I made it to that point in the video! I’m with you, this lens is cool I’ve had on one on a Nikormat that I bought in 1981. Handed it down to my son, and he’s shooting it now. This lens on a Nikkormat is one of the best values in old 35mm cameras in my opinion.
Wow!! What a great breakdown of the lens!! Those are some amazing shots too!! The B/W turned out great!! I agree with you, shooting 35mm isn't JUST taking a picture, it's an experience!! There is just something about capturing a perfect moment, then being able to HOLD that moment latter on with film.. Great Video!! Keep up the good work!!!
Thank you for this video it was exactly what I needed to see. I currently us a Nikon F2A and a Nikon F3HP with various Nikon lenses, and after watching this video and seeing the photographs that it produces I have just bought one from a dealer here in England. I will be visiting your website.
Thank you! I actually have been exploring the same thing. There are many different adapters out there. I have yet to find out which brand name is the best one but you have to look for an adapter that is Nikon f to XF mount
I just bought an old Nikormat to get this lens. Mine has some fungus and dirt inside. It's going to be a winter project cleaning it out. Can you recommend any videos on disassembly of this lens. I really enjoy your videos, and i just bookmarked your website.
Mine is a terrible copy that I got with impossible to clean fungus marks and even a fingerprint in one of the elements, hazy as hell.. but still I like it somehow. It delivers lo-fi portraits that really work.
@@AlysVintageCameraAlley Exactly and they did a terrible job but it was the first lens I got when going back to film a few years ago and it was very cheap.
i own the first version nikkor-s 55mm f/1.2 lens, also with the amber coating. its a wonderful and whacky lens. rendering is unique and all over the place
Great video, keep em coming. I really liked the peek into the library bit at the beginning. I know what you mean about vintage lenses. That is the main reason I got into mirroress, Currently playing with a Helios 44. I didn't realize it was a rangefinder lens when I bought it off ebay and had to adapt with a m39-m49 before m49-EF.
Great video. Colors, shots, and sound. So good. I just got this lens today!! I have a respectable set of vintage Nikkors in 15, 20, 24, 35, and 50 now! Mostly for video. The 15 is my favorite.
I have the slightly later version of the pre-ai 50mm f1.4, which has been adapted for ai metering. Mine had issues with the focussing weight due to some pretty nasty dried grease, but working on it to clean and re-grease it has been an absolute pleasure. The machining of the helicoids is wonderful, it's all made to very fine tolerances even by modern standards, and the glass is superb on them. Absolutely cracking review, and excellent photos as usual :)
Been shooting with nikkor since the late 60’s . I still own all my old Nikon F bodies and lenses . They have character that new plastic lenses don’t have . It’s a tactile thing I suppose and they still take outstanding photos.
On the basis of this video I have just bought a mint one from Japan for £39 with the single coating after buying a misspell Nikon F2 from Japan last week, I was looking for a companion for it, I can’t wait to get out there with them, need to have a clear out of cameras soon
I have multiples of the Nikkor S 50 F1.4 from the early mid 1960s S with the amber coating to the S.C. multi coated version of the early 1970s and a K series from 1976. All are great glass that live on my Nikon F's, F2's and Nikkormats.
I have the identical lens for my Nikkormat FTN. I really like it. I like the nice bubble bokeh it produces. Great video, I'd love to see another lens review!
the previous lens _ S Auto 5.8cm f1.4 (1959-62) - is really nice, wilder (huge coma/astigmatism at the edges) but has a different bokeh, even slightly swirly at times. If you see it around, try it!
I have just got my hands on one of these lens it has been modified so the appetite ring operates but the images are very soft with a milky film on the photo any ideas why this is
Wonderful video, Aly! I admire you for having the courage to get in front of the camera. It was neat to hear about the history and details of this lens and I loved hearing about your experiences and thoughts about using the lens. Enjoyed seeing your images as well!
My comment is a bit late but I recently picked up a Nikon F (1970 BP, classic pyramid prism) for a really good price and I'm loving it! I immediately bought a Nikkor - N Auto 28/2 as I love 28mm. It's such a nice combo to shoot with, I've only shot B&W so far (5 rolls) and I'm still analysing the results.The close focusing ability is amazing. Aly, have you used the 28/2?
