Living proof that vintage glass is not necessarily obsolete

I picked up an immaculate 105mm f/2.5 "chrome nose" Nikkor P on Ebay for $40. It had oil on the aperture blades, which is an easy and inexpensive fix. I got it back from the repairman, and decided to try to do an A-B comparison with my 105mm f/1.8 AIS. I know it was risky to mount an non-AI Nikkor on the D700 but the meter coupling prong on the D700 is short so I decided to give it a shot. It was a little stiff to mount it but it did not damage the prong.

I chose a scene that had lots of fine detail and shot with both the old and newer Nikkors. To my astonishment both were where I know the NIC coated AIS would be clearly superior to the amber coated Nikkor P.

This is definitive proof that even a 40+ year old Nikkor can still hold its own today.
Nikon F2S w/ MD-2, FE-2 w/ MD-12, Nikkormat FT3, Nikonos V, F4S, D700

16mm f/2.8 Fisheye AIS, 18mm f/3.5 AIS, 24mm f/2.8 AIS, 28mm f/2.8 AI, 28mm f/3.5 and 35mm f/2.8 UW-Nikkors, 35mm f/2.8 AIS, 50mm f/1.4 non-AI (AI’d), 55mm f/2.8 AIS Micro w/ PK-13, 85mm f/1.4 AIS, 80-200 f/4 AIS, 105mm f/1.8 AIS, 180mm f/2.8 ED AIS, 300mm f/2.8 ED-IF AIS, 600mm f/4 ED-IF AIS, TC14B and TC300.

Hasselblad 500CM with PM90 prism finder and A12/A16 backs, 40mm f/4 CF, 60mm f/3.5 CF, 80mm f/2.8 C, 150mm f/4 C and 250mm f/5.6 C lenses
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Comments

  • Nikonsince1974Nikonsince1974 Posts: 78Member
    Not sure why some of my text did not make it through, but the images were indistinguishable @ f/5.6 in Photoshop at 200%.
    Nikon F2S w/ MD-2, FE-2 w/ MD-12, Nikkormat FT3, Nikonos V, F4S, D700

    16mm f/2.8 Fisheye AIS, 18mm f/3.5 AIS, 24mm f/2.8 AIS, 28mm f/2.8 AI, 28mm f/3.5 and 35mm f/2.8 UW-Nikkors, 35mm f/2.8 AIS, 50mm f/1.4 non-AI (AI’d), 55mm f/2.8 AIS Micro w/ PK-13, 85mm f/1.4 AIS, 80-200 f/4 AIS, 105mm f/1.8 AIS, 180mm f/2.8 ED AIS, 300mm f/2.8 ED-IF AIS, 600mm f/4 ED-IF AIS, TC14B and TC300.

    Hasselblad 500CM with PM90 prism finder and A12/A16 backs, 40mm f/4 CF, 60mm f/3.5 CF, 80mm f/2.8 C, 150mm f/4 C and 250mm f/5.6 C lenses
  • MsmotoMsmoto Posts: 5,398Moderator
    Oh, yes, here is a quick test shot with my NIKKOR-P Auto 1:4.5 f=300mm from about 1967

    Nikkor 300mm f-4.5 from 1967

    View it here to really see the sharpness..
    https://www.flickr.com/photos/fantinesfotos/8698489119/sizes/o/

    This lens is a bit used, but here one can see the conversion by John White (http://www.aiconversions.com) in Ann Arbor, Michigan....

    Nikkor Al Conversions 05.12.13-5

    Msmoto, mod
  • PistnbrokePistnbroke Posts: 2,443Member
    Without VR much old glass is dead unless you are talking 1/500 which is a bit restrictive
  • spraynprayspraynpray Posts: 6,545Moderator
    Not so sure about that myself, the Sigma 'Art' series doesn't have VR?
    Always learning.
  • PistnbrokePistnbroke Posts: 2,443Member
    I meant longer lenses 100mm +
  • picturetedpictureted Posts: 153Member
    When stopped down, most of my AIS lenses are very sharp. 20/4, 28/2.8, 105/2.5 and 200/4 (on tripod) seem particularly good.
    pictureted at flickr
  • paulrpaulr Posts: 1,176Member
    edited June 2016
    Old lenses are like old People they deserve little respect. A lot pleasure and good images can be achieved.
    OK not in the 100MPH world where speed seems to be everything. But in an environment where you have time to take that special shot and appreciate the feel and quality that manufactures took to produce a lens of character something modern lenses and cameras fail to do.
    Post edited by paulr on
    Camera, Lens and Tripod and a few other Bits
  • framerframer Posts: 491Member
    I still refuse to sell 4 of my old manuals, almost never use them but those will be buried with me along with my F4 and a roll of Tri-X.

