I still have a Nikkor 50 mm 1.4 that I bought new in 1978 with an FE. I worked and saved money as a teenager for a long time to buy my dream and when the time came, my dad drove me to the store. The moment I wanted to pay with my savings, my father said "nah, put that away, I'll take that. I just wanted to see if you are serious about photography". My father was not rich and it was an unbelievable gift. I still have the camera and lens in perfect order and would never give them away.
Nikkor-S 50mm f1.4 Nippon Kogaku was the first lens I bought in 1968. Have taken thousands of Kodachrome 64 slides with it. The color it renders on Kodachrome is out of this world. I still use it on my Sony A7iii with an adapter and am still amazed with the colors. Thank you for a lovely review.
Thanks for another Nikon lens review. Since finding your channel I'm re-establishing my love for photography, especially with all my Nikon bodies both digital and non-digital and my older AI and AI-S lenses. And even my oldies from the 60's! Keep those videos coming!
I bought my first Nikon SLR, a used F with a prism finder and a 50/1.4 S, in 1967. I was working as a newspaper photographer at the time and then a studio owner for 32 years. I am still using both the F and the lens and they have served me well.
Nikkor S 50 1.4 on the way and On the hunt for a Chinon 50 1.4. the 1.7 holds up well to Pentax A 50 1.7 and Minolta MD 50 1.8.. love your wealth of knowledge thanks for being a great resource Nigel!
I appreciate your discussion of the Nikon signature color palette during this period. This is not often discussed, and you made a particularly good job of describing that old time Nikon "look.". Nikon was much cooler or neutral, and was closer to what we as professionals are striving to achieve. In many ways Nikon was much more like Zeiss in terms of color palette, while Olympus, Canon, and Pentax tended toward variations of warmer palettes, more toward the Leica palette, but without Leica's need for sharpness and contrast at the point of focus, but then a rapid fall off into the out of focus areas. These days most lens makers are much more same-y, with smaller in-house differences, although Zeiss coolness/neutality, and Leica warmth are still seen. It is why, despite Leica being over-all better lenses, I still prefer my Zeiss glass. And it is why I like vintage Nikon. I don't think it is just about coatings. Nikon and Leica were the two companies pioneering the more expensive to manufacture floating elements designs. Nikon called their version CRC. Most people assume this was just about better focussing across a wider range of subject distances, and at wider apertures, but I have a feeling (entirely without hard evidence,) that floating element designs also impacts aberrations and light transmission, and depending on design, favoring different wavelengths over others. I would have loved to have a discussion about this very issue with old time Nikon and Zeiss optical engineers about what they thought was going on. As it stands, the only such public discussions about these intricacies came from Leica engineers, and their defining the Leica look, and their goals during the design phase in regard to their house "look.". I have never come across any similar discussions from Zeiss or Nikon from that period. All I know is how much I like that Nikon "look." This is very fascinating to me in the design of the Canon 135mm f2 EF lens, which was clearly a Sonnar based design, but with a much more Leica-like rendering. Of all Canon lenses, that one is the one I regard as their most successful in terms of applying Japanese wizardry to German design ideals, and getting an extraordinary result. I sold my Canon 135 years ago but it is one of those rare lenses (like my Summicron f2 90,) that I deeply regret having to part with. Now that I am much older, and no longer have my professional kit, it is my Zeiss and old Nikkors that have been the keepers that I retain, and most love using.
You could do another video with these lenses except in BW and shoot portraits. These lenses really take you to dream land. I had the Nikon 1.4 a while back and shot Tri X on a trip to Paris. What memorable pictures I took in low light inside churches and on night time streets.
Lovely review and comparison of these standards Mr. Zen. I noticed the 50mm 1.8 series E found its way into the video and I recall about a year ago you gave it a quick review and you were impressed. How about a full review for the future? I love the channel 📷
I have the AI-S version, which I thought was optically identical to the AI, I've heard. I love it. I use it with a speedbooster on a Lumix G7, which makes it a 75mm and sometimes I mount it with a dummy adaptor and it becomes a 100 mm and it's an amazing portrait lens. I'm mainly using this lens and the 28 mm 2.8 AIS on the speedbooster, love them.
