grantgoodes wrote:
Looked at that 2nd one, and it's clearly an SIC (newest generation) coating version, and seems to be really nice condition.
When I got my Df, I realized I was really missing my old 105/2.5 (which I'd sold to purchase a Micro-Nikkor 105.2.8) and so picked up a minty copy for a good price. Sadly, I hadn't heard about the SIC vs. NIC coating change, and now I'm regretting that I didn't hold out for the "ultimate" 105/2.5 with a later serial number. I've seen some discussion threads where the two versions were carefully compared, and there IS an improvement in flare-resistance/contrast with the SIC coating, but it's not earth-shattering. Still, I have to resist buying yet ANOTHER Nikkor 105 (I have 4, including the 105/1,8 and 105/2 DC)! ...Show more →
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OffTrail wrote:
The 1048xxx version should have the latest coatings, where 998xxx likely wouldn't. At least according to Roland Vink's site, SIC coatings started at 1043xxx. For the later S/N to be cheaper, have the latest coating, and still look mint, I think that makes a bit more sense.
That said, I can't tell you what difference SIC coatings really make for the 105's as both of mine are pre-Ai Sonnar versions.
You guys are a great help, thanks! I went for the near-mint s/n 1048602 at $443 shipped/taxed, and zero interest 12 payments on my PayPal account so will be painless. Excited to have minimalist 28/55/105 kit! Hoping to head to the Southwest starting in late January where they’ll get a good workout but will try to make a few images in my area before that.
The SIC coating did seem make a difference for the 28mm f2.8 ais, but
I did try about 3 of them until I found it - so who knows. On the 24mm f2.8 ais I got close to the SIC coating serial numbers, but short a few. It has this odd green/yellow coating that was so much sharper than the other copies I tried before it - that I ended the hunt. The 105mm is like asking a scotch drinker which is his favorite scotch. Why, the one he is holding now, of course. I don't know how many 105's I have, and there is no point embarrassing myself counting them. However, they are all keepers.
James Markus wrote:
The SIC coating did seem make a difference for the 28mm f2.8 ais, but
I did try about 3 of them until I found it - so who knows. On the 24mm f2.8 ais I got close to the SIC coating serial numbers, but short a few. It has this odd green/yellow coating that was so much sharper than the other copies I tried before it - that I ended the hunt. The 105mm is like asking a scotch drinker which is his favorite scotch. Why, the one he is holding now, of course. I don't know how many 105's I have, and there is no point embarrassing myself counting them. However, they are all keepers....Show more →
Inquiring minds want to know how many 105’s, Jim! Just kidding, that should be your secret I’m hoping I can be happy with the three Nikkors I’ll soon have in hand, but I already can feel the pull to start collecting more. These lenses are just so satisfying to have in hand, a real joy when it comes to classic professional build quality.
Ross Martin wrote:
Inquiring minds want to know how many 105’s, Jim! Just kidding, that should be your secret I’m hoping I can be happy with the three Nikkors I’ll soon have in hand, but I already can feel the pull to start collecting more. These lenses are just so satisfying to have in hand, a real joy when it comes to classic professional build quality.
I suggest you start a spreadsheet on photography gear. That way you can track what you have, what you paid, from who/where, the date, price, condition, and if you sold it. Unfortunately, nostalgia makes condition, prices, and time better - a spreadsheet is a wonderful splash of reality.
grantgoodes wrote:
My only purchased-new Nikkor, the 24/2 AiS, had two major incidents, both of which just about broke my heart. The first time I was using it to take a group-portrait, and my tripod wasn't high enough to get the shot, so I put it on a piano-stool. Just as I set the self-timer in motion to join in the group, the tripod fell off the stool and the camera did a face-plant onto the hardwood floor. Trashed the HK-2 lens hood and the filter, but camera and lens were fine. Second time the camera was in my backpack with the ever-ready case, and I ended up going over the handle-bars of my bicycle and somersaulted onto my back, sliding down the road for a goodly distance. Wore right through the fabric of the backpack and the nose of the leather case, and again trashed the HK-2 and filter, but the lens was STILL fine. The 24/2 is of course not minty anymore, but has no slop or loose bits, so they really built those MF Nikkors....Show more →
Wow, your 24 is battle tested! Glad it still performs.
Ross Martin wrote:
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You guys are a great help, thanks! I went for the near-mint s/n 1048602 at $443 shipped/taxed, and zero interest 12 payments on my PayPal account so will be painless. Excited to have minimalist 28/55/105 kit! Hoping to head to the Southwest starting in late January where they’ll get a good workout but will try to make a few images in my area before that.
Ross, congratulations on the SIC 105/2.5 AIs.
I hunted down the SIC version a few years back and it was a total bear to find, in mint condition. If you decide to go after a second copy, the AI version is also a stellar performer and has more rounded blades. The AI version also feels a bit more solid which is the case with the majority of AI the variants.
OffTrail wrote:
The 1048xxx version should have the latest coatings, where 998xxx likely wouldn't. At least according to Roland Vink's site, SIC coatings started at 1043xxx. For the later S/N to be cheaper, have the latest coating, and still look mint, I think that makes a bit more sense.
That said, I can't tell you what difference SIC coatings really make for the 105's as both of mine are pre-Ai Sonnar versions.
FWIW mine is s/n 883444, in good condition and an excellent lens - next project to bore you all with
GeorgeBo wrote:
Really like the composition on this Scott and the black and white works very well
Thanks, George. This is one of those photos where I saw it in black and white as the scene was developing. With the dark storm clouds in the background and the bright sun in the foreground, it just screamed black and white. All I had to do was find the right spot to shoot from and wait for the tug to reach a good location.
This is a rose being destoyed by a fruit chafer beetle -not a particularly beautiful image but it is with the 105 2.5 at f8 1/400 ISO 400 on a heavily overcast afternoon. On the Z5 but I feel I had better results on the D200
I'll add a couple later this week if and when the light improves - at it will, I'm sure
I’m hoping I can be happy with the three Nikkors I’ll soon have in hand, but I already can feel the pull to start collecting more. These lenses are just so satisfying to have in hand, a real joy when it comes to classic professional build quality.
Glad it still performs.
