NikonGear'23

Gear Talk => Lens Talk => Topic started by: richardHaw on November 02, 2017, 17:58:20

Title: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: richardHaw on November 02, 2017, 17:58:20
currently overhauling one  :o :o :o

construction is pretty simple and clever ::)

very easy to overhaul zoom...

my test showed that it's a pretty decent lens on digital, maybe even better on film.
what are you experiences with this lens?
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5s
Post by: gryphon1911 on November 02, 2017, 18:17:04
When I had mine, I loved it...almost regret trading it for the 28-105/3.5-4.5...almost.  I appreciate the extra reach.

The copy of the 28-85 I had was sharp even wide ope.  Not the fastest to AF, but sufficient enough that I never missed a shot.   It felt right on everything I mounted it on, the Df and the D700 both used it well.

This is what I've been able to get with this lens, if anyone has any interest:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gryphon1911/albums/72157629466160390
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: richardHaw on November 02, 2017, 18:23:57
sorry, I was referring to the Ai-S version  :o :o :o

I edited the headline.

I suppose the optics remained the same?  ::)
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on November 02, 2017, 18:36:21
The optics of the AIS and the AF are unlikely to be identical.
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: richardHaw on November 02, 2017, 18:40:17
The optics of the AIS and the AF are unlikely to be identical.

i just checked and it's a lot smaller  :o :o :o
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: Kenneth Rich on November 02, 2017, 20:16:07
I bought one of these to use next year  on a Euro rivers  cruise.  I've just compared it in focus to a second generation 43-86 Nikkor.  When I focus the 43-86 using the green dot, If I am careful, the green dot remains constant throughout the zoom range. And this lens is a two touch zoom (aperture one control, focus and zoom the other)  There is decided focus shift with the 28-85, no matter how careful I am, and this lens, with its extra  control, should be easier to maintain focus. I wrote down the figures at about an eight feet distance from camera to subject, checking and re-checking.  I've tossed the piece of note paper away, so I will have to do it again, but it was quite noticeable.  I'll get back to you on this when i've sorted the kitchen faucet change, which is more pressing, and which has created a huge mess in the kitchen.
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: Roland Vink on November 02, 2017, 20:33:40
Smaller? The dimensions of the AIS and AF versions are very similar, the AIS has a slightly smaller diameter and is a little lighter, but not by much:
http://photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/specs.html#28-xx

Like most early AF lenses, the optics are borrowed from AIS or series-E designs. All versions have an optical design with 15 elements in 11 groups, and close focus limit of 0.8m. The AIS and early AF versions also have a macro mode similar to the 35-105, which is a short secondary focus helicoid near the base of the lens, effectively a built-in extension tube. It works at all focal lengths but makes the most difference towards the wide end of the zoom range. The newer AF version (with rubber focus ring) seems to have a different macro mode which only operates at 28mm, according to the specs it end up at the same 1:3.4 magnification so it probably works the same way but implemented differently.

I tried the AIS version once years ago on my FE2, the slides turned out very sharp, good contrast and colours. I was more into primes at that stage so I didn't buy it.



Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on November 02, 2017, 21:17:23
The 28-85 AiS is OK, but not stellar, on modern DSLRs.  It handles well on the Df, though, and the low amount of barrel distortion at the short end is unusual for a zoom lens this wide. The pincushion distortion on the long end is more visible yet manageable.

Unlike some other zoom siblings of that epoch, it doesn't do too well in IR.
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: Kenneth Rich on November 03, 2017, 03:25:22
For the record:  Distance by tape from camera to edge of door frame , 9 feet.  Aperture chosen, f5.6.
Focal length, 28mm, 4 feet indicated when green spot appeared.
Focal length  35mm, 4 feet indicated with green spot still present.
Focal length 50mm, 5 feet indicated  when green spot re-appeared.
Focal length 85mm, 7 feet indicated when green spot re-appeared.