Thank you for reviewing another Nikon lens. Like yourself, I love vintage lenses on digital, although in my case it's the Fuji X mount with a crop. I find the Nikon lenses from my 35mm days perform very well, even the supposedly inferior E series. Maybe the crop factor removes the softer edges. The old Jupiters are great with an otherworldly feel. As a suggestion for a future review, howabout the Konica Hexanon 40mm F1.8? I found one in February at a car boot (remember those?) and treated myself to an adapter. It's a great lens, close to pancake in size, roughly 60mm on my Fuji, but a great focal length for your Sony. It has great colour, is more than sharp enough, and has fab soap bubbles.
Thanks for the tip, I'll look out for one. The series E lens I've found to be pretty nice - I've only used it on film so far, but can't see why it would be any different on digital. Thanks for watching!
Thanks again for yet another great video. At 4:47 you mentioned that AIS is sharper, but I thought the optical formula is the same for AI and AIS (except 180mm if not mistaken).
It's the same arrangement (7 elements in 6 groups), but the Ais has tweaks to the formula. The same goes for the old S Auto versions, they are all 7 in 5 groups, but with tweaks and adjustments: the first was the S Auto (1961 or 62), then it was tweaked in the S.C Auto (72-73), and then there is another tweak in the "New" or "K1" version (1975 or 6). Then, the "New 2 /K2" (already Ai, 77-78) is converted and becomes 7 into 6 (same as Ais (1981) and AF) Marco Cavina has an extensive review on his blog
Excellent comparison on the Nikkor, Zuiko, and Chinon 50/1.4, Sir. The Nikkor AI 50/1.4 (along with the Nikon FM camera that that wasd inherited from my late father) has been frequently used by yours truly since the mid '90s and has been the bench mark for me to evaluate other lenses in operation and optical performeance. An aspect of it that's not often mentioned in reviews is its ability to produce amazingly well-defined sunstars (especially on light sources like street lamps at night) from f/2.8~16. Speaking of sunstars, maybe it would be an interesting for you to make a comparison episode on sunstars produced by your favorite lenses, from wide-angle to maybe 135mm lenses. Maybe you've done such an episode already and if so, it would be heartily apprecated by yours truly if you could provide a link to the video. All the best to you sir. May 2022 bring you much joy and prosperity. 🙏
Another great video- this time on my first ever nikkor, which I got from comet in Jarrow with an FE in 1980. Thanks to you I’ve been using it after years of af only lenses, and really enjoyable it’s been too.
I clicked because I saw my camera, the FE. I have a 55mm f2.8 micro Nikkor on mine. Very sharp and versatile. I have bought a Nikkormat ft2 and have sourced a non ai s-c 50mm 1.4 from Japan for £60 including postage.
Love the cherry blossoms at 7:40. Looks just like the ones in my back yard. You've highlighted several Chinon lenses lately. I wonder if you've ever played with the Chinon 55mm 1.4. I just acquired one and am very pleased with it. Also goes under the brands Mamiya, Revuenon, Sears, and maybe Porst and Yashica. I have very little to compare it to, and I wondered how it would compare with these other 1.4 lenses. As always, thank you. It was another fascinating look at vintage glass.
I love your channel. Based on few videos i watched, i understood that if we have a Nikon AI or AIS lens mounted via a speedbooster (like Viltrox NF-M43X) to the Panasonic GH5, we will be able to read the aperture change in the viewfinder. Can you confirm this? Thanks for your help!!!
A lens is more than technical stuff, as long as you like the look of the image, that's good enough. So it doesn't matter who the manufacturer is, just pick a lens that gives you a great picture. Oh, and that's not just about taking background blurr.
