non-AI, AI, or AIS?

Step

Some one may have converted mine already, looks like a nail file job. Thanks for the worrying information. I do have late lenses e.g. E series and bodies that need the 'saddle', really annoying.

Noel
 
jmi said:
If you're considering the FM2 in particular, I believe it doesn't have the retractable meter coupling lever that the original FM and FE have. What I'm not sure of is if that means you can't mount non-AI glass, or just it doesn't meter, but I'm sure somebody else can set me straight.
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You physically can't attach the non-AI lenses; the "tab" is plastic and will be in the way.

On the FM and FE (and F3 for that matter) its hinged and can be swung up to allow mounting of the lens.
 
I have both non & AIS lens for a Nikkormat & F3. As far as quality goes on a 4x6 or even 8x10 all things equal most people can't tell the difference. There are many variables from conditions, processing, film, etc. Even filters on the lens. Both were top performers for their day and I don't think their day is over yet. The length of the lens is important and the mm. I personally prefer the 24mm over the 28mm. 85mm is one hect of performer for portraits. As always go with the widest f-stop. As far as converson...you spend $25 plus shipping...is it worth it and I'm certain it adds weight to an already heavy instrument (that is compared to a rangefinder). With a baby 24mm, 50mm, & 85mm will do just fine. I never had a problem with any of their lenses when I blew them up to 8x10, or did I say that?
 
The 105/2.5 Nikkor AI conversion is an easy DIY job; all you need is a flat file.

FWIW I found the 85/2 Nikkor far more useful for photographing active kids.

The FM can use AI/AIS and non-AI lenses and is far cheaper than a used FM2.

Chris
 
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Speaking of children and pictures...let me make a recommendation. Recently, I picked up a thrift store find...a minolta weathermatic 35. Good down to 15 feet. Impervious to sand. Small will fit in purse. Excellent for beaches and pools. Okay it is not a Nikonos but then again it also takes 35mm film and you can develope and process it yourself. It is strickly a snapshot camera but one less worry around kids sand and water.
 
For the most part I find my non AI lenses to be better than the newer one. If you can live with the stop down metering go for it. Personally I don't meter much.
 
If money is the most important, get the lens that requires stop down metering and don't worry about it. I think all the early SLRs were stop down metering. My first, the Yashica TL Super was. You get used to the required work flow and it just becomes natural.

But if money isn't a concern, of course get the automatic. When I got my Fujica ST 901 (I bet nobody knew I have one :D ) I soon learned that was a little more fun. But I still had a tendency to putter around with the aperture looking for depth of field or different shutter speeds. Point being, none of them are P&S cameras. You will still be thinking and puttering around.

EDIT: Steve Bellayr makes a good point. Maybe you should be looking for a cheap P&S first.
 
Non-AI lenses meter using the metal "horseshoe" prong. AI lenses meter using a small ridge on the collar. A non-AI lens cannot be mounted on FM2s or FE2s. A non-AI lens can be "AI'd" by filing a notch in the appropriate location.

Optically, there is little to no difference, other than some of the non-AI designs can be a little older.
 
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