Nikkor 50mm f1.8 AIS
s/n 2249351
The lens I choose is the most important aspect of my photography. For my everyday camera, I used to use a Nikon Series E 50mm f1.8 AIS. I used it because it is small, light and compact. It’s also an inexpensive kit lens found on the Nikon EM, FG and the FG-20. It is readily available and in a focal length that I started my photography with and is my favorite today. This lens is perfect for travel and street photography. I’m comfortable shooting it and now have quite a bit of experience behind and through this particular lens.
From my musings on the Internet, I had read that Nikon produced a Nikkor branded version that had the same focal length but in addition, focused down to 1.5 feet. I love how a Nikkor lens feels when focusing. The Series E is actually not my first choice from my extensive collection of Nikkor manual focus AI and AIS lenses. That would be two other 50mm focal lengths, the f1.2 and f1.4. Quality wise these two are a widely accepted and a much better version of Nikkor 50mm lenses. My favorite film cameras, the Nikon F3 and the FE2 have these two as resident lenses.
I choose the FG ~ Series E out of utility, durability, availability and affordability.
Comparatively, the Series E displays a cheap plasticly feeling and exhibits a rattle from the lack of close tolerance helicoid. The optics are relatively good but the operation is by far incomparable to the feeling of a similarly configured Nikkor.
The Nikkor Japanese pancake version contains all the aspects of the Series E 50mm plus the optics are better, the operation is more precise and the fit and finish are the same Nikkor quality of all their lenses. The Nikkor version costs more but are not cost prohibitive. These lenses are typically not found on auctions or mounted on the EM/FG as the Series E is.
Finally, I bought the Nikkor Japanese pancake version and I’m so happy I did.
I started by finding out how to identify the Nikkor version with the 1.5’ minimum focus length. There are three varieties and the one I wanted was originally sold in the Japanese market. It’s the serial number that is key when insuring you get the version you want. The focus ring grip being similar to the Series E but the focus mechanism is precise and the rotation is a greater throw.
I found mine on eBay where I source 95% of my lenses. I studied what was available, made my purchase waiting for delivery. The lens arrived shortly and yes, the focus goes down to 1.5’ and the focus is smooth, like a fine Nikkor helicoid should be, not a Series E loose, almost rattle feel. The Nikkor 50mm f1.8 Japanese pancake version is exactly what I expected and comparing the two, it addresses the shortcomings of the Series E that I had accepted.
I have no regrets with owning and operating the Series E version. It performs its intended job very well and it served its purpose of helping understand what I wanted from an everyday film camera.
I now have two Series E 50 f1.3 AIS that are extra lenses in my inventory. I also have a Nova 2 bag that has two other focal lengths of the Series E. This is a perfect kit for my son or his wife. One of the extra 50mm will go in that kit. I still have an extra one left, I’m wondering what will I do with it?
The is how a lens junky thinks.
I admit it.
Most people would stop at one. Me? No. I bought one of the Series E for a few bucks and cleaned it up. Eventually I had it CLA’d, not because I was going to use it but because it was worthy and in my possession, has the potential to be placed in a kit to be used or given to one of my family. I used this lens and another came on a camera I purchased. I wanted a fast quality Nikkor 50mm so I bought the 50mm f1.2. Another quality Nikkor 50mm came on a replacement camera! My DSLR is such a great camera that I wanted an AF lens for it. That’s six 50mm lenses in my kit.
I have used the Series E extensively to know its capabilities and can compare it to the qualities of the Nikkor version. If I must have just one lens for every day, this is it. It’s small, light and compact, easy to use, and the Nikkor version is a quality lens without compromise.
The 50mm f1.8 AIS produces great photo quality. I also enjoy the minimal size it projects on an already compact camera; the blacked out Nikon FG that goes with me everywhere. Again, I choose the Nikkor version because the slight increase in close focus. This adds so many more options. The first thing that comes to mind is no longer the cheap helicoid, that has been replaced by nice focusing feel. My everyday beater camera feels more like the precision of my F3, not really but really.
Addendum: the additional close focus of the Nikkor version, the extra throw in focusing is an advantage in nailing sharp photos. The ergonomics with the HR-4 rubber lens hood is much better too. More of the focus ring is available to my fingertips. I keep the nesting rubber hood mounted all the time. Folded back, it acts as a bumper but does not get in the way at infinity focus, the lens barrel in the nested position. I have a Nikon A2 or a NC filer mounted on the business end of the rubber lens hood. The folded back hood allows the use of either type of 52mm lens cap, no need for a pinch cap.
In closing; 50mm is how I see things every day. I bring a compact film SLR where ever I go. I take far fewer photos with my iPhone and that was one of my goals. This particular Nikkor 50mm is not my favorite 50 but it is the one I want to use most. I can have my 50mm lens pancake and eat it too! Ha ha! The feel, the close focus and precision is worth the effort in using the Nikkor version for my everyday 35mm film camera.
——————————
Resources
Kodak Portra 800 above
No comments:
Post a Comment