Hello and thanks for this review. I may have missed this but could you please tell what film you used so that those colours were the way you reviewed them. Thanks again
Hi Zenography!!! I LOVE your channel!! Thank you for all of the wonderful information! ❤️ I’ve recently (in this last year) gotten hooked on film photography. I’ve acquired a number of vintage bodies and lenses from family members, friends, and my own purchasing. I was wondering if you could help me with knowing if there a particular adapter I can purchase for a few lenses I have. The film camera bodies I have are Canon F1 New and the Canon AE-1 Program, the digital bodies I have are the Canon EOS-R and the Canon 1DX II. The lenses I’m not sure how to adapt (or if it’s even possible are the following): Nikon Lens Series E 50mm f1.8 Auto DeJUR 135mm f2.8 Sign an High Speed Zoom 80-200mm f3.5-4 Sears Auto Zoom Multicoated 80-200mm f4 Any help you might be able to give would be so appreciated! ❤️
Hi, glad you're enjoying the channel! Generally speaking, it should be possible to adapt these lenses to your cameras. I'm not sure what mounts your lenses are, however if they're Nikon mount you should be able to find adaptors to fit to your Canon bodies. Your film bodies are (I think!) both FD mounts, so you'd need a Nikon AI to FD mount. For your digital bodies you'll need a Nikon to eos adaptor. When using the lenses on digital, make sure that the rear element of the lens and the camera sensor don't come into contact, or damage will result. Hope that helps!
U got a mirrorless body so for Canon eos R you can buy straight dummy adaptors for F-mount, FD, and I suppose 2 last lens are M42 screw mount. Anyway, if you'll consider to adapt FD lenses on your DSLR, it will not work because of different flange distances from the lens to the sensor, but in case of eos R, everything will be alright.
Hi - I have a question that's unrelated to this video in particular but I hope you can answer anyways =) I bought a few M42 lenses thanks to watching your videos and have fallen in love with the slower pace of shooting manual, and adapting to the quirks of the old lenses. My only real gripe is that the m42 adapter is so large - it just makes my camera package so much bulkier. Is there a type of lens mount that allows for a shorter adapter? Thank you =)
Thanks a lot for this video! Is it a general rule, that the Nikkor AI or AI-S lenses deliver a little bit less color saturation than the Olympus OM Zuiko lenses? Best wishes, Ralf
Hello!! Nice video once again. I have this lens and also the 50mm 1.8 ais pancake (not the E version). Which one is better and I should keep? (since one of my friend want to buy one from me) Please advise 🙏
Well, I've never used the 50mm f1.8 ais lens so I can't really comment. However, personally I would keep the 1.4 - there's more blur available should you want it, and if you don't, just stop down a bit for maximum sharpness! Hope that helps!
![POLYCAT - ข้อความรูปยิ้ม [Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/lBhIgPGCgbI/mqdefault.jpg)
I still have a Nikkor 50 mm 1.4 that I bought new in 1978 with an FE. I worked and saved money as a teenager for a long time to buy my dream and when the time came, my dad drove me to the store. The moment I wanted to pay with my savings, my father said "nah, put that away, I'll take that. I just wanted to see if you are serious about photography". My father was not rich and it was an unbelievable gift. I still have the camera and lens in perfect order and would never give them away.
Andreas, that's a wonderful story - it would make a good short film! I'm glad you still have that camera and lens!
B(r)ought (pun intended) a lump to my throat and a tear to my eye…
Where can we see your pics?
lovely story. How much did your father pay for it in 78
@@myblueandme Hi, I don't remember well, but around 1'200 Swiss Francs at the time I believe
Nikkor-S 50mm f1.4 Nippon Kogaku was the first lens I bought in 1968. Have taken thousands of Kodachrome 64 slides with it.
The color it renders on Kodachrome is out of this world.
I still use it on my Sony A7iii with an adapter and am still amazed with the colors.
Thank you for a lovely review.
On balance I think Zuiko lenses have some of the best colours in the business, to my eye at least. If only I could use them with Kodachrome!
Have my 1st Nikkor S on the way the one you mention..can't wait!
Thanks for another Nikon lens review. Since finding your channel I'm re-establishing my love for photography, especially with all my Nikon bodies both digital and non-digital and my older AI and AI-S lenses. And even my oldies from the 60's!
Keep those videos coming!
That's great, enjoy all that wonderful kit!
I bought my first Nikon SLR, a used F with a prism finder and a 50/1.4 S, in 1967. I was working as a newspaper photographer at the time and then a studio owner for 32 years. I am still using both the F and the lens and they have served me well.
Lovely video as always - you remind me of the best professors I have had, knowledgeable, comfortable, with a great presentation style. Cheers!