I don’t think I have! I think I only have the 24. I actually have been thinking about trying out 28. On my Leica too I’ve been thinking of getting a 28 because I’m so used to 35. I’d like to try something new.
That book by Moose Petersen is my go to reference for film era Nikon. That lens is just beautiful. Absolutely love mine and especially for shooting black and white the lower contrast compared to more modern lenses is just fine.
Came across this lens in the flea market/swapmeet!! Sucks I couldn’t buy it because the seller wouldn’t sell it to me because it came in a (bundle) with a k mount camera 😣
Hello! The S in Nikkor-S actually is a Greek lettering system Nikon used on these vintage lenses. So S = Septem for the number 7 meaning the lens has 7 elements within. Hope that helps! Thanks for watching.
I do the same thing with my Canon TX and AE-1 cameras, Looking for my next pro line FL or FD camera for the set. I have several time lines of 50 and 55mm lenses in different apertures for the DF, FL mounts and always on the look out for the illusive 1.2 FL HAHA 😆 Keep up the good work, love your content as it’s similar to my own interests :)
Love old Nikon gear and have owned / used quite a lot - I'm thinking of updating my 50 f2 pre Ai to the well reviewed Voigtlander 58mm F1.4 SLII-S nokton as it still has the mount F metering prong.More modern glass like my Fuji jars have better contrast and its a look that I'd love when shooting film on my Nikkormat FT2...any thoughts people ?
The amber coating was used back in the day because color film was not yet popular and it worked well for black and white film. When color film gained in popularity they had to develop a better coating that would not change the color tint of the images which was what lead to the multicoated, or "C" lenses. AI lenses adds automatic indexing to the later cameras made since 1977. Unfortunately, pre-AI lenses cannot be mounted directly onto an AI camera without risking damaging the aperture feeler. Earlier cameras, like the FE, FM, and F3 (and F4, F5, etc) had a mechanism to allow you to flip the feeler out of the way to prevent damage. You would use stop down metering in that case. Pre-AI lenses can be modified to be compatible with later AI cameras by either finding the appropriate aperture ring and replacing it or by machining the existing aperture ring to make it AI compatible. These modified lenses can be used with modern Nikon DSLRs without any issues. That weight you are feeling is brass as the earlier lenses used a lot of brass in their construction. I'm not a fan of the 50mm focal length, preferring the 35mm focal length. Having said that, I won't be letting my old 50mm f/1.4 S go any time soon.
@@rdelprin on lenses that had a thorium coating it would start as a clear lens that would yellow over time. The yellow is kinda brownish yellow and it was splotchy from what I recall. This was an actual lens coating that has a yellow reflection.
Great content. If a lens is pre AI, it either has to be converted to AI with a new aperture ring or it needs to be cut in order to make a notch in the aperture ring on the pre-A lens. Which I've done before for my Nikkor Auto H 50mm f2. I looove my vintage Nikkor glass. I'm still shooting a d700 myself. I'm using the Nikon 50mm Ai or Nikon 50mm 1.4D when I want af
If you would like to contribute to the channel please visit my website. alysvintagecameraalley.com/2021/10/16/the-nikon-nikkor-s-50mm-f-1-4-auto/
Wow looks so beautiful both photos and the bokeh! Definitely going to use this to film and take photos.
Thank you! It’s a beautiful lens
@@AlysVintageCameraAlley really love your photos and review! Photos look like something out of a movie.
@@huntrramsthanks so much! I appreciate it
I made it to that point in the video! I’m with you, this lens is cool I’ve had on one on a Nikormat that I bought in 1981. Handed it down to my son, and he’s shooting it now. This lens on a Nikkormat is one of the best values in old 35mm cameras in my opinion.
Thanks so much for watching. That’s awesome that you’ve now been able to hand it down to your son
I had a Nikkor 28mm f3.5 HC that I used with my Nikkormat FTn. Early nineteen seventies.
