p.1 #1 · Can someone help with 50mm f/1.4 AI-S? Quick question.
Hi there,
I purchased a Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S lens and the lens looks literally brand new. Great glass, takes fantastic photos, no oil on blades, etc. but I'm confused about one thing: the focusing ring. It literally has zero damping. I have a ton of other Nikkor glass (and Rokkor glass, etc.), but this one just feels like a non-damped AF lens. It's very smooth and there's no play or anything, it's just as if it's not actually a well-damped manual focus lens.
So, is this normal? Or did I get a defective copy? Can't find any information on such a topic.
p.1 #3 · Can someone help with 50mm f/1.4 AI-S? Quick question.
It's not normal, but your lens is not defective. It just needs a CLA to replace the helicoid grease, which (although the lens looks "like new") is worn out.
p.1 #4 · Can someone help with 50mm f/1.4 AI-S? Quick question.
I have 2 of these & I agree with Paul, that there is some nice resistance. Sometimes, due to age they might loss of their dampening. I would not worry about it too much, as long as everything else is fine - as you state it is. Enjoy it. They are beautiful lenses
p.1 #5 · Can someone help with 50mm f/1.4 AI-S? Quick question.
Thank you guys for the quick response. I guess for the deal I got on this (which came with the 135/2.8 and 28/2.8 AI-S), I will certainly hang onto it and think about getting a CLA if I can find a place that works on old Nikkor lenses.
I just love the feel of well-damped lenses, which is why I'm not totally happy with this one. Optically, though, it's worth keeping.
I know this is a whole other subject, but can anyone recommend a good CLA place for Nikkor lenses?
p.1 #6 · Can someone help with 50mm f/1.4 AI-S? Quick question.
Some of my lenses are dampened, some are not. I prefer less dampening with wide and normal lengths. By quickly racking focus back and forth you can see the image snap into focus.
