Sad passing of the torch - a friend's gear comes my way.
p.1 #1Sad passing of the torch - a friend's gear comes my way.
Hi Everyone,
A dear friend passed away at 91. He & I knew each other from the 60's & 70's, working on Redwood NP creation & expansion. Oddly we never were in the field together.
I shot Nikon F & Hasselblad 500C film from 1964 to early 80's. After those were drowned and stolen, it was an early 645 Mamiya's turn, though it was not very good. So now in 2026, I thought film was a mere ghost from the past. My friend's passing changes all that!
I spent 5 days sorting through his massive film collection, pulling all the redwoods materials together for donation to Redwood National Park. My "reward" is now I have Nikon F3's and 5 lenses AND a Linhof Super Technika V 6x9 outfit with 2 roll film holders and 5 lenses - Yikes
I will share images of all these things, plus have some questions. But in this post I want to show just ONE item - a Nikon Ai-S 400mm f3.5 monster that I'm guessing is app 54 years old + / - I hope this isn't old hat for all of you. I have a lot to learn about all this stuff.
Photo 1 is the 400mm f3.5 lens & companion TC's compared against my Z 100-400 zoom "stretched" out to 400mm.
Photos 2 & 3 more details of old lens. Then I went outside and took some photos with my Z8 and captions describe those.
Photos 4 & 5 show rendering differences of each lens wide open. And, of course depth of field change between f3.5 and f5.6
Photo 5 of bowl (with birds jumping in right as I'm exposing), the bright highlight was rimmed on both sides with green fringing very evident at 200-300% and partially removed.
Dave
Very similar length but NOT similar weight!
Front opening sizes 77mm vs 122mm
Nikon filter protects big ED front element
Taken from my modern zoom at 400mm wide open at f5.6
Taken with OLD lens. NOTE: Birds jumped into bowl as I was taking photo!
Detail of post taken with the zoom
Detail of post taken with the old lens
A dear friend passed away at 91. He & I knew each other from the 60's & 70's, working on Redwood NP creation & expansion. Oddly we never were in the field together.
I shot Nikon F & Hasselblad 500C film from 1964 to early 80's. After those were drowned and stolen, it was an early 645 Mamiya's turn, though it was not very good. So now in 2026, I thought film was a mere ghost from the past. My friend's passing changes all that!
I spent 5 days sorting through his massive film collection, pulling all the redwoods materials together for donation to Redwood National Park. My "reward" is now I have Nikon F3's and 5 lenses AND a Linhof Super Technika V 6x9 outfit with 2 roll film holders and 5 lenses - Yikes
I will share images of all these things, plus have some questions. But in this post I want to show just ONE item - a Nikon Ai-S 400mm f3.5 monster that I'm guessing is app 54 years old + / - I hope this isn't old hat for all of you. I have a lot to learn about all this stuff.
Photo 1 is the 400mm f3.5 lens & companion TC's compared against my Z 100-400 zoom "stretched" out to 400mm.
Photos 2 & 3 more details of old lens. Then I went outside and took some photos with my Z8 and captions describe those.
Photos 4 & 5 show rendering differences of each lens wide open. And, of course depth of field change between f3.5 and f5.6
Photo 5 of bowl (with birds jumping in right as I'm exposing), the bright highlight was rimmed on both sides with green fringing very evident at 200-300% and partially removed.
Dave
Very similar length but NOT similar weight!
Front opening sizes 77mm vs 122mm
Nikon filter protects big ED front element
Taken from my modern zoom at 400mm wide open at f5.6
Taken with OLD lens. NOTE: Birds jumped into bowl as I was taking photo!
Detail of post taken with the zoom
Detail of post taken with the old lens
Sep 09, 2026 at 02:46 PM
p.1 #2Sad passing of the torch - a friend's gear comes my way.
Sorry about your friends passing.
That 400mm f3.5 is one of less than 12,000 made. It looks pristine. I always removed the heavy/thick UV filter while in use, because I believed it gave sharper results (this was on a 300mm f2.8 and 200mm f2.0 - same front element size), but would return it when storing. The filter drawer filter is a part of the optical formula and is necessary for best results. Also, pulling the shade out completely increases contrast. It doesn't surprise me that it's bokeh, and sharpness is better than your zoom. Chromatic aberration is easy to fix in PP, but the penalty for that is the weight. Wait til you feel how heavy that 122mm UV filter is - I have entire cameras that weight less than that one filter.