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Ayyy finally. One of my favorite lenses on my D700
Nikkor S 50 1.4 on the way and On the hunt for a Chinon 50 1.4. the 1.7 holds up well to Pentax A 50 1.7 and Minolta MD 50 1.8.. love your wealth of knowledge thanks for being a great resource Nigel!
I appreciate your discussion of the Nikon signature color palette during this period. This is not often discussed, and you made a particularly good job of describing that old time Nikon "look.". Nikon was much cooler or neutral, and was closer to what we as professionals are striving to achieve. In many ways Nikon was much more like Zeiss in terms of color palette, while Olympus, Canon, and Pentax tended toward variations of warmer palettes, more toward the Leica palette, but without Leica's need for sharpness and contrast at the point of focus, but then a rapid fall off into the out of focus areas.
These days most lens makers are much more same-y, with smaller in-house differences, although Zeiss coolness/neutality, and Leica warmth are still seen. It is why, despite Leica being over-all better lenses, I still prefer my Zeiss glass. And it is why I like vintage Nikon.
I don't think it is just about coatings. Nikon and Leica were the two companies pioneering the more expensive to manufacture floating elements designs. Nikon called their version CRC. Most people assume this was just about better focussing across a wider range of subject distances, and at wider apertures, but I have a feeling (entirely without hard evidence,) that floating element designs also impacts aberrations and light transmission, and depending on design, favoring different wavelengths over others.
I would have loved to have a discussion about this very issue with old time Nikon and Zeiss optical engineers about what they thought was going on. As it stands, the only such public discussions about these intricacies came from Leica engineers, and their defining the Leica look, and their goals during the design phase in regard to their house "look.". I have never come across any similar discussions from Zeiss or Nikon from that period. All I know is how much I like that Nikon "look."
This is very fascinating to me in the design of the Canon 135mm f2 EF lens, which was clearly a Sonnar based design, but with a much more Leica-like rendering. Of all Canon lenses, that one is the one I regard as their most successful in terms of applying Japanese wizardry to German design ideals, and getting an extraordinary result. I sold my Canon 135 years ago but it is one of those rare lenses (like my Summicron f2 90,) that I deeply regret having to part with.
Now that I am much older, and no longer have my professional kit, it is my Zeiss and old Nikkors that have been the keepers that I retain, and most love using.
These lenses ( amber ) were designed for black and white .. multi coated for colour
You could do another video with these lenses except in BW and shoot portraits. These lenses really take you to dream land. I had the Nikon 1.4 a while back and shot Tri X on a trip to Paris. What memorable pictures I took in low light inside churches and on night time streets.
Thanks for the suggestion!
Lovely review and comparison of these standards Mr. Zen.
I noticed the 50mm 1.8 series E found its way into the video and I recall about a year ago you gave it a quick review and you were impressed.
How about a full review for the future?
I love the channel 📷
Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video! And yes, the little series e will be featuring in a video soon!
I have the AI-S version, which I thought was optically identical to the AI, I've heard. I love it. I use it with a speedbooster on a Lumix G7, which makes it a 75mm and sometimes I mount it with a dummy adaptor and it becomes a 100 mm and it's an amazing portrait lens. I'm mainly using this lens and the 28 mm 2.8 AIS on the speedbooster, love them.
As I understand it, the optical formulas are different, although I may be wrong of course. Can anyone clarify?
@@zenography7923 there’s a video explaining how both the ai and ais are identical optically
Thank you for reviewing another Nikon lens. Like yourself, I love vintage lenses on digital, although in my case it's the Fuji X mount with a crop. I find the Nikon lenses from my 35mm days perform very well, even the supposedly inferior E series. Maybe the crop factor removes the softer edges. The old Jupiters are great with an otherworldly feel. As a suggestion for a future review, howabout the Konica Hexanon 40mm F1.8? I found one in February at a car boot (remember those?) and treated myself to an adapter. It's a great lens, close to pancake in size, roughly 60mm on my Fuji, but a great focal length for your Sony. It has great colour, is more than sharp enough, and has fab soap bubbles.
Thanks for the tip, I'll look out for one. The series E lens I've found to be pretty nice - I've only used it on film so far, but can't see why it would be any different on digital. Thanks for watching!
