narsuitus, on Flickr

...and E, the Takumar 28mm f3.5. How did that one stand up to the rest? I have a S-M-C Takumar 28 that I like, but, have not compared it against others.

 

[narsuitus]

My 28mm f/3.5 Takumar could hold its own against the others.

 

[twvancamp]

The 28/2 does not catch up to the /2.8 until f/5.6, really. The f/2.8 has way less distortion but it's more conservative in max aperture so the designers could make it near perfect that way. The f/2 lens is nice but in my opinion, not worth the high prices that it has been driven up to. Motion picture folks love it because it is a roughly normal focal length and makes a decent separation between subject and out of focus areas.
Phil Forrest

Thanks for the insight Phil--good to know. I've never been let down by the 2.8, and love how close it can focus. Wouldn't even be thinking of upgrading (if it even is an upgrade) had this f2 not fallen into my lap.

 

[randy stewart]

28mm Nikkors

28mm Nikkors

From a time decades ago, when lens tests actually published meaningful results, as opposed to advertising, the performance quality of the Nikkor 28mm lenses ran from 2.0, the best, 2.8, very good, and 3.5, so-so. I bought a new 3.5 in 1977 (the last of a number of updates to the lens), and it is excellent. I bought a minty 2.0 a few years ago, and it lives up to its reputation as being one of the all-time best Nikkors. A CLA would seem to correct any issues with your 2.0, costing $50-75 at most. There is no expertise involved, so any local shop could do the job. Once cleaned up, if you don't like it, sell it. You will certainly recover more than your CLA cost.

 

[splitimageview]

Pro Camera, procamera.us. Reasonable prices, fast, reliable.

You should be able to get more than $60 for the misc stuff which means the 28 is free, or better.

CLA it and try it!

 

[twvancamp]

Pro Camera, procamera.us. Reasonable prices, fast, reliable.

You should be able to get more than $60 for the misc stuff which means the 28 is free, or better.

CLA it and try it!

Thanks for the recommendation! I just sent ProCamera a message, so we'll see. You're right, the Nikkormats and lenses will more than make up for the CLA--probably be the only time I'll be able to afford this lens, so might as well try it!

 

[james.liam]

The newer AIS ƒ/2 is a notably superior lens to the old AI; a re-design with CRC. It does not resolve as well as the Zeiss 2/28 but neither is it affected by the latter's excessive field curvature.
If you can live without the extra stop, your outstanding 28/2.8 AIS will easily outperform your find. If you absolutely need ƒ/2, I'd go for the Zeiss.

 

[splitimageview]

i'd agree, for someone actually hunting for a 28/2 solution. An accidental bargain find is another matter 🙂