Does this mean that my lens met with an accident sometime between production and now, or is it perfectly normal for zoom lenses to exhibit this behaviour?
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: richardHaw on November 03, 2017, 08:56:08
Ok, i saw a different lens awhile ago! It was the 35-135! :o :o :o
Lenses from this era confuse me a lot! ::)
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: richardHaw on November 03, 2017, 09:07:43
For the record:  Distance by tape from camera to edge of door frame , 9 feet.  Aperture chosen, f5.6.
Focal length, 28mm, 4 feet indicated when green spot appeared.
Focal length  35mm, 4 feet indicated with green spot still present.
Focal length 50mm, 5 feet indicated  when green spot re-appeared.
Focal length 85mm, 7 feet indicated when green spot re-appeared.

Does this mean that my lens met with an accident sometime between production and now, or is it perfectly normal for zoom lenses to exhibit this behaviour?

Mine is spot-on but you will have to refer tonthe red line instead of the bold white line :o :o :o

Terrible wide-open at 85mm but pretty decent at 28mm
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: Roland Vink on November 03, 2017, 19:08:44
You will have noticed the aperture ring and maybe some other parts are made from plastic. Although it is an AIS lens it has some Series-E DNA. When the 28-85 was introduced in 1985 the Series-E line had been discontinued, or more accurately merged with the AIS line ... :o
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: JKoerner007 on November 03, 2017, 20:17:35
You will have noticed the aperture ring and maybe some other parts are made from plastic. Although it is an AIS lens it has some Series-E DNA. When the 28-85 was introduced in 1985 the Series-E line had been discontinued, or more accurately merged with the AIS line ... :o

The 28-85 and the 28-50 AI-S are perhaps the most versatile, single lenses one can take in the field (1) with an adapter ring and (2) if a person is into macro.

Having tested a few copies of both, the 28-50 is easier to use, but the 28-85 is overall the more versatile. (Will provide a comprehensive overview of my claim, later.)

Anyway, have a "new" (allegedly-unused, pristine) 28-85, purchased from the estate of a deceased collector, en route from Romania as we speak. I doubt the claim, as the front lens cap looks modern, but it still looks 'mint' and has the box, so we'll see.
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: Kenneth Rich on November 04, 2017, 16:06:36
JKoerner007, is that a user instructions/tech sheet in one of the images you posted?  I 'd  be happy to pay you for a copy, either on-line or photo-copy, if it is in English.And I wish my lens were as new looking as the one you have scored! And I've realized since this lens has been under discussion, that the "green dot" is not a rangefinder in the way that split image rangefinders were/are as in my little Bessa, but are restricted to focus indicators. I've tried my 28, 35, two 50's and my 105 with the Df against the measuring tape/green dot appearance and not one of these lenses indicates numbers close to the measured 9 feet.
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: richardHaw on November 04, 2017, 16:41:50
JKoerner007, is that a user instructions/tech sheet in one of the images you posted?  I 'd  be happy to pay you for a copy, either on-line or photo-copy, if it is in English.And I wish my lens were as new looking as the one you have scored! And I've realized since this lens has been under discussion, that the "green dot" is not a rangefinder in the way that split image rangefinders were/are as in my little Bessa, but are restricted to focus indicators. I've tried my 28, 35, two 50's and my 105 with the Df against the measuring tape/green dot appearance and not one of these lenses indicates numbers close to the measured 9 feet.
Like i mentioned refer to the red lines for focusing on 50mm or 28mm :o :o :o
If that’s still off then you have a defective lens
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: richardHaw on November 04, 2017, 17:01:36
just test if you can focus to infinity using the white bold line and the red lines  :o :o :o

in my experience overhauling this lens, the 2nd cell can be easily put back the wrong way and that can cause the lens to focus in a weird way ::)
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: JKoerner007 on November 05, 2017, 01:53:59
JKoerner007, is that a user instructions/tech sheet in one of the images you posted?  I 'd  be happy to pay you for a copy, either on-line or photo-copy, if it is in English.And I wish my lens were as new looking as the one you have scored! And I've realized since this lens has been under discussion, that the "green dot" is not a rangefinder in the way that split image rangefinders were/are as in my little Bessa, but are restricted to focus indicators. I've tried my 28, 35, two 50's and my 105 with the Df against the measuring tape/green dot appearance and not one of these lenses indicates numbers close to the measured 9 feet.

