500/8 N Reflex Nikkor

[ArthurDent]

A very interesting series! Do you think the lens may find new popularity on the Z7 given its in camera vr?

[Erik Lund]

My guess would be that a dedicated CPU on the lens and the FTZ adapter must be there for Z camera to enable in camera stabilization to know focal length etc.

[Birna Rørslett]

At least if the use of non-CPU lens menu is to be avoided.

[Airy]

Good point. On OM-D E-M5, an "old" consumer camera (m43), there is already a menu by which you input your focal length manually, so the IS system will adjust itself. In such way, I could for instance put the Nikkor 180/2.8 at a good use, using a Novoflex, purely mechanical adapter. The 500/8 was already too demanding, as ISO could not practically exceed 2000 for my taste & usages.

As a former OM-D user, I gave no thought about this figure being provided or not by the Nikon Z cameras. It seems so obvious, and I hope I will not be disappointed.
This would solve #1 obstacle to getting sharp images, namely being able to correctly adjust manual focus in a reasonable amount of time.

For the crazy bokeh however, there is no cure except minding the backgrounds (or shooting flat subjects).

Contrast and vignetting are easily corrected if need be. So yes, there could be a marginal increase in usability of the lens. However, the PF technology has become such good (bokeh included) that mirror lenses will not get a second chance, I think. For "serious" photography, I'd take the 300PF and crop. See for instance my 2015 thread : http://nikongear.net/revival/index.php/topic,1030.msg9740.html#msg9740  and http://nikongear.net/revival/index.php/topic,1042.msg9853.html#msg9853
That would have been impossible with the Reflex Nikkor, even if the FL were 300 instead of 500.

[Akira]

As for the focal length settings for the image stabilization, Panasonic GH5 allowed the focal length to be input in 0.1mm step.  Obviously, a m4/3 sensor is small and impose much less inertia than an FX sensor, so the camera should be able to keep the sensor more under control.

[Airy]

Definitely, although the lens inertia (esp. rotational) may represent the biggest share of total inertia. The very small pixel pitch of the m43 sensor is yet another challenge in the case of the OM-D; the Z6 should be less problematic.

[Bruno Schroder]

I also like this lens. Quick shot in the garden of a Sorbus I needed for a presentation. As is, only slight crop.
D750 ISO6400, it was getting dark.

[JJChan]

I also like this lens - but the bokeh can get quite gnarly. Sometimes I go all out to try to get the most hideous bokeh possible...
I was given a Vivitar 'Mulitcoated' 500/f8 mirror and that is really rubbish compared to the AI-S Nikon

[F2F3F6]

I just got my 8/500 N (for a good price, 200€) and shot a few images in Nantes/France to test it, with my D500.
Here are some of them...one compared with the 4/300 AFS (first, not VR-PF)
In film days, 1984 or 85, I bought this lens new and used it with Fujichrome 100 / Tmax 400 and my FE2 or FM2 cameras...Alas, a lot of trash, specially the slides ! I sold it a few months after to buy an excellent 4,5/300 IF-ED that could be used with this slow films.
Digital cameras and high Iso capacity are a real revival for such a slow lens ! (All shots hand held, not always easy to focus, but dot focusing with D500 finder seems adequate).

1) 4/300 AFS (f:4,5 1/4000 s iso 400)
2) 8/500 N (f:8 1/1000 Iso 800 )
3) 8/500 N (f:8 1/2000 iso 800) St Pierre Cathedral Nantes
4) 8/500 N (f:8 1/1600 Iso 800)

[F2F3F6]

A few more (all at Iso 800 and f:8 of course)

1) 1/800 s
2) Origami birds in shop windows (1/400 s)
3) Nantes  préfecture (1/2000)
4) Same place but street level (1/1600)

[Erik Lund]

The compression of the 500mm really works well Sure f/8 is not a big issue any more , a nice possibility for a fairly portable lens 
Nice captures!

[Kim Pilegaard]

Does the green dot focus indicator work if there is no chip?

[Nasos Kosmas]

Very nice lens!

[Airy]

Does the green dot focus indicator work if there is no chip?

Yes. However it lacks precision; I use the focus indicators (arrows) essentially to know in which direction I should rotate the barrel. This is all the more useful because I use lenses with opposite conventions: Nikon, Zeiss etc. are oriented one way; the Leitax-mounted Leitz or the MF Tamrons on adaptall go the other way round. Since I am still able to remember what I got mounted, I know how to interpret the arrows.

The 500/8, you can really judge by yourself (your eye) if the subject is in focus or not, provided you get some rest for your arm or your back, or if you use a monopod. Otherwise, simply keeping the subject in the frame is difficult.

[F2F3F6]

Thanks Eric and yes, Airy, you're right, it is difficult to frame handheld without support : every little movement changes dramatically your framing...
A good support for your elbow or arm is a priority !Tripod or monopod is a good option.
The lens itself is a good and cheap super tele ! Not on par with the excellent ED or IF-ED lens, but without CA, light and compact...