Nice 👍🏻
I agree with you. There's nothing like photographing with a Nikon F and those gorgeous pre ai scalloped Nikkor lenses! 👍☕📷
Yes!
One of my favorite Nikkor lenses. I use mine on my Nikkormat FTn. Nice shots, good content and as always, well presented. Thanks!
Wow!! What a great breakdown of the lens!! Those are some amazing shots too!! The B/W turned out great!! I agree with you, shooting 35mm isn't JUST taking a picture, it's an experience!! There is just something about capturing a perfect moment, then being able to HOLD that moment latter on with film.. Great Video!! Keep up the good work!!!
Thanks so much!
Beautiful rendering from the lens!
Thank you
Thank you for this video it was exactly what I needed to see. I currently us a Nikon F2A and a Nikon F3HP with various Nikon lenses, and after watching this video and seeing the photographs that it produces I have just bought one from a dealer here in England. I will be visiting your website.
Thanks for watching! Hope you enjoy the lens. Not sure if you know though you’ll need the AI version for the F3HP. My version here is the non-Ai
@@AlysVintageCameraAlley The version that I have bought is the AI version.
@@stuartgraham5055 have you enjoyed shooting with it?
@@AlysVintageCameraAlleyhow you know your lens is ai or pre ai .am a beginner using f3hp.thanks
@@walkwithme_nzdoes your lens have the “bunny ears” or prongs on top? Do they have a hole in them?
Nice! Digital Nikon owner here thinking about returning to analog in order to counteract digital manipulation and ai. Subscribed
Welcome!
Really cool intro. Super cool books and great review! Really enjoyed this video a
Ally!
Thank you Davy!
Having D6 Nikon three months back I have purchased 50 mm f/1.4 manual lens it works great little bit take time to manual focus
Lovely pictures! ⭐️
Thank you 🙏
I love this lens. Beautifully made.
I agree
Hi! Goodvideo, can you tell me how to use these kind of Lens on modern camera like my Fuji Xpro? Do you knwo any adapter?
Thank you! I actually have been exploring the same thing. There are many different adapters out there. I have yet to find out which brand name is the best one but you have to look for an adapter that is Nikon f to XF mount
I just bought an old Nikormat to get this lens. Mine has some fungus and dirt inside. It's going to be a winter project cleaning it out. Can you recommend any videos on disassembly of this lens. I really enjoy your videos, and i just bookmarked your website.
Thanks I’m glad to hear that!
I have never watched any videos that disassemble it.
Mine is a terrible copy that I got with impossible to clean fungus marks and even a fingerprint in one of the elements, hazy as hell.. but still I like it somehow. It delivers lo-fi portraits that really work.
Sounds like someone took it apart at one point. Glad you still like it
@@AlysVintageCameraAlley Exactly and they did a terrible job but it was the first lens I got when going back to film a few years ago and it was very cheap.
@@justcallmesando if it gives you results you like that’s all that matters. :)
Another wonderful video! This is also a great lens for reverse mount macro - a very nifty - fifty.
Thank you 😊
Just acquired the 50mm f1.4 ais - enjoyed your review!
Awesome thank you
Nice. I have that lens and use it on the F2 and FM2. I thoroughly enjoy your videos and the articles on your web site. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much. I appreciate it.
Aly thanks for the video!!!
Thanks for watching!
i own the first version nikkor-s 55mm f/1.2 lens, also with the amber coating. its a wonderful and whacky lens. rendering is unique and all over the place
Great video, keep em coming. I really liked the peek into the library bit at the beginning. I know what you mean about vintage lenses. That is the main reason I got into mirroress, Currently playing with a Helios 44. I didn't realize it was a rangefinder lens when I bought it off ebay and had to adapt with a m39-m49 before m49-EF.
I’d love to try that one day putting my old lenses on my digital camera. Right now I’ve got my hands full with film though lol
Using it with new Z system with the adapter and rocks
Great video. Colors, shots, and sound. So good. I just got this lens today!! I have a respectable set of vintage Nikkors in 15, 20, 24, 35, and 50 now! Mostly for video. The 15 is my favorite.
