mayhaps an Osaka yum yum drizzle topper? 👀 Hope you're well my brother - I've seen big things coming down the pipe in your guys' world. Excited for you.
Thanks for sharing this, my first set of lenses has been my father's Nikkors. They've served him well as a photographer and have traveled the world. I feel grateful to continue his legacy and bring them into my films and yes, they do have so much character ! peace
Hey man, just wanted to let you know that I really loved this video! I got this lens from my father. But sadly never really use it. Such nice shots! Hope to see more content from you! Best
I absolutely love your review, thanks for sharing these clips that make the film on the vintage Nikon Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 AI-S paired with the BMPCC 6K. I have a BMPCC 4K and looking forward to pairing it with the Nikon Nikkor 8mm f/1.4 when I buy one. I love your compositions, color palette and sound design awesomeness.
I've been a fan of 'old' Nikkor glass since I got my first DSLR with a junky kit lens. I've pretty much used primes ever since. I'm so glad to see you're putting them to great use. Sharpness is overrated, character isn't.
Great video, incredible images, and Excellent intro, started off almost like a positive, feel-good episode of "Black Mirror" 😎 .. However overall, an inspiring video for any filmmaker- I'm thankful to say i'm personally getting started with Nikon vintage lenses ...I just purchased my first Nikon lens (ever), a 35 mm f/2.8 AI lens. Thanks again for the video
@@collinausbury i always have been using Nikon lenses and were searching for similar options to Canon FD lenses. The first time i used the 28mm it changed my perception forever.
I have a row of Nikon lenses from this era, some purchased originally back in the day when they were new. Adapted them for cinema work. Results are distinct. I'll die with the lenses cuz soon enough no one will want them after my work is done. Sadness as they will end up in a junk pile some where, reduced to nothing.
The 85mm 1.4 is definitely one of the ultra Nikkors from the manual era. I've got one, just because I wanted one before they disappeared in the rush to digital some 20 years ago. I've used it a few times, but it really doesn't do anything you cannot do as well with a more conventional 85mm 1.8, which is less than half the price, half the weight, and 2/3 the size (or less).
I like old Nikkors. My personal preference is for the 52mm filter thread series, which at 85mm means the f2 version. I like that Nikon provided a series of lenses with a consistent filter thread, but it does mean foregoing the exotic f1.4 85.
@@nowkirkwon At 85mm, f2 is plenty fast enough, plus it is smaller and lighter, as well as more affordable. You need to pixel peep to see any difference with the f1.4 when wide open. The f1.4 is just slightly better, but your ability to manual focus is far more significant than minor lens sharpness differences. Plus choosing a set of Nikkors with the 52mm filter thread makes life much easier.
Yes it’s all about pros/cons. People typically don’t shoot wide open with the vintage nikkors because they can be a bit hazier and have more chromatic aberration wide open than most may care for. @artistjoh how is the haze/CA on the f2 wide open?
@@collinausbury Wide open the f2 is slightly softer in the center than the f1.4, about the same as the f1.4 in the corners. IMO coma and spherical aberration are probably a bit better than the 1.4 and is gone by f2.8 The biggest fault is some ghosting when pointed at the sun. Overall I would describe it as a magnificent lens that gets underrated because everyone goes crazy over the f1.4
I have this lens, Colin ( & yes, an F4(s) & a D850; it's also very comfortable on my FM - but as you assert, front-heavy on the latter; for me, the optics & imagery that it yields are second to none; I purchased mine secondhand - best £150.00 GBP I ever spent - tho' at the time, that was a week's salary - it's paid for itself a thousand times over. Wonderful, minimalistic overview - Thank you !
As a Nikon fanboy since 2003, hindsight, I'm glad Nikon has been trash by magazines then, and TH-camrs now. With Canon and Sony being the dominant brands among channels with large followings because! Over time, been able to complete my dream Nikkor 'vintage' prime lens setup for peanuts. I'm missing one at the moment, but might pick that one up this weekend. ^-^ Gorgeous video btw. ✨
Wow dude you are talented! You deserve more views. I wanted to do videography but gave up a while back (was kinda broke and the standard lens that came with my d3500 just didn't give me the look i wanted. maybe I'm blaming my lack of skill on the lens haha), and your video has got me wanting to pick it up again.
