Nikon users- AI/AIS or Pre AI?

I have a number of prime and zoom Nikkors and they are all, by design either AI or AIS lenses.
This allows me to use them on any of my various manual focus film bodies ranging from an eye level, meterless F to an FA without any issues.
 
I like my pre pre-AI Nikkors - the rangefinder glass!

But seriously, all things considered. I generally like the rubberized focus rings on the newer AI/AIS lenses. But I also really like my early pre-AI set of 3.5cm, 5cm, 10.5cm, and 13.5cm lenses with 9 blades, rather than the 6 that they were changed to after the first couple of runs. These lenses look quite nice on my F and F2!

I used to say I don't "collect" lenses but I do have quite a "collection" at this point. Most were bought for little more than a fast-food meal so I don't sweat the price too much. I do use them though!
 
I would also generally recommend to simply test a given sample, if possible. I know, often this will be hard to do (online sale etc.), but you can get a new AIS dud as same there are old, scruffy looking AI gems. Also I would not discount the "lesser" siblings like the 3.5 28mm. The 2.8 AIS is indeed awesome, but the 3.5 28 is no slouch, either.

Greetings, Ljós
 
I own quite a few pre AI lenses because in film days I used to shoot early Nikon Fs and Nikkormats and thought it appropriate (and more cost effective) to use the appropriate lenses for that era of camera. But for obvious reasons I prefer the lenses that have been AI converted as these now allow for use on a wider range of cameras and I now use these on my digital Nikon SLRs. Many early Nikkors are excellent lenses and produce lovely images. But sometimes it pays to use later lenses. For example the AIS Nikkor 28mm f2.8 has the reputation of being the best f2.8 Nikkor in this focal length as neither the earlier pre AI and AI models nor the later AF models of the 28mm lens are as good all having a simpler optical design which performs less well. On the other hand, the 28mm f2 version in pre AI is still regarded as a superb lens and attracts a premium price accordingly. In other words it pays to know and to understand the characteristics of each lens model and to choose the one that best suits your needs. It comes down to knowing your lenses.

Having said this I still enjoy using my early lenses on my digital cameras and am seldom disappointed by them The only area where performance suffers a little is usually in relation to coatings with later lenses having much better coatings. But even here the early coatings can produce more interesting if technically less perfect images. These lenses feel nice in the hand too. Basically all metal and glass. WOW!

But just imagine. You can for example pick up an early Nikkor 135mm f3.5 lens for perhaps $50. You can pick up an early f2.8 version not much more. Both are excellent lenses. These are mere examples. The bang you get for your buck by using early models when you are able to do so is simply superb. Particularly if you can buy non converted models then convert them yourself (a very simple task for anyone adept with a file and a screwdriver).

And I agree - they look cool.
 
The built-quality difference between non-abused, within-spec AI, non-AI and AI-S lenses is trivial, in my opinion. They are all simply excellent. Only screw-mount Takumars are better. However, the AI-S lenses tend to produce higher contrast images (I happen to like that look for color), and often their focusing ring is easier to move, focusing with just one finger is often possible. That's a feature of AI-S lenses, not an indication of somehow inferior built. Of course, high contrast may or may not be what you're looking for, and at that point a pre-AI or AI lenses may be more appropriate.
 
GarageBoy said:
The reason I brought this topic up is that I'm planning on picking up a "nicer" 105 2.5 AIS to replace my heavy beater (I thought was pristine til I hit it with a flashlight, and internal dust and coating marks were discovered, and the OCD in me can't handle that) 105 2.5 PC Factory AI conversion. The Pre AI's nice metal grip feels nice and everything, but it's a brick
Click to expand...

The 105/2.5 AIS is a fantastic lens. You won't be disappointed.
 
The P. C version has the same optical formula as the AiS version, the AiS has a more slimmed barrel and pull out hood, its a bit lighter but still quite robust. Don't give up on that beater, have it cleaned and especially lubed and you can enjoy a lens you already have. I find my Ais version very nice, well deserved reputation as one of Nikon's very best.
 
I'd say read up the various reviews and pick lenses to try based on their performance.
I've cherry picked Nikons lenses like this since using Nikon for the last 20 years.
Quite a few of the lenses have used the same optical formula over the years with differences only in coating and focus throw.
There are exeptions but generally speaking the later the lens the better it performs.
Some of my favorites are the 28 2.8 AIS, 50 F2 (any vintage) 85 1.4 AIS and 105 2.5 AI due to it's longer focus throw compaired to AIS.
The 28 on my F6 is my most used lens, however I've recently used a new 35 1.4 G and I have to report that it is an amazing lens and at the top of my shopping list ;)
 
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