Hello Kenneth;

I've not yet received my copy, so am not sure if I 'scored,' or if I got taken (lol), but yes a clean copy of the instructions and other documentation is part of the deal.

Will provide my impressions, and can scan the instruction manual, once received.
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: Kenneth Rich on November 05, 2017, 17:08:11
Thank you, and I look forward to receiving a scan.  Hoping your lens is the real thing and as advertised.

Richard, My concern is not sharpness of image, that is fine, according to my seventy-eight year old right lens and my one year old left lens, it is the focus distance displayed on the lens when it is focussed.  When I used Live View and focussed at infinity on the red lines, it was very close, however. I'm not worried, just curious, as I focus an image in the viewfinder,  not looking at the lens barrel distance figures.
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: David H. Hartman on November 05, 2017, 20:59:36
I find most Parfocal or true zoom lenses need a touch of refocusing after zooming if one is really critical. I know there are many here with far more experience with many zoom lenses so I wondering what others have seen. I've heard of people shimming the bayonet of the lens with a paper shim to correct this problem. Using paper seem weird or tacky to me. I guess this may work? Popular wisdom is focus at the long end and zoom to the short. I refocus pretty much as a reflex with AF lenses. This is an AF-ON button away.

Any thoughts on this?

Dave Hartman
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on November 06, 2017, 16:58:56
I have the AF version (first type shown om Rich's picture).
I got from a dumpster, so it may have been dismantled by more than one (me).
The problem is to get it aligned so it will focus at ∞ both at 28mm and 85mm.
At the moment if it focus at∞ @85mm it will show focus when the focus ring is at 1m @28mm.
The from group can be rotated, but can something be misaligned in the rear group? And how to adjust it?

Br Bent
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: JKoerner007 on November 07, 2017, 02:56:16
Thank you, and I look forward to receiving a scan.  Hoping your lens is the real thing and as advertised.

FYI, I got had ... but not totally ... pretty much as expected.

These lenses are normally $75-$110 used, clean, with no box.

I paid $200 (including shipping) for an alleged 'new' lens (defined by Ebay as "unused, unopened, undamaged item in its original packaging").

The lens, box, and package inserts are all in sublime condition ... so I am pleased there.

However, the lens serial number and box serial number do not match ... and the cap (as hinted before) is modern, not the original.

It is essentially a piecemeal put-together ... of an admittedly very clean lens + accessory items ... however it is NOT a "new" lens (as defined by Ebay).

I have given the seller two options. He can either:
We'll see how it works out.

Jack

PS: The instructions are in perfect shape. However, the paper is not your typical robust/waxed paper. Instead, it is comprised of folded, very-thin paper, so it will be a delicate matter unfolding several different layers to then place under the weight of a flatbed scanner, without damaging the document. (Think a folded map made of rice paper, lol.)
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: Roland Vink on November 07, 2017, 04:13:39
Sorry to hear your AIS 28-85 didn't live up to the description. From the picture you posted earlier, your lens has serial number 23xxxx which is as earlyish lens. It should come with the older style of instruction sheet with glossy paper and picture of the lens on the front. Later on they changed to a cheaper matte paper, and then to style of instruction sheet you received, which is the same style included with AF lenses.
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: JKoerner007 on November 07, 2017, 04:39:00
Sorry to hear your AIS 28-85 didn't live up to the description. From the picture you posted earlier, your lens has serial number 23xxxx which is as earlyish lens. It should come with the older style of instruction sheet with glossy paper and picture of the lens on the front. Later on they changed to a cheaper matte paper, and then to style of instruction sheet you received, which is the same style included with AF lenses.