Awesome video. I have Canon FD’s but you have me interested in these Nikkors. Can I ask what recorder are you using to record your vocals? Specifically at the tail end of your video (the talking head) Sounds rich bro!
Thanks man. I use a RODE Caster Pro II. Overkill for this specifically. What’s cool about the RODE Caster is it has the preamp needed for the SHURE SM7B. If you use something like an H5N you’ll likely need to pick up a Cloud Lifter as well. Hope this helps.
Wow!!! The shot at 0:51 is just to die for. What a wonderful lens. The old Nikkor's are wonderful lenses when you can work around them. Have you sued the 50mm 2.0 or 35mm f2.0 nikkor's?
@@collinausbury They are actually Non AI ones with an aperture up to 16. I've read some people feel the F2's are sharper than the F1.4's but the 1.4's in their own right from what I've seen.
Hey thank you. I use Simmod’s F to EF mount conversion kits, but the K&F concept ones are more budget friendly and have been pretty reliable in my experience
I'm just interested in photography but i think i can learn more from cinematographers. Photographers focus more concrete composition and shapes i feel like but i wanna focus on moods. I wanna capture places and things that make me feel something.
Thank you brother! I recommend Simmod mounts - their F to EF mount is killer. If you want a temporary solution (fixed mounts can be costly) I'd recommend the Fotodiox - whatever latest version they have. A note: a lot of these temporary mounts aren't tight so before you buy make sure people say it's tight :)
I have - modded the 35 1.4 AI-S and 50 1.2 AI-S and both offer great looks. Each lens is a little hazier wide open, but stopping down ever so slightly will clear it up. I dropped a video on a less expensive 28mm 2.8 non-ai if you're looking for more example footage. Are you considering getting some?
Howdy. If I were new, and I could only get one lens, I would get something that has auto-focus, has a wide range of focal lengths, and a consistent aperture (f/2.8 or lower). The kit lenses are fine for starting out but the variable aperture is the issue. Primes are the sharpest and cleanest lenses. Any F-mount lens would work with your camera. Good luck out there!
I’m about to buy the canon 85mm 1.4 IS for my 6k pro. I will shoot a lot indoor. Will 85mm on super 35 sensor be possible to use indoor? It would be a 134-135 mm lens. I need a telephoto lens with strong bokeh, image stabilization and autofocus. Thank you for your time!
Hey man! I am curious how the IS would do at a 135mm equivalent. With the pocket being so light, I would highly recommend a tripod. Handheld at 135 with IS can be tempting but can create an insane challenge on the day, especially to nail focus on moving subjects. A tripod could save the day.
DANAMI, appreciate it. It's not just this lens, but the discovery of this whole line of NIKKORs. When I realized I could pair vintage glass with the BMPCC and modern cams, my perspective shifted dramatically. Many of these lenses give very stylistic looks right away - most of which have "flaws". Learning to lean into the flaws to further drive style. You shoot yourself?
@@collinausburyyeah vintages lenses are dope. I remember discovering your channel when I contemplating Nikkor lenses for my pocket cameras. I mostly film mini-docs (branded films) for nonprofits fostering environmental and social justice.
@@collinausbury A Super Multicoated Takumar kit (20, 28, 35, 50, 105), SLR Magic APO Microprime (25, 50, 85), and some outliers Canon 24-70 and Vivitar 28mm
Does anyone have any recommendations on lens filters for these? I shoot in a lot of daylight scenarios and want to shoot with the wide open. I just bought a 24mm and 50mm. Any suggestions would be great!
it's usually the coatings and glass that give a certain color cast across a set. lenses of the same line - AI-S line are going to be pretty similarly matched
Bro I normally don't use the comment section at all but damn.. such a nice review, as already mentioned love your sound design and can I please please have you as Voice Over for my next project ?? Ordered a f to ef adapter for my 35mm and 85mm lens on the Ursa Mini for a project on Thursday. After your videos I'm so excited ! Keep up that phonomal work !!
It’s been awhile since I’ve used this one a but I recall it not hitting infinity, I think likely due to the mount change from F to EF. I’ll need to figure out a fix for that.
