Nikon Lenses (Page 2): I can't play a single note on an instrument, however, the masters that can, seem to covet the tones of classic instruments rather than the newest productions.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

I can't play a single note on an instrument, however, the masters that can, seem to covet the tones of classic instruments rather than the newest productions.

BebuLamar

Retired CPO wrote:

So we read page after page and post after post here on UHH about how heavy gear is and where oh where can we find something lighter to carry all day! Now we are celebrating old, heavy lenses! Will the irony never end!!??

If I paid so much money for something that is light I feel cheated.

Bohica Loc: SE Coast of NC

Retired PO1

Orphoto Loc: Oregon

[quote=Retired CPO]So we read page after page and post after post here on UHH about how heavy gear is and where oh where can we find something lighter to carry all day! Now we are celebrating old, heavy lenses! Will the irony never end!!??

Actually most of those older manual Nikon lenses were remarkably compact and light. I have a suite of autofocus and zoom lenses for situations that call for them. But for the highest quality work and my own satisfaction it remains manual all the way. Regrettably the highest quality glass now is much larger AND heavier.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

[quote=Orphoto]

Retired CPO wrote:

So we read page after page and post after post her... (show quote)

Today's lenses have to be larger and heavier to accommodate autofocus circuitry, motors, and mechanisms and IS/VR circuitry, motors, and mechanisms. I'm also guessing that they have more elements, primarily resulting from the prevalence of computer-designed lens systems. That makes them longer, too.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

[quote=Orphoto]

Retired CPO wrote:

So we read page after page and post after post her... (show quote)

No one is celebrating carrying a older heavy lens all day.
You have imagined something that is not there then create an issue about a fictional fantasy.
People who enjoy using old lenses on occasion are not proponents of going back in any way. They are just saying do not discount using an older lens if it meets the requirements for the shot or nostalgia. Perhaps even to remind themselves of how great it is to have the lighter lenses of today.

ELNikkor

My D750 came with a 24-120 f4 AF VR. For years, that was about the only lens I needed. Last year, I switched it on, and the VR mechanism started making the image jump all over the place whenever I tried to focus. Even when on manual, with the VR switched off, it did the same thing; no way to get it to stop. Haven't used it since, since it is unusable in its current condition. I pulled a 28-80 AF-D 4.5-5.6 out of an old bag, and have used that venerable lens ever since, so I hardly miss the much heavier 24-120. My old 24 f2.8 AI-S lens is my compact, light-weight go-to lens for wider angle shots, and my AI-S 135 2.8 does a fantastic job on portraits. Still have and use many of my old Nikkors. Love their silky-ness and heavy-duty feel.

Bill_de Loc: US

Architect1776 wrote:

With rain yesterday and looking the same today I w... (show quote)

My three oldest Nikkor lenses will be with me until I die.
AF Micro Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D
AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D
AF Nikkor 28mm f/2.8D

I'm not sure about my oldest Nikon body. The one manual body I still have is a black FM2.

I did have Pentax bodies with Takumar lenses, but when I wanted long lenses the Nikkor lenses seemed better.

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Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Bill_de wrote:

My three oldest Nikkor lenses will be with me until I die.
AF Micro Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D
AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D
AF Nikkor 28mm f/2.8D

I'm not sure about my oldest Nikon body. The one manual body I still have is a black FM2.

I did have Pentax bodies with Takumar lenses, but when I wanted long lenses the Nikkor lenses seemed better.

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Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Architect1776 wrote:

What's wrong with celebrating them?

Not a thing! I celebrate(use) mine all the time! When I have difficulty handling my gear in the field, that tells me that I have been slacking off on my physical fitness regime. And I realize that, as I get older, that regime will have to be modified.
It just seems funny, maybe I should say ODD, that, all of a sudden, after reading constant complaints about how heavy photo gear is in the field, we get a post celebrating older heavier lenses. Maybe I should suggest that heavier gear be relegated to the back yard or the studio and the newer, just as good or better, lighter gear be taken into the field!
I don't know...seems like a no brainer to me!!

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Architect1776 wrote:

No one is celebrating carrying a older heavy lens all day.
You have imagined something that is not there then create an issue about a fictional fantasy.
People who enjoy using old lenses on occasion are not proponents of going back in any way. They are just saying do not discount using an older lens if it meets the requirements for the shot or nostalgia. Perhaps even to remind themselves of how great it is to have the lighter lenses of today.

I like the way that you think you can get into my mind and see what I am thinking and even what I am creating in my head. I can feel you squirming around in there right now! I have to warn you though, you probably won't like what else you find in there. You will sleep much better tonight if you stop the squirming before it's too late!!
My "fictional fantasies" are mine alone. And you aren't welcome there without a personal invite!!

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Retired CPO wrote:

Not a thing! I celebrate(use) mine all the time! W... (show quote)

It appears that people are seeing things in older lenses that are missing in newer sterile lenses even forgiving the weight penalty.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Retired CPO wrote:

I like the way that you think you can get into my ... (show quote)

ELNikkor

I recently was in an antique store and saw a pristine, chrome & black Pentax 135 3.5 screw mount, probably from the '60's. Glass and exterior looked spotless and new. Had that heft and feel of quality, only $25. Since my wife was buying some jewelry for much more, I knew she couldn't complain, so I bought it, mainly based on it's craftsmanship and condition. Got it home and put it on my 1971 Sears TLS, soon to shoot some film through it. Was pleasantly surprised to find it has a click-less aperture ring, right before the clicking aperture ring (2 aperture rings!) out near the end of the lens. My son may be interested in using it on his mirrorless cameras, as he mentions the value of having a clickless aperture when he shoots videos.

agillot

Am like you , i like the old stuff , a certain quality that the new plastic stuff lack . Old cars , bicycles , radios , cameras ........