Love all the stories of bargain lens finds at markets and goodwill. It probably sounds like bragging to folks unfamiliar with old Nikons, but the sheer number of F mount lenses still out there actually makes bargain-hunting a pretty fun and rewarding use of your time. I fell in love with the F3 after finding one for $5 in a clearance bin at my local camera store, listed as "broken - shutter won't fire." They knew enough about it to put in batteries, but forgot about the on-switch. Perfectly functioning $5 F3HP.
Great collection of Nikkors especially the 55/1.2 that is one of the greatest lenses ever made by Nikon. You could've included some Pics by these lenses.
I love your passion for the old Nikkors. Only the Nikon F-mount has evolved over nearly six decades with amazing backwards compatibility. That fact, along with the "whole ecosystem" of older Nikon equipment is why I have stuck with Nikon for over 4 decades. In fact, I recently bought a PB-4 Bellows focusing unit from the early 1970's and it is still one of the most versatile bellows units ever made.
I have a collection of the modern G lenses and they are wonderful. A while ago, I had bought a 85mm 1.4D off ebay and I love that lens. I didn't want to buy the G version as many people gave great reviews of the D version and was so much cheaper. This got me started looking into the older legacy lenses like the non AI and 70's lenses because I wanted to know more about them. I am now collecting these lenses as they are beautiful in construction and feel. I appreciate your passion for these old lenses. Nikon has such a rich history with legacy lenses and bodies and that's why I am still Nikon today. Thank you for your video.
The “Q” means Quattro, it has 4 elements, a “P” is for penta, 5 elements etc… I have quite a few vintage Nikon lenses, the build quality is so much better than the modern plastic junk and there’s no electronics that will eventually fail.
Thanks for the insights. I've also been collecting a few older Nikkor manual lenses to use on my film and digital nikon cameras along with using them on Sony and Fuji mirrorless cameras. Current favorites are my 55mm f/3.5 Micro Nikkor, the 100mm f/2.8 Nikkor series E, and the 105mm f/2.5 Nikkor.
Yes, I used one on an F2 Photomic back in 1981 when I worked my way through college at a photo studio. I loved it then and added it to my collection recently.
It's also sort of nostalgic that Steve McCurry used a Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 on a Nikon FM2 to photograph his famous Afghan Girl portrait. I use the same combination for portraits also.
I use 4 Nikkor lenses. 24mm f2. 8, 50mm f1.4, 55mm 2.8 Micro and a 105mm f2. 5. The cameras I use are a Nikon FE, an F2 a and a Nikon D300s. I also have a Chinese Af Huongnu 35mm f2 which I use on my D300s as it is equivalent to a 50mm on the apsc sensor. All the above are just toys compared to my 1957 Yashica Mat with the 75mm Lumaxar f3.5 lens which makes it so easy for me to make big black and white darkroom enlargements from Kodak Trix and Rodinal at 1 to 25 dilution for 9 minutes. I use a condenser enlarger using a Schneider 100mm f4. 5 Componon S lens. I use Tri x 35mm film with the Nikons and develop with Rodinal 1 to 25 9 minutes and print through a Schneider Componon S 50mm 2.8 lens. I hope my information may be helpful to anyone starting out with film. Thanks for the video, good luck on your film journey.
Excellent information, very helpful. The Nikon lineup stands up to the test of time. Canon lenses are only useful up to the EF series, since the FD lenses need a converter to work and the EF lenses are not expensive except for the L glass (which is worth the price). So the old Nikon F glass is a world class bargain. I have half of the lenses in your collection, and I plan to add some more.
Love old nikkor glass. I have the nikkor Q 135 2.8 as well but i converted it to use on my D700 myself. i also have the auto H 50mm f/2, and the 50mm 1.4Ai. They're all really great lenses for a very inexpensive price.
Thanks for sharing your lens collection with us. I, too, love old Nikon glass. However, when I purchased mine, they were not old and they were not at bargain prices. Never had the 35mm f/2.8, however, the 35mm f/2 was the first lens I purchased for the Nikon F that I was shooting in the late 1960s. The 85mm f/1.8 was the second lens I purchased for my Nikon F. In 2002, I upgraded to the 85mm f/1.4 AF. The 16mm f/2.8 fisheye was my widest lens until I purchased the Nikkor 14mm f/2.8 AF. I prefer manual focus lenses. However, the 50mm f/1.4 AF lens is one of only three autofocus prime lenses I own. The 14mm f/2.8 and the 85mm f/1.4 are the other two. The 55mm f/3.5 macro and the 105mm f/2.8 macro are two of my sharpest lenses. I have never owned or used a 135mm f/2.8 lens. However, I do own and use the 135mm f/3.5 AIS and the 135mm f/2 AIS. Once I buy a Nikon lens for my Nikon cameras, I usually keep them. When I upgrade a lens, I keep the older version as a backup. The Nikkor 43-86mm Zoom f.3.5 AI is the only Nikkor lens I have purchased and sold. The image quality of that zoom was so bad that I did not purchase another zoom for decades.
Watched your video this morning and subscribed to your channel. I am 67 and disabled but I still shoot a lot of photography. I shoot a Fujifilm XT3 with manual focus lens. I do a lot of film photography in black and white. I have a Nikon film camera and two Rollie’s , a Canon film camera and five Polaroid.
Used many of these lenses back in the 1970s on Nikon F's, except the f1.2...never got my hands on one, sadly. I still have two 55mm f2.8 macros and even though I now shoot on a D850 body, that's the lens that is always mounted by default. Unbelievably sharp, my favourite Nikkor of all time.
I would listen to anyone who show his love for his art ( camera tattoo). It’s a journey. I am currently wondering through my manual prime forest having left my Zoom valley behind.
