Manual Focus Nikon Glass
p.2638 #1Manual Focus Nikon Glass
I'm going to milk this beautiful dusk/dawn season to the max. Not so much the dusk, giant trees obscure the horizon but the mornings are something else. For fun, cycling through all the lenses.
Following the set from Tuesday last week, Wednesday was a cloudy morning. Good cloud cover though.
AI Zoom Nikkor 35-70mm f/3.5 + D3
Telephoto end might be the sweet spot.
Sunday morning, and in order.
AI Micro Nikkor 55mm f/2.8S + Df
Nice but too short, during the day the foreground would be dominated by my neighbour's house/roof.
NIKKOR-Q Auto 13.5cm + Df
Sunrise was then a few minutes away. It's really fascinating to observe the changing light. I like this, but no bird. Lovely lens.
NIKKOR-Q Auto 13.5cm + Df
Bingo! Got the birds eventually.
All as shot.
Following the set from Tuesday last week, Wednesday was a cloudy morning. Good cloud cover though.
Telephoto end might be the sweet spot.
Sunday morning, and in order.
Nice but too short, during the day the foreground would be dominated by my neighbour's house/roof.
Sunrise was then a few minutes away. It's really fascinating to observe the changing light. I like this, but no bird. Lovely lens.
Bingo! Got the birds eventually.
All as shot.
May 13, 2026 at 03:38 PM
p.2638 #2Manual Focus Nikon Glass
SiMuMe wrote:
Yep, AF is wasted in this board. I was all in on AF until 2020. If I'd just stayed there, but dang this board hooked me.
As I got my first Nikon camera in the mid 80's, I was _always_ an MF guy first, and was not much interested in AF lenses. I'm kind of the opposite of you: No AF until 2020 or so. My detail-vision isn't what it used to be, and I do struggle with focus on longer/faster MF lenses, so toe-dipped into Nikkor AF-D with the 180/2.8 and 85/1.4, both of which are quite excellent when paired with my Df. However, the only AF-D lens which "lives" on my Df is the 28/1.4D, and otherwise I still stick with my collection of MF Nikkors (though my latest AF lens, the 105/2 DC, has yet to be used in anger, so that might change).
This thread _has_ resulted in my purchase of a couple of MF lenses I would otherwise not have seriously considered (100/2.8E, factory AI'ed 105/2.5 "Sonnar", and Bellows-Nikkor 105/4), and has seriously tempted me to violate my "no non-AI lens" rule and get a 5.8cm/1.4 S (you _bastards_!)
Anyways, bring on the MF lenses!
Yep, AF is wasted in this board. I was all in on AF until 2020. If I'd just stayed there, but dang this board hooked me.
As I got my first Nikon camera in the mid 80's, I was _always_ an MF guy first, and was not much interested in AF lenses. I'm kind of the opposite of you: No AF until 2020 or so. My detail-vision isn't what it used to be, and I do struggle with focus on longer/faster MF lenses, so toe-dipped into Nikkor AF-D with the 180/2.8 and 85/1.4, both of which are quite excellent when paired with my Df. However, the only AF-D lens which "lives" on my Df is the 28/1.4D, and otherwise I still stick with my collection of MF Nikkors (though my latest AF lens, the 105/2 DC, has yet to be used in anger, so that might change).
This thread _has_ resulted in my purchase of a couple of MF lenses I would otherwise not have seriously considered (100/2.8E, factory AI'ed 105/2.5 "Sonnar", and Bellows-Nikkor 105/4), and has seriously tempted me to violate my "no non-AI lens" rule and get a 5.8cm/1.4 S (you _bastards_!)
Anyways, bring on the MF lenses!
May 13, 2026 at 03:58 PM
p.2638 #3Manual Focus Nikon Glass
SiMuMe wrote:
I like it but I do not find it fun to shoot with like the DSLRs. I can pretty much dial in the look I want before I press the shutter and out comes the picture. ... It's that easy, which I somehow don't find as enjoyable....
I guess I must post pictures now, hey. Too much talking.
You are right that there a some very very good PP people here! I find the Z5ii very easy to use, easy to get the pic I want. But then, getting that pic is the goal so I don't mind the ease. I still have to focus, after all. It makes me lazy but I like the result.