Thanks Roland.

Funny, it's a complete piecemeal then.

The box serial number (230364) is older than the lens serial number (231461) ... so that means the dude pieced together a very old box with a somewhat newer lens ... but instead of the instructions of yore ... pieced them with the more modern, thin instructions.

Seems like a lot of work for a $100 profit over just a bare lens (less $20 shipping), so $80 :D

The lens is in good enough shape to justify a $125 price tag, by itself, which is at the high-high end of street value.

Anyway, all is fair in love and war (and Ebay), and the financial expenditure is basically a good bar tab among friends, so no biggie.

Worst case scenario: I over-paid $75-$80 for a clean lens ... or I have to waste my time re-packaging a misrepped item, send it back, and get a refund.

Best case, dude agrees to refund me $75, so I get a super-clean version of the lens at the high-end of what it's worth.

Jack

PS: Thanks for the insight.
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: Roland Vink on November 07, 2017, 06:57:52
Actually, the AIS 28-85 was one of the last AIS lenses to be introduced, at the end of 1985 just before the AF era, so it might not have had the old style instruction sheets ... not sure about that one, so it is possible the instructions you have are original with the lens (or box).
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: John Geerts on November 07, 2017, 13:22:38
À little above average. I was not really impressed by the lens and sold it.
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: JKoerner007 on November 07, 2017, 16:47:41
Actually, the AIS 28-85 was one of the last AIS lenses to be introduced, at the end of 1985 just before the AF era, so it might not have had the old style instruction sheets ... not sure about that one, so it is possible the instructions you have are original with the lens (or box).

The issue has been resolved: the seller refunded me $50, making the price $130 + $20 shipping from Romania.

It's on the high-high-end of street value, but the lens really is absolutely pristine in condition (better shape than any of my modern AI-S lenses, purchased 2 years ago, brand-new, from B&H Photo).

One could not expect better from a 30 year old lens. It would have been a perfect transaction had the serial numbers matched.
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: JKoerner007 on November 07, 2017, 17:10:50
À little above average. I was not really impressed by the lens and sold it.

In fairness, John, your image stretched the limitations of any lens.

Here are some nature shots with the 28-85 (a previous copy I owned) that show its strength as a single lens for lightweight versatility in the field (properly-oriented).

For perspective, this was a field documentation of a 1.3 meter gopher snake with a single lens.

Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: JKoerner007 on November 07, 2017, 17:13:10
And here are a couple with it reversed (~1:2 and ~ 1:1)

Will take some extreme macros with the new one, probably over the weekend, and will post them later ...

The point of this lens (to me) is the extremely-wide range applications one can achieve, without having to carry anything else but a reverse-ring in your pocket.
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: Kenneth Rich on November 07, 2017, 17:32:23
Well, if my lens can do what you have done in creating those images, I'll be very happy!  Mine is a near younger sister to yours, the number being 231542, but not so well looked after, the front edge of the  threaded rim having received a ding from probably tossing it into a gear bag. The rest of the lens is unmarked.  At 125 bucks (I think!) I don't care if it is high end or low end, and I look forward to the spring temperatures!  The thread is undamaged, and I simply screwed in an L37c filter to protect the glass and cover up the repaired ding.Mine also came with  cheap made in China front and rear caps, no box, no tech info, no user info.
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: JKoerner007 on November 07, 2017, 17:44:37
Well, if my lens can do what you have done in creating those images, I'll be very happy!  Mine is a near younger sister to yours, the number being 231542, but not so well looked after, the front edge of the  threaded rim having received a ding from probably tossing it into a gear bag. The rest of the lens is unmarked.  At 125 bucks (I think!) I don't care if it is high end or low end, and I look forward to the spring temperatures!  The thread is undamaged, and I simply screwed in an L37c filter to protect the glass and cover up the repaired ding.Mine also came with  cheap made in China front and rear caps, no box, no tech info, no user info.