That 400mm f3.5 is one of less than 12,000 made. It looks pristine. I always removed the heavy/thick UV filter while in use, because I believed it gave sharper results (this was on a 300mm f2.8 and 200mm f2.0 - same front element size), but would return it when storing. The filter drawer filter is a part of the optical formula and is necessary for best results. Also, pulling the shade out completely increases contrast. It doesn't surprise me that it's bokeh, and sharpness is better than your zoom. Chromatic aberration is easy to fix in PP, but the penalty for that is the weight. Wait til you feel how heavy that 122mm UV filter is - I have entire cameras that weight less than that one filter.
Sep 09, 2026 at 04:07 PM
p.1 #3Sad passing of the torch - a friend's gear comes my way.
Congratulations on all the "new" equipment, sorry about the loss of your friend. That filter tho!
Sep 09, 2026 at 05:29 PM
p.1 #4Sad passing of the torch - a friend's gear comes my way.
Thank you for the condolences. Yes, that filter is amazing. I will test removing it and comparing sharpness. My ancient eyes sort of considers the new vs old lenses being tied in sharpness but the oldie has nice bokeh rendering of the grassy field.
Weight of oldie is 6lbs 12 oz. Weight of zoom 3lbs 9 oz. That includes the arca feet, filters, caps.
The only reason I would choose the old lens is I have TC's for it, which I haven't used yet. Otherwise the zoom wins out for this old guy
Weight of oldie is 6lbs 12 oz. Weight of zoom 3lbs 9 oz. That includes the arca feet, filters, caps.
The only reason I would choose the old lens is I have TC's for it, which I haven't used yet. Otherwise the zoom wins out for this old guy
Sep 09, 2026 at 07:45 PM
p.1 #5Sad passing of the torch - a friend's gear comes my way.
old_hikingman wrote:
Hi Everyone,
A dear friend passed away at 91. He & I knew each other from the 60's & 70's, working on Redwood NP creation & expansion. Oddly we never were in the field together.
I shot Nikon F & Hasselblad 500C film from 1964 to early 80's. After those were drowned and stolen, it was an early 645 Mamiya's turn, though it was not very good. So now in 2026, I thought film was a mere ghost from the past. My friend's passing changes all that!
I spent 5 days sorting through his massive film collection, pulling all the redwoods materials together...Show more →
I'm sorry to hear about your friends passing. Now that you have some of his kit he will live on in your images in a way; at least that's how I like to think about it. Sounds like he had quite the collection! The F3's are always a great camera to have. I don't know much about the Linhof, but I'm sure it's wonderful as well.
Hi Everyone,
A dear friend passed away at 91. He & I knew each other from the 60's & 70's, working on Redwood NP creation & expansion. Oddly we never were in the field together.
I shot Nikon F & Hasselblad 500C film from 1964 to early 80's. After those were drowned and stolen, it was an early 645 Mamiya's turn, though it was not very good. So now in 2026, I thought film was a mere ghost from the past. My friend's passing changes all that!
I spent 5 days sorting through his massive film collection, pulling all the redwoods materials together...Show more →
I'm sorry to hear about your friends passing. Now that you have some of his kit he will live on in your images in a way; at least that's how I like to think about it
. Sounds like he had quite the collection! The F3's are always a great camera to have. I don't know much about the Linhof, but I'm sure it's wonderful as well. Sep 09, 2026 at 08:41 PM
p.1 #6Sad passing of the torch - a friend's gear comes my way.
Thank you for kind words. Yes, I'd say his film collection numbers in the ten's of thousands of images and include Alaska, Canada, Europe and all of the western US.
As one who is working on my own collection and a report to the park service, my friend's images dovetail nicely with mine. RNP will have two large collections dating to before its creation.
I'll be posting pics of the other 35mm stuff and hope to actually shoot the used F3 but I will also use the lenses with my Z kit.
The real thrill for me is the Linhof because I mostly shot medium format. I look forward to hopefully getting some nice images.
