NikonGear'23

Gear Talk => Lens Talk => Topic started by: JJChan on March 07, 2016, 02:25:07

Title: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: JJChan on March 07, 2016, 02:25:07
There is a paucity of information on Angenieux lenses that were made for a short time in Nikon mount.
I first became interested when I read a review in 1985 about the AF28-70mm f2.6 but the prices today are too extreme to buy on a whim. Tokina reportedly use the same formula for their 28-70s.

I did however pick up a 70-210mm f3.5 for a reasonable price whilst trawling through a camera bazaar in HKG. Angenieux come with a nice wooden padded box - mine did not have the Angenieux filter (the seller wanted quarter the price of the lens for the filter) nor paperwork (supposed to have MTF curves and a signed quality form).

I think it renders with a film like quality - not super contrasty but great with skin. It also has a limited but useful macro ability going to 1:2.5

I've included a few shots over the weekend - Sony A7II and Novoflex adapter. No exif means no idea about aperture settings but the macros were probably shot at f3.5.

Would be interested for more Angenieux shots / experiences. I also have the 180mm f2.3 also bought reasonably priced but eBay has made this lens really expensive now.

JJ



Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Gary on March 08, 2016, 05:34:59
Kodacolor?
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: JJChan on March 08, 2016, 13:26:57
Kodacolor?

Straight out of camera. Sony pretty complicated - and I have too little time to really play with it to get white balance right. Will do when possible

JJ
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: richardHaw on March 08, 2016, 13:48:09
the tokina is now considered a classic  :o :o :o
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Akira on March 08, 2016, 14:47:11
JJ, the last one looks gorgeous!  I like the noble color.

I really wanted to own the Angenieux 180/2.3...  I won't urge you, but I'd like to see some images shot with the 180/2.3.
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on March 08, 2016, 14:59:15
I used the 28-70 Angenieux many years ago. Very well built and image quality was excellent. However, had the kind of smooth rubber grip I disliked then as I do now.
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Akira on March 08, 2016, 15:06:12
Wow, the 180/2.3 lenses are priced almost the same as second-hand AF-S 200/2.0G VR lenses on ebay!
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: richardHaw on March 08, 2016, 15:24:27
i wonder what caused Angenieux's bankruptcy. their cine lenses were good  :o :o :o
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Akira on March 08, 2016, 15:39:37
i wonder what caused Angenieux's bankruptcy. their cine lenses were good  :o :o :o

I didn't know Angenieux was bankrupt.  But I realized that now the brand belongs to the Thales group.
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: JJChan on March 08, 2016, 23:48:58
Wow, the 180/2.3 lenses are priced almost the same as second-hand AF-S 200/2.0G VR lenses on ebay!

Akira thanks.
I'm already at work so will get 180 f2.3 photos when I get home tonight.

The problem with AF-S is that they probably won't be around in 40yrs! I've already lost AF motor on 300f4 and rough focus on 60mm micro, have a really squeaky 17-35mm (been like that 10yrs) and I really baby my lenses.

I'm losing faith rapidly on expensive AF-S glass and only hang onto Sato's AF-S 35mm and 58mm because of rendition. I'm just worried about buying the sweet 200mm when it could die any minute....
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: pluton on March 09, 2016, 01:20:59
I didn't know Angenieux was bankrupt.  But I realized that now the brand belongs to the Thales group.
Angenieux has been bought and sold at least twice since the 1980's.  Making extremely expensive optics, and only optics, for a relatively small market is a precarious place to be in business.
Schneider went bankrupt in the 1980's.  They blamed it on producing complicated zoom lenses for Super-8 movie cameras --- a low-to-no profit enterprise.
Panavision, Inc. has been bought and sold many times since the 1970's.
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Akira on March 09, 2016, 01:35:56
Angenieux has been bought and sold at least twice since the 1980's.  Making extremely expensive optics, and only optics, for a relatively small market is a precarious place to be in business.
Schneider went bankrupt in the 1980's.  They blamed it on producing complicated zoom lenses for Super-8 movie cameras --- a low-to-no profit enterprise.
Panavision, Inc. has been bought and sold many times since the 1970's.