Without further ado, here are some bicycle pics. As my friend Jim R would call them, "Castro shots, line 'em up and shoot." No additional thought applied. All the bikes are equipped with either original style components or reasonable contemporary upgrades. I built all the wheels except the tandem's front. All the gearing is custom to accommodate New England's hills.
Peugeot PF10, like the high-end PX10 but made with French Vitus 151 tubing instead of Reynolds 531. All French dimensions of course. The front derailleur is the rare original model (Simplex SJA222 IIRC) that screws directly into the seat tube. The rear derailleur is a Simplex similar to the original but with the more robust parallelogram. The crank is original style, Stronglight 105BIS, but with black chainring. Brakes are original style Spidel. The pedals are Lyotard, IIRC. Mavic rims, sew-up tires with latex tubes. Not the ultimate bike but really nice to ride.
PeugeotPF10 by James Muller, on Flickr
Tommasini Racing. Mostly Italian or original-style components. Soma long-cage on the Campy rear derailleur. Typical Italian handling, light quick. The only fancy bike here with clincher tires, Veloflex 23mm, max 140psi. 7-speed rear theonly bike here with more than 6.
Tommasini by James Muller, on Flickr
My first derailleur bike, Peugeot UO-8. Wheels, crank, pedals and derailleurs upgraded to aluminum alloy long ago. The front wheel was my first wheel build. It now has over 1000 miles.
UO8 by James Muller, on Flickr
I found this frame on eBay, wasn't sure what model it was. Since it was local I put I put in a bid knowing I wouldn't have to pay shipping. The seller also had the original wheels. Indications were that it was a 1974 Champion Team, released to celebrate Luis Ocana's TDF victory in 1973. Other clues were that it had been wrecked in 1982 but fixed and repainted with 1982 colors, and the rear wheel rebuilt with a 1982 rim. When I pulled the hubs apart the date stamped on the lock nuts was 1974! Just as I thought. Not original paint but an original 1974 Champion Team. I equipped it with contemporary upgrade parts, Mavic rims and hubs, sew-up tires, Weinmann Carrera brakes, Suntour Cyclone derailleurs, and a Nervar crank like a TA Cyclotourist so I could get the gears I need for New England hills.
Motobecane by James Muller, on Flickr
Long story on this one. It was found abandoned in a Harvard dorm when the students left, had been abused a little. It has no serial number and isn't quite perfect, indicating it was an employee's build. I had it repainted, equipped it with all appropriate Campy components and Italian rims, custom-made long cage on the Campy rear derailleur, sew-up tires. It's smallest frame I have. For handling it has a psychic connection to my brain, I think and it goes where I'm thinking. But it's a stern taskmaster, raps my knuckles to go faster no matter how hard I try to relax.
Masi by James Muller, on Flickr
Our Peugeot TH-8 tandem, bought from a friend who had bought it from a neighbor. The neighbor (blind BTW) had ridden it with a friend from California to Massachusetts, then eventually replaced it with a new tandem. It needed paint so I had it repainted to look French, though actually a 1963 Corvette color. I recovered some of the original components including front crank, brakes, and rear wheel. The rear crank is a custom modification shortened for my sweetie's shorter leg length. Both derailleurs are original style but the front is a new reproduction that is much better than the original.
PeugeotTH8 by James Muller, on Flickr
Finally, a 1986 Gazelle Champion Mondial. I found this on eBay from a seller in Amsterdam. Made with Reynolds 531C (Competition) tubing. Quick and comfortable, easy to ride hard for a long distance. It needs a better crank and different rear derailleur right now.
Gazelle by James Muller, on Flickr
The Bianchi is on a trainer in the house. I gave away a Grandis and a Raleigh Gran Sport. Both are still in use.
So there. Too many words but at least this has pictures. All taken with 35mm f/2.8 S.
I like it but I do not find it fun to shoot with like the DSLRs. I can pretty much dial in the look I want before I press the shutter and out comes the picture. ... It's that easy, which I somehow don't find as enjoyable....
I guess I must post pictures now, hey. Too much talking.
