Nikon FM with 50-135mm F3.5 Lens

Driline · 09-28-2022, 06:06 PM

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To all who have replied. Which 50mm Nikon lens do you prefer for this vintage camera? I currently have the 50mm F2.0 AIS but am wondering if the 1.8 or 1.4 would be that much sharper at F8 where I do most of my shooting?

Oh and I did have this camera professionaly CLA'd including prism replacement so it's a super smooth beast.

**UncleVanya** · 09-28-2022, 07:47 PM

Originally posted by Driline

To all who have replied. Which 50mm Nikon lens do you prefer for this vintage camera? I currently have the 50mm F2.0 AIS but am wondering if the 1.8 or 1.4 would be that much sharper at F8 where I do most of my shooting?

Oh and I did have this camera professionaly CLA'd including prism replacement so it's a super smooth beast.

Ironically I only have ever owned 50mm f2 lenses for my Nikon's. My dad worked in the industry and I had no trouble borrowing anything I liked. I have an AI and a non-AI 50mm f2... lol.

https://casualphotophile.com/2015/02/02/nikon-50mm-manual-focus-lens-shootout/

I would probably get the f1.2 these days as the prices are not that bad. The f1.4 would be my next choice and the f1.8 Nikkor would likely be the next. The E series - despite the sharpness worries me with the lower grade build and single coating.

Autonerd · 09-28-2022, 10:27 PM

I haven't used an FM, but as the owner of a few NIkons, including an FE, FG and FT2... I'll take my Pentax KX any time!

Aaron

Time Traveller · 09-28-2022, 10:47 PM

Nikon FM buying guide - three versions:

You Tube

Time Traveller · 09-29-2022, 12:03 AM

Originally posted by Driline

To all who have replied. Which 50mm Nikon lens do you prefer for this vintage camera? I currently have the 50mm F2.0 AIS but am wondering if the 1.8 or 1.4 would be that much sharper at F8 where I do most of my shooting?

Oh and I did have this camera professionaly CLA'd including prism replacement so it's a super smooth beast.

AI Nikon NIKKOR 55mm 1.2 (the AI version!)

Cons: makes this combo front heavy.
Pros: very sharp, very very nice 'bokeh', an exquisite joy to use.

Sample photo:
https://www.keldmikkelsen.dk/387890728?i=170380116

Driline · 09-29-2022, 01:10 AM

Originally posted by Time Traveller

AI Nikon NIKKOR 55mm 1.2 (the AI version!)

Con: makes this combo front heavy.
Pro: very sharp, very very nice 'bokeh', an exquisite joy to use.

Sample photo:
https://www.keldmikkelsen.dk/387890728?i=170380116

eBay average price around $300 dollars….

Time Traveller · 09-29-2022, 02:15 AM

Originally posted by Driline

eBay average price around $300 dollars….

The Nikon NIKKOR 50mm 1.4 AI or AI-s is also a great lens.

Cons: none (except for missing the fast f/1.2).
Pros: very sharp, very nice 'bokeh', fits nicely/balances well to/with the FM.

Sample photo:
https://www.keldmikkelsen.dk/387890728?i=172694698

ebay:
https://www.ebay.com/b/Nikon-NIKKOR-50mm-f-1-4-Camera-Lenses/3323/bn_110291706

Last edited by Time Traveller; 09-29-2022 at 02:33 AM.

**UncleVanya** · 09-29-2022, 05:39 AM

Originally posted by Driline

eBay average price around $300 dollars….

Budget is?

titrisol · 09-29-2022, 06:27 AM

The Nikkor 50/1.4 is one of the best normal lenses ever made. Focus is smooth as butter and sharp as nails.
I have an Ai-S as part of my FE outfit and I just sold a 1.4/AI that was part of my neighbor's father in law's estate

Originally posted by UncleVanya

I would probably get the f1.2 these days as the prices are not that bad. The f1.4 would be my next choice and the f1.8 Nikkor would likely be the next. The E series - despite the sharpness worries me with the lower grade build and single coating.

Driline · 09-29-2022, 10:59 AM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

Budget is?