Keith, thanks for the explanation.  That make sense.  Leica, Rollei and Hasselblad have also come through the same path...
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Airy on March 09, 2016, 05:26:27
I once had a 180/2.3, Canon FD mount, in my hands. Mint condition, 200€. I was stupid enough not to buy it, although it would have been useful at least mounted on an OM-D...
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: JJChan on March 09, 2016, 15:09:30
Akira
Not many great photos with Angenieux 180mm f2.3 but here are a few- probably won't get much from these:

JJ
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Akira on March 09, 2016, 16:27:09
JJ, thanks!  The third image seems to characterize the 180/2.3 pretty well: DOP is very shallow, but the AOV is not as narrow as that of super teles.  I like the combination of the reasonably wide horizontal view (to render the environment) and shallow DOP.
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Airy on March 09, 2016, 16:40:36
Thanks JJ. The rapeseed shot is probably one that reveals the lens under its most interesting angle.
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: John Geerts on May 15, 2016, 18:04:19
Angenieux makes fantastic lenses. I was lucky to obtain a nearly mint sample of the 35-70/2.5-3.3, the only wide zoom Angenieux made in manual focus in a Nikon F mouth.  From what I understood the zoom was developed according to the Leitz specs but Leitz decided to join efforts with Minolta. Angenieux  earlier made the 45-90/2.8 for Leitz.   The 35-70/2.5 was made in relative small numbers because of the steep price and produced  between 1983 and 1987.

The strongest points are the colours, bokeh, transition between light and dark, contrast, close focus distance of 45cm,  the sharpness wide open and a real versatile hyperfocal Zoom. Some weak points as well, as any lens, flare against the sun, some vignetting at 35mm and barrel distortion, but that's also caused by using it beyond the specs of close focus of 1m. It allows to focus at 45cm.

Some examples I posted here before:

Red tulip  (Topic:  http://nikongear.net/revival/index.php/topic,2975.90.html )

(http://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2975.0;attach=12249;image)

Opening Spoorzone tunnel-road-passage  (366 days topic)

(http://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=3478.0;attach=13104;image)



It was dark here,  -  D800E - ISO at 1800
(http://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=3478.0;attach=12775;image)

In another  Topic  (http://nikongear.net/revival/index.php/topic,3499.msg51322.html#msg51322)


(http://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=3499.0;attach=12737;image)
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: John Geerts on May 21, 2016, 10:57:17
Some technical details on the Angenieux 35-70/2.5-3.3


MTF-values appear to be very good, the mechanical tolerances are 1/2000mm and the multicoating contains 56 layers, according to the flyer. I am not really an expert in reading MTF-graphs  ;)
Besides that, the lens will focus already at 46cm at 35mm

I just notice how well the lens behaves in inferior light and how detailed (colour, light-dark, bokeh) everything is, especially on the Nikon D800E which is my preferred combination.

Details in an old flyer, but it's in German.
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Chrisar on March 18, 2018, 10:33:03
Hello to all members on this forum,
My name is Christian, living in Versailles near Paris. I own 2 Angénieux lenses from 80's 90's, and I am fan. They are Nikon mount and used on a D7100. I love this DSLR.

I would kindly ask if you could help me for the choice between D7500 DX and D750 FX for these oldies.

I will post samples further.

Kindly yours
Christian
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Chrisar on March 18, 2018, 10:42:18
Obtained with D7100 : Angénieux 35-70 :

https://www.flickr.com/photos/31562342@N04/36734347323/in/dateposted-public/

Obtained with D7100 : Angénieux 70-210 :

https://www.flickr.com/photos/31562342@N04/38415842194/in/dateposted-public/

Thank you for help.
Christian
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: John Geerts on March 18, 2018, 10:44:19
From my experience with the Angenieux 35-70/2.5  results are best with the largest sensor, which is in my case the Nikon D800E  (sharper, vivid). 

On a DX sensor (D7100 Fuji S5 Pro, D200) the Chromatic Aberration can be a pain.

Some examples here with different camera's -  https://www.flickr.com/photos/fisherking/sets/72157665579221604 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/fisherking/sets/72157665579221604)

Magnolia   with the Nikon D800E

(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2903/33457707970_565e543758_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Chrisar on March 18, 2018, 18:55:36
A so nice pic !!  8)

Thank you for your answer, John, I will look carefully at the D750.

Please, how can you insert images directly in the post ?

Thank you
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Mongo on March 18, 2018, 21:20:23
John, that last image using the 35-70mm shows very impressive sharpness and other characteristics. thanks for posting it.
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: John Geerts on March 18, 2018, 21:56:46
Thanks Mongo,  glad you like it.


Please, how can you insert images directly in the post ?

Thank you
Two ways to insert images in a post,  first  use attachment and upload within the post.

Secondly, upload some were else (flickr or other program), get a link to the image and use the img- button (The Icon with the photo)  while selecting the link at the same time (also called Img tags).  In  the option Preview (next to 'Post') you can see if it is working.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4193/33892765873_04731d14ea_o.jpg)
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Chrisar on March 18, 2018, 22:12:24
...
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: beryllium10 on March 19, 2018, 07:49:58
Chrisar, Very nice photo! I can taste the colours.  Welcome -

John
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Chrisar on March 19, 2018, 09:06:29
 :)Thank you John
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Chrisar on March 19, 2018, 09:34:09
A sample with wide DOP.