My dilemma is time that I don't have much to spare, so trying to get back into both 35mm film and 2-1/4 x 3-1/4 film.
Dave
As one who is working on my own collection and a report to the park service, my friend's images dovetail nicely with mine. RNP will have two large collections dating to before its creation.
I'll be posting pics of the other 35mm stuff and hope to actually shoot the used F3 but I will also use the lenses with my Z kit.
The real thrill for me is the Linhof because I mostly shot medium format. I look forward to hopefully getting some nice images.
My dilemma is time that I don't have much to spare, so trying to get back into both 35mm film and 2-1/4 x 3-1/4 film.
Dave
Sep 09, 2026 at 10:28 PM
p.1 #7Sad passing of the torch - a friend's gear comes my way.
old_hikingman wrote:
Thank you for kind words. Yes, I'd say his film collection numbers in the ten's of thousands of images and include Alaska, Canada, Europe and all of the western US.
As one who is working on my own collection and a report to the park service, my friend's images dovetail nicely with mine. RNP will have two large collections dating to before its creation.
I'll be posting pics of the other 35mm stuff and hope to actually shoot the used F3 but I will also use the lenses with my Z kit.
The real thrill for me is the Linhof because I mostly...Show more →
That's amazing! For the national park photos, will those get a public release? They sound very interesting. Looking forward to seeing what you produce with it all, and the future photos of the gear.
Thank you for kind words. Yes, I'd say his film collection numbers in the ten's of thousands of images and include Alaska, Canada, Europe and all of the western US.
As one who is working on my own collection and a report to the park service, my friend's images dovetail nicely with mine. RNP will have two large collections dating to before its creation.
I'll be posting pics of the other 35mm stuff and hope to actually shoot the used F3 but I will also use the lenses with my Z kit.
The real thrill for me is the Linhof because I mostly...Show more →
That's amazing! For the national park photos, will those get a public release? They sound very interesting. Looking forward to seeing what you produce with it all, and the future photos of the gear.
Sep 09, 2026 at 10:35 PM
p.1 #8Sad passing of the torch - a friend's gear comes my way.
I show a few of my early images here, where I am having to correct for bad color imbalances. p.2 #17 · What is the point of digitally post-processing film?
I have no idea if the park service will distribute it. I still have almost 2 years to go on it.
I have no idea if the park service will distribute it. I still have almost 2 years to go on it.
Sep 09, 2026 at 11:23 PM
p.1 #9Sad passing of the torch - a friend's gear comes my way.
Here are the 2 Nikon F3 HP cameras, one used and made in 1987 on the left. What is strange here is he took thousands of images before that, so what cameras did he use ?
I have a contaflex with Tessar 45mm f2.8 lens that I don't know if working or not (not shown). Plus I have a Nikon F2 user manual (but no camera).
The soft case on the left looks very unused and that is because he kept his F3 in another soft case with a neckstrap (not shown).
On the right appears to be a NEW F3 HP, serial# 1920509 and a new CF-22 soft case. I opened the new F3 box with white gloves on and it certainly looks unused. It has a semi-clear plastic cover on the bottom (hidden by plastic wrapper) and white cap over the mount opening. There are no other things in the box like a neck strap.
I would love to know its potential value, as I certainly don't need 2 F3's. The older one functions fine as far as I can tell. I'll be running a roll of film through it soon.
Dave
Older F3 on left and brand new one on the right
Edited on Sep 10, 2026 at 10:50 AM · View previous versions
I have a contaflex with Tessar 45mm f2.8 lens that I don't know if working or not (not shown). Plus I have a Nikon F2 user manual (but no camera).
The soft case on the left looks very unused and that is because he kept his F3 in another soft case with a neckstrap (not shown).
On the right appears to be a NEW F3 HP, serial# 1920509 and a new CF-22 soft case. I opened the new F3 box with white gloves on and it certainly looks unused. It has a semi-clear plastic cover on the bottom (hidden by plastic wrapper) and white cap over the mount opening. There are no other things in the box like a neck strap.
I would love to know its potential value, as I certainly don't need 2 F3's. The older one functions fine as far as I can tell. I'll be running a roll of film through it soon.