If I recall after 2.8 it starts to clear up. If you buy a cheaper vintage lens that has a max aperture at 2.8 I’d imagine you may have to stop even further down to clear it up, but don’t quote me on it
I don't know. There isn't that much of a character in here honestly. Blurred background or bokeh is not a «character» yet. Real character of a lens everyone talking about is more about complex volumes relationships inside the image, way it renders plans which leads to obvious pronounced depth from front to back planes in which shapes and forms of an object really stands out in a volumetric manner (watch zeiss, watch leicas, cooke etc - they're all exemplary in this). And nothing about that in here. It's more of ordinary dslr like flat image without front-back distance rendering. Also I'm not sure, but every video I saw about nikkors have that kind of brightening characteristic in their image, like if a solid white color layer is baked in 50% opacity in them. Some weird brightness, low contrast but not in a way you'd expect it, or call to be pleasing. The very same behavior noticed in a Canon FDs. Something VHS kind a quality I guess. I've shoot on FD with a Fuji for 4 years and it happened every time I developed the raw. It is not something you can change with curves or contrast in post for sure. So I'm not sure, but it seems like nikkors and FDs are really same glasses and this trend on them as on holy grail cheap cine lens is over exaggerated. I really want them to be like that without a doubt! But all I see is an casual not involving picture. PS. No offense in any sense, just sharing observations and I'm grateful for your test it's very helpful.
@@collinausbury Hi Collin! I agree it is a huge topic to discuss. Right now I'm excited about old Carl Zeiss Jena. They are even cheaper sometimes, easy to convert (not like FD or MD) with a simple adapter ring and definitely has lots of incredible optic characteristics. I'm curious to know what you think about them.
Ha dude THIS TRICK INSTANTLY MADE MY VIDS 100X MORE CINEMATIC. It's funny how you make a video and the moment you hit publish your perspective has already grown and evolved. We're all learning.
how I color grade my videos (in-depth) - th-cam.com/video/LBMRhXx8ZDs/w-d-xo.html
great! ty
Vintage Lenses + Rocket Ship Sound Design = A Happy Michael
Thankful for another opportunity to mix and design your world in sound
This is some special sauce right here
mayhaps an Osaka yum yum drizzle topper? 👀 Hope you're well my brother - I've seen big things coming down the pipe in your guys' world. Excited for you.
Thanks for sharing this, my first set of lenses has been my father's Nikkors. They've served him well as a photographer and have traveled the world.
I feel grateful to continue his legacy and bring them into my films and yes, they do have so much character ! peace
Hey man, just wanted to let you know that I really loved this video!
I got this lens from my father. But sadly never really use it.
Such nice shots!
Hope to see more content from you!
Best
Beautiful!! If you stopped it down to F2, the contrast will improve, purple fringing will disappear, and images will pop.
Glad to see you post again!
Desmond, thank you, brother! More to come.
I absolutely love your review, thanks for sharing these clips that make the film on the vintage Nikon Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 AI-S paired with the BMPCC 6K. I have a BMPCC 4K and looking forward to pairing it with the Nikon Nikkor 8mm f/1.4 when I buy one. I love your compositions, color palette and sound design awesomeness.
Thank you 🫶🏼
I've been a fan of 'old' Nikkor glass since I got my first DSLR with a junky kit lens. I've pretty much used primes ever since. I'm so glad to see you're putting them to great use. Sharpness is overrated, character isn't.
Great video, incredible images, and Excellent intro, started off almost like a positive, feel-good episode of "Black Mirror" 😎 .. However overall, an inspiring video for any filmmaker- I'm thankful to say i'm personally getting started with Nikon vintage lenses ...I just purchased my first Nikon lens (ever), a 35 mm f/2.8 AI lens. Thanks again for the video
Love this man! Welcome to the vintage gang!
I have the 24,28,50,85.
Love these lenses
What's good Jassir! Nice! When did you discover it was an option to use these?
@@collinausbury i always have been using Nikon lenses and were searching for similar options to Canon FD lenses. The first time i used the 28mm it changed my perception forever.
Dude, same! Have you found a good conversion method for the FD to EF?
@@collinausbury sadly just an adapter.
