DeltaSigma wrote:
I know a lot of you folks here rave about the 55mm SC 1.2
If I am being honest I am on the fence with regards to the rendering. I love some of the images presented here in the forum - but others outside of this enclave not so much. Negative reviews don't help.
Whilst looking for a more modern DX donor camera (to convert to IR) I stumbled across a poorly advertised copy of the 55mm SC 1.2 on FleaBay - complete with the factory AI ring no less. I couldn't resist a bid and got it for a low price. Time will tell if I can use the lens to match other peoples' great work. If I don't like it then I will flip it. Here she is....
^Kevin, Jose did a (great as usual) test/comparison with the 105/2.8 and 105/4 Micro-Nikkor's at short and long distances. The 105/2.8 did better, but not by much, if memory serves. And the 105/4 is usually more friendly on the wallet. I paid 100 Euros for a very clean Ai-copy.
But the legendary 105/2.5 with extension-tubes is a great performer as well...
Talking about 55mm f/1.2, still my only one - here's a fresh edit of a 3 year old shot. Never liked it in color. SEP2 with some sliders pushed around until I liked it.
Nikkor-S 55mm f/1.2 on D600 - nothing a normal 50mm couldn't have done
f/11.0 25 seconds ISO 800, supported by a fence post. Huey at night
Been digging through old NEF files, re-editing old goodies this week. Here's a 20mm f/2.5 AI version of one of my first Mini Cooper shots. My old version was far too contrasty
f/11 55 seconds ISO 100 tripod, lit with LED flashlight
DeltaSigma wrote:
I know a lot of you folks here rave about the 55mm SC 1.2
If I am being honest I am on the fence with regards to the rendering. I love some of the images presented here in the forum - but others outside of this enclave not so much. Negative reviews don't help.
Whilst looking for a more modern DX donor camera (to convert to IR) I stumbled across a poorly advertised copy of the 55mm SC 1.2 on FleaBay - complete with the factory AI ring no less. I couldn't resist a bid and got it for a low price. Time will tell if I can use the lens to match other peoples' great work. If I don't like it then I will flip it. Here she is....
I think you did well Colin. As you likely know, I've bought THREE copies of this lens... which is surely evidence of a serious problem... Of course, I love the lens and in fact took one of the three copies for a spin yesterday. I finally got around to processing a few images. Here are four photos shot wide open with what is a mint condition copy. This was the last one I purchased and like yours, it was not well described when I ran across it on Craigslist. There was just enough information that I contracted the seller and my guess was right. I didn't buy it cheap, though it was the least expensive of the three I bought. I love how it performs. It is a really excellent focal length.
The background of the California poppy is a bit unsettling but the rest are quite fine. I find the out of focus areas of the 55 f/1.2 S.C. easier to view than those found with the 50 f/1.2 AI-s, my first fast lens. Give us a report after you've had a chance to play. The focal plane is razor thin... Congratulations!
This is a VW Transporter t1 Samba... something I learned by doing a bit of research. I've seen these before but didn't know exactly what the model is. I also did a quick check to see what one in this condition might be worth and discovered one in the same color for $117,000!!! I'll break our informal agreement and post four more photos I took. This is a mint condition vehicle.
georgms wrote:
^Kevin, Jose did a (great as usual) test/comparison with the 105/2.8 and 105/4 Micro-Nikkor's at short and long distances. The 105/2.8 did better, but not by much, if memory serves. And the 105/4 is usually more friendly on the wallet. I paid 100 Euros for a very clean Ai-copy.
But the legendary 105/2.5 with extension-tubes is a great performer as well...
The 105 f/2.5 AI-s was the first Nikon MF lens I bought, as probably everyone who read the first post on this thread already knows. I also explored early on the value of extension tubes, helped along by Laura who explained to me what they are. I was such a newbie when it came to Nikon and micro photography, that I didn't know. I was quickly mesmerized by that kind of photography, enough so that I never felt inclined to look at micro lenses. I did buy a 55 f/2.8 AI-s but realized immediately that if I was going to shoot close I wanted a longer focal length. I began using tubes with everything up to 300mm and eventually started a thread in the Macro World titled Shooting with Tubes. I find the thread is still stickied in that forum and at the moment stands at the top of the list. I know Kevin is aware of that thread, as are a number of our friends who occasionally stop by to drop a post. I think I'd better pull out a set of tubes and play a bit. Nice to feel inspired to pick up my camera after six months of ignoring my gear.
Glad to see you on the thread Georg. You've been an outstanding participant over the years with a wealth of knowledge and an extremely fine eye for capturing a scene.
georgms wrote:
Peter, the "sinister looking fellow" is my favorite from your recent set. A "reduced tone-scale-B&W" suits the scene and his expression really well.
CGrindahl wrote:
I think you did well Colin. As you likely know, I've bought THREE copies of this lens... which is surely evidence of a serious problem... Of course, I love the lens and in fact took one of the three copies for a spin yesterday. I finally got around to processing a few images. Here are four photos shot wide open with what is a mint condition copy. This was the last one I purchased and like yours, it was not well described when I ran across it on Craigslist. There was just enough information that I contracted the seller and my guess was right. I didn't buy it cheap, though it was the least expensive of the three I bought. I love how it performs. It is a really excellent focal length.
The background of the California poppy is a bit unsettling but the rest are quite fine. I find the out of focus areas of the 55 f/1.2 S.C. easier to view than those found with the 50 f/1.2 AI-s, my first fast lens. Give us a report after you've had a chance to play. The focal plane is razor thin... Congratulations!
Curtis,
These are super examples of what I would like my new purchase to deliver - but the lens and camera are only part of the equation - the remainder is due to the photographer. You certainly have a wonderful eye for all thing floral. Glad to see you have camera in hand once again.
The lens was sourced in Belgium so it will take a few days to get here.
DeltaSigma wrote:
Curtis,
These are super examples of what I would like my new purchase to deliver - but the lens and camera are only part of the equation - the remainder is due to the photographer. You certainly have a wonderful eye for all thing floral. Glad to see you have camera in hand once again.
The lens was sourced in Belgium so it will take a few days to get here.
Colin
I do enjoy my 55/1.2 AI...even though I hardly use it anymore... This shot is wide open on Ilford HP-5 film, shot at box speed and developed in D76.
CGrindahl wrote:
As you likely know, I've bought THREE copies of this lens... which is surely evidence of a serious problem...
Well, I think you and Rafael developed a plan to raise the cost of these lenses... So you're acquiring each good copy from the market, in order to increase the request and the value... That's why Reagan sit away, investing in beer and cars...
Well, I think you and Rafael developed a plan to raise the cost of these lenses... So you're acquiring each good copy from the market, in order to increase the request and the value... That's why Reagan sit away, investing in beer and cars...
Of course, I love the lens and in fact took one of the three copies for a spin yesterday. I finally got around to processing a few images. Here are four photos shot wide open with what is a mint condition copy. This was the last one I purchased and like yours, it was not well described when I ran across it on Craigslist. There was just enough information that I contracted the seller and my guess was right. I didn't buy it cheap, though it was the least expensive of the three I bought. I love how it performs. It is a really excellent focal length.