    framer
  • WestEndFotoWestEndFoto Posts: 3,742Member
    edited June 2016
    Here is a classic:

    MF Nikkor 15mm f/3.5 AI-s

    MF Nikkor 15mm f/3.5 AI-s

    I was warned that this lens would have lots of flare, so what did I do? I shot it in the worst possible situation. However, that aside, I am amazed how straight a 35 year old 15mm wide angle can be. Apparently it has less distortion than my 14-24.
    Post edited by WestEndFoto on
  • framerframer Posts: 491Member
    The 15mm f/3.5 AIs was my favorite lens for taking airplane cockpit photos. Works great for inside car shots. I just noticed the cockpit shot on the left side of all my posts was shot with this lens. @ f/11 I could get the whole cockpit tack sharp and the outside image sharp.

    I still own this lens.

    framer
  • heartyfisherheartyfisher Posts: 3,186Member
    edited June 2016
    Last few days I have been so tempted by a second hand manual focus Nikkor 50-135 F3.5 AIS !

    But I already have an 18-140 and a 70-200 F4 so I logically don't need it at all !!
    So why am I tempted ?? is it its reputation as a sharp underrated zoom that came out at the wrong time? Maybe its because the 70-200 is just that little bit too long on DX? Sigh..

    Manual focus too .. I have been meaning go for a photo session with my Manual focus lenses for sometime.. and this 50-135 could be a fun addition.... I have a 50f1.4 ais an Avanar 200f3.5 and a Tokina 35-105 f3.5-4.3. This nikkor is possibly much sharper than my old non nikkor lenses.. no? :blush:

    My manual focus kit is the old S5pro (nikon D200 clone) which had a replaced focus screen with split and microprism ring.
    Post edited by heartyfisher on
    Moments of Light - D610 D7K S5pro 70-200f4 18-200 150f2.8 12-24 18-70 35-70f2.8 : C&C very welcome!
    Being a photographer is a lot like being a Christian: Some people look at you funny but do not see the amazing beauty all around them - heartyfisher.

  • KnockKnockKnockKnock Posts: 398Member
    Is there a good vintage wide angle prime in the 16-18mm range that would work on a D7100 as a standard wide angle prime? Right now I'm using the 18-55 AF-S VRII (the first collapsable) DX for that role. It's quite sharp at f/5.6-f/8 and VR helps its slow speed. I've become sensitive to the purple-fringe of my faster lenses, and sometimes prefer this cheapie for non-action walkabout purposes.
    D7100, D60, 35mm f/1.8 DX, 50mm f/1.4, 18-105mm DX, 18-55mm VR II, Sony RX-100 ii
  • WestEndFotoWestEndFoto Posts: 3,742Member
    The 15mm f/3.5 would be the best choice if you want "vintage" glass. However, by "vintage" do you mean "cheap". A well used one is currently listed on B&H for $900.00. I am lucky as mine is very clean.

    One downside is the front element. You will not be able to fit a filter over it.

    The widest that can accept filters (besides the current 14mm??, but that is not vintage) are some of the 18mm lenses. I don't know much about them though.
  • heartyfisherheartyfisher Posts: 3,186Member
    not quite "vintage" but the samyang 16mm prime has a good reputation.
    Moments of Light - D610 D7K S5pro 70-200f4 18-200 150f2.8 12-24 18-70 35-70f2.8 : C&C very welcome!
    Being a photographer is a lot like being a Christian: Some people look at you funny but do not see the amazing beauty all around them - heartyfisher.