Nice tip on the 20mm f2.8 AF lens. It's the only wide angle lens I use to photograph people, as it just won't distort. Funny coincidence that I also keep my Nikkor 55/1.2 lens mated to my old Big F body. They were made for each other.
Same here I still glad that I kept my old Nikkor lens Manual focus on my digital models, both DSLR, and Mirrorless, now all I need is the 180mm Nikkor and I will go to heaven as completely my Nikon Line, My first Nikon was the Nikkormat Ftn with a 50mm F2.0 as I was so please with that lens that I got 2 more of the 50mm F/2.0, then got the 35mm F2.8 & 24mm F2.8, and then 135mm 3.5 which I found that lens very SHARP than the 2.8 as that was my Portrait Lens, and then got the 105mm F2.5, and then later during working at the camera store for 33 years I got the 20mm F3.5, & 28mm 3.5 as I use it on my digital models as the optics are still peak focusing well! I had a 135 F2.8 & the 50mm F1.1.4 as the 135mm was to heavy, and not sharp so I gave it to a friend, and that is the lens that you have, and showing on your video. As for the 50mm F1.1.4 HATED IT, Not sharp, and very low contrast... And last I do have a Nikkor lens that some people do not like it, as I do and it is still sharp, in which it is the 43~86mm zoom as I have 2 models one with AI mount for my digital's, and the standard one for my film camera. Yea I know But Alex you will get flare - And I will say to them, NOT IF YOU HAVE A LENS SHADE ON IT. As I am happy with the lenses , and my Nikon Bodies- F F2's FM EL Nikkormats, F100, and my Digitals. So I am happy until I move up to AF Nikkors as I got a 24-50mm, & 24-120mm, and 28-85mm AF Nikkors. Now I do have 2 Tokina's for the DX AF Digital as I got the Nikon D2Xs, and my Fuji S3Pro, and S5Pro along with my XPro1, and XE1 model, So with using digitals I still use my old Manual Nikkors as they were all AI Convert. And one final thought if your like me, and WANT TO PROTECT your gear - Then get some Silica Gel that is reheat able, not that small packet that you find when you buy a lens, this is a useful item, just place them in your oven for 30-40minutes, and that red dot goes back to blue dot, and this will prevent from Mold, and Fungus. Hey you pay Now, and then Pay Later...
Professor Mortz.........Excellent content and incredible overview of the "Old School Glass" Nikon Lenses. I have all the Lenses in your review except the Autofocus 85mm..........Thanks for the great video....!!!!
Late to the party here so I doubt you'll see this, but I was wondering if you had any views on flash units for your F3? Is it more trouble than its worth given the dodgy shoe mount? Thanks!
I love using Pre-ai lenses.. They are amazingly well built, all metal and glass.. I use them on my Nikon F2, Nikkormat FTN and Nikon F4. The F4 is one amazing camera, it takes every lens ever made by Nikon, from Pre-Ai right up to the modern G lens crap 😁 (only in Program and Shutter Priority of course).
tolga1cool It's heavy, that's for sure 😀. My usual 'walk about' SLR's are my Olympus OM1n or Pentax Spotmatic, a nice, light set up with both.. I carry only one lens usually, extra set of batteries and another roll of film.. When out with either of these great cameras. However, I do use the F4 regularly, and I don't have the model with battery grip, so that knocks about 500g off, at least. Moreover, the F4 weighs about the same as my D700, so I've gotten used to carrying a heavier camera with me.
I've only gone from a 1965 F up to a F4E...I dont want to go any further as the cameras after that were more like digital cameras with screens and menus etc...you dont need it...not IMHO anyway.
Great video mate, you have given me the idea to go to secondhand stores on the hunt for Nikon Lenses. Geez lenses over where you are, are dirt cheap whereas here in Australia these things are more expensive, but it won’t stop me from looking.
@@ikaros4203 Hi, it all depends on the Australian Dollar value because pretty much all sellers in Japan go by the US Dollar on eBay. At the moment the Australian Dollar is buying USD$0.73c which is not very good, and if you go through PayPal it is even lower.
I own 46 manual focus Nikon lenses, including 23 pre-AI lenses, all but two of which have the Nikon AI conversion ring attached. That was important to me when I began this adventure because I was shooting on the D700 which will not mount pre-AI lenses. I subsequently bought the Df so can now use any Nikkor lens. Perhaps people who visit this video are aware of a thread I started on Fred Miranda's excellent photography website that carries the title Manual Focus Nikon Glass. That thread will celebrate its 13th anniversary later this month. These lenses are amazing and clearly much loved by many people, whether shooting with film, digital, Nikon or other cameras using adapters. If you haven't already, give them a try. Turning the focusing ring completely changes one's relationship with photography...
darn, you sold the 55mm f2.8 micro. I kept mine for all these years. Super super sharp in deed, Nikon still use that as a reference lens nowadays. I also have the 135mm f2 DC its slightly better than the 105mm
non-AI lenses can be used on digital bodies, you just have to store the max aperture for each manual lens. maybe the less expensive bodies don't have this feature. unless i am missing something...
Good stuff. I have a great collection of Nikon 'vintage' glass. The great side of them is I can always sell them for what I (over)paid for them, not that I ever will. Sorry for your 105 DC loss ;-(
Frank Robertson yes, you'd have to modify the aperture ring. Then you can even use the meter. Some cameras have a small toggle so you can remove the coupling on the camera and mount non ai lenses.
