NikonGear'23

Gear Talk => Lens Talk => Topic started by: Frank Fremerey on April 04, 2016, 16:05:03

Title: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Frank Fremerey on April 04, 2016, 16:05:03
[everybody who knows about this lens is invited to enter here and add!]

Dear Ai-S 1.4/35mm!

I send a love letter to you, you crazy horse of a lens!

I want to carry you with me every day and I do it most of the time, currently on a D600, hopefully soon on a D850 with the Sony A7R2 chip as its heart.

You are so tame and well behaved at f=4.0 and f=5.6 but you are wild and crazy at f=1.4. Uncorrected optical faults like spherical aberrations make your wide open bokeh wild and crazy, esp when repetitive, well lit forms appear in the background.

I first heared of you at naturfotograf.com, then I saw the wild rides Fons Baerken takes with you, dreamscapes of nature!

I lost you 10 years ago, found you again and now I guess my love will never end.

Yours sincerely

Frank

Some pictures from the last few weeks:

1) yellow flowers and Koblenzer Tor @f=1.4
2) Bergamot & Chillies @f=4.0
3) A shot to demonstrate the bokehbility @1.4
4) Well behaved action shot @f=4.0
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Jakov Minić on April 04, 2016, 16:25:03
Frank, could you please epoxy the aperture ring to f/1.4 :)
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Frank Fremerey on April 04, 2016, 16:31:29
Jakov: I would lose the versatility this way.

Here are some direct comparsions. More or less the same vantage point, one shot @1.4, the other @5.6
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Frank Fremerey on April 04, 2016, 16:39:08
For me a new feature was that I can take portraits with the lens.

Parental Advisory: This is not for the faint hearted. You sometimes lose shots you were sure to have nailed.

All shots @1.4!
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: elsid on April 04, 2016, 16:50:58
Frank, you are bad. You just made decide to spend whatever is necessary to put this lens into my arsenal.
Great pictures.
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Frank Fremerey on April 04, 2016, 17:00:28
A very good copy is about 450€ ... That is what I spent ten years ago and that is what is necessary for a purchase today. Given inflation the price seems to have slightly dropped
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on April 04, 2016, 17:17:14
Seems the current prices on eBay are easily 550 to 600 Euros ...
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Hugh_3170 on April 04, 2016, 17:17:43
Off Topic - wrong lens.
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Erik Lund on April 04, 2016, 17:28:05
For sure this lens is a handful wide open, super strange back grounds appear especially with highlights,,,
Super focal length for street shooting!
35mm and wider are nice focal length for 'environmental' portraits, but in my view only if you include something that convey or help to see the 'environment'-  that often leads to having to re-position yourself or the subject.
A pain to chip.
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: BW on April 04, 2016, 18:08:24
Seems the current prices on eBay are easily 550 to 600 Euros ...

There is one for sale on a norwegian site (foto.no) for 390 euro. As new. Thats quite cheap. Wont be able to justify another 35 right now  >:(
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: simato73 on April 04, 2016, 18:54:57
I've got the AI version. Should be optically the same as the AI-s except perhaps different coatings? The focus throw is longer though, I think.
Mine has seen some rough use before I purchased it, hence I got it cheap, about £180.

I have chipped it several years ago, it has been a long tense surgery but it works (too bad I have no Nikon camera for it now!).
Focus action is a bit stiff, especially at one end of the focus throw where it could benefit from some further demelling of the inside - or a thinner contact block (I have already filed extensively the standard one that Bjørn sent me).
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: chris dees on April 04, 2016, 19:07:22
I'm happy you're enjoying the lens.
I should have charged you double. ;D
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Frank Fremerey on April 04, 2016, 20:25:38
I was happy that you put it on offer, Chris.
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: simsurace on April 04, 2016, 22:51:57
Very interesting lens.
I wonder how it was marketed when it came out. Of course the speed was even more important than it is today with our highly sensitive sensors, but the very temperamental character wide open must have gathered attention even back then.
Does anyone still have an old brochure where this lens was advertised?
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Lowell on April 04, 2016, 23:39:40
Frank,

Thanks so much for posting these images.  All the images, are really interesting and helpful to me.  People talk a lot about the wonders of this lens.  Additionally, Bjorn has used the term, "temperamental".  So demonstrations, in the form of actual images showing the wonders and nature of this lens, is something I look forward to seeing.

Excellent idea!

Thanks,

Lowell
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Jakov Minić on April 05, 2016, 00:20:22
Frank, you've made beautiful portraits!
It's a great skill to make good shots like these with a wide angle!
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: nikuy on April 05, 2016, 05:07:14
Frank

Its lovely walk around lens,well match my DF,I got it because on the list "best of the best",thanks Bjorn.

Lloyd
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Frank Fremerey on April 05, 2016, 05:25:57
Supershot the Flamingos!

A sculpture set in the park with a color distinct from
anything else in the frame. Are these really orange?

The one's I have seen so far were pink or rosé.

Thank you.
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Mikes on April 05, 2016, 05:41:39
Great love affair going on there, Frank.

This is a really interesting and diverse portfolio - thanks for putting it together. I especially like the B&W portraits - they are wonderful.

It was helpful to see the versatility of the lens when in good hands, and it has inspired me to take my 35/1.4 Ais out of mothballs and into the street.

