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21
Lens Talk / Re: Nikon 50 2,0 HC Auto
« Last post by John Geerts on March 04, 2026, 06:42:31 »
Beautiful examples of use of this great lens.
I don't know whether it's still the case, but one used to be able to find the AI version of this lens dirt cheap.
I have the AI version, great lens.
22
Other / Re: Nikon Denmark Refurbished products offer
« Last post by ColinM on March 03, 2026, 21:05:35 »
I took the chance and ordered a 135mm Plena from one if these "funny" companies.
I ordered from CostworldsCameras EU at around 1759 Euro which is a good price here in Denmark.

Here's the worldwide link
(it's Cotswold Cameras)

I live just a few miles away from them. I don't think I've bought from them, but I seem to remember them being long established in the UK

"We are proud of our strong connections to the beautiful Cotswolds with our office in Cheltenham and staff in Cirencester"

https://www.cotswoldcameras.com/Nikon-NIKKOR-Z-135mm-f-18-S-Plena-Lens
23
Your Weekly Blog / Re: March 2026
« Last post by John Geerts on March 03, 2026, 20:38:07 »
Hottest 3 March ever in Netherlands  17 C.. A walk in the park

Fuji S5 Pro   Angenieux 35-70/2.5

24
Your Weekly Blog / Re: March 2026
« Last post by kasperbergholt on March 03, 2026, 17:38:36 »
Gribskov forrest & Nikon Coolpix P50

25
Lens Talk / Re: Nikon 50 2,0 HC Auto
« Last post by Matthew Currie on March 03, 2026, 17:32:35 »
I don't know whether it's still the case, but one used to be able to find the AI version of this lens dirt cheap. Some years ago I bought one from KEH in bargain condition (perfect looking, but maybe a bit stiff in focus) for something like 25 bucks, and later got one at a yard sale complete with a minty looking FG-20 for $5.  A really nice lens, robust and well behaved. These days, since "normal" is closer to 35 mm. I don't use mine much on DX digital, but the above photos remind me that I probably should.
I'm certainly no hot shot photographic artist, and have always tended to favor normal perspective. This is a lens that performs well with no surprises. Here is a picture of what I saw.

e.t.a. that last sentence should have quotes around it.  It's what I presume the lens says, not an invitation to see a picture which clearly is not here.
26
Themes, Portfolio Series, PaW, or PaM / Re: [Theme] b&w's
« Last post by John Geerts on March 03, 2026, 16:52:02 »
Forest road


Fujifilm E900
27
Lens Talk / Re: Nikon 50 2,0 HC Auto
« Last post by Lumens Pixel on March 03, 2026, 14:25:48 »
very good series, your skills and the lens seem to have a wonderful cooperation

Thank you Thomas!
28
Lens Talk / Re: Nikon 50 2,0 HC Auto
« Last post by Lumens Pixel on March 03, 2026, 14:25:11 »
Very nice images and good BW conversion. With MF lenses on digital it can be a challenge to hit exact focus where it should be.

The gritty focus I am quite sure it is because Nikon uses pure aluminium helicoids. When grease dries out it is more and more alu against alu which will destroy its other over time (helicoid slack will occur). Lens needs a CLA and it will be fine again (re-grease). Other brands uses either alu against brass which has a self-lubricating effect. Also brass against brass has lower friction than alu against alu. There are a few old Nikkors that uses brass helicoids but not the Nikkor-F and up (as far as I know). New MF Nikkors or re-greased was known to have a very easy moving MF focus where other brands were more "heavy" moving. I think that was by purpose by Nikon to be able to focus very fast when used for action shots. Also the aperture ring was easy to move (a bended flat-spring was used instead of a steel ball to implement the click stops). Spring loaded steel ball usually feels nicer but bended flat-spring usually makes it faster to move (my own subjective experience).

Yes certainly alu helicoids. I must say I prefer Canon and Minolta implementation of the helicoids since they fare better in time.

I have from time to time opened simple lenses to clean a glass element. But I often chicken doing so because of some memorable failures. I have never re-greased helicoids and this is certainly an error. Of course you can always find a professional to do the job. But I have the souvenir of a well reputed pro that fogged a Canon nFD 28 2,0 after servicing, probably due to excessive or incorrect grease.

In addition most of my lenses have been bought quite cheap and it does not make sense economically to service them rather than buying another sample. I hate writing that because I feel a kind of attachment to lenses that serve me well but that remains a reality.

I have a look from time to time to videos showing the greasing process but stubbornly pass on them. I should not.
29
Lens Talk / Re: Nikon 50 2,0 HC Auto
« Last post by Lumens Pixel on March 03, 2026, 14:16:20 »
Can you share the details of your simple click? ;-)

Sure. I am using Rawtherapee as Raw converter but I am quite confident same results can be achieved with any other software.

The 50 HC Auto lacks a little bit micro-contrast despite having very good resolution. A combination of lightly added local contrast, high frequency wavelets and deconvolution, which is three clicks rather than one, I must admit, will get you very close from out of camera better 50ies.

This is why I think that some differences in quality are less relevant on digital.

The field is not perfectly flat either which is not an issue with ordinary 3D subjects but might be a concern at infinity. You would better close the aperture to f4,0 in that case, which is hardly a concern. Note that the center area is sharp at f2,0.

So all in all a very useful lens.
30
Lens Talk / Re: Nikon 50 2,0 HC Auto
« Last post by Lumens Pixel on March 03, 2026, 14:09:47 »
Colin just stole my words :)

Great shots. My favourite is "chez le tailleur (1)".

Glad you liked it!
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