A review with a great essence ✌️ Glad to use this lens in photography.
If you’ve used it before definitely link to your portfolio here!
I had one, but regrettably sold it. The shop that purchased it wants twice what they paid me for it. I’ve been tempted to buy it back.
I have a row of Nikon lenses from this era, some purchased originally back in the day when they were new. Adapted them for cinema work. Results are distinct. I'll die with the lenses cuz soon enough no one will want them after my work is done. Sadness as they will end up in a junk pile some where, reduced to nothing.
The 85mm 1.4 is definitely one of the ultra Nikkors from the manual era. I've got one, just because I wanted one before they disappeared in the rush to digital some 20 years ago. I've used it a few times, but it really doesn't do anything you cannot do as well with a more conventional 85mm 1.8, which is less than half the price, half the weight, and 2/3 the size (or less).
good to know! is the 85 1.8 the AI-S or the AI?
I like old Nikkors. My personal preference is for the 52mm filter thread series, which at 85mm means the f2 version. I like that Nikon provided a series of lenses with a consistent filter thread, but it does mean foregoing the exotic f1.4 85.
For sure. I'm a big fan of the knurled-edge step up rings from Simmod.
Is there a big difference with the f/2 version for you ? @artistjoh
@@nowkirkwon At 85mm, f2 is plenty fast enough, plus it is smaller and lighter, as well as more affordable. You need to pixel peep to see any difference with the f1.4 when wide open. The f1.4 is just slightly better, but your ability to manual focus is far more significant than minor lens sharpness differences. Plus choosing a set of Nikkors with the 52mm filter thread makes life much easier.
Yes it’s all about pros/cons. People typically don’t shoot wide open with the vintage nikkors because they can be a bit hazier and have more chromatic aberration wide open than most may care for. @artistjoh how is the haze/CA on the f2 wide open?
@@collinausbury Wide open the f2 is slightly softer in the center than the f1.4, about the same as the f1.4 in the corners. IMO coma and spherical aberration are probably a bit better than the 1.4 and is gone by f2.8 The biggest fault is some ghosting when pointed at the sun. Overall I would describe it as a magnificent lens that gets underrated because everyone goes crazy over the f1.4
I have this lens, Colin ( & yes, an F4(s) & a D850; it's also very comfortable on my FM - but as you assert, front-heavy on the latter; for me, the optics & imagery that it yields are second to none; I purchased mine secondhand - best £150.00 GBP I ever spent - tho' at the time, that was a week's salary - it's paid for itself a thousand times over. Wonderful, minimalistic overview - Thank you !
Glad to hear you love it. It certainly has its quirks but a wonderful little lens
Indeed so - I've had mine for nearly forty years - testament to longevity, quality build, & sublime optics - only my Zeiss can offer an edge, Colin...
Ive seen other youtubers post using this lens and it doesnt look as good as yours…it doesnt look as “filmy” as yours. Why is that?
"Grading"
As a Nikon fanboy since 2003, hindsight, I'm glad Nikon has been trash by magazines then, and TH-camrs now. With Canon and Sony being the dominant brands among channels with large followings because! Over time, been able to complete my dream Nikkor 'vintage' prime lens setup for peanuts. I'm missing one at the moment, but might pick that one up this weekend. ^-^
Gorgeous video btw. ✨
One man’s trash 😏
I found mine for about $500 CAD. I absolutely love this lens. It is amazing on my R6 and A7IV!!!
Oh can only imagine on the R6 👀
Wow dude you are talented! You deserve more views. I wanted to do videography but gave up a while back (was kinda broke and the standard lens that came with my d3500 just didn't give me the look i wanted. maybe I'm blaming my lack of skill on the lens haha), and your video has got me wanting to pick it up again.
I’ll be real that’s one of my favorite things to hear - DO IT!! The seemingly unimportant, little steps in your craft add up over the long term.
Beautiful video all around. ❤
Thank you, Tommy! When can I look forward to another Tommy original?
My favourite lens.
Thank you for sharing your content. Thank you for sharing God given your passion & creative mind. Take care.
Thank you for saying this!
