Your thoughts on Nikkor 50/1.8 AI-S Japanese pancake version

splitimageview said:
Agreed. An SLR lens that doesn’t have decent close focus won’t qualify to be in my bag. :)

Another portrait gem...
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Thanks! RF vs. SLR are different shooting experiences each with their merits, but I enjoy both. Point and shoot, now that's a totally different story. ;)

Nikon FM2n, AI Nikkor 50mm f/1.8S, Ultrafine Xtreme 400, developed in LegacyPro L110 at 1:31 for 5.5 minutes.


2019.12.13 Roll #232-04297-positive.jpg by dourbalistar, on Flickr
 
Trying to understand what’s special about images that would compel me to consider one. I have yet to see anything extraordinary. The 50/1.2 AIS is way more interesting.
 
I just did a round of fun/test shooting with one of my 2 copies (don't ask) of the 50/1.8 Ai on a DSLR. It is borderline junk. I agree with one of the earlier posters that said the lens has no character. It's low contrast at all stops and has very dull rendition from wide open to about f/4, after which it is merely dull. Focusing is difficult on DSLR screens due to the softness/low contrast wide open.
 
f.hayek said:
Trying to understand what’s special about images that would compel me to consider one. I have yet to see anything extraordinary. The 50/1.2 AIS is way more interesting.
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Well, maybe because there isn't anything special about the images. I don't think it was made to be an extraordinary lens, just a very, very good all-rounder. As I understand, it was a kit lens (!) on some lower end Nikon cameras. In that context, and for today's prices, you get very good performance and value.

Now the 50/1.2 AIS, that's some cutting edge stuff, especially with that razor thin depth of field wide open. ;) There's probably good reason why that lens is still in production some 40 years after its introduction. I have the older 55/1.2 and it's an interesting, characterful lens.
 
f.hayek said:
Trying to understand what’s special about images that would compel me to consider one. I have yet to see anything extraordinary. The 50/1.2 AIS is way more interesting.
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Here is why it's special:
  • Great optics, if not as large an aperture as a 1.4 or 1.2
  • Size of a Series E 50/1.8, but with the better coatings and construction of a Nikkor
  • Half the size of any other Nikkor 50
 
 
 
 
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