NikonGear'23

Gear Talk => Lens Talk => Topic started by: null on March 06, 2016, 02:03:59

Title: Nikkor-SC 5cm F1.5 in Leica Mount
Post by: null on March 06, 2016, 02:03:59
It took me a long time to find one of these lenses, I've wanted one after reading a 1991 Pop Photo article entitled "How the West was Won" which gave the story of David Douglas Duncan getting a tour of the Nikon factory. The Nikkor-PC 8.5cm F2 got his attention, but he bought the Nikkor-SC 5cm F1.5 and Nikkor-QC 13.5cm F4. Both of mine are from the same 1949 batch of lenses that Duncan used in Korea.

I did a write-up on the lens here-

https://www.leicaplace.com/resources/nikkor-sc-5cm-f1-5-the-lens-that-got-the-attention-of-the-world.4/

This lens is every bit as good as the much more famous Nikkor-SC 5cm F1.4, which I also have.

Wide-Open on the M Monochrom, taken at the Marine Museum Chosin Reservoir display. The Museum has a large display of Duncan's pictures.

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7559/16149594372_b9d5687a55_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qB5TLh)Marine Museum, Quantico (https://flic.kr/p/qB5TLh) by fiftyonepointsix (https://www.flickr.com/photos/90768661@N02/), on Flickr

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7560/15963038790_e28d7db07a_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qjAKhJ)Marine Museum, Quantico (https://flic.kr/p/qjAKhJ) by fiftyonepointsix (https://www.flickr.com/photos/90768661@N02/), on Flickr

World War II, Pearl Harbor display

Wide-Open,

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7581/15964592517_ea03bc8810_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qjJHa8)Marine Museum, Quantico (https://flic.kr/p/qjJHa8) by fiftyonepointsix (https://www.flickr.com/photos/90768661@N02/), on Flickr

And at F4,

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7504/15962914188_19fcfecf99_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qjA7fq)Marine Museum, Quantico (https://flic.kr/p/qjA7fq) by fiftyonepointsix (https://www.flickr.com/photos/90768661@N02/), on Flickr

Title: Re: Nikkor-SC 5cm F1.5 in Leica Mount
Post by: null on March 06, 2016, 02:08:27
Udvar Hazy Air and Space Museum,

Wide-Open on the M Monochrom,

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5787/21506654191_655b4f7b05_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/yLte1B)L1002342 (https://flic.kr/p/yLte1B) by fiftyonepointsix (https://www.flickr.com/photos/90768661@N02/), on Flickr

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5771/21486954622_f6df0a0799_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/yJJg1S)L1002339 (https://flic.kr/p/yJJg1S) by fiftyonepointsix (https://www.flickr.com/photos/90768661@N02/), on Flickr

I love Sonnars.

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/714/20875294524_12a0e67d8a_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/xNFkM7)L1002343 (https://flic.kr/p/xNFkM7) by fiftyonepointsix (https://www.flickr.com/photos/90768661@N02/), on Flickr

This lens does quite well,

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/649/21486954772_b3d11fdf92_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/yJJg4s)L1002357 (https://flic.kr/p/yJJg4s) by fiftyonepointsix (https://www.flickr.com/photos/90768661@N02/), on Flickr

I read that David Douglas Duncan stated that the F1.4 lens flared more than the F1.5. I have used both lenses side-by-side, and would agree.

Title: Re: Nikkor-SC 5cm F1.5 in Leica Mount
Post by: null on March 06, 2016, 02:11:24
On the M9-

Wide-Open,

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5802/21311215469_8f5da7d9a0_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ytcxTt)L1009221 (https://flic.kr/p/ytcxTt) by fiftyonepointsix (https://www.flickr.com/photos/90768661@N02/), on Flickr

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/670/21311215329_aa6f7fe291_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ytcxR4)L1009228 (https://flic.kr/p/ytcxR4) by fiftyonepointsix (https://www.flickr.com/photos/90768661@N02/), on Flickr

Something different-

Gunston Hall, home of George Mason.

