Jman13 wrote:
Care to share any images made with the lens, as well as how it looks on your camera?
Sorry, still trying to find a photo-hosting site that suits me so I can do that, but it's "on my list" (my Wife is no doubt scoffing as I say this).
On the hood issue, I had been looking for the elusive HN-32 (intended for the IX 60-180mm f/4-5.6), but never found a reasonably priced one, and it was very short production as it fits only the 1st version of the lens, and they switched to a bayonet-mount shortly after. Also the HN-32 has a 52mm thread so would have required a step-up ring to mount it.
In my searching for the HN-32 I accidentally tripped over the HN-30 hood for the Micro-Nikkor 200/4 AF-D lens, and it is probably even a better solution for this lens. It has a 62mm threaded mount, so still needs a step-up ring, but it's very deep (75mm) and has the lovely Nikon hammer-tone exterior (in fact it's just a really sexy piece of Nikon metal!). I found a NOS copy for a great price and I think this will become my standard 180 APO-Lanthar hood. The HS-7 has the advantage of mounting in reverse, but the HN-30 is deeper and actually designed for the focal-length of the lens, and will sit inverted on the lens in its case.
I will try to post some photos of all the hood options, but if you find the dedicated Voigtländer hoods too shallow (as I do), then the HN-30 seems like the best Nikon-native option.