You are right that there a some very very good PP people here! I find the Z5ii very easy to use, easy to get the pic I want. But then, getting that pic is the goal so I don't mind the ease. I still have to focus, after all. It makes me lazy but I like the result.
Without further ado, here are some bicycle pics. As my friend Jim R would call them, "Castro shots, line 'em up and shoot." No additional thought applied. All the bikes are equipped with either original style components or reasonable contemporary upgrades. I built all the wheels except the tandem's front. All the gearing is custom to accommodate New England's hills.
Peugeot PF10, like the high-end PX10 but made with French Vitus 151 tubing instead of Reynolds 531. All French dimensions of course. The front derailleur is the rare original model (Simplex SJA222 IIRC) that screws directly into the seat tube. The rear derailleur is a Simplex similar to the original but with the more robust parallelogram. The crank is original style, Stronglight 105BIS, but with black chainring. Brakes are original style Spidel. The pedals are Lyotard, IIRC. Mavic rims, sew-up tires with latex tubes. Not the ultimate bike but really nice to ride.
PeugeotPF10 by James Muller, on FlickrTommasini Racing. Mostly Italian or original-style components. Soma long-cage on the Campy rear derailleur. Typical Italian handling, light quick. The only fancy bike here with clincher tires, Veloflex 23mm, max 140psi. 7-speed rear theonly bike here with more than 6.
Tommasini by James Muller, on FlickrMy first derailleur bike, Peugeot UO-8. Wheels, crank, pedals and derailleurs upgraded to aluminum alloy long ago. The front wheel was my first wheel build. It now has over 1000 miles.
UO8 by James Muller, on FlickrI found this frame on eBay, wasn't sure what model it was. Since it was local I put I put in a bid knowing I wouldn't have to pay shipping. The seller also had the original wheels. Indications were that it was a 1974 Champion Team, released to celebrate Luis Ocana's TDF victory in 1973. Other clues were that it had been wrecked in 1982 but fixed and repainted with 1982 colors, and the rear wheel rebuilt with a 1982 rim. When I pulled the hubs apart the date stamped on the lock nuts was 1974! Just as I thought. Not original paint but an original 1974 Champion Team. I equipped it with contemporary upgrade parts, Mavic rims and hubs, sew-up tires, Weinmann Carrera brakes, Suntour Cyclone derailleurs, and a Nervar crank like a TA Cyclotourist so I could get the gears I need for New England hills.
Motobecane by James Muller, on FlickrLong story on this one. It was found abandoned in a Harvard dorm when the students left, had been abused a little. It has no serial number and isn't quite perfect, indicating it was an employee's build. I had it repainted, equipped it with all appropriate Campy components and Italian rims, custom-made long cage on the Campy rear derailleur, sew-up tires. It's smallest frame I have. For handling it has a psychic connection to my brain, I think and it goes where I'm thinking. But it's a stern taskmaster, raps my knuckles to go faster no matter how hard I try to relax.
Masi by James Muller, on FlickrOur Peugeot TH-8 tandem, bought from a friend who had bought it from a neighbor. The neighbor (blind BTW) had ridden it with a friend from California to Massachusetts, then eventually replaced it with a new tandem. It needed paint so I had it repainted to look French, though actually a 1963 Corvette color. I recovered some of the original components including front crank, brakes, and rear wheel. The rear crank is a custom modification shortened for my sweetie's shorter leg length. Both derailleurs are original style but the front is a new reproduction that is much better than the original.
PeugeotTH8 by James Muller, on FlickrFinally, a 1986 Gazelle Champion Mondial. I found this on eBay from a seller in Amsterdam. Made with Reynolds 531C (Competition) tubing. Quick and comfortable, easy to ride hard for a long distance. It needs a better crank and different rear derailleur right now.
Gazelle by James Muller, on FlickrThe Bianchi is on a trainer in the house. I gave away a Grandis and a Raleigh Gran Sport. Both are still in use.
So there. Too many words but at least this has pictures. All taken with 35mm f/2.8 S.
May 13, 2026 at 04:39 PM
p.2638 #4Manual Focus Nikon Glass
jimmuller wrote:
I guess I must post pictures now, hey. Too much talking.You are right that there a some very very good PP people here! I find the Z5ii very easy to use, easy to get the pic I want. But then, getting that pic is the goal so I don't mind the ease. I still have to focus, after all. It makes me lazy but I like the result.
