The Nikkor 35mm f/3.5 PC lens (non-AI, c. 1967-ish) arrived. The lens is in excellent condition for its age and all functions operate smoothly.
I\'d previously owned a newer \"black knob\" version (c. 1980) which was a nicer (and faster), but still had many of the same traits and characteristics as this earlier lens. I don\'t know why, but Nikon has always had a problem with its retro-focus WA designs, at least the 24/2, 28/2, and 35/2 (2 copies) in the A- to AI-s range. For many lenses, they\'ve copied the basic lens designs from the 60s, on up to the more recent AF production. The main main \"bad\" genetic trait passed down from generation to generation is severe curvature of field, and the unsharpness and other aberrations that attend it.
The first shot is a quick hand held 3-shot pano, shot wide open at f/3.5 -- you can see the severe fall-off/vignetting/softness on the extreme edges -- this effect shows even at the centered position when viewed at higher magnification.
On the plus side, the lens has wonderful color and very good sharpness. Contrast is excellent and very high. If I didn\'t mention its age, no one would think these images are from an ancient relic of the 35mm film days. Very accurate color on my Canon cameras (tried the 1Ds3 and 5D2 today for quick shots at our house -- Carsten, you are going to hate seeing more of my yard! Sorry! ). Also on the plus side was the price -- $200, the same I paid for the EF 40mm STM \"pancake\", so that\'s a bargain and a half.
Jun 12, 2013 at 07:58 PM
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Very accurate color on my Canon cameras (tried the 1Ds3 and 5D2 today for quick shots at our house -- Carsten, you are going to hate seeing more of my yard! Sorry!