According to Ken Rockwell the PC lenses won't work 100% with any other bodies besides the D3, due to "mechanical limitations". What are these limitations?
mauriceramirez wrote:
According to Ken Rockwell the PC lenses won't work 100% with any other bodies besides the D3, due to "mechanical limitations". What are these limitations?
There are inconveniences, not limits on functionality. I own the 24 and haven't held the 45 or 85 so these comments are limited to the 24.
The barrels rotates 90 deg left and right. Detents are located every 30 deg for a total of 7 positions that 'click'. In the 1st position, the shift knob is pointing straight down and the barrel can be shifted 11.5 mm left and right. On the D3, the barrel can be rotated 180 deg to the 7th position and the shift knob is pointing straight up at the VF. Again, the barrel can be rotated 11.5 mm left and right. This 7th angular position is redundant as it produces the same photos as the 1st.
With the D300 and D700, the 7th position is blocked because the shift knob hits the VF. While this can be called a "mechanicl limitation", it does not limit the functionality of the lens. dave
mauriceramirez wrote:
Ah, got it. So just rotate the shift knob around to the other side.
Glad to help. Also, if you look at the photo above, the shift knob is pointing straight at you and you can see that it's lined up such that it just barely hits the outer part of the VF when rotated up. You'll also notice that the lens is shifted fully up. dave
It's going to be a long time before I can justify schlepping out for one of the new PC-E lenses - I guess I'll just have to settle for ordering myself a lensbaby to tide me by!
Haha, yeah the only reason that I'm even able to justify it is because I just landed a contract to shoot architectural assignments for a building firm. If that weren't the case believe me, this would be a luxury I just wouldn't prioritize no matter how well-built and sharp it is.
I have one of the "old" 85PC's and man, I can't imagine how they could make it better. Sure if could have a little better CA control when at the extremes with large apertures, but man, it is just awesome. The ultimate flower/product lens. And it defies physics with how small you can get the aperture and keep a sharp image. Just awesome.
I just got one of the 45mm lenses. It really works well! THERE ARE NO PROBLEMS WITH THE 45MM LENS HITTING ANY PART OF A D300. The first part of the lens that rotates is longer on the 45mm version (and, from the pictures I have seen of the 85mm as well). Just goes to show you how Mr. Rockwell can misslead people.
So far the only limitation I have found is that the metering system will not work well if the lens is shifted. Tilting works with the metre. Oh yes, and the lens cannot auto-focus! We are getting spoiled, aren't we!