Wide-Open,

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1504/25219006041_bfe1635d1e_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/EqvZSZ)Gunston Hall 2, Nikkor 5cm F1.5 (https://flic.kr/p/EqvZSZ) by fiftyonepointsix (https://www.flickr.com/photos/90768661@N02/), on Flickr

And at F4,

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1475/24685366473_2fe9673a9b_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DBmXqM)Gunston Hall 2, Nikkor 5cm F1.5 (https://flic.kr/p/DBmXqM) by fiftyonepointsix (https://www.flickr.com/photos/90768661@N02/), on Flickr

I do brick wall tests- just like interesting brick walls...
Title: Re: Nikkor-SC 5cm F1.5 in Leica Mount
Post by: null on March 06, 2016, 02:17:12
Wide-Open,

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1703/24681493794_d840646f07_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DB27ds)Gunston Hall 2, Nikkor 5cm F1.5 (https://flic.kr/p/DB27ds) by fiftyonepointsix (https://www.flickr.com/photos/90768661@N02/), on Flickr

At F4,

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1526/24685356843_6266435bb6_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DBmUyK)Gunston Hall 2, Nikkor 5cm F1.5 (https://flic.kr/p/DBmUyK) by fiftyonepointsix (https://www.flickr.com/photos/90768661@N02/), on Flickr

At F1.5,

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1649/25193864322_4e0365cf3c_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Eoi985)Gunston Hall 2, Nikkor 5cm F1.5 (https://flic.kr/p/Eoi985) by fiftyonepointsix (https://www.flickr.com/photos/90768661@N02/), on Flickr

At F4,

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1602/24685362003_cdeb00015f_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DBmW6H)Gunston Hall 2, Nikkor 5cm F1.5 (https://flic.kr/p/DBmW6H) by fiftyonepointsix (https://www.flickr.com/photos/90768661@N02/), on Flickr

I am a Sonnar "fanatic"... I recently bought the new Jupiter-3+ 50mm F1.5 and have been doing a series of comparisons with classic glass, mostly Sonnars. I have a lot (30 or so) Sonnars going back to 1934 converted to Leica mount, a Coated Sonnar 5cm F1.5 from 1936 converted to Leica mount. That one and this Nikkor are probably the find of a lifetime for me. But this Sonnar is my Favorite. It was probably in the Factory when DDD visited, the SN is 14 earlier than the one he bought.

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3906/15197717566_4b06382b06_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/p9YgXd)Nikkor 5cm F1.5 and 13.5cm F4 (https://flic.kr/p/p9YgXd) by fiftyonepointsix (https://www.flickr.com/photos/90768661@N02/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Nikkor-SC 5cm F1.5 in Leica Mount
Post by: Akira on March 06, 2016, 02:29:45
Hi, Brian, welcome aboard!

The f1.5 Nikkor has a really pleasing character which is displayed in your images nicely.  The first group of the images reminds me of the TV series "Combat" starred by Vic Morrow.
Title: Re: Nikkor-SC 5cm F1.5 in Leica Mount
Post by: Frank Fremerey on March 06, 2016, 02:39:15
These old gems draw very differently fully open while they seem to be well behaved at f=4

Currently I live this fascination with a 3.5 cm f=1.4 Nikkor designed in 1976 and built till today.

Keep investigating and posting us with your findings.

Welcome!
Title: Re: Nikkor-SC 5cm F1.5 in Leica Mount
Post by: Erik Lund on March 06, 2016, 08:59:21
Very pleasing rendering esp wide open! Nice with a recap on Nikon enheritage! And so cool to see these old lenses put into action on modern cameras!

I really like the Monochrom in combination with these old lenses!

Too bad most of the wider ones are troubled on M9,,, we will probably never see a digital Nikon SP - I have thought of putting a Nikon S-Mount on a Leica M but that is a nightmare to adjust properly - would be doable with live view though,,,

Thanks for posting this!
Title: Re: Nikkor-SC 5cm F1.5 in Leica Mount
Post by: null on March 06, 2016, 13:48:29
I use the Nikkor 2.8cm F3.5, 3.5cm F2.5, and 3.5cm F3.5 with good results. the 2.5cm F4 Nikkor- I chose not to buy one as the middle two elements are incredibly fragile.

I will be posting some more threads with them on the M9 and M Monochrom.
Title: Re: Nikkor-SC 5cm F1.5 in Leica Mount
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on March 06, 2016, 15:14:29
You ought to look into the W-Nikkor 3.5 cm f/1.8. It is an outstanding performer.
Title: Re: Nikkor-SC 5cm F1.5 in Leica Mount
Post by: Hugh_3170 on March 06, 2016, 16:42:15
For those lusting after the new build 5cm F1.5 Jupiter 3+, the dpreview link is here:  http://www.dpreview.com/articles/3384038008/lomography-introduces-jupiter-3-lens

It seems that the lens is being spruiked by the Lomography set and at $US659 for the lens in LTM format with its LTM to M-Bayonet adapter it is a fair bit more expensive than second hand copies at between $US300 to $US450.  It is being made in the ZENIT factory..........
Title: Re: Nikkor-SC 5cm F1.5 in Leica Mount
Post by: null on March 06, 2016, 19:54:03
You ought to look into the W-Nikkor 3.5 cm f/1.8. It is an outstanding performer.

