When I go china again, I will let you know. Tell me what to look for and I will scour the market for you. Sometimes it is luck also.![]()
thanks! =)
When I go china again, I will let you know. Tell me what to look for and I will scour the market for you. Sometimes it is luck also.![]()
Ai 85mm/2 wide open on a D300s
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i don't mean to be a wet blanket, but it s probably alot more economical to wait out at BnS. the shops charge you ridiculous prices.. 350-420 for a 50 1.4 AIS.. you could buy the 55 1.2 for that price on BnS..
my 50 1.4 AI'D was a birthday present, my friend got it for $150 (only some exterior surface user mark wear, glass and mechanical no problems) at the shop I mentioned when they were having one of their monthly discounts
(i'm guessing the AIS is more expensive? not sure what is the optical formula difference between all the different 50 1.4 variations)
the nikkor-s is quite a pretty lens and you got it for a good price! just some differences:
pre AI lenses: mostly single coated(yellowish brown reflection). have to be adapted for AI cameras
Pre AI 'C' lenses: have a C behind the normal name. for example, Nikkor-O. C 35mm f:2. C stands for the newer multi coating. they re alot harder to find, but they should be better
AI'd: AKA AI converted. can be modified by hand, or factory retrofitted.
AI: for AI metering cameras. by this time, most have new coatings..
AI-S: in addition to AI, they has a standardized aperture mechanism for things like shutter priority or P modes where the camera controls the shutter. this is very important. an AI or AI converted lens may work properly in A and M, but will give inconsistent exposure when the camera sets the aperture. almost all AIS lenses have the new NIC coatings which are greenish blue.
to my knowledge, the 50 1.4 was optically redesigned from pre AI to AI, got new coatings, and a new exterior look.
and a quick run down on nikkor lens coating:
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the oldest is the purple from the 5.8cm f/1.4
pre ai lenses usually have the orange one on the nikkor s 50 1.4
then came the blue one on newer pre ai lenses. these lenses have the 'C' as can be seen on this nikkor H.C. quite rare, i suddenly regret selling that one.. haha.
last is the NIC coating which is green in the AIS 50 f2 and 55 3.5 macro.
series E lenses have yet another coating.. but im not all that sure.
i d be interested to know if you have seen other nikon coatings...
here's a good site with all the production dates/versions tagged to serial numbers. lots to go through:
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/lenses.html
Taken with the PC-E 24mm. Not exactly an aged design but its manual.....
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The 85mm f2 ais is on my "want list"
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the nikkor-s is quite a pretty lens and you got it for a good price! just some differences:
pre AI lenses: mostly single coated(yellowish brown reflection). have to be adapted for AI cameras
Pre AI 'C' lenses: have a C behind the normal name. for example, Nikkor-O. C 35mm f:2. C stands for the newer multi coating. they re alot harder to find, but they should be better
AI'd: AKA AI converted. can be modified by hand, or factory retrofitted.
thanks for the information!
anyway just a side thought... how many of us here like our lenses with the scalloped grip design?
Taken with the PC-E 24mm. Not exactly an aged design but its manual.....
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I am slowly catching on the manual virus. I'm totally new to this field. Can I find out from you guys, why manual lenses appeal to you? I read somewhere you'll need spilt prism for better focusing. Can I just focus with the existing cam viewfinder?
I am slowly catching on the manual virus. I'm totally new to this field. Can I find out from you guys, why manual lenses appeal to you? I read somewhere you'll need spilt prism for better focusing. Can I just focus with the existing cam viewfinder?