@@collinausbury Anytime. Out of the flow of the heart the mouth speaks. 😇
Awesome video. I have Canon FD’s but you have me interested in these Nikkors. Can I ask what recorder are you using to record your vocals? Specifically at the tail end of your video (the talking head) Sounds rich bro!
Thanks man. I use a RODE Caster Pro II. Overkill for this specifically.
What’s cool about the RODE Caster is it has the preamp needed for the SHURE SM7B. If you use something like an H5N you’ll likely need to pick up a Cloud Lifter as well. Hope this helps.
@@collinausbury it did man, thanks a lot!
I made a lot of nice footages with this lens
Wow!!! The shot at 0:51 is just to die for. What a wonderful lens. The old Nikkor's are wonderful lenses when you can work around them. Have you sued the 50mm 2.0 or 35mm f2.0 nikkor's?
Hey Giovanni! Thanks for the feedback. I have used the 50 1.4 ai-s and the 35 1.8 ai-s, but not the f/2 equivalents. Are these ai or ai-s by chance?
@@collinausbury They are actually Non AI ones with an aperture up to 16. I've read some people feel the F2's are sharper than the F1.4's but the 1.4's in their own right from what I've seen.
Hey Collin, great video, what brand of adapter do you use on your BM for the ai lenses?
Hey thank you. I use Simmod’s F to EF mount conversion kits, but the K&F concept ones are more budget friendly and have been pretty reliable in my experience
That screams one word, persistence.
There’s a wolf in the hen house, and we let him in.
I'm just interested in photography but i think i can learn more from cinematographers. Photographers focus more concrete composition and shapes i feel like but i wanna focus on moods. I wanna capture places and things that make me feel something.
💪🏼🥲
Great video man. What adapter do you use for these lenses on the bmpcc 6k?
Thank you brother! I recommend Simmod mounts - their F to EF mount is killer. If you want a temporary solution (fixed mounts can be costly) I'd recommend the Fotodiox - whatever latest version they have. A note: a lot of these temporary mounts aren't tight so before you buy make sure people say it's tight :)
Nice. Thanks for sharing. Have you tried other lenses in the same series? How did you like them?
I have - modded the 35 1.4 AI-S and 50 1.2 AI-S and both offer great looks. Each lens is a little hazier wide open, but stopping down ever so slightly will clear it up. I dropped a video on a less expensive 28mm 2.8 non-ai if you're looking for more example footage. Are you considering getting some?
I am new to photography I want to buy a Nikon D50 what lenses would you reccomend for night, studio shoots and daylight!
Could i use any lens?
Howdy. If I were new, and I could only get one lens, I would get something that has auto-focus, has a wide range of focal lengths, and a consistent aperture (f/2.8 or lower).
The kit lenses are fine for starting out but the variable aperture is the issue.
Primes are the sharpest and cleanest lenses.
Any F-mount lens would work with your camera. Good luck out there!
bro this is so helpful thank you
Curious, why this and not the old zeiss 85?
I had used the 28mm and wanted to build out my kit of the same lens series from there. I'm sure the zeiss 85 is a beast, will have to try it out
I’m about to buy the canon 85mm 1.4 IS for my 6k pro. I will shoot a lot indoor. Will 85mm on super 35 sensor be possible to use indoor? It would be a 134-135 mm lens.
I need a telephoto lens with strong bokeh, image stabilization and autofocus.
Thank you for your time!
Hey man! I am curious how the IS would do at a 135mm equivalent. With the pocket being so light, I would highly recommend a tripod. Handheld at 135 with IS can be tempting but can create an insane challenge on the day, especially to nail focus on moving subjects. A tripod could save the day.
I appreciated the pacing of the video. 👊🏾 So in what ways has this lens changed you?
DANAMI, appreciate it. It's not just this lens, but the discovery of this whole line of NIKKORs. When I realized I could pair vintage glass with the BMPCC and modern cams, my perspective shifted dramatically. Many of these lenses give very stylistic looks right away - most of which have "flaws". Learning to lean into the flaws to further drive style.
You shoot yourself?
@@collinausburyyeah vintages lenses are dope. I remember discovering your channel when I contemplating Nikkor lenses for my pocket cameras. I mostly film mini-docs (branded films) for nonprofits fostering environmental and social justice.