Dave
Older F3 on left and brand new one on the right
Edited on Sep 10, 2026 at 10:50 AM · View previous versions
Sep 10, 2026 at 10:19 AM
p.1 #10Sad passing of the torch - a friend's gear comes my way.
The lenses I inherited are these, from left to right:
1) AI 50mm f2 with an odd aspect to it (white strip of aperture numbers "taped on" I think
2) AI-S 55mm f2.8 Micro-Nikkor
3) 60mm f2.8 AF Micro-Nikkor with ratty lens case. Its aperture ring and focus ring are very rough and stiff but the glass is fine
4) AI 105mm f2.5 Has a hood and pretty ratty lens case
5) 180mm f2.8 AF ED with fairly good lens case (and built in hood)
Many people regard the 105mm f2.5 lens as a classic - does that apply to this older model?
Dave
What is the white aperture tape all about on 50mm f2? It is not a AI-S lens
1) AI 50mm f2 with an odd aspect to it (white strip of aperture numbers "taped on" I think
2) AI-S 55mm f2.8 Micro-Nikkor
3) 60mm f2.8 AF Micro-Nikkor with ratty lens case. Its aperture ring and focus ring are very rough and stiff but the glass is fine
4) AI 105mm f2.5 Has a hood and pretty ratty lens case
5) 180mm f2.8 AF ED with fairly good lens case (and built in hood)
Many people regard the 105mm f2.5 lens as a classic - does that apply to this older model?
Dave
What is the white aperture tape all about on 50mm f2? It is not a AI-S lens
Sep 10, 2026 at 10:43 AM
|
p.1 #11Sad passing of the torch - a friend's gear comes my way.
old_hikingman wrote:
What is the white aperture tape all about on 50mm f2? It is not a AI-S lens
That usually means it is originally a non-ai lens that was converted without using the factory ai conversion ring. It involves trimming some metal off the base so the lens can engage the coupling tab. If the mount tightens as you put the lens on the body - stop. You don't want to force anything. If it mounts easily, and the f-ring turns smoothly - it probably is fine as a now ai'd lens. The 105 has the same conversion, but the three other lenses have factory ai rings with recessed white letters on a black metal ring.
What is the white aperture tape all about on 50mm f2? It is not a AI-S lens
That usually means it is originally a non-ai lens that was converted without using the factory ai conversion ring. It involves trimming some metal off the base so the lens can engage the coupling tab. If the mount tightens as you put the lens on the body - stop. You don't want to force anything. If it mounts easily, and the f-ring turns smoothly - it probably is fine as a now ai'd lens. The 105 has the same conversion, but the three other lenses have factory ai rings with recessed white letters on a black metal ring.
Sep 10, 2026 at 11:54 AM
p.1 #12Sad passing of the torch - a friend's gear comes my way.
The 400/3.5 AI-S was not 54 YO. AI was in 1977 and AI-S was in 1981. I had a lot of the "prong" or IC lenses mid 1970s.
The 60/2.8 AF Micro (not the D) was one of my favorites for macro before the 105/2.8 AI-S.
I also had the 55/2.8 AI-S and it was better than the 600/2.8 AF Micro for general use.
That 50/2 looks like an IC/prong lens that has been hacked. You had to stop down a fair amount for it to sharpen up. I stopped using it after getting the 55/2.8 and added a 50/1.4 later.
105/2.5s were mostly all the same since AI and a native AI would still be a fine lens with a little PP.
EBH
The 60/2.8 AF Micro (not the D) was one of my favorites for macro before the 105/2.8 AI-S.
I also had the 55/2.8 AI-S and it was better than the 600/2.8 AF Micro for general use.
That 50/2 looks like an IC/prong lens that has been hacked. You had to stop down a fair amount for it to sharpen up. I stopped using it after getting the 55/2.8 and added a 50/1.4 later.
105/2.5s were mostly all the same since AI and a native AI would still be a fine lens with a little PP.
EBH
Sep 10, 2026 at 06:04 PM
p.1 #13Sad passing of the torch - a friend's gear comes my way.
You're right about age of the 400 f3.5. I was looking at Roland's serial database and was glancing at the wrong row. It is likely about 40 based on my serial number.