Great Video Travis, I love the old Nikkor Glass ....Look out for a 5.8cm 1.4 that one is very cool it works well for portraits and is super sharp at about f8. Have you ever had a 2.1cm mirror lock lens with a finder ? I have always wanted one
john papandreou ugh I've actually had the 5.8cm and sold it. I do miss that lens dearly it was such a special piece of glass but when I got the 55 1.2 I just didn't need both. I have not shot with a m-up 21 but I bet it would be awesome
I know that lens! I`ve shot it for many years now. Please let me share my thoughts.. The Micro Nikkor 55mm 2.8 is very sharp wide open. I never hesitate to use it, and around f5.6 you really can`t ask for more in sharpness. With 290 grams on it`s back, doing 1:2 magnification, lens elements sitting deeply recessed (nice on those rainy as also sunny days), 52mm filter thread, fast film.. well, it`s a really fun universal walk-around lens. Couple it with the PK-13 extension ring and fx. a Nikon ES-1 slide adapter, and you have a fun tool for copy work and/or creative photography. The F2.8 55mm micro is one of the legends in the Nikkor line-up. Highly versatile. I`m not mistaken, they still make it today as one of their few mf lens offerings. On the used market you get it for little cash compared to the bang it gives you. It being prone to oil on the aperture blades is more or less a myth. A lot of lenses suffer from that "problem" sooner or later. That would be a more accurate way to put it. Also, I`ve never had issues with my copy, and it`s a beater. Having a lens cleaned now and then is part of the experience in photography. Try to store lenses properly, and it might tone down those lens issues. If I should keep only one lens, it might be this one. I`d miss a fast 50 or 58, but I need the close-up capabilities the 55mm gives me. It does everything from slide copy work to general photography. It`s a great tool for image making.
Fabulous lens: It was my "standard" lens for many years. Only caveat is that they had tendency to get oil leaking onto the iris blades. Happened on mine and have seen it on many others.
Fabulous lens: It was my "standard" lens for many years. Only caveat is that they had tendency to get oil leaking onto the iris blades. Happened on mine and have seen it on many others.
You might look in the philosophy section of the Nikon site. A lens designer last year called attention to the lens, I think the 3.5. Said its resolution was approaching theoretical limit. A little vague, but you get the picture. I have the variants of this lens, including the Af. First one I bought had a stiff focus ring, so I got another. Maybe one day I'll try to service it. Apparently, it is about the grease and there should be a service manual.
Great video. I'm totally inspired to invest in old vintage Nikkor glass. I'm having a Nikon D7000 with 18-105mm. Can you please recommend some lenses for me. Can you suggest some places to buy lenses. Since I'm living in India i cannot find quality gear nearby.
Excellent vid, thanks!...just one question, can the Nikkor-Q 135mm F/2.8 be used on a digital camera with the right adapter ring like all other f mount lenses? I´m very curious to try it. I already use the non ai 50mm 1.4 with my Canon 5D and i love it.
No, you cant use non AI lenses on a digital Nikon body.they dont have the right aperture ring to connect properly with the little metering tab which you'll damage if you try and mount a non AI lens.some of the last film cameras had a little button you could press to flip the AI tab out the way so you could mount non AI lenses safely, but they wont meter and you have to use the stop down metering method to determine your exposure. AI and AI-s lenses however will mount with no issues, you just have to go into your camera's menu, look for non CPU lens data..go into that and add the specs for your lens and you'll be good to go, you just have add the focal length of the lens to the info, then set the aperture ring to the lenses smallest aperture and you're good to go.
Hi Travis, I really enjoyed this, very helpful thanks. I wonder what you think of the Series E lenses? I'm using an F3, which I love, I have a couple of AIS lenses but some of the E lenses are much cheaper but I've never got the chance to shoot with one.
Nikon 75-150mm F3.5 Series E is one of them lenses you get for nothing, and it`s a stellar performer. In fact, it might be one of the most overlooked lenses from their back catalogue. Wicked sharp, great bokeh. Here we have a push/pull zoom lens with great OOF rendering, fixed aperture range, and it covers a (to me) nice focal range. The build quality is fantastic. Makes new Nikkors look rather toyish. It`s a must-have. Kind regards from a Nikon nerd.
Thanks Heine, I don't really use longer lenses but it's interesting to know. I was looking at the 28mm & 35mm, if the lens you mention is good hopefully the series has a good pedigree.
I know only the 75-150mm of that series, but I pick up on the praise the line-up gets. I believe they made five or seven lenses as E-series, and they were supposed to have Nikkor glas quality and be of a less pro build. Well, looking at it today.. the build quality is quite high. On the 75-150mm only the aperture ring is made of plastic as an example. Try and look up the series. You have the Nikkor "1001 Nights" tales, those are very interesting and they can still be found on the internet with a little searching, and then there`s the "mir site" if you want to have a closer look at it all, mostly the vintage Nikon stuff. The 100mm 2.8 Series E has a good reputation too, but I guess it`s too long already for you. Unless this is about weight, I`d recommend looking at some of the older Nikkors. If you go pre-ai, but ai-converted, you still get them cheap. I don`t know the camera you use, and maybe you don`t need the lens to be converted. If it`s not so much about money, the 28mm f2.8 ai-s with MFD of 20 cm is also a cheap solution for a highly versatile wide-angle, and if weight isn`t an issue either, the 28mm f2 ai is a gem. Incredible sharpness, and it handles bright light sources like a true champ. And sorry.. this reply got way too long. The 35mm f2 ai-s is also a great lens, and the f1.4 version is just a beast. If you want something light-weight and dirt-cheap, I am sure the Series E line-up will do the trick for you. If you do pre-ai, you have an extremely high level of craftsmanship, and you got a longer focus throw as well. And those lenses too are cheap. Oh.. there are so many good lenses in their back catalogue :)
.. one more thing: mostly, except for coatings and sometimes the shape and numbers of the aperture blades, ai and ai-s lenses are identical. What you typically get with an ai lens is a longer focus throw, maybe a bit stiffer focus action too, and maybe no build-in hood. Ai lenses often go cheaper than ai-s lenses, and there is no reason not to pick an ai lens over an ai-s equivalent. Often the build quality is better on the ai lens. With the ai-s lenses you begin to feel the cost cutting setting in. Happy hunting for used lenses :)
Love this video. I've got the 85mm F1.8d but wierdly my fave lenses an the moment are an old sigma 24mm af and the Nikon 35mm F1.8 afs DX - I use them on a D700 body and I suck up the vignetting of the DX lens. I like to think that even though I'm not shooting film, I am in my own way adopting the 'Beardy Dude' low cost, contraian philosopy. Can you set the apertures for manual mode when that 135mm Q lens is mounted on a digital body so you could use it with a Sekonic? PS - You sold a 105 DC to fund a Pentax that doesn't work - I think I'm gonna cry! Keep rolling Beardy Dude - Luv your style & your videos. Regards, Timmy (Southampton U.K.)