Without further ado, here are some bicycle pics. As my friend Jim R would call them, "Castro shots, line 'em up and shoot." No additional thought applied. All the bikes are equipped with either original style components or reasonable contemporary upgrades. I built...Show more →
Jimmy, I loved it!!! Pictures and bikes!
SiMuMe wrote
I like it but I do not find it fun to shoot with like the DSLRs. I can pretty much dial in the look I want before I press the shutter and out comes the picture. ... It's that easy, which I somehow don't find as enjoyable....I guess I must post pictures now, hey. Too much talking.
Without further ado, here are some bicycle pics. As my friend Jim R would call them, "Castro shots, line 'em up and shoot." No additional thought applied. All the bikes are equipped with either original style components or reasonable contemporary upgrades. I built...Show more →
Jimmy, I loved it!!! Pictures and bikes!
May 13, 2026 at 05:07 PM
p.2638 #5Manual Focus Nikon Glass
Vitus frame circa 1980:
D3X, Nikkor 800/8 Ai-S, studio strobes
D3X, Nikkor 800/8 Ai-S, studio strobes
May 13, 2026 at 05:13 PM
p.2638 #6Manual Focus Nikon Glass
SiMuMe wrote:
I'm going to milk this beautiful dusk/dawn season to the max...
Sunrise on the Indian Ocean! Great sequence!
I'm going to milk this beautiful dusk/dawn season to the max...
Sunrise on the Indian Ocean! Great sequence!
May 13, 2026 at 06:42 PM
p.2638 #7Manual Focus Nikon Glass
Awesome collection Jim! Some sweet bikes there!
jimmuller wrote:
I guess I must post pictures now, hey. Too much talking.You are right that there a some very very good PP people here! I find the Z5ii very easy to use, easy to get the pic I want. But then, getting that pic is the goal so I don't mind the ease. I still have to focus, after all. It makes me lazy but I like the result.
Without further ado, here are some bicycle pics. As my friend Jim R would call them, "Castro shots, line 'em up and shoot." No additional thought applied. All the bikes are equipped with either original style components or reasonable contemporary upgrades. I built...Show more →
jimmuller wrote:
SiMuMe wrote
I like it but I do not find it fun to shoot with like the DSLRs. I can pretty much dial in the look I want before I press the shutter and out comes the picture. ... It's that easy, which I somehow don't find as enjoyable....I guess I must post pictures now, hey. Too much talking.
Without further ado, here are some bicycle pics. As my friend Jim R would call them, "Castro shots, line 'em up and shoot." No additional thought applied. All the bikes are equipped with either original style components or reasonable contemporary upgrades. I built...Show more →
May 13, 2026 at 06:49 PM
p.2638 #8Manual Focus Nikon Glass
jimmuller wrote:
https://www.pbraymond.com/img/s/v-10/p1455444936-6.jpg
https://www.pbraymond.com/img/s/v-10/p1455444937-6.jpgOh my, those are fantastic!
I've been contemplating finding a TC-14B for my 300mm. A nominal 420mm seems like it would be a handful. "Does things correctly" would be a prerequisite.
Thanks Jim. I say go for the TC's, it's a fairly inexpensive way to get additional reach. Jim Markus should have plenty of advice to offer on the manual TCs as I've seen him successfully use combinations I would not have thought of. Your Z5ii is able to handle those high ISOs that the dimmer apertures and higher shutter speeds will require.
pbraymond wrote
When the photographer does things correctly, the IQ of the 400mm f5.6 AIS wide open, even with the TC-14Eii attached, is great! Not bad for something that first went on sale in 1982.https://www.pbraymond.com/img/s/v-10/p1455444936-6.jpg
https://www.pbraymond.com/img/s/v-10/p1455444937-6.jpg
I've been contemplating finding a TC-14B for my 300mm. A nominal 420mm seems like it would be a handful. "Does things correctly" would be a prerequisite.
