Z5 experiments with adapted lenses

[farlymac]

Okay, the Z5 arrived last week, and after a few days waiting for an opportunity to try it out I mounted the FTZ adapter with a Nikkor-S 35mm 1:2.8 non-Ai for a little trip out into the countryside.

It didn't quite work out as the lens is pretty crippled in some fashion. Below is one of the worse examples:


Two Foot Zoom by P F McFarland, on Flickr

The second 38/2.8 that I took off my F plain prism works much better. I'll add examples of those later after I've put them on Flickr. In the meantime, you can peruse the images from the first lens at https://flic.kr/s/aHsmX54XQw

PF

 

[Wenge]

I had Nikkor ais 35.2.8 (this looks like same lens I had) and it's not a good lens, i tossed it into the trash..while the colors here are very nice.

 

[pixelated]

I’ve had disappointing results with several of my adapted lenses, leastwise when evaluating at pixel peeping magnifications. One standout exception is an 85 f/1.8 D.
An optical designer friend suggested that it may be due to the extra refraction from the sensor cover glass, which lenses designed principally for film don’t have to deal with. It won’t keep me from working with adapted lenses though.

 

[xayraa33]

I don't know why some lens makers never got a mundane lens of 35mm f2.8 specs right, the OM Zuiko 35mm f2.8 is another lens that is less than spectacular in my opinion. Now the old Rokkor HG 35mm f2.8 is a fantastic lens.

 

[Austintatious]

The Pentax Super Takumar 35mm F3.5 is another that "got it right" for that focal length.

 

[farlymac]

I don't know why some lens makers never got a mundane lens of 35mm f2.8 specs right, the OM Zuiko 35mm f2.8 is another lens that is less than spectacular in my opinion. Now the old Rokkor HG 35mm f2.8 is a fantastic lens.

Well, here's the thing about this particular lens. I have another one just like it, and it's an excellent performer, so I think the issue with this one is either manufacturing variability, or it was damaged somehow. I never would have used it again if I had just remembered to put it in the junk pile many years ago. I stuck it in a three lens "day bag" I intended to use with my non-Ai camera bodies, and there it sat until I pulled it out to do this adapter test. I suspected it was bad, and had planned on doing a test on film along with the other lens but never got around to it. Now I no longer need to waste film to check my old lenses, but I should get one of those Test Target kits so I can have definitive proof of any of my lenses qualities.

PF

 

[farlymac]

Some examples with the second 35/2.8 non-Ai. This lens is a keeper.


Silhouettes by P F McFarland, on Flickr


Railroad In Origin by P F McFarland, on Flickr

This one with the aperture wide open:


Aperture Test 2 Center Crop by P F McFarland, on Flickr


Crossing Cedar Creek by P F McFarland, on Flickr

To see all 40 images with commentary, follow this link to the album on Flickr: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmX8nBB4

PF

 

[farlymac]

Another lens test, this time with the AF-S 28-70mm f3.5-6.3D. Nice thing about this lens is it has the SWM focus motor, so I can use it in AF on the FTZ.


Painted Backdrop by P F McFarland, on Flickr

The above image is very similar to one I took with the Nikkor-S 35mm f2.8 non-Ai, but with the extra FOV I got the shot as I originally envisioned it.


Awaiting My Return by P F McFarland, on Flickr

Close-ups are decent.


Jalopy Lot by P F McFarland, on Flickr

Low light, shooting out the window of the vehicle, didn't faze the Z5 at all with the IBIS.

If you want to pixel peep be sure to click on the image titles to take you directly to the Flickr page.

PF