I use old glass on a D700, no problems. You just use the aperture ring in manual and aperture priority auto. You have to tell the camera via the menu the lens max. aperture's fitted. I also like using 70's 80's Tamron Adaptall lenses. Still very cheap on EBay. They have interchangeable mounts (not adaptors) and the SP range are as good as Nikon. The prices are starting to creep up because the mirrorless and video guys have wised up to them.
Oh yeah.. Don't put a Pre AI lens on a modern body or a body with an AI tab. It may damage the tab. Some Pre AI have been modified either officially by Nikon or a DIY job. which are Okay. If anyone's not sure, just do some googling on Nikon AI and pre AI lenses.
i realized my error in selling older lenses and am mixing old with new. question we must ask ourselves, "are we making art or a documentary?". sometimes we want pixel-peeping sharpness, but is it always worth the loss of color and micro-contrast? they all have personalities, especially ones with fewer elements! just bought a Nikkor 85 f1.4D instead of a Sigma ART; talk about personality!!
I'm considering the Nikon AF Zoom-NIKKOR 80-200mm f/2.8D ED for use on a film camera. It's an amazing lens both in build and optics, but none of the videos I've watched reviewing it mentions how well the manual focusing is on it. It has an aperture ring so it will work with film cameras. Have you tried this lens? Thanks
Jose Uribe all non ai won’t fit on newer body (except rare one) the aperture tab is sticking out so the aperture ring will break the tab. You can convert it yourself by filing the aperture ring on the lens or buy a conversion kit (really rare)
A lens must speak to you. My best lenses are the Nikon AF DC 105mm f/2D and the Nikon AF DC 135mm f/2D. Use them on my Nikon F5 and the Nikon D4. Like also the Nikon AF 180mm f/2.8D IF ED. The Nikon AF 85mm f/1.4D IF is a lens that impressed by beautiful woman’s. Do a lot of black and white portraits.
I have the 135 f/2D and it is amazing in optic quality. My 85mm/f2.8D also produced excellent picture quality. I was dating a model and her poses were all well captured.
Loved the video, except for one moment in it ! Travis, what the f___k are you doing wiping a dusty lens with your t shirt ? I gotta believe you know better than that dude, c'mon ! Other than that brief moment of stupid, I loved the vid. Larry McCormick
That was just a snippet of what we saw. I mean, the guy said he tossed the camera into the drawer. If you just pay $10.00 for a lens instead of $400.00, you're probably not going to take care of it as well. My 85 does not look like that. Take pride, take care of your stuff.
Man, I’m glad I’m not the only person out there totally in love with old Nikkor glass! Great video!
Shite. Wish I was the only one in love with it, then it’d be hella cheap.
Love all the stories of bargain lens finds at markets and goodwill. It probably sounds like bragging to folks unfamiliar with old Nikons, but the sheer number of F mount lenses still out there actually makes bargain-hunting a pretty fun and rewarding use of your time. I fell in love with the F3 after finding one for $5 in a clearance bin at my local camera store, listed as "broken - shutter won't fire."
They knew enough about it to put in batteries, but forgot about the on-switch. Perfectly functioning $5 F3HP.
Great collection of Nikkors especially the 55/1.2 that is one of the greatest lenses ever made by Nikon. You could've included some Pics by these lenses.
man I miss this guy!! where is he??
I love your passion for the old Nikkors. Only the Nikon F-mount has evolved over nearly six decades with amazing backwards compatibility. That fact, along with the "whole ecosystem" of older Nikon equipment is why I have stuck with Nikon for over 4 decades. In fact, I recently bought a PB-4 Bellows focusing unit from the early 1970's and it is still one of the most versatile bellows units ever made.
I have a collection of the modern G lenses and they are wonderful. A while ago, I had bought a 85mm 1.4D off ebay and I love that lens. I didn't want to buy the G version as many people gave great reviews of the D version and was so much cheaper. This got me started looking into the older legacy lenses like the non AI and 70's lenses because I wanted to know more about them. I am now collecting these lenses as they are beautiful in construction and feel. I appreciate your passion for these old lenses. Nikon has such a rich history with legacy lenses and bodies and that's why I am still Nikon today. Thank you for your video.
The “Q” means Quattro, it has 4 elements, a “P” is for penta, 5 elements etc… I have quite a few vintage Nikon lenses, the build quality is so much better than the modern plastic junk and there’s no electronics that will eventually fail.
Recently I owned a 105 f2.5 and a 135 f2.8. They are so sharp!
Travis the Nikon F coupled with 55f1.2 is awesome, thanks for sharing collection.
Thanks for the insights. I've also been collecting a few older Nikkor manual lenses to use on my film and digital nikon cameras along with using them on Sony and Fuji mirrorless cameras. Current favorites are my 55mm f/3.5 Micro Nikkor, the 100mm f/2.8 Nikkor series E, and the 105mm f/2.5 Nikkor.
oh very nice. The 105 F2.5 is a legendary nikon lens!