  • framerframer Posts: 491Member
    The 15mm uses rear filters, not that many but better than nothing. Standard B&W filters, plus UV and one other.

    framer
  • WestEndFotoWestEndFoto Posts: 3,742Member
    framer said:

    The 15mm uses rear filters, not that many but better than nothing. Standard B&W filters, plus UV and one other.

    framer

    Yes, I forgot about those. It makes me wonder why Nikon didn't go further with those. Can't really stack them is one reason I suppose.
  • WestEndFotoWestEndFoto Posts: 3,742Member
    edited July 2016
    Not sure if this qualifies as vintage:

    Reflex-Nikkor 1000mm f/11

    Reflex - Nikkor 1000mm f/11.

    Distance: Approximately 800m

    Handheld. I got lucky. Note the ISO, this was taken at sunset, thus the golden colour. Not sure how practical this lens is.

    This is the third version introduced in 1976, which has a rotating tripod colour. I will need to get a clamp to attach to my tripod if I have any serious hope of getting something sharp.
    Post edited by WestEndFoto on
  • picturetedpictureted Posts: 153Member
    I have the 500/8 reflex (last version) and even with a AS plate on the collar and tripod mounted the lens is marginal. The best feature of the 500mm is the 1:2.5 close focus, making it a really long "near" macro.
    pictureted at flickr
  • framerframer Posts: 491Member
    I hope you got a bargain on that 1000 at f/11 and to try and get it focused on a modern focus screen WOW.

    Let's see some BIF shots with it...

    framer
  • WestEndFotoWestEndFoto Posts: 3,742Member
    It was quite a bargain. Free. I also got an 800 f/8 AIS for the same price. I was shooting that tonight on a top of the line, except 5 or 6 years old, Gitzco tripod with a Wemberly gimbal head. Now that is sweet and again it was the same price. I will never need to upgrade that setup.

    The 800mm lens is another matter. About the only way to get it in focus is with live view and on a stationary object. I can't imagine trying to focus manually at f/5.6. This lens is the narrowest dof in my lineup.

    BIV? Surely you jest. Now if it was auto-focus, I am sure that would make a world of difference. I have a new appreciation for bird photographers.

    Interesting. We have it easy today. Photography in the days of manual focus was hard.
  • WestEndFotoWestEndFoto Posts: 3,742Member
    PS, I found a clamp for the 1000 mm to attach to the Wemberly. I am now in business.
  • CaMeRaQuEsTCaMeRaQuEsT Posts: 357Member
    edited July 2016
    How do you get a reflex 1000mm f/11, an 800 f/8 Ai-S, a Gitzo tripod and a Wemberley gimbal, all for free? I'm jealous! :p Some blokes have all the luck in the world! Me, I had to pay $50 for my crappy E series 35mm f/2.5, and that is the cheapest lens I've ever bought!
    Post edited by CaMeRaQuEsT on
  • paulrpaulr Posts: 1,176Member
    WestEndFoto The 800mm 5.6 has Fov of only 3 degrees hence the precise focusing.

    I use a Follower Focus adjuster which enables me to turn the lens very slowly for precise focusing.

    Screen Shot 2016-07-03 at 09.30.59
    Camera, Lens and Tripod and a few other Bits
  • PistnbrokePistnbroke Posts: 2,443Member
    edited July 2016
    I do have some old glass a 400mm f5.6 tokina AF which I mount on my wifes D7100 at 1/500 and F8 ...cost me £38 ( about $50) inc postage so as long as she thinks it cost $1500 its all good ......( why should you have the best stuff etc etc moan moan )
    Post edited by Pistnbroke on
  • WestEndFotoWestEndFoto Posts: 3,742Member
    edited July 2016

    How do you get a reflex 1000mm f/11, an 800 f/8 Ai-S, a Gitzo tripod and a Wemberley gimbal, all for free? I'm jealous! :p Some blokes have all the luck in the world! Me, I had to pay $50 for my crappy E series 35mm f/2.5, and that is the cheapest lens I've ever bought!

    One of my tenants passed away and nobody came to claim his stuff. Normally that is a garage sale put on by the resident manager, but not in this case. I have listed only a very small portion of the items. All I have really done so far with lenses is separate pre-AIS from AIS and later. Each of those pre-AIS lenses has a film body attached. I am sure I have at least 3 copies of every F. I think I want a DF.
    Post edited by WestEndFoto on
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