leighton w wrote:
Wow, thanks for all the info George. Those lenses fit the XP2 rather well as far as looks. I didn't realize you were so invested in the S-mounts. Lovely set.
As I have mentioned in the past, my hobby is in self sustaining mode. I let go some of my duplicate or less used F mount glass to get these. It is getting harder to find the S-mount in great condition. The prices are similar to their F mount cousins for the most part. I have stumbled on two of them in old brick and mortar camera shops. Not even out on display for sale. I asked if they had any old Nikon rangefinder stuff and went into a back office and pulled stuff out of boxes or drawers. That is where you find the good deals
gbohannon wrote:
Scott (or anyone) - have you had any experience with R5 or R3 Monobath developer? It grabbed my interest for b/w.
G
No, I don't. I have used Ilford Ilfosol 3 exclusively since returning to developing film after a 30 year hiatus. I plan to do more experimenting once I've used this bottle of Ilfosol.
Wanted to get back with you regarding my glass and adapters. I use a mix of S-mount and Leica Thread Mount (LTM/M39) on the X-Pro2. When it came to choosing a way to adapt to the X-Pro2 I decided to go with an intermediate Leica M mount adapter vs a direct S-mount to Fuji adapter. Let me try to explain my thinking. There are a few inexpensive S-mount to Fuji adapters available but they lack an internal focus helicoid. That is ok for the majority of the Nikkor S-mount lenses but if you want to use the great 5cm S-mount you will require a helicoid. That is an internal mount lens and does not have the ability to focus alone.
There are a few eBay sellers in Eastern Europe that have inexpensive adapters to Fuji where they basically cannibalized the mount from Nikon S/Contax Rangefinder clones and put a Fuji mount on the rear assembly. Now these do work, but quality is not up to par and forget about using the focus scale for accuracy. You will have to rely on EVF for focusing. Not an issue for some, but I wanted something else.
After searching for another solution, I found an adapter made by a gentleman named Amedeo Muscelli (google his name and Nikon S adapter). He makes (in small batches) various adapters for Leica. There I found a Nikon S to Leica M adapter with focus helicoid. It is a little pricy but the build quality is second to none and focus accuracy is perfect and it even rangefinder couples to Leica cameras.
Since I used both Nikon S-mount and LTM/M39 lenses I did not want to be locked into a Fuji only adapter system, since these lenses can be adapted to any body that can accept Leica M mount. Therefore I went with a two step system for the S-mount lenses. S-mount > Leica M > Fuji X.
In the first picture below are the adapters I use with the lenses. The first small ring on the left is a M39 screw mount to Leica M adapter(Fotodiox brand). That converts the LTM/M39 lenses to be M mount adapted. I then use the middle Leica M/Fuji X to mount those (also Fotodiox). The adapter on the right is the "Amedeo" adapter. That coupled with the middle adapter gives me my Nikon S-mount capability on the Fuji.
The second picture is my Nikon S2 along side the X-Pro2 with the Amedeo/M adapter mounted. Effectively a "Digital S"
The last shot is of the lenses. Since I was roasting coffee this afternoon, I incorporated the theme of both hobbies with the coffee bag burlap backdrop.
Front row - L to R
W-NIKKOR·C 2.8cm f/3.5 S-mount
W-NIKKOR·C 3.5cm f/2.5 LTM
W-NIKKOR·C 3.5cm f/3.5 LTM *Tokyo
Back row - L to R
W-NIKKOR·C 3.5cm f/3.5 S-mount
NIKKOR-S 5cm f/1.4 S-mount
NIKKOR-S·C 5cm f/1.4 LTM
NIKKOR-P.C 8.5cm f/2 S-mount *Tokyo
NIKKOR-P.C 8.5cm f/2 LTM
NIKKOR-Q·C 13.5cm f/3.5 LTM
Leica Hektor 13.5cm f/4.5 M mount (how the heck did that get in there)?
The two lenses marked *Tokyo are Nippon Kogaku Tokyo. Early lenses made in occupied Japan. Aperture rings are de-clicked as built.
