-
Which lens for AF100?
-
The Nikon AI-S lenses I listed are modern fully multi-coated lenses with high contrast. I recommend Nikon because they are easy to find and some of these manual lenses are still being produced by Nikon. ( 35mm f/1.4 and 50mm f/1.2 for example )
I am sure that the multi-coated Minolta lenses are also very good, just like the Pentax and Olympus multi-coated lenses are great too.
-
If I got a multi-coated nikon lens @ 35mm wouldn’t that convert to something like a 60mm lens on the af100?
-
[Uli Plank] “And those are cheap, try Rainbowimaging in N.Y.– I got mine there and they are OK.”
Rainbow Imaging adapters are low cost adapters made in China. I would NOT recommend buying these adapters, as you risk both your lenses and possibly your shoot if they malfunction.
I recommend buying the NOT CHEAP Micro 4/3 adapters that are made from machined aluminum, brass, and stainless steel. These adapters are much better made, come with a warranty, and will still properly align your lenses after years of use.
Voightlander Nikon F to m4/3 Adapter : $200
Novoflex Nikon F to m4/3 Adapter : $300
MTF Services Nikon F to m4/3 Adapter : $350
Adaptimax Plus Nikon F to m4/3 Adapter : $400
Yes they are expensive, but I think they are worth the cost. ( I use the Voightlander adapter, and plan on buying the Adaptimax adapter later this year to use with Nikon G style lenses that do not have a manual aperture ring )
-
D[Jon Gianelli] “If I got a multi-coated nikon lens @ 35mm wouldn’t that convert to something like a 60mm lens on the af100?”
If you are thinking of the 35mm Full Frame Still Photo camera, like the Nikon D3 or Canon 5D MK2, then yes a 35mm lens on the AF-100 camera would give you the equivalent angle of view as using a 70mm lens on a Full Frame 35mm Still Photo Camera.
You have to think like the AF-100 is a 35mm cine film camera, because the AF-100 sensor is very close to the size of the 3-perf 35mm Cine format.
AbelCine Field-of-View Comparator Tool
-
[Uli Plank] “I’m not that impressed by the older Nikon lenses on a AF100.”
…Some frame grabs by a very talented DvxUser member for their 48-hour Film Race entry. Everything is shot with Nikon lenses on the AF-100 camera:
Frame Grabs – 48 Hr Film – AF102
-
Of course there are better adapters, some folks think Novoflex are the best.
But given the budget of the OP, at least I’ve not yet seen a lens coming loose from a Chinese adapter sold by Rainbowimaging (but from others).Director of the Institute of Media Research (IMF) at Braunschweig University of Arts
-
Sure, I get great images from my Nikon too – but only if I stop down a step or two.
The poster at DVuser is not noting if they shot wide open (well, I didn’t go through all the thread), but when adapting a 1.4 lens to the AF100 my main reason is having faster glass (and a nice bokeh). The lenses I compared were both quite old, about 30 to 35 years. I’m sure Nikon will have used better coating for the rear lenses in later production.
Just wanted to give a heads up if buying really old glass. Remember, film emulsion is less reflective than sensors (or the filters in front of them), so at the time there was not that much reason to take extreme care of coating rear lenses. BTW, the diffusion I get from the old Nikons can look quite nice an romantic portraits. But I’d rather add that with a diffusor under my full control …
One more hint: depending on the adapter you use, there may be some shiny metal exposed at the back. I got quite some improvement when blackening those parts not to have so much light bounced around there.
Director of the Institute of Media Research (IMF) at Braunschweig University of Arts
-
Ok, I read further and it seems he worked between 4 and 5.6, so that would explain the excellent contrast even with the lens I tested (or maybe better coating at the time his lens comes from).
Director of the Institute of Media Research (IMF) at Braunschweig University of Arts
-
You’ve given me a ton to think about. How about this: my partner thinks we ought to purchase a zeiss compact prime lens like CP.2 50mm for around 4 grand. I was wondering, if we were to purchase something like the Voightlander 25mm f/0.95 or the Nikon 35mm f/1.4 AI-S instead for less than half the price would we really see a major difference in image quality for primes?
-
I’m not sure you’d see a major difference in image quality on an AF 100. Not because those lenses aren’t better, but because the resolution of the AF100 is limited (I’ve tested older Zeiss/Arriflex lenses on it against photographic glass). BUT there are big differences in operation:
– less breathing
– standardized coupling for follow focus
– length stays constant
– continuous aperture adjustmentYou need to calculate the whole package, like adaptor rings for focus, rails, support for heavier lenses, matte box, will the dougnuts fit, follow focus etc. before you can really decide.
Director of the Institute of Media Research (IMF) at Braunschweig University of Arts
Reply to this Discussion! Login or Sign Up