Thanks Jim. I say go for the TC's, it's a fairly inexpensive way to get additional reach. Jim Markus should have plenty of advice to offer on the manual TCs as I've seen him successfully use combinations I would not have thought of. Your Z5ii is able to handle those high ISOs that the dimmer apertures and higher shutter speeds will require.
May 13, 2026 at 07:18 PM
p.2638 #9Manual Focus Nikon Glass
I liked this stare-down, same 400mm TC combo.
May 13, 2026 at 07:20 PM
p.2638 #10Manual Focus Nikon Glass
GeorgeBo wrote:
Awesome collection Jim! Some sweet bikes there!
Thanks!
Awesome collection Jim! Some sweet bikes there!
Thanks!
May 13, 2026 at 08:14 PM
|
p.2638 #11Manual Focus Nikon Glass
pbraymond wrote:
Thanks Jim. I say go for the TC's
Already ordered! I had found a good one from Japan. Your previous post had convinced me. So thanks. Once again this motley collection of folks called MFNG have made me spend money.
Fortunately not much!
The surprising thing is that none of the lenses you (plural) made me buy were expensive. All really good though.
Thanks Jim. I say go for the TC's
Already ordered! I had found a good one from Japan. Your previous post had convinced me. So thanks. Once again this motley collection of folks called MFNG have made me spend money.
Fortunately not much!The surprising thing is that none of the lenses you (plural) made me buy were expensive. All really good though.
May 13, 2026 at 08:24 PM
p.2638 #12Manual Focus Nikon Glass
I sold a couple of AF Z lenses that I really wasn’t using (one being a practically new in box 28/2.8 Z SE, the other the 40/2SE). I used the 40 a couple of times, but never the 28…beyond the cursory couple shots the day I got it. I got the 28, had the first of my daughter’s performances to shoot, bought the 24-120/4Z for that, and never used the 28 again. I only uncovered it when we moved. Saw a WTB add, sold them both for what I paid for them, and now had a pair of naked cameras. I put the body cap on my Z5 (which I may part with) and saw old faithful sitting there (55/1.2 K) and the FTZ2 and mounted it on my Zf. Took a couple picks of one of my cats. I had kinda forgotten about the feel of shooting all manually again. Was calming and comforting, if a little heavy. I’m considering getting the Z5II to replace the Zf because of the less weight and better grip and balance, but I can’t count how many times the dials on top of the Zf have saved a rapidly evolving shot. So, who knows.
It’s 11pm Pacific time, so I’ll post the pic I took of my big boy Kraken tomorrow. He’s almost 1, but weighs in about 15 pounds. He is almost triple the weight of his sister Tofu at 6 pounds. I’d like to say he’s just fat, but Mr Kraken is all muscle with big paws for a cat.
It’s 11pm Pacific time, so I’ll post the pic I took of my big boy Kraken tomorrow. He’s almost 1, but weighs in about 15 pounds. He is almost triple the weight of his sister Tofu at 6 pounds. I’d like to say he’s just fat, but Mr Kraken is all muscle with big paws for a cat.
May 14, 2026 at 12:10 AM
p.2638 #13Manual Focus Nikon Glass
I was SO glad you clarified that your "big boy" Kraken and his sister are cats Kevin and not 2 of your kids !
Andy
I've posted a few vignettes of The Remarkables before but here is a pic of the whole range taken from the Queenstown Botanical Gardens peninsular last week with the 28/2 on the Zf
DSC_5669-Edit by Andy MacDougall, on Flickr
Andy
I've posted a few vignettes of The Remarkables before but here is a pic of the whole range taken from the Queenstown Botanical Gardens peninsular last week with the 28/2 on the Zf
DSC_5669-Edit by Andy MacDougall, on FlickrMay 14, 2026 at 04:26 AM
p.2638 #14Manual Focus Nikon Glass
jimmuller wrote:
Without further ado, here are some bicycle pics. As my friend Jim R would call them, "Castro shots, line 'em up and shoot." No additional thought applied. All the bikes are equipped with either original style components or reasonable contemporary upgrades. I built all the wheels except the tandem's front. All the gearing is custom to accommodate New England's hills.
.
.
.
Yerrrrrr! Rafael does lenses, you do bicycles. Amazing stuff.