$3 dollars and 12 cents

---------- Post added 09-29-22 at 01:00 PM ----------

Originally posted by titrisol

The Nikkor 50/1.4 is one of the best normal lenses ever made. Focus is smooth as butter and sharp as nails.
I have an Ai-S as part of my FE outfit and I just sold a 1.4/AI that was part of my neighbor's father in law's estate

I'm liking the 50/1.4. I've got one in a Pentax A 50mm 1.4 so that makes sense to me.

**ChrisPlatt** · 09-29-2022, 12:45 PM

Not so fast! The 50/2 Nikkor lens has plenty of fans...

Chris

andrewd · 09-29-2022, 01:27 PM

I don’t think I would rush to replace the 50mm f2. A problem with most AiS lenses is that the focussing grease dries out, which makes the focus action very loose. It can be fixed at service, but this adds to the cost. I have not seen the problem in other brands vintage lenses.

If you want to spend a bit more, maybe consider a brand new Voigtlander 40mm lens. These have a beautiful retro design and the optics should be top notch. I don’t have one so no direct experience.

Driline · 09-29-2022, 01:46 PM

Originally posted by Time Traveller

Nikon FM buying guide - three versions:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLsKNrdgoNs

I enjoyed this video. Thank you for sharing.

**tonyzoc** · 09-29-2022, 01:52 PM

Originally posted by Driline

To all who have replied. Which 50mm Nikon lens do you prefer for this vintage camera? I currently have the 50mm F2.0 AIS but am wondering if the 1.8 or 1.4 would be that much sharper at F8 where I do most of my shooting?

Oh and I did have this camera professionaly CLA'd including prism replacement so it's a super smooth beast.

I have both the 1.8 and 1.4 and I prefer the 1.4 for the extra 2/3 stops, but at f/8 there is no difference. Even the f/2 at f/8 is just ad good. I've got a couple of Nikkor-HC 50/2 I put on the Nikkormats. Its a great lens.

spiralcity · 10-01-2022, 08:42 PM

Nice camera. I'm a bit of a Nikon collector and a fan of most Nikon 35mm film cameras. I like the simplicity of the FM, it's a great camera with a long list of great glass that can be mounted.

09-29-2022, 12:03 AM	#20
Time Traveller Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Copenhagen, Denmark Photos: Albums Posts: 82	Originally posted by Driline To all who have replied. Which 50mm Nikon lens do you prefer for this vintage camera? I currently have the 50mm F2.0 AIS but am wondering if the 1.8 or 1.4 would be that much sharper at F8 where I do most of my shooting? Oh and I did have this camera professionaly CLA'd including prism replacement so it's a super smooth beast. AI Nikon NIKKOR 55mm 1.2 (the AI version!) Cons: makes this combo front heavy. Pros: very sharp, very very nice 'bokeh', an exquisite joy to use. Sample photo: https://www.keldmikkelsen.dk/387890728?i=170380116 Last edited by Time Traveller; 09-29-2022 at 02:18 AM.

09-29-2022, 12:45 PM	#26
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,398	Not so fast! The 50/2 Nikkor lens has plenty of fans... Chris Last edited by ChrisPlatt; 09-29-2022 at 12:53 PM.

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09-28-2022, 06:06 PM	#16
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,430 Original Poster	Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. To all who have replied. Which 50mm Nikon lens do you prefer for this vintage camera? I currently have the 50mm F2.0 AIS but am wondering if the 1.8 or 1.4 would be that much sharper at F8 where I do most of my shooting? Oh and I did have this camera professionaly CLA'd including prism replacement so it's a super smooth beast.

09-28-2022, 07:47 PM	#17
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,826	Originally posted by Driline To all who have replied. Which 50mm Nikon lens do you prefer for this vintage camera? I currently have the 50mm F2.0 AIS but am wondering if the 1.8 or 1.4 would be that much sharper at F8 where I do most of my shooting? Oh and I did have this camera professionaly CLA'd including prism replacement so it's a super smooth beast. Ironically I only have ever owned 50mm f2 lenses for my Nikon's. My dad worked in the industry and I had no trouble borrowing anything I liked. I have an AI and a non-AI 50mm f2... lol. https://casualphotophile.com/2015/02/02/nikon-50mm-manual-focus-lens-shootout/ I would probably get the f1.2 these days as the prices are not that bad. The f1.4 would be my next choice and the f1.8 Nikkor would likely be the next. The E series - despite the sharpness worries me with the lower grade build and single coating.