Thanks again for yet another great video. At 4:47 you mentioned that AIS is sharper, but I thought the optical formula is the same for AI and AIS (except 180mm if not mistaken).
It's the same arrangement (7 elements in 6 groups), but the Ais has tweaks to the formula. The same goes for the old S Auto versions, they are all 7 in 5 groups, but with tweaks and adjustments: the first was the S Auto (1961 or 62), then it was tweaked in the S.C Auto (72-73), and then there is another tweak in the "New" or "K1" version (1975 or 6). Then, the "New 2 /K2" (already Ai, 77-78) is converted and becomes 7 into 6 (same as Ais (1981) and AF)
Marco Cavina has an extensive review on his blog
Just ordered a Nikkor 50/1.4 AIS for my vintage Nikons. Your excellent presentation quelled any buyers remorse pangs. Many thanks.
Ah, you shouldn't regret buying that Nikkor - a machine that creates art as this one does is to be celebrated, for sure!
Excellent comparison on the Nikkor, Zuiko, and Chinon 50/1.4, Sir. The Nikkor AI 50/1.4 (along with the Nikon FM camera that that wasd inherited from my late father) has been frequently used by yours truly since the mid '90s and has been the bench mark for me to evaluate other lenses in operation and optical performeance. An aspect of it that's not often mentioned in reviews is its ability to produce amazingly well-defined sunstars (especially on light sources like street lamps at night) from f/2.8~16.
Speaking of sunstars, maybe it would be an interesting for you to make a comparison episode on sunstars produced by your favorite lenses, from wide-angle to maybe 135mm lenses. Maybe you've done such an episode already and if so, it would be heartily apprecated by yours truly if you could provide a link to the video.
All the best to you sir. May 2022 bring you much joy and prosperity. 🙏
Another great video- this time on my first ever nikkor, which I got from comet in Jarrow with an FE in 1980. Thanks to you I’ve been using it after years of af only lenses, and really enjoyable it’s been too.
Enjoy that lens - it's a very nice piece of kit!
I have that Nikkor lens! My dad bought it in the 60s when he went to Japan.
I hope you're using it!
Great video
I clicked because I saw my camera, the FE.
I have a 55mm f2.8 micro Nikkor on mine. Very sharp and versatile.
I have bought a Nikkormat ft2 and have sourced a non ai s-c 50mm 1.4 from Japan for £60 including postage.
The FE is a fantastic camera - simple, clean, uncluttered, one of my favourites for sure. And I just missed out on a 55mm 2.8 on ebay!
Very informative!
Great ❤
Thanks!
Love the cherry blossoms at 7:40. Looks just like the ones in my back yard.
You've highlighted several Chinon lenses lately. I wonder if you've ever played with the Chinon 55mm 1.4. I just acquired one and am very pleased with it. Also goes under the brands Mamiya, Revuenon, Sears, and maybe Porst and Yashica. I have very little to compare it to, and I wondered how it would compare with these other 1.4 lenses.
As always, thank you. It was another fascinating look at vintage glass.
I've not tried the 55mm - I've heard it's very good though, perhaps one might come my way someday...!
This lens has some variations,1st one called Nippon Kogaku,its non-Ai lens.I never tried it but it so far,but its looking great,massive steel work.
Thanks for the info! There seem to be quite a few iterations of Nikon lenses - I'm fairly new to them, still getting my head around it all!
Hi! Would you buy this Nikon or a Carl Zeiss Pancolar 50mm 1.8? I can't decide between the two. Thank you!
I love your channel. Based on few videos i watched, i understood that if we have a Nikon AI or AIS lens mounted via a speedbooster (like Viltrox NF-M43X) to the Panasonic GH5, we will be able to read the aperture change in the viewfinder. Can you confirm this? Thanks for your help!!!
thank you so much
No problem, glad you enjoyed it!
A lens is more than technical stuff, as long as you like the look of the image, that's good enough. So it doesn't matter who the manufacturer is, just pick a lens that gives you a great picture. Oh, and that's not just about taking background blurr.
Exactly! Technical measurements mean nothing on their own; for me the real test is the look and feel of images!
Another very interesting video. Keep up the good work. Regards Ulf
Thanks Ulf!
