Wide-angle for the Nikon S system... ?

[VinceC]

I can see a minor but noticeable focus shift when using lenses wide open at closest focus on the wrong body (Jupiter 12 on Nikon RF and Nikon 35 2.5 or 1.8 on a Kiev). I do a lot of shooting wide open at 3 or 4 feet (1 meter) so it's a problem for me and I don't often mix the 35mm lenses between systems. If you shoot stopped down or focused 6 or 7 feet to infinity, you probably would never notice it (at infinity, the lenses are in focus for either system -- the error creeps in as you begin to focus closer).

 

[NIKON KIU]

I am working on building a reasonably complete working kit for my Nikon S and S-2.

I have two bodies: Dad's S, and a very nice S-2 that I recently acquired.

So far I have the 50/1.4 and the 3.5/135 for both.

Now, there's no two ways about it, wide-angle lenses for the Nikon RF are ridiculously expensive; therefore, I'm probably going to acquire just one WA lens between the two cameras.

Of the several varieties of Wide-angle Nikon RF lens, which are the best for all-around pictures... I'm trying to avoid priceless collectibles, if I can help it.

Suggestions please ?

( Would also consider Contax / Russian lenses if they are a viable, less-expensive alternative...)

Thanks !

Luddite Frank

OK Frank,
I have been shopping for you for a while now and this is the best i could come up with:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-F-2-5...87183709?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item19f5276b5d
Boy that would work great with the S2!
Price is not bad either. It's not ridiculously expensive as you claimed these are.

I actually saw one sell on ebay for around $150 but it was the slower 3.5 in chrome trim.



Kiu

 

[Range-rover]

I saw that one, there's a spot on the back element so be careful!

Range

 

[Tom A]

Don't forget the Color Skopar 25mm f4.0 in S Mount. Small, very sharp and a good match to a 50mm f1.4 - combine it with a 85mm or 105mm lens you are pretty well covered. With the 28 you have to get an external finder anyway - so a 25 finder is fine.
Nikon SP, Voigtlander Color Skopar 25mm f4.0, TriX in D76, 1:1 for 10 min. Shot at f4.0 and 1/15s.
There is a Nikkor 25f4 too - but that one is getting into "collectible" prices.

 

[Range-rover]

Good call Tom, I have one of those as well and there nice on the S3!

Range

 

[ChrisLivsey]

Yes there is a 2.5cm f4 at a dealer here (UK) Over £1,000, 1,924 manufactured so well into collectible territory.
I'm happy with the CV 21mm and agree with an earlier comment, between 21 and 35 is no-mans land 😀

 

[bobkonos]

No-man's land? Not for me. I thrive with 21, 25, 28, and 35 focal lengths. I can heartily recommend the CV 21 and 25 lenses in Nikon S mount.

Yes there is a 2.5cm f4 at a dealer here (UK) Over £1,000, 1,924 manufactured so well into collectible territory.
I'm happy with the CV 21mm and agree with an earlier comment, between 21 and 35 is no-mans land 😀

 

[VinceC]

The 28mm Nikkor is a great lens and not that expensive in chrome. The CV 21 and 25mm are of course superb.

 

[Tom A]

Nikkor 28mm f3.5 on a Nikon SP (has the 28 finder built in). Paris 2012
Arista Premium 400, Pyrocat HD 1:100, semi stand development.
The Nikkor 28 is extremely compact, weighs next to nothing and is more than sharp enough.

 

[aoresteen]

I've used a Contax-mount Jupiter-12 (Biogon) 35mm on a Nikon S3 without any apparent focus error. From what I've heard, the discrepancy shows up in the 50mm and longer focal lengths.

Correct. These Russian lenses are Contax speced lenses and are not made for the S Nikons.

Similarly, Nikon made 85mm, 105mm, & 135mm lenses for the Contax and they are engraved with a C to show that they are for Contax:

I use the 105mm Nikkor (with the 'C') with my Contax IIa.

The CV 25 is made for the S Nikons but works great on Contax Cameras:

The CV 25 spends most of it's time sitting on my Contax IIa.

 

[ChrisLivsey]

and agree with an earlier comment, between 21 and 35 is no-mans land 😀

Well not now, statement retracted, another vote for the 2.8cm f3.5 Nikkor, outstanding glass, first test roll through:

Edge to edge sharp, no distortion.

Ilford Pan 400, Harvey's 777

 

[raid]

I tried for many years not to buy any lenses in Nikon S mount. I have several Nikkor ltm and S lenses now.
Nikkor 35 1.8 ltm, 35/2.5 S, Millenium Nikkor 50 1.4, 50/2 ltm, CV 21/4 S, 85/2 ltm, 135/3.5 ltm.

 

[Tom A]

Nikkor 35mm f2.5 on a S3. It is a good lens, sharp, reasonably flare resistant. light weight. It is not "super" cheap - but look upon it as a one time outlay! One advantage is that you can use it with the S2 without the external finder - just use the whole finder. ignore the 50 frame-line.
Once you get beyond 35 on the S2 - you do need an external finder.

 

[ChrisLivsey]

One advantage is that you can use it with the S2 without the external finder - just use the whole finder. ignore the 50 frame-line.
Once you get beyond 35 on the S2 - you do need an external finder.

Good argument for an S2 in the New Year!!

 

[Alpsman]

Nikkor 35mm f2.5 on a S3. It is a good lens, sharp, reasonably flare resistant. light weight. It is not "super" cheap - but look upon it as a one time outlay! One advantage is that you can use it with the S2 without the external finder - just use the whole finder. ignore the 50 frame-line.
Once you get beyond 35 on the S2 - you do need an external finder.

Thank you for this tip!

 

[Range-rover]

Tom's right the Nikon S3 and 35mm f2.5 is a great combo! Happy New Year!

Range

 

[iphoenix]

Nikkor 35mm f2.5. One advantage is that you can use it with the S2 without the external finder - just use the whole finder; ignore the 50 frame-line.

Thank you Tom,

You have saved me the cost of a 35mm finder.😀😀

Rgds,

David

 

[ZivcoPhoto]

That is a great tip for the S2 and 35mm lenses - Thanks Tom!

 

[maryland_fotos]

2.8cm f3.5 W-Nikkor C lens, thanks to Chris Livsey's recommendation on this thread.

BiddleStreetCorner by maryland_photos, on Flickr

Scene in Baltimore. Nikon S3, Fuji Natura 1600 film converted in Silver Efex Pro.

 

[amoebahydra]

Here come the W-Nikkor-C 1:4 2.5cm .............