I actually shot the 50 f2 today (with the z8) and other than wide open, it was good. Also played with the 105 f2.5 and very sharp at f4. Going to play with the Micro-Nikkor 60 tomorrow. It is the only one where both the aperture ring and focus are stiff and rough. Reminds me that th focus of the big 400 is so silky smooth - almost like nothing is moving inside lens, it is so sweet. It is in pristine shape.
I am having a hard time coming up with a value for the new/unused F3 body I have. I will run a roll through the older one first, before parting with the pristine one.
Dave
I actually shot the 50 f2 today (with the z8) and other than wide open, it was good. Also played with the 105 f2.5 and very sharp at f4. Going to play with the Micro-Nikkor 60 tomorrow. It is the only one where both the aperture ring and focus are stiff and rough. Reminds me that th focus of the big 400 is so silky smooth - almost like nothing is moving inside lens, it is so sweet. It is in pristine shape.
I am having a hard time coming up with a value for the new/unused F3 body I have. I will run a roll through the older one first, before parting with the pristine one.
Dave
Sep 10, 2026 at 10:44 PM
p.1 #14Sad passing of the torch - a friend's gear comes my way.
The quick and easy way to tell if a Nikkor is Pre Ai or Ai/ Ai-S is to look at the meter prongs (rabbit ears). If they're solid, it's Pre Ai, if they're slotted, it an Ai/Ai-S lens. The slots are there to illuminate the second, smaller set of aperture numbers behind the prongs and closer to the lens mount. Those number are visible in the viewfinder in many of the models made after 1977. A factory Ai conversion will have the ring with the Ai numbers. Charlie with a hacksaw conversion will not.
If the Linhof came with cams for all of the lenses, that is a super bonus.
Some really great stuff, thanks for posting!
P.S. The Nikkor 50 2.0 is one of the best lenses Nikon made. It renders much like the Summicron and would be worth keeping. Same with the 105 2.5. The Sonnar design produces lovely, creamy images with a smooth bokeh.
If the Linhof came with cams for all of the lenses, that is a super bonus.
Some really great stuff, thanks for posting!
P.S. The Nikkor 50 2.0 is one of the best lenses Nikon made. It renders much like the Summicron and would be worth keeping. Same with the 105 2.5. The Sonnar design produces lovely, creamy images with a smooth bokeh.
Sep 10, 2026 at 10:47 PM
p.1 #15Sad passing of the torch - a friend's gear comes my way.
awesome collection! Please share some pictures of the Linhof gear
Sep 11, 2026 at 12:58 AM
p.1 #16Sad passing of the torch - a friend's gear comes my way.
Good source for Nikkor info
https://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/specs.html
Your lens is the K version
https://www.destoutz.ch/lens_50mm_f2_3100200.html
Next version was the ai
https://www.destoutz.ch/lens_50mm_f2_3700001.html
https://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/specs.html
Your lens is the K version
https://www.destoutz.ch/lens_50mm_f2_3100200.html
Next version was the ai
https://www.destoutz.ch/lens_50mm_f2_3700001.html
Sep 11, 2026 at 07:05 AM
p.1 #17Sad passing of the torch - a friend's gear comes my way.
@madNbad:
Thanks for Ai identification hints. The Linhof did come with cams for most of the lenses. I'll have pictures soon
@andrewd01:
Will be showing Linhof gear soon. It is what I am most interested in
@James Markus:
Thanks for all your info. My safari browser doesn't "like" the photosynthesis site however. Says not secure.
The photo below shows what I most need to deal with over the next few months. So my play with the gear will be minimal
Dave
Redwoods Film Collection in need of organizing before transferring to Redwood National Park
Edited on Sep 11, 2026 at 11:14 AM · View previous versions
Thanks for Ai identification hints. The Linhof did come with cams for most of the lenses. I'll have pictures soon
@andrewd01:
Will be showing Linhof gear soon. It is what I am most interested in
@James Markus:
Thanks for all your info. My safari browser doesn't "like" the photosynthesis site however. Says not secure.
The photo below shows what I most need to deal with over the next few months. So my play with the gear will be minimal
Dave
Redwoods Film Collection in need of organizing before transferring to Redwood National Park
Edited on Sep 11, 2026 at 11:14 AM · View previous versions
Sep 11, 2026 at 10:51 AM
p.1 #18Sad passing of the torch - a friend's gear comes my way.
