On consideration of non-digital optics

[DrEntropy]

As I'm looking through the Ebay listings for used Nikkor lenses, there are a lot of the old AiS manual focus ones sitting there, cheap. Lenses that originally sold for multiple hundreds of dollars. A 55mm Micro Nikkor keeps relisting for as little as fifty or sixty. As full disclosure, I've owned one of those for decades, it had become "stiff" to focus and I've semi-loosened it up with some red moly grease on the helical threads, BUT(!) sending it out for an actual CLA would far exceed the $60-plus-shipping to get a replacement. Light doesn't "wear out" an optic, most of the ones listed look like they've been very lightly used, are described and pictured as working correctly.

I'm not about to spend money on one of them, but it strikes me that if one were looking to augment a range of optics, ones for "specialty" use particularly, there is some truly superb glass for comparatively no money sitting there. I've bolted all of my old primes onto the DSLR's and had no issue focusing and setting an ∱-stop. Is "convenience" all that critical that fine optics from the non-digital era are just about throw-away items? And it's the same with Canon and even less money for Takumar K-series glass (tho the mounts are less consistent than Nikon's F-mount). Would any here consider a pre-digital optic for some specific use?

 

[GregW]

Not all AiS lenses are cheap. Check this listing. I have one of these that I bought before they were discontinued.
Nikkor Noct

 

[GregW]

Would any here consider a pre-digital optic for some specific use?

Pretty much all my lenses predate digital. I have two D series auto focus ones, an 85mm f1.4 and a 50mm f1.8. The rest are manual Ai, all Nikkor. Well, except for the one zoom that I haven't used in years. I think it's a Sigma. It was a gift of sorts. Piece of junk in my opinion.

I have always had trouble focusing with slower glass, even when I was young. An f4 or f5.6 doesn't give me enough light through the view finder while composing.

 

[DrEntropy]

Not all AiS lenses are cheap. Check this listing. I have one of these that I bought before they were discontinued.
Nikkor Noct

I don't think I've ever seen an 85mm ∱1.2. We got a couple of the 50mm's into the store, owner got one, I considered the other but decided the ∱ 1.4 I'd already had for years was fast enough. Kept the cash in my pocket. Some of the super-long primes are pricey too. Still in the thousands.

I have two D series auto focus ones, an 85mm f1.4 and a 50mm f1.8.

That 85mm should be a "workhorse" optic for you. Nice! And the 50-1.8 is likely sharper across its range than the 1.4's.

I remember shooting "tests" with a few of Sigma's zooms, would do the same sheet of newspaper with several of the same lenses, keeping track of ∱-stop and focal length settings, tripod and lighting consistent. The sharpness would vary from one to another! Same with Tamron glass. Sometime earlier, in the late '70's, Vivitar released their Series-1 line, had a pal in a downtown Pittsburgh store and I got a 90mm ∱2.5 Macro and a 70~210 of those. The zoom was a bit disappointing for its push-pull zoom control (would slide to full forward if pointing downward) but both were surprisingly sharp. I still have the 90, it's one I'd be reluctant to get rid of as it was an outstanding portrait lens. 'course all that was with full-frame film. Crop-sensor throws it into the "too much compression" area.

I have always had trouble focusing with slower glass, even when I was young. An f4 or f5.6 doesn't give me enough light through the view finder while composing.

As I age, I can relate. One more excuse for faster prime glass...

 

[GregW]

I don't think I've ever seen an 85mm ∱1.2.

Me neither. That link was for 58mm. I bought mine used for around $800. Amusingly, word spread through the store quickly. I overheard the sales people commenting "He bought the Noct".

 

[DrEntropy]

I phat-phingered that... or had branefade

But it still stands that I've not seen a 58mm ∱1.2.

Amusingly, word spread through the store quickly. I overheard the sales people commenting "He bought the Noct".

I can imagine. Same kind of reaction when a local portrait studio guy spotted a used 500C with a couple backs in the case, similar mumbles from the "peanut gallery" ensued. But a good score on your part!

 

[GregW]

It's not shy about letting the light through.

 

[DrEntropy]

That's one large chunk o' glass!