What lenses did you end up going with?
@@collinausbury A Super Multicoated Takumar kit (20, 28, 35, 50, 105), SLR Magic APO Microprime (25, 50, 85), and some outliers Canon 24-70 and Vivitar 28mm
Does anyone have any recommendations on lens filters for these? I shoot in a lot of daylight scenarios and want to shoot with the wide open. I just bought a 24mm and 50mm. Any suggestions would be great!
hi - I use the NISI variable ND. No vignetting and no x-pattern
The lens didn't change your career, you did
true
Can you tell me 35mm eqv lens that have same character?
it's usually the coatings and glass that give a certain color cast across a set. lenses of the same line - AI-S line are going to be pretty similarly matched
Nice work!
I want this for my Nikon EM
ooo what's that?
@@collinausbury good old Nikon EM from the 70’s, 35mm SLR
Hi Collin. Beautiful color grading. Sub! ❤
Bro I normally don't use the comment section at all but damn.. such a nice review, as already mentioned love your sound design and can I please please have you as Voice Over for my next project ?? Ordered a f to ef adapter for my 35mm and 85mm lens on the Ursa Mini for a project on Thursday.
After your videos I'm so excited ! Keep up that phonomal work !!
Leon, thank you so much brother! Whats your project comin up?
1:05 But this lens is a 1000USD lens
I got mine for $400. Just did a search and $600 is the max I’ve seen on this bad boy.
The chromatic aberration is out of control. That’s a major dealbreaker for me
Do I need an adapter to use this lens on the Bmpcc 6k?
Yes, you’ll need a Nikon F to EF mount adapter. K&F Concept has a good one
That purple CA is nasty though
I get that- what are you shooting with?
does it focus till infinity?
It’s been awhile since I’ve used this one a but I recall it not hitting infinity, I think likely due to the mount change from F to EF. I’ll need to figure out a fix for that.
@@collinausbury thought so because of flange distance between rear element and the sensor
Right. I’ll need to do some more research. I don’t remember this being an issue with the other lenses I’ve converted
Oh. This is $1000 in Australia.
Whoops
what aperatures did the spchromatism show up?
If I recall after 2.8 it starts to clear up.
If you buy a cheaper vintage lens that has a max aperture at 2.8 I’d imagine you may have to stop even further down to clear it up, but don’t quote me on it
I don't know. There isn't that much of a character in here honestly. Blurred background or bokeh is not a «character» yet. Real character of a lens everyone talking about is more about complex volumes relationships inside the image, way it renders plans which leads to obvious pronounced depth from front to back planes in which shapes and forms of an object really stands out in a volumetric manner (watch zeiss, watch leicas, cooke etc - they're all exemplary in this). And nothing about that in here. It's more of ordinary dslr like flat image without front-back distance rendering.
Also I'm not sure, but every video I saw about nikkors have that kind of brightening characteristic in their image, like if a solid white color layer is baked in 50% opacity in them. Some weird brightness, low contrast but not in a way you'd expect it, or call to be pleasing. The very same behavior noticed in a Canon FDs. Something VHS kind a quality I guess.
I've shoot on FD with a Fuji for 4 years and it happened every time I developed the raw. It is not something you can change with curves or contrast in post for sure.
So I'm not sure, but it seems like nikkors and FDs are really same glasses and this trend on them as on holy grail cheap cine lens is over exaggerated. I really want them to be like that without a doubt! But all I see is an casual not involving picture.
PS. No offense in any sense, just sharing observations and I'm grateful for your test it's very helpful.
Yeah man thanks for sharing. I think there’s a lot to be said there - what lenses get you excited?
@@collinausbury Hi Collin! I agree it is a huge topic to discuss.
Right now I'm excited about old Carl Zeiss Jena. They are even cheaper sometimes, easy to convert (not like FD or MD) with a simple adapter ring and definitely has lots of incredible optic characteristics. I'm curious to know what you think about them.
Thank god you said “character” and not “cinematic” 😂
Ha dude THIS TRICK INSTANTLY MADE MY VIDS 100X MORE CINEMATIC.
It's funny how you make a video and the moment you hit publish your perspective has already grown and evolved. We're all learning.
"PromoSM" ✋