Manual focus "pancake" lens. Built-in CPU for information exchange (P-type Nikkor). Compatible with all exposure modes of CPU-controlled Nikon SLRs as
Manual focus "pancake" lens. Built-in CPU for information exchange (P-type Nikkor). Compatible with all exposure modes of CPU-controlled Nikon SLRs as well as all F3HP, FM3A and FM10.
I bought 270 US dollars it because of its small size to use it with my old FM2n and my new FM3A I usually used a 50mm f1.8 AIS pancake non-E Series. But with this new lens I even could put the camera in my Jackets poket. Tthe sharpness and optics was fine for my needs. Hoever I was worried about its build quality and unfortunately during a trip to the north of the country where the humidity is relatively high the aperture ring stuck. this had never happened with my f1.8 pankcake. Any way I sold it 100 US$. I still use my F1.8 50 mm.
Strengths:
Small Size.
Weaknesses:
Low build quality, you want to bet? just grab one of the old AI or AIS lenses.
relatively low speed for the focal lenght.
Similar Products Used:
AF 50mm f1.4D, MF AI 20mm f3.5, MF AIS 35mm f2.8, MF AIS 85mm f2, MF AIS 200mm f4, AF 35-70 f2.8D.
This lens was sharp, good color and nice bokeh. I use black version with D40X it's still metering, look very compact and smart. When I compare with my 50 f/1.4D (Japan) It's equa of sharp but 45 P gave a round hot-spot. I very loved it!!
Strengths:
Compact, Meter is working on a D40-D80, Good background (round hot-spot) it's only in Nikon normal lens.
Weaknesses:
Not a fast lens, a bit of expensive but fair.
Similar Products Used:
AF 28 f/1.4D, Ai-s 35 f/1.4, 50 f/1.8 Series E, Ai-s 50 f/1.8, Ai-s 50 f/1.4, AF 50 f/1.4D (Japan), Ai-s 55 f/2.8 micro, AF 60 micro D and non-D version. Carl Zeiss Tessar T* 45 f/2.8, a lot of normal zoom.
Most Nikkors have pretty ugly out of focus rendering, not this one. Very good optics and high quality mechanics. Small light and robust. A different and preferable look to its images compared to other Nikkor primes.
Others have complained it's a bit fiddly to handle, but after some time with it I find it very quick and easy to use. Learning its ways pays off.
If you think it's too slow at f/2.8 you bought the wrong lens. This is a lovely compliment to, but not a replacement for, a fast 50mm, if you like very low light photography.
Strengths:
Good at 2.8, very good thereafter, but it does lose a bit at 22, if you ever go there.
Smooth and charming bokeh, compared to most Nikkors.
Excellent contrast - especially great for black & white use.
Small and light - great combination with an FM-style body.
Very smooth and short focus throw for nimble hand-holding.
Almost impossible to flare and great contrast - Nikon must have put some excellent coating on this glass.
Intelligent lens hood design.
Built to last.
Equipped to communicate with all the clever stuff in modern Nikon bodies.
Weaknesses:
After 3 or 4 years of very frequent use, the focusing ring on mine has losened up just a little.
Very Compact and sharp at every apatures.
This lens is not for everybody, it is slow and expensive standard focal length lens.
But it is compact, light, very sharp and contrasty image producing jewell.
I shoot at all apatures from 2.8 to 22 for portraits, landscape ect.
Of course I use tripod when I use ISO 25-100 films and when I walk around with this I'm loaded with ISO 400 and 3200.
I do carry SB-30 for emergency but rarely used it.
It produces excellent bokeh and color rendition and has very uniq look of the images. Almost like contax 45f2 lens but not.
I love this lens and I carry it everywhere with my 28f2.8AIS and ISO400 films. They are unbeatable.
Very good for street shooting.
Similar Products Used:
Normal focal length - Nikon 50f1.8AFD, Contx 45f2, Minolta 50f1.4
Customer Service:
Havent needed for this lens but they are usually good enough.
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