Thanks Kenneth.

I actually never use a lens filter.

Also, because I reverse-mount so frequently, the front filter threads of my lenses get worn pretty quick. Not so that they don't work, but that the matte black finish wears quickly. I am almost feeling guilty deploying this pristine lens in the field for this reason.

You might actually want to consider yourself lucky (and thus liberated) that yours already has a ding on the front thread ... this means you can happily use it and not worry about marks :D

I'll be interested in seeing your photos.
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: John Geerts on November 07, 2017, 19:34:54
In fairness, John, your image stretched the limitations of any lens.
Yes and No.  In my style of Photography it is a normal shot (back light and macro).   It all depends on the use you have for a lens.  Good to hear and see it works very well for your kind of work.
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: JKoerner007 on November 07, 2017, 20:02:46
Yes and No.  In my style of Photography it is a normal shot (back light and macro).   It all depends on the use you have for a lens.  Good to hear and see it works very well for your kind of work.

Good point, John. Thanks.
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: JKoerner007 on November 08, 2017, 05:29:12
Another scorpion shot taken with my previous 28-85 AI-S:

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3935/33661415892_f2232930a2_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Thxycw)
California Common Scorpion (https://flic.kr/p/Thxycw) by John A. Koerner II (https://www.flickr.com/photos/naturescapes007/), on Flickr

2-image stack. Focused on mouthparts, stinger, blended.
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: JKoerner007 on November 11, 2017, 23:45:53
Took some reverse/super-macro shots with the new AI-S 28-85mm. Used another Phidippus adumbratus ♀ as a model—at various focal lengths—for various degrees of magnification.

Not the best shots I've ever taken, but pretty pleased with the results:

Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: JKoerner007 on November 11, 2017, 23:46:50
None of these are stacked, just single images taken @ f/16-22, so diffraction was present.

Missed the focus on the last, getting the outer eye hairs rather than the central eye, but the light is nice. It was taken zoomed all the way into 28mm (2.9x magnification on my D500 ... or ~ a 5.1x equivalent on a FF).
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: Akira on November 12, 2017, 01:42:55
Amazing captures!  Thanks for sharing!  Did you shoot them with the reversed zoom handheld?
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: JKoerner007 on November 12, 2017, 01:54:01
Amazing captures!  Thanks for sharing!  Did you shoot them with the reversed zoom handheld?

Thank you :)

As for the details, no, I rarely shoot hand-held.

These were taken with a D500 + SB700 Flash, a Wimberley F-2 Macro Bracket (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/240878-REG/Wimberley_F_2_Combo_2_Macro_Combo.html) (used to elevate the flash, and situate a bit forward, for lens clearance), and a Vello FlexFrame Softbox Diffuser (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1159310-REG/vello_fd_1600_flexframe_softbox_for_portable.html) to soften the light.

Thanks for looking ...
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: Akira on November 12, 2017, 02:06:56
Thanks for the technical details!
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: JKoerner007 on November 12, 2017, 02:11:36
Thanks for the technical details!

You bet :)
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: JKoerner007 on December 11, 2017, 02:20:51
Okay, I have had more time to mess around with my new "mint" 28-58 f/3.5~4.5 AI-S. My Impressions are as follows:

As a 28mm landscape lens, at infinity, it's only ... meh, so-so.

As an 85mm portrait lens, at mid-close distances, it's pretty nice.

In the 28m 1:4 Macro Mode, properly-oriented, it's pretty nice.