Quick & Dirty view of Linhof Kit, a Super Technika V 6x9. Will have more photos and commentary later...
I transferred all the gear from several old ratty packs to this vault case. I'm ordering a larger one for final setup. I don't imagine any long hikes with this stuff, so the case locked in car scenario works for me. Once I get used to what lenses work with my scene I anticipate taking, I can carry them in a small camera pack.
Dave
I transferred all the gear from several old ratty packs to this vault case. I'm ordering a larger one for final setup. I don't imagine any long hikes with this stuff, so the case locked in car scenario works for me. Once I get used to what lenses work with my scene I anticipate taking, I can carry them in a small camera pack.
Dave
Sep 11, 2026 at 11:11 AM
p.1 #19Sad passing of the torch - a friend's gear comes my way.
old_hikingman wrote:
Quick & Dirty view of Linhof Kit, a Super Technika V 6x9. Will have more photos and commentary later...
I transferred all the gear from several old ratty packs to this vault case. I'm ordering a larger one for final setup. I don't imagine any long hikes with this stuff, so the case locked in car scenario works for me. Once I get used to what lenses work with my scene I anticipate taking, I can carry them in a small camera pack.
Dave
Very nice! I have a Super Technika V, but the 4x5 version. I haven’t shot it yet because of the logistics of handling and processing sheet film. Just bought a roll film back for it. Main reason for buying is to have full view camera movements in a *reasonably* compact camera.
Quick & Dirty view of Linhof Kit, a Super Technika V 6x9. Will have more photos and commentary later...
I transferred all the gear from several old ratty packs to this vault case. I'm ordering a larger one for final setup. I don't imagine any long hikes with this stuff, so the case locked in car scenario works for me. Once I get used to what lenses work with my scene I anticipate taking, I can carry them in a small camera pack.
Dave
Very nice! I have a Super Technika V, but the 4x5 version. I haven’t shot it yet because of the logistics of handling and processing sheet film. Just bought a roll film back for it. Main reason for buying is to have full view camera movements in a *reasonably* compact camera.
Sep 11, 2026 at 11:39 AM
p.1 #20Sad passing of the torch - a friend's gear comes my way.
old_hikingman wrote:
Here are the 2 Nikon F3 HP cameras, one used and made in 1987 on the left. What is strange here is he took thousands of images before that, so what cameras did he use ?
I have a contaflex with Tessar 45mm f2.8 lens that I don't know if working or not (not shown). Plus I have a Nikon F2 user manual (but no camera).
The soft case on the left looks very unused and that is because he kept his F3 in another soft case with a neckstrap (not shown).
On the right appears to be a NEW F3 HP, serial#...Show more →
Stunning! I would absolutely keep those. The CF22 cases are very high quality and help to keep the cameras in mint condition. I would have thought that the unused camera would get $1000+ The used one perhaps $500.
F3s used to be the biggest bargain on the used camera market, but I get the impression that prices have increased recently.
I would check if the foam seals on the film door are starting to turn into a gooey mess. If the seals are still original it is likely they will be shot by now. It is a relatively cheap fix but you won’t get a good price if this is not sorted.
Here are the 2 Nikon F3 HP cameras, one used and made in 1987 on the left. What is strange here is he took thousands of images before that, so what cameras did he use ?
I have a contaflex with Tessar 45mm f2.8 lens that I don't know if working or not (not shown). Plus I have a Nikon F2 user manual (but no camera).
The soft case on the left looks very unused and that is because he kept his F3 in another soft case with a neckstrap (not shown).
On the right appears to be a NEW F3 HP, serial#...Show more →
Stunning! I would absolutely keep those. The CF22 cases are very high quality and help to keep the cameras in mint condition. I would have thought that the unused camera would get $1000+ The used one perhaps $500.
F3s used to be the biggest bargain on the used camera market, but I get the impression that prices have increased recently.
I would check if the foam seals on the film door are starting to turn into a gooey mess. If the seals are still original it is likely they will be shot by now. It is a relatively cheap fix but you won’t get a good price if this is not sorted.
Sep 11, 2026 at 11:58 AM