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Nikkor 135mm f/2.8 type "K" AIed
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PostPosted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 2:43 pm    Post subject: Nikkor 135mm f/2.8 type "K" AIed Reply with quote
Latest from the ebay fairy (45 euro)



Looks to be in very good condition. Nice flock-lined sliding lens hood.

Edit: Not an AI, its the late type K 1976 model, optically the same as the AI version, which has been AIed with the factory kit.

Last edited by ChrisLilley on Fri Jul 24, 2009 3:17 pm; edited 1 time in total


PostPosted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 2:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
EXCELLENT purchase!


PostPosted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 2:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
VEry nice lens! Congrats!


PostPosted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 3:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Wow! Looks great! This is (apart from the Leica Elmarit-R 2.8/135) the only lens that could replace my Nikkor-Q.C 3-5/135. Wink
Congratulations!


PostPosted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 3:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
superb deal Chris !


PostPosted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 9:39 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Obligatory boring test shot from my window. Handheld. ISO 200, 1/500s f/5.6. Picture links to larger sizes.



PostPosted: Thu Jun 05, 2008 4:38 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Nice find! I've got a late AI'd 2.8 and it's a superb lens. Must be one of the best 135's out there.


PostPosted: Thu Jun 05, 2008 10:07 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
I have been wondering about this and your remark makes me reconsider what I have here. (Summarising from the mir site):

The Pre-AI series of 135s came in three flavours: a big heavy f/2 with 72mm filter, a still fairly heavy f/2.8 with 52mm filter, and a light, less expensive f/3.5. The 2.8 was 4 elements in 4 groups, had a close-focus distance of 1.5m and weighed 600g. Serial numbers believed to be in the range 438613 - 465000
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/preAI70/135mm1.htm

The AI version of the f/2.8, introduced in 1977, has 5 elements in 4 groups, weighs 430g, has the AI mount with two rows of aperture numbers, and a minimum focus distance of 1.3m. Serial numbers start with 770001.
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/late70nikkor/telephoto/135mm.htm#f2.8

However, apparently, in 1975-76 some pre-AI versions had moved to the 5 elements in 4 groups formulation, giving a lighter weight and the 1.3m closest focus distance. But still with the F (non-AI) mount. Serial numbers in the range 737653 - 751805
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/preAI70/135mm1.htm

Which brings us to my lens. The serial number is 748128. I don't have a set of scales but 430g seems more likely than 600. The closest focus distance is marked as 1.3m. It has a full AI mount with all the appropriate ridges (not ground down or hacked about), two sets of aperture numbers, etc. I conclude therefore that it was a late model pre-AI, 5 elements in 4 groups, which has then been AI converted with a Nikon AI conversion kit, which replaces rather than modifying the appropriate parts of the lens. Its even possible that this was done by the dealer and the lens sold as AI.

Richard, whats the serial (or if you prefer, the first two digits) of your lens? Is it a 'machined' AI modification or a kit modification?.


PostPosted: Thu Jun 05, 2008 6:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Chris - 24 and kit modified. I'm guessing it's the earlier four element version.


PostPosted: Thu Jun 05, 2008 9:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Richard_D wrote:
Chris - 24 and kit modified. I'm guessing it's the earlier four element version.


So its a Nikkor 135mm f/2.8 Q Auto?


PostPosted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 4:06 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
ChrisLilley wrote:
Richard_D wrote:
Chris - 24 and kit modified. I'm guessing it's the earlier four element version.


So its a Nikkor 135mm f/2.8 Q Auto?


That's the one. it's the later design without the scalloped focus ring.


PostPosted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 8:47 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Lovely lens - if you can lay hands on the 135/2 it's even better, but costalot.


patrickh


PostPosted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 11:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
patrickh wrote:
Lovely lens - if you can lay hands on the 135/2 it's even better, but costalot.


Yes, I saw one for 395 euro correction, 395 GBP. Is it better because of the extra stop, or also better stopped down?


PostPosted: Sat Jun 07, 2008 5:57 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
I have both the 2.8 and the 2 and I would say the 2 is sharper and has nicer OOF pretty much all the way to f8. Cannot say if it is worth the differential cost, but I doubt it since the one you have is a great lens in its own right.


patrickh


PostPosted: Tue May 12, 2009 4:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

full size here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mureena/3525152163/

Got myself one today, I need to get the kit and Ai convert it before I can mount it on the D3 but then, it's time for field use Cool


PostPosted: Tue May 12, 2009 5:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Hi, Chris,

since you understand French, check this page, which gives very good information on Nikon AF and MF lenses. The 135/3.5 seems to be the most impressive of the bunch, and I bought one in perfect condition for 50€.

http://www.pictchallenge-archives.net/TESTNUM/D3_optiques.html


P.S: I just checked German eBay, and there are quite a few 135mm Nikkors to be had for not so much money, I assume, and there is a 135mm/f2 AI, bidding starts at 233€, buy at once price is 333€


PostPosted: Wed May 13, 2009 10:42 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Hi !

Nice to meet another Chris Very Happy

Congrats on your new lens. I love the built in hood. My lens is of the older design, instead of Nikon, it is its old name Nippon Kogaku Japan.

Here are some photos of my Nikkor - Q 135mm f2.8 for your reference.





PostPosted: Wed May 13, 2009 10:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
congrats, i have the ai version as well, so i know u will like it Smile


PostPosted: Fri Jun 05, 2009 9:07 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Esox lucius wrote:
Got myself one today, I need to get the kit and Ai convert it before I can mount it on the D3 but then, it's time for field use Cool


Hooray, the Nikkor-Q 135/2.8 has been milled and awaits pickup at my trusted repair store! Samples after this weekend of shooting...


PostPosted: Fri Jun 05, 2009 10:33 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Chris,
Yours is the 5/4 element/group version...See here... http://photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/lenses.html#135


PostPosted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 5:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
madamasu wrote:

since you understand French, check this page, which gives very good information on Nikon AF and MF lenses. The 135/3.5 seems to be the most impressive of the bunch, and I bought one in perfect condition for 50€.


Thanks so much for that link, I bought the "110 lenses on D3" e-book and its very helpful to see tests from pre-AI to AF-S all together.

I agree that the 135/3.5 looks the best, then the 135/2, then the 135/2.8 4-element pre-AI, with the 135/2.8 AI coming in last, oddly.

Recently I shot some comparisons between my 135/2.8 and my Nikkor-P 105/2.5; the latter is noticeably better.


PostPosted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 6:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
This link gives a good overview of Nikon SLR lenses:

http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/lenses.html
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