09-28-2022, 10:27 PM	#18
Autonerd Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 153	I haven't used an FM, but as the owner of a few NIkons, including an FE, FG and FT2... I'll take my Pentax KX any time! Aaron

09-29-2022, 01:10 AM	#21
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,430 Original Poster	Originally posted by Time Traveller AI Nikon NIKKOR 55mm 1.2 (the AI version!) Con: makes this combo front heavy. Pro: very sharp, very very nice 'bokeh', an exquisite joy to use. Sample photo: https://www.keldmikkelsen.dk/387890728?i=170380116 eBay average price around $300 dollars….

09-29-2022, 02:15 AM	#22
Time Traveller Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Copenhagen, Denmark Photos: Albums Posts: 82	Originally posted by Driline eBay average price around $300 dollars…. The Nikon NIKKOR 50mm 1.4 AI or AI-s is also a great lens. Cons: none (except for missing the fast f/1.2). Pros: very sharp, very nice 'bokeh', fits nicely/balances well to/with the FM. Sample photo: https://www.keldmikkelsen.dk/387890728?i=172694698 ebay: https://www.ebay.com/b/Nikon-NIKKOR-50mm-f-1-4-Camera-Lenses/3323/bn_110291706 Last edited by Time Traveller; 09-29-2022 at 02:33 AM.

09-29-2022, 05:39 AM	#23
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,826	Originally posted by Driline eBay average price around $300 dollars…. Budget is?

09-29-2022, 06:27 AM	#24
titrisol Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: In the most populated state... state of denial Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,613	The Nikkor 50/1.4 is one of the best normal lenses ever made. Focus is smooth as butter and sharp as nails. I have an Ai-S as part of my FE outfit and I just sold a 1.4/AI that was part of my neighbor's father in law's estate Originally posted by UncleVanya I would probably get the f1.2 these days as the prices are not that bad. The f1.4 would be my next choice and the f1.8 Nikkor would likely be the next. The E series - despite the sharpness worries me with the lower grade build and single coating.

09-29-2022, 10:59 AM	#25
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,430 Original Poster	Originally posted by UncleVanya Budget is? $3 dollars and 12 cents ---------- Post added 09-29-22 at 01:00 PM ---------- Originally posted by titrisol The Nikkor 50/1.4 is one of the best normal lenses ever made. Focus is smooth as butter and sharp as nails. I have an Ai-S as part of my FE outfit and I just sold a 1.4/AI that was part of my neighbor's father in law's estate I'm liking the 50/1.4. I've got one in a Pentax A 50mm 1.4 so that makes sense to me.

09-29-2022, 01:27 PM	#27
andrewd Senior Member Join Date: May 2021 Posts: 169	I don’t think I would rush to replace the 50mm f2. A problem with most AiS lenses is that the focussing grease dries out, which makes the focus action very loose. It can be fixed at service, but this adds to the cost. I have not seen the problem in other brands vintage lenses. If you want to spend a bit more, maybe consider a brand new Voigtlander 40mm lens. These have a beautiful retro design and the optics should be top notch. I don’t have one so no direct experience.

09-29-2022, 01:46 PM	#28
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,430 Original Poster	Originally posted by Time Traveller Nikon FM buying guide - three versions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLsKNrdgoNs I enjoyed this video. Thank you for sharing.

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09-29-2022, 01:52 PM	#29
tonyzoc Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2018 Posts: 816	Originally posted by Driline To all who have replied. Which 50mm Nikon lens do you prefer for this vintage camera? I currently have the 50mm F2.0 AIS but am wondering if the 1.8 or 1.4 would be that much sharper at F8 where I do most of my shooting? Oh and I did have this camera professionaly CLA'd including prism replacement so it's a super smooth beast. I have both the 1.8 and 1.4 and I prefer the 1.4 for the extra 2/3 stops, but at f/8 there is no difference. Even the f/2 at f/8 is just ad good. I've got a couple of Nikkor-HC 50/2 I put on the Nikkormats. Its a great lens.

10-01-2022, 08:42 PM	#30
spiralcity Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Chicago,IL. U.S.A Posts: 147	Nice camera. I'm a bit of a Nikon collector and a fan of most Nikon 35mm film cameras. I like the simplicity of the FM, it's a great camera with a long list of great glass that can be mounted.