I have this lens in S-Mount, have shot side-by-side with the F2.5 version. I just cannot justify ~$1200 for the 3.5cm F1.8 in LTM when the 35/1.7 Ultron cost me $300, black-paint version. The 3.5cm F2.5 is the same optic formula as the Summaron 35/2.8, a little faster and cost less.
Title: Re: Nikkor-SC 5cm F1.5 in Leica Mount
Post by: null on March 06, 2016, 19:58:54
For those lusting after the new build 5cm F1.5 Jupiter 3+, the dpreview link is here:  http://www.dpreview.com/articles/3384038008/lomography-introduces-jupiter-3-lens

It seems that the lens is being spruiked by the Lomography set and at $US659 for the lens in LTM format with its LTM to M-Bayonet adapter it is a fair bit more expensive than second hand copies at between $US300 to $US450.  It is being made in the ZENIT factory..........

Here is my review of it.

http://www.lomography.com/magazine/318517-expert-advice-first-impressions-of-the-new-jupiter-3-plus-with-brian-sweeney

I have shot the Jupiter-3+ alongside a lot of Sonnars. I'll post a thread on it. This lens is very good, well-made, and focus is perfect on my M9. This lens was ~1/3rd the price of my Nikkor 5cm F1.5; an original Carl Zeiss Jena 5cm F1.5 is LTM will cost more and has a very fragile mount. I had the J-3+ out with a 1936 5cm F1.5 that I converted to Leica mount and a west-German 50/1.5 Sonnar in an Amedeo adapter.

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1669/25227057141_0274fd787a_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Eregc4)J3Plus and Three Rare Sonnars (https://flic.kr/p/Eregc4) by fiftyonepointsix (https://www.flickr.com/photos/90768661@N02/), on Flickr

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1462/24610035270_1906a1886d_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DuGS5W)Three_Generations (https://flic.kr/p/DuGS5W) by fiftyonepointsix (https://www.flickr.com/photos/90768661@N02/), on Flickr

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1568/24635685299_ee70345b4a_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/DwYjWP)three_Sonnars (https://flic.kr/p/DwYjWP) by fiftyonepointsix (https://www.flickr.com/photos/90768661@N02/), on Flickr

I don't own a Tanar 5cm f1.5...
Title: Re: Nikkor-SC 5cm F1.5 in Leica Mount
Post by: John Geerts on March 06, 2016, 20:06:30
Very interesting story and  beautiful examples, Brian.
Title: Re: Nikkor-SC 5cm F1.5 in Leica Mount
Post by: Erik Lund on March 06, 2016, 20:57:38
Oh, your that Brian,,,  :D I didn't realize that.

So nice with a rangefinder specialist on NikonGear!

Thanks for the review, looks like an affordable way into a 'vintage' look for Leica M mount cameras  ;)

Ihave just recently posted this:

http://nikongear.net/revival/index.php/topic,2922.0.html

MS Optical 50mm 1.1 in Leica M mount

Title: Re: Nikkor-SC 5cm F1.5 in Leica Mount
Post by: bjornthun on March 06, 2016, 23:33:52
Brian, interesting review of the Jupiter 3+ 1,5/50, and the background info on the Sonnars. Thanks!  :)

Will the Jupiter 3+ 1,5/50 work well on the Sony A7 series?
Title: Re: Nikkor-SC 5cm F1.5 in Leica Mount
Post by: null on March 10, 2016, 23:30:46
Just saw this- The Sony has a thicker filter stack, like 2mm, that can cause issues with some rangefinder lenses. Kolari offers a modification to put a thinner filter on the sensor, and I know several people using sonnar formula lenses with the modified Sony.
Title: Re: Nikkor-SC 5cm F1.5 in Leica Mount
Post by: Erik Lund on March 11, 2016, 10:05:30
We had this up here before, the changed filter pack shifts the color output from the camera significant,,,
Title: Re: Nikkor-SC 5cm F1.5 in Leica Mount
Post by: null on March 11, 2016, 20:54:08
A Leicaplace member had his A7 modified, uses a 50mm F1.1 Sonnetar on it and on the M9-

https://www.leicaplace.com/threads/showcase-ms-optical-50-1-1-sonnetar-m-mount.1072/#post-8069

He has examples posted from both.