Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

ALX hit it.
Many like the conversion. But I just don't like it as it does not period fit my F and if I use it on a digital camera it does not matter as I use it just fine on my 7D and 10D in p, M, or AV modes.
Again a super lens regardless and have fun using this wonderful classic.

toxdoc42

At the time, it was "the" telephoto lens for amateurs and many semi-pros. Sharp and rugid. I traded it in with other similar lenses from the 1960s when a Nikon rep scared me into believing it could damage my new digital camera, he said it would go on easily, but I might damage the camera removing it. I have an old fish eye that I do use. It fits very tightly and I am very careful when removing it. So be very careful.

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

A pre AI lens will have a smooth 360 degree surface at the mount. An AI lens will have a machined area that protrudes to catch the aperature indexer when mounted to the body. The indexer on the body will rotate as you turn the lens to mount on an AI. Look at photos on the MIR website for the difference. This is unrelated to the prongs on the aperature ring. If the lens is pre AI the prongs will have no holes in them. If the lens is factory AI there will be small holes in the prongs and the lens mount surface will not be smooth and have a ridge to catch the body aperature indexing tab. This assumes a non AI lense was not changed to AI and the prongs were not drilled. The answer is solely in the mount surface not the prongs. Sorry if that’s confusing but MIR’s photos should make it obvious.

duck72 Loc: Laurel Ridge, PA

My "period fit" "F" - with removable/changeable viewfinders that I sorely miss quit viewfinder-working. Ridiculous prices to "repair." I also miss my Beseler 23CII- (still have- Nikkor lens and all.) Mixing and dodging, the smell of fixer. Conversion for some is good- conversion for others YOUR CHOICE. "Classic" - Yes, for a beginner, entry level, semi-pro, non-professional lens. I threw away 99% of the shots I took with it before taking to post processing when 35mm

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

The conversion enhanced its usefulness by allowing open-aperture metering with modern Nikons. For a collector, though, original would probably be preferred.