As with anything in this hobby, different things work for different people. There are a number of ways to do the same thing, and of course you can always just shoot native glass. But what fun is that?
George
p.s. images below Nikon camera (Df) and Nikon glass (Leighton lens) 50-135 AIS
What a beautiful lens collection! I'm searching for a 35mm S-mount, but haven't been able to find one at a reasonable price. They must be made from platinum. The sellers I've encountered have asked for an arm and a leg, plus my first born. Since my first born is now a grown man, I'm pretty sure they don't want him! But, I enjoy the search as much as anything, so I can be patient.
My dad was an avid angler when I was younger. The dangers of fishing near disused mining ponds with quicksand and our local version of salties proved too much for my mom. By the time I was old enough to join in, he'd stop; his buddies had scattered and religion spoke of the karmic influence from hurting fish and other crustaceans. I mentioned my childhood dream of throwing a line in together and we made it happen by going squidding a couple of years ago.
>>
I'm with Leighton on the lenses not bodies line. I think we're incredibly blessed to be living in an age where cameras are relatively cheap for what they can do, and in such a small package. Their capabilities surely surpasses my own abilities.
My dinner half an hour ago
Deconstructed the typical Chinese restaurant venison with scallion and ginger stir-fry by cooking the meat sous vide first, sear and sauce separately.
Chin - even though it is breakfast time here, that looks delicious
Scott - If you are looking for the f/1.8 version, yes you will pay a premium. That one is not on my list. But if you are looking for the f/2.5 or f/3.5 I will keep an eye out for a 35mm for you. Especially next time I am hitting the old shops.
gbohannon wrote:
Scott (or anyone) - have you had any experience with R5 or R3 Monobath developer? It grabbed my interest for b/w.
G
George, sorry, I have no experience with the Monobath-kits. I'm still using the traditional method to develop my rolls. Works well for me and I don't see a good reason to change.
In the days when news-pictures were shot on B&W-film I've used a fairly fast working developer and strong, fresh fixer and the whole development-process (not including washing and drying the film) was done in much less then 10 minutes.
Today I prefer slower working developers and use a 2-stage-fixing-method and it takes more time, but it's not like spending hours for a roll of 135/36 ;-)
A s-type Nikon is still a dream for me, good to see that those lovely rangefinders and compact lenses are enriching this thread.
georgms wrote:
George, sorry, I have no experience with the Monobath-kits. I'm still using the traditional method to develop my rolls. Works well for me and I don't see a good reason to change.
In the days when news-pictures were shot on B&W-film I've used a fairly fast working developer and strong, fresh fixer and the whole development-process (not including washing and drying the film) was done in much less then 10 minutes.
Today I prefer slower working developers and use a 2-stage-fixing-method and it takes more time, but it's not like spending hours for a roll of 135/36 ;-)
A s-type Nikon is still a dream for me, good to see that those lovely rangefinders and compact lenses are enriching this thread.
Thanks Georg. Looks like I need to do some research to see what it will take for a basic b/w set up with minimal cost. I did some b/w film developing back in my Navy days with step by step don't deviate procedures, but that was in the early 80's
Here is a blatant advert but potentially helpful to members of this forum: I am selling three as-new Nikon film bodies: FM2n, F3T, and F100. As in 1 roll of film shot with a brand new camera. For each one.
I have listed the FM2n, but can't list another for 8 hours. Too many photos for one big listing, so I will list one every 8 hours. Duh!
The F3T and F100 are in identical shape to the FM2n listed. Send me a PM if interested. They are also on the Bay.
Don't want to offend anyone here, but, after all, these cameras were designed for Nikon MF lenses...
Regarding costs: I pay less than 50 Euro-cents for chemicals per roll of 135/36 and don't squeeze out the last bit of developer- or fixer-activity.
Most of the "hardware" can be found for little money on the used market. And even new stuff is widely available with prices from moderate up to "ouch".
I'll post a picture of my basic set-up in the coming days.