Yes, I used one on an F2 Photomic back in 1981 when I worked my way through college at a photo studio. I loved it then and added it to my collection recently.
It's also sort of nostalgic that Steve McCurry used a Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 on a Nikon FM2 to photograph his famous Afghan Girl portrait. I use the same combination for portraits also.
Nice presentation. Thank you. RS. Canada.
I use 4 Nikkor lenses. 24mm f2. 8, 50mm f1.4, 55mm 2.8 Micro and a 105mm f2. 5.
The cameras I use are a Nikon FE, an F2 a and a Nikon D300s.
I also have a Chinese Af Huongnu 35mm f2 which I use on my D300s as it is equivalent to a 50mm on the apsc sensor.
All the above are just toys compared to my 1957 Yashica Mat with the 75mm Lumaxar f3.5 lens which makes it so easy for me to make big black and white darkroom enlargements from Kodak Trix and Rodinal at 1 to 25 dilution for 9 minutes. I use a condenser enlarger using a Schneider 100mm f4. 5 Componon S lens.
I use Tri x 35mm film with the Nikons and develop with Rodinal 1 to 25 9 minutes and print through a Schneider Componon S 50mm 2.8 lens. I hope my information may be helpful to anyone starting out with film.
Thanks for the video, good luck on your film journey.
Excellent information, very helpful. The Nikon lineup stands up to the test of time. Canon lenses are only useful up to the EF series, since the FD lenses need a converter to work and the EF lenses are not expensive except for the L glass (which is worth the price). So the old Nikon F glass is a world class bargain. I have half of the lenses in your collection, and I plan to add some more.
another one you'll love if you get it is the 105mm 2.5 ai lens. tack sharp and beautiful to use. can be found for very reasonable prices on ebay.
I used that lens so much it fell apart. I will be purchasing two of them. Beautiful lens.
@Spinach I'm looking for a Macro lens. THanks for the recommendation,
Love old nikkor glass. I have the nikkor Q 135 2.8 as well but i converted it to use on my D700 myself. i also have the auto H 50mm f/2, and the 50mm 1.4Ai. They're all really great lenses for a very inexpensive price.
Thanks for sharing your lens collection with us.
I, too, love old Nikon glass. However, when I purchased mine, they were not old and they were not at bargain prices.
Never had the 35mm f/2.8, however, the 35mm f/2 was the first lens I purchased for the Nikon F that I was shooting in the late 1960s.
The 85mm f/1.8 was the second lens I purchased for my Nikon F. In 2002, I upgraded to the 85mm f/1.4 AF.
The 16mm f/2.8 fisheye was my widest lens until I purchased the Nikkor 14mm f/2.8 AF.
I prefer manual focus lenses. However, the 50mm f/1.4 AF lens is one of only three autofocus prime lenses I own. The 14mm f/2.8 and the 85mm f/1.4 are the other two.
The 55mm f/3.5 macro and the 105mm f/2.8 macro are two of my sharpest lenses.
I have never owned or used a 135mm f/2.8 lens. However, I do own and use the 135mm f/3.5 AIS and the 135mm f/2 AIS.
Once I buy a Nikon lens for my Nikon cameras, I usually keep them. When I upgrade a lens, I keep the older version as a backup. The Nikkor 43-86mm Zoom f.3.5 AI is the only Nikkor lens I have purchased and sold. The image quality of that zoom was so bad that I did not purchase another zoom for decades.
Watched your video this morning and subscribed to your channel.
I am 67 and disabled but I still shoot a lot of photography.
I shoot a Fujifilm XT3 with manual focus lens.
I do a lot of film photography in black and white.
I have a Nikon film camera and two Rollie’s , a Canon film camera and five Polaroid.
Used many of these lenses back in the 1970s on Nikon F's, except the f1.2...never got my hands on one, sadly. I still have two 55mm f2.8 macros and even though I now shoot on a D850 body, that's the lens that is always mounted by default. Unbelievably sharp, my favourite Nikkor of all time.
I would listen to anyone who show his love for his art ( camera tattoo). It’s a journey. I am currently wondering through my manual prime forest having left my Zoom valley behind.
Thanks for the video, great stuff. I love a guy with 100% commitment - love the camera tattoo! 🎉🎉🎉🎉
Old Nikon lenses are pretty nice. Amazing how they are still used in today's modern cameras and multiple brand camera bodies.
Non ai lenses will not fit onto the later Nikon Bodies without being altered. They will work on the Nikon FM and the old Nikon F.
I use primarily H series Pre AI Nikkor. I use them on an F2 and D600. I converted them to AI with a file. LOVE Nikon!
Nice tip on the 20mm f2.8 AF lens. It's the only wide angle lens I use to photograph people, as it just won't distort.
Funny coincidence that I also keep my Nikkor 55/1.2 lens mated to my old Big F body. They were made for each other.