Here are some shots I have taken with the lens properly-oriented (all of these are at f/8, except Portrait 2, which was f/4):

Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: JKoerner007 on December 11, 2017, 02:31:38
As a "super-macro" lens, reversed, all the previous macro images (several weeks ago, way up top) were shot at f/11 - f/22

Having shot at multiple other apertures with it, the best macro aperture, reversed, is f/8. (Retains the most vivid color + most pleasant bokeh.)

I will post some results to show the differences in bokeh, reversed.

The first image (below) is a 2-image stack of a small fly @ f/11. It is razor-sharp, but the diffraction ruins the bokeh.

The next 3 images are just random, single-image shots, taken @ f.8, to 1) show the incredibly-shallow DOF, 2) to underscore why stacking is necessary, and 3) to show how much better the bokeh is @ f/8 than f/11+.

The final 2 images are 4- to 8-image stacks taken @ f/8. One is at 2:1 the final is a 4mm spider taken at nearly 5:1.

By doing mini-stacks @ f/8, you get the best of both worlds: some appreciable DOF, but also the retained color and bokeh qualities.
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: Jack Dahlgren on December 11, 2017, 03:05:14
How do you get the insects to stay still enough? Seems like I could never get that close to a fly.
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: JKoerner007 on December 11, 2017, 03:49:32
How do you get the insects to stay still enough? Seems like I could never get that close to a fly.

Trust me, they don't all hold still ;D

Best time is in the morning, when it's light, but before the sun is actually out. It's colder then, so they're more likely to allow close approach. No shadow to cast over them either.

That will give you 25% to 75% "sit and stay" odds.

If you try to photograph them super-close, mid-day when it's warm ... and cast a shadow over them ... you have less than 5% chance.

Most spiders stay pretty still, especially those that are virtually blind in a web ... or ambush types that rely on camou.
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: Jack Dahlgren on December 13, 2017, 05:43:52
Trust me, they don't all hold still ;D

Best time is in the morning, when it's light, but before the sun is actually out. It's colder then, so they're more likely to allow close approach. No shadow to cast over them either.

That will give you 25% to 75% "sit and stay" odds.

If you try to photograph them super-close, mid-day when it's warm ... and cast a shadow over them ... you have less than 5% chance.

Most spiders stay pretty still, especially those that are virtually blind in a web ... or ambush types that rely on camou.
Guess flash is essential then.
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: adutra on March 11, 2019, 19:01:17
Hi
I recently got this lens 28-85 mm AI-s, and it has an button with as orange line. Someone could tell me what is this button for?
Thank you for any help.
Alexandre
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: Birna Rørslett on March 11, 2019, 20:34:28
The button is to allow the focusing go into 'macro' mode.
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: mxbianco on April 09, 2019, 15:16:49
Thanks Roland.

Funny, it's a complete piecemeal then.

The box serial number (230364) is older than the lens serial number (231461) ... so that means the dude pieced together a very old box with a somewhat newer lens ... but instead of the instructions of yore ... pieced them with the more modern, thin instructions.

Seems like a lot of work for a $100 profit over just a bare lens (less $20 shipping), so $80 :D

The lens is in good enough shape to justify a $125 price tag, by itself, which is at the high-high end of street value.

Anyway, all is fair in love and war (and Ebay), and the financial expenditure is basically a good bar tab among friends, so no biggie.

Worst case scenario: I over-paid $75-$80 for a clean lens ... or I have to waste my time re-packaging a misrepped item, send it back, and get a refund.

Best case, dude agrees to refund me $75, so I get a super-clean version of the lens at the high-end of what it's worth.

Jack

PS: Thanks for the insight.

Looks like that Romanian eBay shop has a truckload of such lenses from that period: in the past months they were selling at least two with very close serial #s, one numbered 232461, exactly 1000 more than the lens you bought, and another one numbered 231872, in between the two. But this time the boxes' serial numbers match the lenses'... This time the listings (both sold out) said "Minty, used" and the price was similar to what  you paid after receiving the refund: 120$ + 23$ shp. Maybe they fumbled and sent you a mismatched box, and they were stuck with another mismatched lens + your box to sell...