Thanks for the likes and the comments I appreciate it!
Not ever thought there were so many Scotsmen here, Colin, Leighton kind of stood out in my mind so lets form a "Brigade." I also agree with Leighton that the lenses are the bread and butter of any decent kit.
The trip to Arizona was a lot of visiting family and friends. One side trip took us to Scottsdale where we saw and took a few shot from the famed "Camelback" Mountains. Guess there is a camel in there. So from afar and from near the top!
Zichar wrote:
What did I just watch?! Where'd you get the link from, Curtis? Spent ten minutes mesmerised by a man, whose features are often occluded, making a bed, piece by piece by piece by piece while his slightly shaggy dog wanders around the sawdust sprinkled floor.
Hey Chuong, when you're done with the bookshelves, Raylan needs a big boy bed, say, by the end of the year?
Brazilian rosewood and delivered in person. I just want your signature on one of your poems in return.
gbohannon wrote:
Thanks Georg. Looks like I need to do some research to see what it will take for a basic b/w set up with minimal cost. I did some b/w film developing back in my Navy days with step by step don't deviate procedures, but that was in the early 80's
George,
I have a little bit experience with monobath. I used R5 on Illford HP5. It was fine for what I wanted. I think I posted some shots here about a year ago. I used a below for digital conversion.
I don't recall any major issues I had with it. The main issue I had was to get the film into the reel correctly
leighton w wrote:
,,,One more thought. I consider cameras a tool and this thread about lenses. I am of the camp that says to put your money into glass, not cameras. I love the MF Nikkors, so much so, that I'll once again get into them when the bills ever stop. The Fuji, Sony or any other mirrorless camera that can mount these lenses is just a plus in my opinion and helps me and others to keep using them (lenses).
I think few of us would think differently about the value of investing in glass rather than cameras. I did buy four different bodies when I was shooting with Canon, but that was a period of learning what digital was all about AND the period during which first Canon, then Nikon were developing the FX prosumer cameras. Once I found my way to the 5D I was very content. With Nikon, I started with the D700 and bought my second camera, the Df, five and a half years later. Since that camera gives me everything I need I'll likely stay with that for the long term.
I wasn't so clear about your intent, however, since I witnessed you unloading the Nikon manual focus lenses you'd accumulated over time. It is nice to know you haven't forsaken them in favor of Fuji AF lenses. I understand your intention in finding a system that gives you the opportunity to shoot AF. Your comment about challenges with your eyesight was news to me. I was sorry to hear that, though I know it is not unusual as we age for our eyesight to deteriorate, if only marginally. That was the reason I was so relieved the last time I had my eyes checked while having my driving license renewed.
So when the dust settles and your financial obligations are handled, there MAY be occasion to add another manual focus lens to your kit. That is nice to hear...
Zichar wrote:
My dad was an avid angler when I was younger. The dangers of fishing near disused mining ponds with quicksand and our local version of salties proved too much for my mom. By the time I was old enough to join in, he'd stop; his buddies had scattered and religion spoke of the karmic influence from hurting fish and other crustaceans. I mentioned my childhood dream of throwing a line in together and we made it happen by going squidding a couple of years ago.
>>
I'm with Leighton on the lenses not bodies line. I think we're incredibly blessed to be living in an age where cameras are relatively cheap for what they can do, and in such a small package. Their capabilities surely surpasses my own abilities.
My dinner half an hour ago
Deconstructed the typical Chinese restaurant venison with scallion and ginger stir-fry by cooking the meat sous vide first, sear and sauce separately.
Mmm good Chin. Lovely photo as well. The D700 still works I see. Sadly, mine has been almost completely retired now that the Df does such amazing work. Yes, the D700 is a handful...
A bit different perspective: get all of the lenses and bodies you can (Nikon F mount) and never, NEVER, sell any lenses!