Same here I still glad that I kept my old Nikkor lens Manual focus on my digital models, both DSLR, and Mirrorless, now all I need is the 180mm Nikkor and I will go to heaven as completely my Nikon Line, My first Nikon was the Nikkormat Ftn with a 50mm F2.0 as I was so please with that lens that I got 2 more of the 50mm F/2.0, then got the 35mm F2.8 & 24mm F2.8, and then 135mm 3.5 which I found that lens very SHARP than the 2.8 as that was my Portrait Lens, and then got the 105mm F2.5, and then later during working at the camera store for 33 years I got the 20mm F3.5, & 28mm 3.5 as I use it on my digital models as the optics are still peak focusing well! I had a 135 F2.8 & the 50mm F1.1.4 as the 135mm was to heavy, and not sharp so I gave it to a friend, and that is the lens that you have, and showing on your video. As for the 50mm F1.1.4 HATED IT, Not sharp, and very low contrast... And last I do have a Nikkor lens that some people do not like it, as I do and it is still sharp, in which it is the 43~86mm zoom as I have 2 models one with AI mount for my digital's, and the standard one for my film camera. Yea I know But Alex you will get flare - And I will say to them, NOT IF YOU HAVE A LENS SHADE ON IT. As I am happy with the lenses , and my Nikon Bodies- F F2's FM EL Nikkormats, F100, and my Digitals. So I am happy until I move up to AF Nikkors as I got a 24-50mm, & 24-120mm, and 28-85mm AF Nikkors. Now I do have 2 Tokina's for the DX AF Digital as I got the Nikon D2Xs, and my Fuji S3Pro, and S5Pro along with my XPro1, and XE1 model, So with using digitals I still use my old Manual Nikkors as they were all AI Convert. And one final thought if your like me, and WANT TO PROTECT your gear - Then get some Silica Gel that is reheat able, not that small packet that you find when you buy a lens, this is a useful item, just place them in your oven for 30-40minutes, and that red dot goes back to blue dot, and this will prevent from Mold, and Fungus. Hey you pay Now, and then Pay Later...
great videos keep up the great work
Great video Travis ! What do you think about the 135 2.8 Q vs 135 2.8 AI ? I’m looking for a 135 for my F and F2A
Professor Mortz.........Excellent content and incredible overview of the "Old School Glass" Nikon Lenses. I have all the Lenses in your review except the Autofocus 85mm..........Thanks for the great video....!!!!
Terrific video, Travis.
Late to the party here so I doubt you'll see this, but I was wondering if you had any views on flash units for your F3? Is it more trouble than its worth given the dodgy shoe mount? Thanks!
I love using Pre-ai lenses.. They are amazingly well built, all metal and glass.. I use them on my Nikon F2, Nikkormat FTN and Nikon F4.
The F4 is one amazing camera, it takes every lens ever made by Nikon, from Pre-Ai right up to the modern G lens crap 😁 (only in Program and Shutter Priority of course).
Spehmaster G. I
Spehmaster G. I have one as well. It is brilliant, but sometimes just too big to walk around with
tolga1cool It's heavy, that's for sure 😀.
My usual 'walk about' SLR's are my Olympus OM1n or Pentax Spotmatic, a nice, light set up with both.. I carry only one lens usually, extra set of batteries and another roll of film.. When out with either of these great cameras.
However, I do use the F4 regularly, and I don't have the model with battery grip, so that knocks about 500g off, at least. Moreover, the F4 weighs about the same as my D700, so I've gotten used to carrying a heavier camera with me.
I've only gone from a 1965 F up to a F4E...I dont want to go any further as the cameras after that were more like digital cameras with screens and menus etc...you dont need it...not IMHO anyway.
Great video mate, you have given me the idea to go to secondhand stores on the hunt for Nikon Lenses.
Geez lenses over where you are, are dirt cheap whereas here in Australia these things are more expensive, but it won’t stop me from looking.
im surprised the autralians cant import them from more nearby japan
@@ikaros4203 Hi, it all depends on the Australian Dollar value because pretty much all sellers in Japan go by the US Dollar on eBay.
At the moment the Australian Dollar is buying USD$0.73c which is not very good, and if you go through PayPal it is even lower.
back in the 70s you could (and I did) send pre-ai lenses off to nikon to be upgraded to ai for about $15 each...
Roll forward a decade and they were scooping a bit out of the mount (AIS) in an attempt to make you replace all of your AI lenses.
I own 46 manual focus Nikon lenses, including 23 pre-AI lenses, all but two of which have the Nikon AI conversion ring attached. That was important to me when I began this adventure because I was shooting on the D700 which will not mount pre-AI lenses. I subsequently bought the Df so can now use any Nikkor lens. Perhaps people who visit this video are aware of a thread I started on Fred Miranda's excellent photography website that carries the title Manual Focus Nikon Glass. That thread will celebrate its 13th anniversary later this month. These lenses are amazing and clearly much loved by many people, whether shooting with film, digital, Nikon or other cameras using adapters. If you haven't already, give them a try. Turning the focusing ring completely changes one's relationship with photography...
Can you use non ai lenses on a f3 if you use a hand held spot meter?
darn, you sold the 55mm f2.8 micro. I kept mine for all these years. Super super sharp in deed, Nikon still use that as a reference lens nowadays. I also have the 135mm f2 DC its slightly better than the 105mm
non-AI lenses can be used on digital bodies, you just have to store the max aperture for each manual lens. maybe the less expensive bodies don't have this feature. unless i am missing something...
where did you get the 35mm for $25? I want to get one
great vids glad you're out there very helpful
what a great collection of lenses!
nikon has a great range of lenses!
Your video's are outstanding, so well prepared and presented and so very informative.
Good stuff. I have a great collection of Nikon 'vintage' glass. The great side of them is I can always sell them for what I (over)paid for them, not that I ever will. Sorry for your 105 DC loss ;-(
Great video - certainly helps me work out what I would want to own if I go back to Nikon film.
What about an F100? I know they won't meter, but won' simply trying to mount them cause damage?
Frank Robertson yes, you'd have to modify the aperture ring. Then you can even use the meter. Some cameras have a small toggle so you can remove the coupling on the camera and mount non ai lenses.
Der Keksinator Thanks for your reply.
