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Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 K (pre-Ai)
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PostPosted: Sat Oct 03, 2009 11:38 pm    Post subject: Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 K (pre-Ai) Reply with quote

Searched but did not find any topics on this lens.

I paid 120 EUR (175 USD) for mine. Production run is about 33 00 lenses but atm they seem not to show up on eBay so I have no idea what going rate is. This just sounded like fair price for a Nikkor with 85/1.8 specs and 85cm close focusing limit. I believe it has potential of sleeping diamond, but I need to verify with usage.

Flickr only has a limited amount of samples available, http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/85mmf18k/ and despite great reviews here and there on the web I would prefer substantial proof (full res samples) that this lens delivers. I will be putting it against the Zeiss ZF 85/1.4 on a D3 once I have had it Ai-converted, so it will receive harsh scrutiny.

Who owns this lens, can you comment on performance/characteristics I should use/watch out for: strong points, weak points?


Last edited by Esox lucius on Mon Oct 05, 2009 7:19 am; edited 2 times in total


PostPosted: Sat Oct 03, 2009 11:51 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have it , very sharp even at wide open , first class lens.
http://www.mflenses.com/gallery/v/japenese/nikon_nikkor/1_8_85mm_AI/


PostPosted: Sun Oct 04, 2009 8:22 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Bjorn Rorslett gives it 4 out of 5, which is a very good rating. I've only tried a couple of Nikkors but I felt Bjorn's assessment of them was spot-on.


PostPosted: Sun Oct 04, 2009 8:55 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Excellent lens!


PostPosted: Sun Oct 04, 2009 9:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I just also purchased my 85/1.8 K (though still waiting for the mailman to deliver) and it's funny I ran to this particular thread Smile

I paid 100€ for mine from what seems to be a guy who wasn't quite up-to-date with what he's selling. Also had Q-135/3.5 and Q-200/4 selling for 20e apiece.. I'll post more info once I get to know the glass, though I probably need to have it AI converted.

On a side note, it's funny noticing how people are almost giving away their old Nikkor MF lenses for very little money, if not almost next-to-nothing. Also disturbing just to find rare glass being sold and replaced with plastic stuff (not to say that Nikkor's professional line of AF lenses would be all bad, but...).


Last edited by larsr on Mon Oct 05, 2009 9:56 pm; edited 1 time in total


PostPosted: Sun Oct 04, 2009 10:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

larsr wrote:
I just also purchased my 85/1.8 K (though still waiting for the mailman to deliver) and it's funny I ran to this particular thread Smile

I paid 100€ for mine from what seems to be a guy who wasn't quite up-to-date with what he's selling. Also had Q-135/3.5 and Q-200/4 selling for 20e apiece.. I'll post more info once I get to know the glass, though I probably need to have it AI converted.

On a side note, it's funny noticing how people are almost giving away their old Nikkor MF lenses for very little money, if not almost next-to-nothing. Also disturbing just to find rare glass being sold and replaced with plastic stuff (not to say that Nikkor's professional line of AF lenses would be all bad, but...).


People are silly, or crazy and I am very polite. Congrats for your great deal.


PostPosted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 12:24 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have several nikkors and I can confirm that Rorslett's opinion is grounded in solid fact from his personal experience as a pro. Far better than the lab tests IMHO.



patrickh


PostPosted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 12:32 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Great lens. I loved it so much. I think one day I will buy it again.


PostPosted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 7:39 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

PaulC wrote:
Bjorn Rorslett gives it 4 out of 5, which is a very good rating. I've only tried a couple of Nikkors but I felt Bjorn's assessment of them was spot-on.


I have also learned to trust his assessments of lenses, solid reviews based on real use. Bjorn's review is of a version slightly older, the multicoated H.C Auto was manufactured in 1972-75 (12 000 made). Photo of lens here: http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/c8518.jpg

The one I got is newer, manufactured in 1975-77 (33 000 made) and it looks like this: http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/k8518.jpg Optical construction is also 6 elements in 4 groups, multi-coated as well. Newer version focuses a little closer (0.85m vs. 1m).

Lens should arrive this week, I already received the Ai conversion kit so it'll be a quick job to fit it for use on my D3.