I am selling some (film) bodies, primarily on the good advice of my better half. And I use the term "advice" moderately. I do enjoy sallying forth with a different setup - body and lens. Don't get me going (or my wife) on camera bags...
leighton w wrote:
One more thought. I consider cameras a tool and this thread about lenses. I am of the camp that says to put your money into glass, not cameras. I love the MF Nikkors, so much so, that I'll once again get into them when the bills ever stop. The Fuji, Sony or any other mirrorless camera that can mount these lenses is just a plus in my opinion and helps me and others to keep using them (lenses).
This is actually one thing that has been on my mind recently. With my D3 going on it's last threads, I will need a replacement camera at some point in the future.
The question so far was whether I would save up for a used D4, or go for a D500, which has a few things going for it as well, but after carefully considering what the D500 would give me, the size of the Fuji became interesting considering that it is also an 18x24mm image sensor.
Leighton, one thing I'd want to ask you though, is this: How do you compare RAW output between the D600 and the Fuji? Did you lose much in regards to recovering highlight and shadow detail? I think this, and a hands-on test in a photo store will eventually be the two points that will have the biggest effect on my decision on whether to stay with single digit Nikons or move over to the Fuji camp
(I just found too many things I did not quite like about the Nikon Df to move in that direction)
the solitaire wrote:
This is actually one thing that has been on my mind recently. With my D3 going on it's last threads, I will need a replacement camera at some point in the future.
The question so far was whether I would save up for a used D4, or go for a D500, which has a few things going for it as well, but after carefully considering what the D500 would give me, the size of the Fuji became interesting considering that it is also an 18x24mm image sensor.
Leighton, one thing I'd want to ask you though, is this: How do you compare RAW output between the D600 and the Fuji? Did you lose much in regards to recovering highlight and shadow detail? I think this, and a hands-on test in a photo store will eventually be the two points that will have the biggest effect on my decision on whether to stay with single digit Nikons or move over to the Fuji camp
(I just found too many things I did not quite like about the Nikon Df to move in that direction)...Show more →
Buddy, I started with the X-T10 with the 16mp sensor. My old D600 had better raw files with more DR. Once I bought the X-T2 and it's new 24mp sensor I immediately noticed a difference. The DR, color and contrast is much better than my D600 files. I was blown away for it being a crop sensor. The noise was probably the same, but the Fuji's is more pleasant. I also don't have to do near the work on the file in LR as I was used doing with the D600. You'll hear this from others that have switched from Nikon and Canon, that there's just something about the X-Trans sensor files that grab you. Once again...this is just my 2 cents, YMMV.
leighton w wrote:
Buddy, I started with the X-T10 with the 16mp sensor. My old D600 had better raw files with more DR. Once I bought the X-T2 and it's new 24mp sensor I immediately noticed a difference. The DR, color and contrast is much better than my D600 files. I was blown away for it being a crop sensor. The noise was probably the same, but the Fuji's is more pleasant. I also don't have to do near the work on the file in LR as I was used doing with the D600. You'll hear this from others that have switched from Nikon and Canon, that there's just something about the X-Trans sensor files that grab you. Once again...this is just my 2 cents, YMMV....Show more →
That sounds quite promising. Anything equal to the D600 files in DR and color would be good enough to work with. As for pleasantness in noise, I'm really used to what the D3 gives me, and it will be hard to beat that, but I do intend to visit a larger photography shop these days and see how the Fuji fits my hands
the solitaire wrote:
That sounds quite promising. Anything equal to the D600 files in DR and color would be good enough to work with. As for pleasantness in noise, I'm really used to what the D3 gives me, and it will be hard to beat that, but I do intend to visit a larger photography shop these days and see how the Fuji fits my hands
You're probably not going to like how it feels at first. The thing I like the best is how it reminds me of my old F3. The viewfinder is huge as well.
leighton w wrote:
You're probably not going to like how it feels at first. The thing I like the best is how it reminds me of my old F3. The viewfinder is huge as well.
And the add on grip makes it feel like a small F5. If you are missing the Dx feel make sure you test drive it with the grip. In addition to the extra shooting time from two more batteries, in boost mode you get to 11fps and a faster EVF refresh rate.