Great Video Travis, I love the old Nikkor Glass ....Look out for a 5.8cm 1.4 that one is very cool it works well for portraits and is super sharp at about f8. Have you ever had a 2.1cm mirror lock lens with a finder ? I have always wanted one
john papandreou ugh I've actually had the 5.8cm and sold it. I do miss that lens dearly it was such a special piece of glass but when I got the 55 1.2 I just didn't need both. I have not shot with a m-up 21 but I bet it would be awesome
Thanks for the input, we have our Annual photo market this weekend, .....I am gong to try and not buy too much interesting stuff.........LOL
Excellent video👍👍
Love your style with black and white! Do you know how sharp the 55mm 2.8 micro is wide open?
I know that lens! I`ve shot it for many years now. Please let me share my thoughts..
The Micro Nikkor 55mm 2.8 is very sharp wide open. I never hesitate to use it, and around f5.6 you really can`t ask for more in sharpness. With 290 grams on it`s back, doing 1:2 magnification, lens elements sitting deeply recessed (nice on those rainy as also sunny days), 52mm filter thread, fast film.. well, it`s a really fun universal walk-around lens. Couple it with the PK-13 extension ring and fx. a Nikon ES-1 slide adapter, and you have a fun tool for copy work and/or creative photography.
The F2.8 55mm micro is one of the legends in the Nikkor line-up. Highly versatile. I`m not mistaken, they still make it today as one of their few mf lens offerings. On the used market you get it for little cash compared to the bang it gives you. It being prone to oil on the aperture blades is more or less a myth. A lot of lenses suffer from that "problem" sooner or later. That would be a more accurate way to put it. Also, I`ve never had issues with my copy, and it`s a beater. Having a lens cleaned now and then is part of the experience in photography. Try to store lenses properly, and it might tone down those lens issues.
If I should keep only one lens, it might be this one. I`d miss a fast 50 or 58, but I need the close-up capabilities the 55mm gives me. It does everything from slide copy work to general photography. It`s a great tool for image making.
Well, thanks for the tip!
Fabulous lens: It was my "standard" lens for many years. Only caveat is that they had tendency to get oil leaking onto the iris blades. Happened on mine and have seen it on many others.
Fabulous lens: It was my "standard" lens for many years. Only caveat is that they had tendency to get oil leaking onto the iris blades. Happened on mine and have seen it on many others.
You might look in the philosophy section of the Nikon site. A lens designer last year called attention to the lens, I think the 3.5. Said its resolution was approaching theoretical limit. A little vague, but you get the picture.
I have the variants of this lens, including the Af. First one I bought had a stiff focus ring, so I got another. Maybe one day I'll try to service it. Apparently, it is about the grease and there should be a service manual.
Great video. I'm totally inspired to invest in old vintage Nikkor glass.
I'm having a Nikon D7000 with 18-105mm.
Can you please recommend some lenses for me. Can you suggest some places to buy lenses. Since I'm living in India i cannot find quality gear nearby.
Hello can i put my 52mm f 2.0 NAI lens on my nikon fm2?
Excellent vid, thanks!...just one question, can the Nikkor-Q 135mm F/2.8 be used on a digital camera with the right adapter ring like all other f mount lenses? I´m very curious to try it. I already use the non ai 50mm 1.4 with my Canon 5D and i love it.
No, you cant use non AI lenses on a digital Nikon body.they dont have the right aperture ring to connect properly with the little metering tab which you'll damage if you try and mount a non AI lens.some of the last film cameras had a little button you could press to flip the AI tab out the way so you could mount non AI lenses safely, but they wont meter and you have to use the stop down metering method to determine your exposure. AI and AI-s lenses however will mount with no issues, you just have to go into your camera's menu, look for non CPU lens data..go into that and add the specs for your lens and you'll be good to go, you just have add the focal length of the lens to the info, then set the aperture ring to the lenses smallest aperture and you're good to go.
Hey Forest, how do you scan your negs?
Am i hearing you correctly? How are mounting Nai lenses on digital bodies?
You can buy a conversion kit from Nikon (really rare) or you can convert it yourself by filing the aperture ring (plenty of video and Info) !
I did it on a 50mm 1.4 auto-s non ai
Hi Travis, I really enjoyed this, very helpful thanks. I wonder what you think of the Series E lenses? I'm using an F3, which I love, I have a couple of AIS lenses but some of the E lenses are much cheaper but I've never got the chance to shoot with one.
Nikon 75-150mm F3.5 Series E is one of them lenses you get for nothing, and it`s a stellar performer. In fact, it might be one of the most overlooked lenses from their back catalogue. Wicked sharp, great bokeh. Here we have a push/pull zoom lens with great OOF rendering, fixed aperture range, and it covers a (to me) nice focal range. The build quality is fantastic. Makes new Nikkors look rather toyish. It`s a must-have.
Kind regards from a Nikon nerd.
Thanks Heine, I don't really use longer lenses but it's interesting to know. I was looking at the 28mm & 35mm, if the lens you mention is good hopefully the series has a good pedigree.
I know only the 75-150mm of that series, but I pick up on the praise the line-up gets. I believe they made five or seven lenses as E-series, and they were supposed to have Nikkor glas quality and be of a less pro build. Well, looking at it today.. the build quality is quite high. On the 75-150mm only the aperture ring is made of plastic as an example. Try and look up the series. You have the Nikkor "1001 Nights" tales, those are very interesting and they can still be found on the internet with a little searching, and then there`s the "mir site" if you want to have a closer look at it all, mostly the vintage Nikon stuff.
The 100mm 2.8 Series E has a good reputation too, but I guess it`s too long already for you. Unless this is about weight, I`d recommend looking at some of the older Nikkors. If you go pre-ai, but ai-converted, you still get them cheap. I don`t know the camera you use, and maybe you don`t need the lens to be converted. If it`s not so much about money, the 28mm f2.8 ai-s with MFD of 20 cm is also a cheap solution for a highly versatile wide-angle, and if weight isn`t an issue either, the 28mm f2 ai is a gem. Incredible sharpness, and it handles bright light sources like a true champ. And sorry.. this reply got way too long. The 35mm f2 ai-s is also a great lens, and the f1.4 version is just a beast.