Without further ado, here are some bicycle pics. As my friend Jim R would call them, "Castro shots, line 'em up and shoot." No additional thought applied. All the bikes are equipped with either original style components or reasonable contemporary upgrades. I built all the wheels except the tandem's front. All the gearing is custom to accommodate New England's hills.
.
.
.
Yerrrrrr! Rafael does lenses, you do bicycles. Amazing stuff.
May 14, 2026 at 04:31 AM
p.2638 #15Manual Focus Nikon Glass
kwoodard wrote:
It’s 11pm Pacific time, so I’ll post the pic I took of my big boy Kraken tomorrow. He’s almost 1, but weighs in about 15 pounds. He is almost triple the weight of his sister Tofu at 6 pounds. I’d like to say he’s just fat, but Mr Kraken is all muscle with big paws for a cat.
Cat person here. I'd like to see 15 pound of cat.
It’s 11pm Pacific time, so I’ll post the pic I took of my big boy Kraken tomorrow. He’s almost 1, but weighs in about 15 pounds. He is almost triple the weight of his sister Tofu at 6 pounds. I’d like to say he’s just fat, but Mr Kraken is all muscle with big paws for a cat.
Cat person here. I'd like to see 15 pound of cat.
May 14, 2026 at 04:34 AM
p.2638 #16Manual Focus Nikon Glass
pbraymond wrote:
https://www.pbraymond.com/img/s/v-10/p1455444936-6.jpg
https://www.pbraymond.com/img/s/v-10/p1455444937-6.jpgOh my, those are fantastic!
I've been contemplating finding a TC-14B for my 300mm. A nominal 420mm seems like it would be a handful. "Does things correctly" would be a prerequisite.Thanks Jim. I say go for the TC's, it's a fairly inexpensive way to get additional reach. Jim Markus should have plenty of advice to offer on the manual TCs as I've seen him successfully use combinations I would not have thought of. Your Z5ii is able to handle those high ISOs that the dimmer apertures and higher shutter speeds will require.
It all depends on what you want from a TC. I have sold five in the last 10 months, but I still own a few. I am convinced Nikon gave control of development over to the engineers in the 1980s and early 1990s. One gem that came out of that manual focus to auto focus period was the TC-16A, Unmodified it can work in some screw drive bodies with specific settings. Modified, it has a broader use range of bodies. You still have to manually focus - then a small group of elements finish focus using the cameras screw drive AF. I started on birds with long teles, but soon learned it can work on almost any Nikkor I own. The two I bought were modified by a guy in British Columbia - who's ebay name sounded like he did auto repair. I tried doing a mod myself (not difficult), but one of the tiny springs reacted magnetically with my needle nose tweezers and flew away. I have purchased a second organ donor TC to finish the mod - which is about 95% done. I also learned a new technique (while fixing a Canon A2e mode dial) of using a round toothpick with slight smear of grease to maneuver the gold plated springs.
I am not aware of any other manufacturer that went to such effort to include their manual focus users into the AF era. I believe the sales of the TC-16A were about 1-1.5 million units. I did pick pristine copies, but the thing is - it doesn't seem to effect IQ much at all with it's 5 elements in 5 groups. These springs reside inside the connection pins of the mount - kinda wears the pin as a gold plated cap. Clever! 55mm f3.5 ai used for all these photos
5DSR_55mmf3.5ai-Micro_5imageStackGoldenSpring
D300_55mmf3.5ai-tc16a_Screw-Spring - screw that holds the nikkor coupling ears on
D300_55mmf3.5ai-tc16a_Screw-Spring 100% crop
jimmuller wrote
pbraymond wrote
When the photographer does things correctly, the IQ of the 400mm f5.6 AIS wide open, even with the TC-14Eii attached, is great! Not bad for something that first went on sale in 1982.https://www.pbraymond.com/img/s/v-10/p1455444936-6.jpg
https://www.pbraymond.com/img/s/v-10/p1455444937-6.jpg
I've been contemplating finding a TC-14B for my 300mm. A nominal 420mm seems like it would be a handful. "Does things correctly" would be a prerequisite.
