Nikonos 35mm 2.8- weird questions

[sanmich]

I am thinking of using a Nikonos V+35mm to get beach pictures from the water. But then I have some how-to questions:

1- I guess that when the front glass is totally dry, or totally immersed, everything is fine, but that a few splashes into the shooting and I'll get drops of water on the front glass, and the pictures will suck (especially given the needed DOF and my intention to shoot/focus very close). Any idea how to solve this one? Is there maybe a coating that would let the drops run on the glass without leaving any trace? (without damaging the optical properties of the front glass obviously)

2- filters: I know there is a 58 thread on the lens, but screwing in a filter and immersing it in sea water? what do you think?

3- Hood - Any known source for the original rubber hood?

4- about this front glass, if it gets scratched, is there a way to replace it?

Thanks!

 

[pgk]

You could try something like Rain-X or some other windshield anti droplet product. I've used these on housing ports with mixed results - you may need to shake off any excess water before composing and shooting stll though. Whether this will damage the front glass (actually a built in pressure-resistant filter - its not a part of the lens optics unlike the wider lenses) I couldn't say - I doubt it but it could eventually affect the seal around this glass. So no need for a filter. The original rubber hood is scarce but you should be able to source something which will work from ebay easily enough. The front filter/glass is probably replaceable by a specialist (they are getting thin on the ground these days) but in all honesty its probably as cheap to buy another lens - they go for very little these days.

And as a caveat, I'm selling a Nik 3 and a Nik 5 at the moment for a friend. I am selling them as poor weather cameras because they and their seals are now old and any Nikonos should be serviced before using it under pressure to replace them. The plastic cap on top of the wind mechanism should be prised off too because it traps saltwater under it and leads to corrosion and problems. A good wash in fresh water and then several days drying is in order after use

 

[oftheherd]

I don't know what wave action you anticipate, but have you considered something like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-YAS...515383?hash=item1c889476b7:g:0cAAAOSwd~RZQxxB inside a plastic bag? Even if it gets wet, you aren't out much. That Yashinon lens is great BTW.

 

[Timmyjoe]

I am thinking of using a Nikonos V+35mm to get beach pictures from the water. But then I have some how-to questions:

1- I guess that when the front glass is totally dry, or totally immersed, everything is fine, but . . .

2- filters: I know there is a 58 thread on the lens . . .

3- Hood - Any known source . . .
4- about this front glass . . .
Thanks!

1- If you're going to be shooting toward the beach, standing in the surf, the waves will be coming in behind you and it shouldn't be too tough to keep the front lens element dry. Keep something with you that you can dry the front element if it does get splashed.

2- A 58mm filter will work fine as long as the whole unit is above the water (with the exception of splashes which can be handled as described above). But if you take it under the water with the filter in place, the deeper you go the more water will work its way between the lens and the filter, which will optically degrade your shots. Filters for underwater systems have openings to immediately let water in and fill the space between the filter and the lens, avoiding this situation.

3- A Nikonos original hood will be hard to find, but any metal or rubber 58mm hood designed for wide angle or normal angle lens should be fine. I've never used a hood with my Nikonos V & 35mm when shooting out of the water and haven't had a problem.

4- The front glass on the 35mm isn't scratch proof, so be careful when you're cleaning it or drying it. As mentioned by others, it's probably easier to just buy another 35mm lens than paying the cost of replacing that front glass.

Best,
-Tim

 

[Huss]

As others have said, just pick up a couple of spare 35mm lenses. They are cheaper than new filters, let alone a lens repair!

I use both of the OEM Nikonos V lens shades on mine. The rubber one and the small standard one. I find the rubber one actually makes the lens much harder to use as the aperture and focus settings are much harder to see. And that is on dry land, let alone bobbing in the ocean!

 

[presspass]

A rubber wide angle hood works well with this lens. I use my Nikonos as a bad weather camera and that suffices. You can also take a small piece of artificial chamois and tie it to the camera strap. That way, it's handy when you want to wipe the lens off. If you use it in salt water, be sure to rinse it out good - the camera and the chamois - after you are finished. BTW, you can mount that lens right side up and upside down. If you mount it upside down, the numbers are easier to read if you just tilt the camera up to change the focus or the f stop.

 

[sanmich]

Thanks for all the tips!

 

[Livesteamer]

One more caution I learned. I stay in a cool, air conditioned beach house. If I bring my Nikonos III out and try to take pictures right away the cold lens will have a bunch of condensate on it from the warm, wet air. Let it warm up to beach temperature first. I really like my Nikonos for beach and bad weather. the 35mm f2.5 is a nice lens also. Have Fun. Joe

 

[FrozenInTime]

I do find the screw in the metal hoods help reduce rain drops and spray:

These we from Amazon.