If you want something light-weight and dirt-cheap, I am sure the Series E line-up will do the trick for you. If you do pre-ai, you have an extremely high level of craftsmanship, and you got a longer focus throw as well. And those lenses too are cheap.
Oh.. there are so many good lenses in their back catalogue :)
.. one more thing: mostly, except for coatings and sometimes the shape and numbers of the aperture blades, ai and ai-s lenses are identical. What you typically get with an ai lens is a longer focus throw, maybe a bit stiffer focus action too, and maybe no build-in hood. Ai lenses often go cheaper than ai-s lenses, and there is no reason not to pick an ai lens over an ai-s equivalent. Often the build quality is better on the ai lens. With the ai-s lenses you begin to feel the cost cutting setting in. Happy hunting for used lenses :)
Nigel Rumsey E series lenses are great! I personally use the 50mm series E and it's sharp for a tiny lens
Love this video. I've got the 85mm F1.8d but wierdly my fave lenses an the moment are an old sigma 24mm af and the Nikon 35mm F1.8 afs DX - I use them on a D700 body and I suck up the vignetting of the DX lens. I like to think that even though I'm not shooting film, I am in my own way adopting the 'Beardy Dude' low cost, contraian philosopy. Can you set the apertures for manual mode when that 135mm Q lens is mounted on a digital body so you could use it with a Sekonic?
PS - You sold a 105 DC to fund a Pentax that doesn't work - I think I'm gonna cry! Keep rolling Beardy Dude - Luv your style & your videos. Regards, Timmy (Southampton U.K.)
I use old glass on a D700, no problems.
You just use the aperture ring in manual and aperture priority auto.
You have to tell the camera via the menu the lens max. aperture's fitted.
I also like using 70's 80's Tamron Adaptall lenses. Still very cheap on EBay.
They have interchangeable mounts (not adaptors) and the SP range are as good as Nikon.
The prices are starting to creep up because the mirrorless and video guys have wised up to them.
Oh yeah..
Don't put a Pre AI lens on a modern body or a body with an AI tab.
It may damage the tab.
Some Pre AI have been modified either officially by Nikon or a DIY job. which are Okay.
If anyone's not sure, just do some googling on Nikon AI and pre AI lenses.
i realized my error in selling older lenses and am mixing old with new. question we must ask ourselves, "are we making art or a documentary?". sometimes we want pixel-peeping sharpness, but is it always worth the loss of color and micro-contrast?
they all have personalities, especially ones with fewer elements!
just bought a Nikkor 85 f1.4D instead of a Sigma ART; talk about personality!!
Thank you for your videos. I am glad that I subscribed!
Very good video..Friend I looking for (Nikon 20mm F2.8D AF)Very low price but working good ..thank you....I like black & white a lot.Good Luck..Jhon.
Will all the lenses fit on Nikon current cameras?
yea they will
Great video thanks! I'm waiting for the next...
great vid! tnaks from MSW
I'm considering the Nikon AF Zoom-NIKKOR 80-200mm f/2.8D ED for use on a film camera. It's an amazing lens both in build and optics, but none of the videos I've watched reviewing it mentions how well the manual focusing is on it. It has an aperture ring so it will work with film cameras. Have you tried this lens? Thanks
It works very well with nicely damped action.
Sure wish you were still posting UA-cam videos.
what is the difference between a AI-s lens and a non AI-s lens
Jose Uribe all non ai won’t fit on newer body (except rare one) the aperture tab is sticking out so the aperture ring will break the tab. You can convert it yourself by filing the aperture ring on the lens or buy a conversion kit (really rare)
Loving the deals. I recently bought and old F50 with 3 lenses for 40USD so i am now exploring old lenses on my newer camera
where can I see your film work
Man you have snagged some bargains, I love old nikon glass and it goes for loads more on ebay, unless very lucky.
Thank you man!
spot on well said
the beard is just glistenin' on this one :)
A lens must speak to you. My best lenses are the Nikon AF DC 105mm f/2D and the Nikon AF DC 135mm f/2D. Use them on my Nikon F5 and the Nikon D4. Like also the Nikon AF 180mm f/2.8D IF ED. The Nikon AF 85mm f/1.4D IF is a lens that impressed by beautiful woman’s. Do a lot of black and white portraits.
I have the 135 f/2D and it is amazing in optic quality. My 85mm/f2.8D also produced excellent picture quality. I was dating a model and her poses were all well captured.
The word you're looking for is poetical. Some lens has it while others don't.
Man you need a Nikon tat to complement the Leica one
Nikon
50 1.8 is better for me, less distortion
Man, prices you paid for your lenses are ridiculous 😂 good for you!
Nikon offered ai upgrade with a new aperture ring.
Loved the video, except for one moment in it ! Travis, what the f___k are you doing wiping a dusty lens with your t shirt ? I gotta believe you know better than that dude, c'mon ! Other than that brief moment of stupid, I loved the vid. Larry McCormick
That was just a snippet of what we saw. I mean, the guy said he tossed the camera into the drawer. If you just pay $10.00 for a lens instead of $400.00, you're probably not going to take care of it as well. My 85 does not look like that. Take pride, take care of your stuff.
look at the lens... geez.
$10 for an n85/1.8d :D bastard!!!
Wadsworth constant this video
Destroy your credibility by wiping a lens with your shirt
Felt kinda funky when i saw that too xD
Overall, not the end of the world
Not impressed at all. Angry photographer is still top dog
selling the DC a mistakeee, its the only auotfocus lens i want lol, still manual yet high/future tech with the dc