Ciao from Massimo
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: Chulster on April 25, 2019, 19:03:42
currently overhauling one  :o :o :o

construction is pretty simple and clever ::)

very easy to overhaul zoom...

my test showed that it's a pretty decent lens on digital, maybe even better on film.
what are you experiences with this lens?

Hi Richard,

Are you planning to do one of your invaluable repair articles for this lens? I have one that I like very much, but I managed to strip one of the bayonet screw holes while attempting to shim the lens to cure a slight focus tilt. I'm thinking to buy a "parts only" copy of the lens and cannibalize it to replace this part into which the bayonet screws go, but I don't know how easy it is to isolate this part; I hope it's not, like, the whole inner barrel of the lens! I also broke a tiny piece of plastic on a hinge, without which the aperture ring does nothing—but that part is trivial to unscrew and replace.

Thanks for any help you can provide.
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: richardHaw on April 26, 2019, 04:51:05
Hi Richard,

Are you planning to do one of your invaluable repair articles for this lens? I have one that I like very much, but I managed to strip one of the bayonet screw holes while attempting to shim the lens to cure a slight focus tilt. I'm thinking to buy a "parts only" copy of the lens and cannibalize it to replace this part into which the bayonet screws go, but I don't know how easy it is to isolate this part; I hope it's not, like, the whole inner barrel of the lens! I also broke a tiny piece of plastic on a hinge, without which the aperture ring does nothing—but that part is trivial to unscrew and replace.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

i may in the future. to be honest i hate writing about zoom lenses so that may have to wait. i just hate using them for some reasons much less writing about them. its like talking about an ex girlfriend and detailing your experiences together :o :o :o

this lens is a bit more complicated as it has 2 sets of helicoids. one for the macro mode and the usual one. if you got the macro one wrong then your screwed, pun intended ::)

did you read my work on working with screws?
Title: Re: Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5~4.5 ai-s
Post by: Chulster on April 26, 2019, 08:27:30
i may in the future. to be honest i hate writing about zoom lenses so that may have to wait. i just hate using them for some reasons much less writing about them. its like talking about an ex girlfriend and detailing your experiences together :o :o :o

this lens is a bit more complicated as it has 2 sets of helicoids. one for the macro mode and the usual one. if you got the macro one wrong then your screwed, pun intended ::)

did you read my work on working with screws?

Indeed I had read that page, as all the other ones on repair fundamentals. In hindsight, what tripped me up was Nikon's use of soft aluminum for this part of the lens, which I had not suspected. I'm accustomed to the brass structural components in almost every other Ai/Ai-S lens. While reassembling the lens after the first shimming attempt, I tightened the screws with the same amount of force I usually use, which the brass screw holes of other lenses can easily withstand. But this aluminum screw hole got stripped. (The steel screw is fine.) It was only afterwards that I realized what material it was made of.

As I believe you noted, this particular lens uses a plastic aperture ring, like a Series E lens. Nikon also used aluminum in the barrels of at least some Series E lenses. The presence of these lower-cost materials in the 28-85mm Ai-S—the outer focusing barrel is also aluminum—makes me wonder if Nikon had originally designed the lens as a Series E one, but then changed the branding once they had decided to scrap the whole line, rather than cancel a lens that was perhaps already close to production-ready. If that's true, I'm glad they decided to release the lens after a quick rebranding, because it suits me just fine.

Oh, I went back at the lens tonight and it took about a minute to realize that the part into which the bayonet screws screw is a fairly minor part of the barrel, one that is easily detached from the rest of the barrel. (It is the part that includes the silver grab ring.) Having found that out, I decided to order the "parts only" lens from KEH, which I'll cannibalize for the aluminum piece with the stripped hole and the small, broken plastic piece. I just hope my next attempt at shimming the lens is successful.