It all depends on what you want from a TC. I have sold five in the last 10 months, but I still own a few. I am convinced Nikon gave control of development over to the engineers in the 1980s and early 1990s. One gem that came out of that manual focus to auto focus period was the TC-16A, Unmodified it can work in some screw drive bodies with specific settings. Modified, it has a broader use range of bodies. You still have to manually focus - then a small group of elements finish focus using the cameras screw drive AF. I started on birds with long teles, but soon learned it can work on almost any Nikkor I own. The two I bought were modified by a guy in British Columbia - who's ebay name sounded like he did auto repair. I tried doing a mod myself (not difficult), but one of the tiny springs reacted magnetically with my needle nose tweezers and flew away. I have purchased a second organ donor TC to finish the mod - which is about 95% done. I also learned a new technique (while fixing a Canon A2e mode dial) of using a round toothpick with slight smear of grease to maneuver the gold plated springs.
I am not aware of any other manufacturer that went to such effort to include their manual focus users into the AF era. I believe the sales of the TC-16A were about 1-1.5 million units. I did pick pristine copies, but the thing is - it doesn't seem to effect IQ much at all with it's 5 elements in 5 groups. These springs reside inside the connection pins of the mount - kinda wears the pin as a gold plated cap. Clever! 55mm f3.5 ai used for all these photos
5DSR_55mmf3.5ai-Micro_5imageStackGoldenSpring
D300_55mmf3.5ai-tc16a_Screw-Spring - screw that holds the nikkor coupling ears on
D300_55mmf3.5ai-tc16a_Screw-Spring 100% crop
May 14, 2026 at 07:55 AM
p.2638 #17Manual Focus Nikon Glass
Morning back light blossoms on Giant argentine Cactus. Nikon AIS 200 F4 micro used, 5/14/2026.
Harry Palmer
Morning blossoms.
Harry Palmer
Morning blossoms.
NIKON Z 7_2 200mm f/4 lens 200mm f/4.0 1/200s 64 ISO +0.7 EV
May 14, 2026 at 11:10 AM
p.2638 #18Manual Focus Nikon Glass
There are a few of you that use the Nikkor 45mm f2,8 pancake lens, and I have noticed it is generally sharp. While reading Nikon's 1000 nights I learned it is the only classic 4 element 3 group Tessar formula lens Nikon ever made. From 1968-1970 they made 15,423 9 iris blade copies, and all later copies had 7 blades. I found number 154 of that first batch, and i really like it. I think all those folding Zeiss Ikontas etc have me predisposed. I have a Contaflex II with a 45mm f2.8 Carl Zeiss Tessar lens that is crazy sharp. I had to mount it to my Canon 5DSR to get infinity, but a K1 ring lets me use it for close range.
Meet #154 on the 5DSR - shot with the 35mm f1.4 ais
Results on the Nikon-D800-w-Nikkor_45mm-f2.8-non-ai-&-K1-ring
Results on the Canon-5DSR-w-Nikkor_45mm-f2.8-non-ai
Meet #154 on the 5DSR - shot with the 35mm f1.4 ais
Results on the Nikon-D800-w-Nikkor_45mm-f2.8-non-ai-&-K1-ring
Results on the Canon-5DSR-w-Nikkor_45mm-f2.8-non-ai
May 14, 2026 at 06:58 PM
p.2638 #19Manual Focus Nikon Glass
Nikon Nikkor 10mm 5.6 op Z6 orchid 16 by Rafael Batlle, on FlickrMay 14, 2026 at 07:43 PM
p.2638 #20Manual Focus Nikon Glass
rafaelcasd wrote:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52786618284_9e3719ab4a_k.jpgNikon Nikkor 10mm 5.6 op Z6 orchid 16 by Rafael Batlle, on Flickr
So awesome. Photography mojo's back, which is excellent news. Noob question, is the border something you "plug-in" to the image during PP? Because this border really works with this photo. Never used a fisheye before. You're a master of them.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52786618284_9e3719ab4a_k.jpgNikon Nikkor 10mm 5.6 op Z6 orchid 16 by Rafael Batlle, on Flickr
So awesome. Photography mojo's back, which is excellent news. Noob question, is the border something you "plug-in" to the image during PP? Because this border really works with this photo. Never used a fisheye before. You're a master of them.
May 14, 2026 at 11:37 PM