Thanks so much! Great collection of lenses
I have that lens - Thanks for the video.
Thanks for watching!
Use also 50 mm 1.4 f with the magnificent F3 - my all time favorite film camera
I have the slightly later version of the pre-ai 50mm f1.4, which has been adapted for ai metering. Mine had issues with the focussing weight due to some pretty nasty dried grease, but working on it to clean and re-grease it has been an absolute pleasure. The machining of the helicoids is wonderful, it's all made to very fine tolerances even by modern standards, and the glass is superb on them. Absolutely cracking review, and excellent photos as usual :)
Thanks so much. That’s awesome. I would love to be able to do that.
@@AlysVintageCameraAlley so would I…. It’s been rebuilt 6 times now and I’ve still not quite got it right 🤣
@@TheHatMusic 😂
Been shooting with nikkor since the late 60’s . I still own all my old Nikon F bodies and lenses . They have character that new plastic lenses don’t have . It’s a tactile thing I suppose and they still take outstanding photos.
Very true
Great video! I hope you do some more vintage Nikon lenses! I keep thinking about getting a few pre-AI Nikkors for my Nikkormat FT2 and Nikomat EL.
Awesome. Thanks. I will do more :)
On the basis of this video I have just bought a mint one from Japan for £39 with the single coating after buying a misspell Nikon F2 from Japan last week, I was looking for a companion for it, I can’t wait to get out there with them, need to have a clear out of cameras soon
Nice!
I have multiples of the Nikkor S 50 F1.4 from the early mid 1960s S with the amber coating to the S.C. multi coated version of the early 1970s and a K series from 1976. All are great glass that live on my Nikon F's, F2's and Nikkormats.
You taught me about glass Bill. I had no idea what that meant when I first started lol
I have the identical lens for my Nikkormat FTN. I really like it. I like the nice bubble bokeh it produces. Great video, I'd love to see another lens review!
Thanks so much. I’ll definitely do another one.
how did you mount this lens to the ftn? it seems my ftn won’t take 1.4
@@MrSTEINHAWK I didn't do anything special. It just went right on.
the previous lens _ S Auto 5.8cm f1.4 (1959-62) - is really nice, wilder (huge coma/astigmatism at the edges) but has a different bokeh, even slightly swirly at times. If you see it around, try it!
I have just got my hands on one of these lens it has been modified so the appetite ring operates but the images are very soft with a milky film on the photo any ideas why this is
If there is a film on the negative itself that sounds like something went wrong in processing.
Wonderful video, Aly! I admire you for having the courage to get in front of the camera. It was neat to hear about the history and details of this lens and I loved hearing about your experiences and thoughts about using the lens. Enjoyed seeing your images as well!
Thank you 😊
My comment is a bit late but I recently picked up a Nikon F (1970 BP, classic pyramid prism) for a really good price and I'm loving it! I immediately bought a Nikkor - N Auto 28/2 as I love 28mm. It's such a nice combo to shoot with, I've only shot B&W so far (5 rolls) and I'm still analysing the results.The close focusing ability is amazing. Aly, have you used the 28/2?
I don’t think I have! I think I only have the 24. I actually have been thinking about trying out 28. On my Leica too I’ve been thinking of getting a 28 because I’m so used to 35. I’d like to try something new.
I also use the 28/2.8 Elmarit on my Leica. 😀
That book by Moose Petersen is my go to reference for film era Nikon.
That lens is just beautiful. Absolutely love mine and especially for shooting black and white the lower contrast compared to more modern lenses is just fine.
Agreed :) thanks for watching
Can i use this len on Nikon dslr D810 ? please.
I’m not sure. You’d have to google the different adapters available. I don’t have a Nikon DSLR myself.
I have this Nikkor sc auto 1.4 50mm on my Nikkormat ft2 and I have a Nikkor p auto 105mm 2.5. My favourite camera and lens set up.
Nice!
It is a great lens, I have a similar one.
Do you have any idea if this lens is a radioactive lens?
Thank you.
Thank you. I’m not sure. I have heard rumors that it is but have never read anything for sure.
What lens hood for this lens?