Hi guys . Can i use that lens with apsc d7500 ? Thanks for help
Hello and thanks for this review. I may have missed this but could you please tell what film you used so that those colours were the way you reviewed them. Thanks again
I think he was probably shooting these images on a Sony A7.
I love the skin tones with this lens they are special. I'm not so interested in flower pictures.
There were a lot of flowers and foliage in this one, lockdown has made photo opportunities somewhat limited! Thanks for watching.
I wonder why the Canon FD 50mm f1.4 was omitted in your comparison?
Hi Zenography!!! I LOVE your channel!! Thank you for all of the wonderful information! ❤️ I’ve recently (in this last year) gotten hooked on film photography. I’ve acquired a number of vintage bodies and lenses from family members, friends, and my own purchasing. I was wondering if you could help me with knowing if there a particular adapter I can purchase for a few lenses I have. The film camera bodies I have are Canon F1 New and the Canon AE-1 Program, the digital bodies I have are the Canon EOS-R and the Canon 1DX II.
The lenses I’m not sure how to adapt (or if it’s even possible are the following):
Nikon Lens Series E 50mm f1.8
Auto DeJUR 135mm f2.8
Sign an High Speed Zoom 80-200mm f3.5-4
Sears Auto Zoom Multicoated 80-200mm f4
Any help you might be able to give would be so appreciated! ❤️
Hi, glad you're enjoying the channel! Generally speaking, it should be possible to adapt these lenses to your cameras. I'm not sure what mounts your lenses are, however if they're Nikon mount you should be able to find adaptors to fit to your Canon bodies. Your film bodies are (I think!) both FD mounts, so you'd need a Nikon AI to FD mount. For your digital bodies you'll need a Nikon to eos adaptor. When using the lenses on digital, make sure that the rear element of the lens and the camera sensor don't come into contact, or damage will result.
Hope that helps!
Zenography thank you! You are a wealth of knowledge!
U got a mirrorless body so for Canon eos R you can buy straight dummy adaptors for F-mount, FD, and I suppose 2 last lens are M42 screw mount. Anyway, if you'll consider to adapt FD lenses on your DSLR, it will not work because of different flange distances from the lens to the sensor, but in case of eos R, everything will be alright.
Hi - I have a question that's unrelated to this video in particular but I hope you can answer anyways =) I bought a few M42 lenses thanks to watching your videos and have fallen in love with the slower pace of shooting manual, and adapting to the quirks of the old lenses. My only real gripe is that the m42 adapter is so large - it just makes my camera package so much bulkier. Is there a type of lens mount that allows for a shorter adapter? Thank you =)
It depends which camera you're using, and the distance of its sensor from its mount. Which camera do you have?
Whoops, forgot to mention. I have an a7rii
Thanks a lot for this video! Is it a general rule, that the Nikkor AI or AI-S lenses deliver a little bit less color saturation than the Olympus OM Zuiko lenses? Best wishes, Ralf
That's been my experience so far, though as I've only used two Nikons so far, so it may not be a general rule.
Hello!! Nice video once again.
I have this lens and also the 50mm 1.8 ais pancake (not the E version). Which one is better and I should keep? (since one of my friend want to buy one from me)
Please advise 🙏
Well, I've never used the 50mm f1.8 ais lens so I can't really comment. However, personally I would keep the 1.4 - there's more blur available should you want it, and if you don't, just stop down a bit for maximum sharpness! Hope that helps!
Zenography That helps thanks!!
Like the video.... I have not seen all your content, may I ask, what camera you use the lenses on? Thx, Stephan
Sure, everything is shot on a Sony A7, mark 1.
Zenography Hi and thank you very much...
Hi, excellent review. Can it be mounted on a Nikon D3500 (of course in fully manual mode)? Thank you!
As far as I'm aware yes, it can!
I have mounted this lens to my D3200 without an issue, as long as you’re using full manual!
My 1.4 says s-c on it with no holes in the bunny ears, it's a non ai then.
Yes.
The minimum focusing distance is 45 cm not 4.5 cm.
You're right of course, apologies!
What is the sweet spot of this Lens?
Usually around f5.6
It's pronounced shee-non