D7100 - Angénieux 35-70

Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Dr Klaus Schmitt on March 19, 2018, 11:06:55
Excellent lenses from the time I had them. Unfortunately sold them, regret it now.
The plastic feeling (actually it is a special plastic material) of the zooms was never for me,
but the resulting images where impressive, as can be seen above...
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Chrisar on March 19, 2018, 12:23:48
Thank you Klaus,
We can find some of these on e-Bay, or else. The price could be excessive. I had the opportunity to get them for a reasonable price (to collector or pro). Indeed, the material is not so fine, and the labels on it are rather erased.
But both still works well and gives very fine images.
Therefore I shoot fully manual...
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Chrisar on March 19, 2018, 20:22:33
...
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: JJChan on March 20, 2018, 15:06:53
Christian
Your pictures and Flickr are beautiful. You capture the light with great skill.

Here's some with the 180mm - different countryside, harsher Australian light
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Chrisar on March 20, 2018, 23:14:59
Thank you JJChan !
Your 3 last are very interesting, especially regarding colours for the 2, and bokeh for the 3. What camera did you use ?
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Chrisar on March 20, 2018, 23:24:32
...
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 21, 2018, 20:48:23
Very nice rendering Christian
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Chrisar on March 22, 2018, 12:38:07
Thank you Nasos  :)
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Chrisar on March 22, 2018, 12:41:49
...
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: John Geerts on March 22, 2018, 12:52:35
Beautiful examples Christian.

The Fuji S5 Pro sensor combined with the Angenieux lenses gives something special
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Chrisar on March 22, 2018, 14:11:24
Great light, John.
A have also noticed the "velvet touch" of this lens, a little bit less sharp but a so special rendering.
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Erik Lund on March 22, 2018, 14:43:59
It has a very nice roll off, graduation, from sharp to unsharp, it gives a feeling of much more depth of field than should actually be there at the given aperture for that focal length, quite the opposite of many modern 'sharp' lenses,,,
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: JJChan on March 22, 2018, 15:03:25
Your 3 last are very interesting, especially regarding colours for the 2, and bokeh for the 3. What camera did you use ?

These were the 180mm f2.3 on D800E

Here are some 70-210 f3.5 also on D800E - including action shot!
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Chrisar on March 22, 2018, 15:24:55
Thank you JJChan. The first is a little bit with narrow DOP, but very impressive globally. The second one has the typical soft touch and also a great instant !
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Chrisar on March 22, 2018, 16:00:12
...
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Erik Lund on March 22, 2018, 16:07:19
Not a pleasing rendering, especially compared to the 35-70!
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: David H. Hartman on March 25, 2018, 09:08:00
These were the 180mm f2.3 on D800E

Here are some 70-210 f3.5 also on D800E - including action shot!

I understand it's a serious offense to give a lama and caramel candy.

Dave 
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Chrisar on March 29, 2018, 03:58:47
...
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Chrisar on May 02, 2018, 10:01:05
...
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Chrisar on May 02, 2018, 10:02:26
...
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Jack Dahlgren on May 02, 2018, 14:32:47
Light in the park

D7100 + Angenieux 70-210

What lovely spring light! We are quickly moving into the hard empty light of summer where I am.
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Chrisar on May 02, 2018, 14:52:06
Thank you Jack !
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Chrisar on May 09, 2018, 17:30:45
...
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Chrisar on May 09, 2018, 17:31:47
...
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Dr Klaus Schmitt on May 11, 2018, 07:20:04
I prefer the Angenieux...  ;)
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Chrisar on May 11, 2018, 09:28:11
Thank you Klaus for your comment. The stamen are sharper with the Nikon. Then, it is a matter of feeling... For the Angenieux, no autofocus, so hard to make sport photography.
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Airy on May 14, 2018, 19:21:24
the exposure is different. Comparing lens rendering is made difficult.
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: longzoom on May 14, 2018, 20:43:58
As for me, the Nik is way better. Sharper, contrast/micro contrast ratio is higher, bokeh, color are better. Take a look at the transition area blue/green by Ang - upper part of the image - clearly visible color bleeding! Age of the old one is visible, there is nowhere to escape. But it is understandable, there is no room for discussions - Art for everyone is feeling by its own! Thanks for posting!  LZ 
Title: Re: Angenieux lenses for Nikon
Post by: Chrisar on May 15, 2018, 07:34:23
Thank you for your comments, guys !