If you Google it, there’s a metal lens hood that was made for this specific lens. You should be able to find it on eBay
Great review! Love my more modern 50/1.4 the AI-S version. And lovely results from the glass!
Thank you 😊
Came across this lens in the flea market/swapmeet!! Sucks I couldn’t buy it because the seller wouldn’t sell it to me because it came in a (bundle) with a k mount camera 😣
Aww man that sucks! Why was it bundled with a k mount camera?
S means single coated ? Thank You for respond if you find some time ;) im new to it
Hello! The S in Nikkor-S actually is a Greek lettering system Nikon used on these vintage lenses. So S = Septem for the number 7 meaning the lens has 7 elements within. Hope that helps! Thanks for watching.
Great video
Thank you
Thank u ALY!!!
Thank you for watching!
Just ordered one on ebay today- mint. 😊
Nice! Enjoy it
I do the same thing with my Canon TX and AE-1 cameras, Looking for my next pro line FL or FD camera for the set. I have several time lines of 50 and 55mm lenses in different apertures for the DF, FL mounts and always on the look out for the illusive 1.2 FL HAHA 😆 Keep up the good work, love your content as it’s similar to my own interests :)
Thanks so much
Love old Nikon gear and have owned / used quite a lot - I'm thinking of updating my 50 f2 pre Ai to the well reviewed Voigtlander 58mm F1.4 SLII-S nokton as it still has the mount F metering prong.More modern glass like my Fuji jars have better contrast and its a look that I'd love when shooting film on my Nikkormat FT2...any thoughts people ?
The amber coating was used back in the day because color film was not yet popular and it worked well for black and white film. When color film gained in popularity they had to develop a better coating that would not change the color tint of the images which was what lead to the multicoated, or "C" lenses.
AI lenses adds automatic indexing to the later cameras made since 1977. Unfortunately, pre-AI lenses cannot be mounted directly onto an AI camera without risking damaging the aperture feeler. Earlier cameras, like the FE, FM, and F3 (and F4, F5, etc) had a mechanism to allow you to flip the feeler out of the way to prevent damage. You would use stop down metering in that case. Pre-AI lenses can be modified to be compatible with later AI cameras by either finding the appropriate aperture ring and replacing it or by machining the existing aperture ring to make it AI compatible. These modified lenses can be used with modern Nikon DSLRs without any issues.
That weight you are feeling is brass as the earlier lenses used a lot of brass in their construction.
I'm not a fan of the 50mm focal length, preferring the 35mm focal length. Having said that, I won't be letting my old 50mm f/1.4 S go any time soon.
I thought the yellowing was radioactive
Thorium right?
@@rdelprin on lenses that had a thorium coating it would start as a clear lens that would yellow over time. The yellow is kinda brownish yellow and it was splotchy from what I recall. This was an actual lens coating that has a yellow reflection.
Good one!
Great content. If a lens is pre AI, it either has to be converted to AI with a new aperture ring or it needs to be cut in order to make a notch in the aperture ring on the pre-A lens. Which I've done before for my Nikkor Auto H 50mm f2. I looove my vintage Nikkor glass. I'm still shooting a d700 myself. I'm using the Nikon 50mm Ai or Nikon 50mm 1.4D when I want af
Thanks for watching! I love my pre ai lenses. I’d love to get them converted to use on my other Nikons.
Does anyone know whether this lens is radioactive or not? I mean, does it contain thorium?
I’ve heard that the yellowing is radioactive. I think people have done tests and there’s a way to remove it but I haven’t really read into enough.
I got one the other day in EXCELLENT condition (with a metal lens hood) for 80 buckaroos. Good deal or normal price?
I think that’s right on price wise. I’ve never seen the metal hood so that’s a nice score.
I own this lens!!
Moose Peterson, a name I haven’t seen in a long time ..
👍🏻
You mean that I can use the lens directly with a Nikon F-mount without an adapter.
Do you mean on a new camera with an f-mount?
@@AlysVintageCameraAlley yes like nikon D300s Crop Factor or d750 FX
❤
Great video
Thanks for watching!