I bought mine brand new and heavily discounted in Tokyo six years ago and have hardy used it since.
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Bill De Jager on April 05, 2016, 06:41:28
Love the portraits, Frank, especially #6 and #8.
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Tristin on April 05, 2016, 06:43:16
Frank, image 8 in the portraiture set is stellar.  The light, the framing with the man, plate and woman, the depth . . . all excellent!  I hope that image made it to print, it deserves it.  Can't say I like the lens' bokeh with busy backgrounds, but it really kills in my eyes with simple backgrounds
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: charlie on April 05, 2016, 07:33:13
Great portraits, Frank. 

I often find 35mm either to wide or not wide enough of a focal length so I haven't used my peculiar 35mm AiS as much as I'd like.
I've been making an effort to change that and have been putting it to use on more shoots lately.

In the mean time here is a car portrait from a while back. Both taken at f/1.4
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Frank Fremerey on April 05, 2016, 10:01:33
I hear there are many incarnations of the 1.4/35 Nikkor and different
 versions
too. Chris Dees who sold me his replaced it with an older version.

Can someone elaborate on the history? Roland? Bjørn?

Thanks everybody for the nice words about my current work.

Find many more 1.4/35@1.4  in the Utrecht Thread and in the 366 days thread.
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Frank Fremerey on April 05, 2016, 10:06:08
Charlie: in the first shot you focussed on the front of the car.
Smooth. Classic. Why did you focus on the trees in shot two?
I like the "glowing car" yet it is quite unusual not to focus on the
 main subject.
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Erik Lund on April 05, 2016, 12:10:04
From the Mother-ship - Tale 27
http://www.nikkor.com/story/0027/

I have an old 'sales-book' from Nikon; Eyes of Nikon - The text on the Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 Ais ends something like;

Ideal for low light with or without flash, photo-journalism, sports, snapshots environmental portraits and nudes

 ;D

Highly recommended book, can be found on e-Bay

Eyes of Nikon- A Comprehensive Guide to Nikkor and Nikon Series E Lenses
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Frank Fremerey on April 05, 2016, 12:31:41
Erik. This is a site I can lose myself in reading. As work is calling ... for the time being I recommend this link to Rolands site: http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/lenses.html#35

and click through to the incarnations description...
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Frank Fremerey on April 05, 2016, 15:48:02
here is a non-extreme indoor example. It clearly shows what you can expect at f=1.4 (soft, foggy, full of CA of any kind, "dreamy") or f=5.6 (clear as water, contrasty, few artifacts, "technical")

PS: These are 100% JPEG ooc ... right click | show picture to examine
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: John Koerner on April 05, 2016, 16:14:32
[everybody who knows about this lens is invited to enter here and add!]

Dear Ai-S 1.4/35mm!

I send a love letter to you, you crazy horse of a lens!

I want to carry you with me every day and I do it most of the time, currently on a D600, hopefully soon on a D850 with the Sony A7R2 chip as its heart.

You are so tame and well behaved at f=4.0 and f=5.6 but you are wild and crazy at f=1.4. Uncorrected optical faults like spherical aberrations make your wide open bokeh wild and crazy, esp when repetitive, well lit forms appear in the background.

I first heared of you at naturfotograf.com, then I saw the wild rides Fons Baerken takes with you, dreamscapes of nature!

I lost you 10 years ago, found you again and now I guess my love will never end.

Yours sincerely

Frank

Some pictures from the last few weeks:

1) yellow flowers and Koblenzer Tor @f=1.4
2) Bergamot & Chillies @f=4.0
3) A shot to demonstrate the bokehbility @1.4
4) Well behaved action shot @f=4.0

Wonderful sequence and photos to display the affection.

I enjoyed all, and was impressed by many, the black and whites (as well as close portraits) especially.

The one I was awed by the most, however, was #3 in the first post "Bokehbility" ... looks like a real tree photographed with a "painted, surreal background" ... fantastic bullseye at defining what "painterly" means in a photograph.

Thanks for sharing,

Jack
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: charlie on April 05, 2016, 21:42:02
Charlie: in the first shot you focussed on the front of the car.
Smooth. Classic. Why did you focus on the trees in shot two?
I like the "glowing car" yet it is quite unusual not to focus on the
 main subject.

Frank, that is a great question and one I am unable to answer.
I suspect I had every intention of focusing on the car and knowing how this lens behaves when focused in the mid to far range at f/1.4 figured the soft glowing effect was just the lens being its quirky self. Then I pretended like I knew what I was doing and posted the miss-focused image on the internet and got called out on it  8)

I did manage get better focus in another image though, again at f/1.4 though with a little less glow. 
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: simato73 on April 05, 2016, 22:36:13
Snowdrops at f/2.

Saturation and contrast have been increased in post-processing.
Otherwise the image would have similar characteristics to the crucifix at f/1.4 shown by Frank (although less extreme since the aperture used here is f/2)
By the way that was a great example illustrating how this lens works in terms of contrast.
In my case I wanted to give another example of how peculiar OOF zones are rendered.
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Roland Vink on April 05, 2016, 22:39:17
I hear there are many incarnations of the 1.4/35 Nikkor and different
 versions
too. Chris Dees who sold me his replaced it with an older version.

Can someone elaborate on the history? Roland? Bjørn?

I'll take the bait :). In a nutshell, all manual focus 35/1.4 lenses have more or less the same optics: a 9/7 element lens with CRC. All are fully multi-coated.

The NIKKOR-N 35/1.4 Auto was released in 1970. It has an all-metal scalloped focus ring and 9 aperture blades. The aperture range is from f1.4 - f22, the largest range of any Nikkor (compared to the 35/2 from the same period the aperture extends a stop in both directions). Early models are marked "Nippon Kogaku Japan", later changing to "Nikon". The last in the early series is marked "NIKKOR-N.C" where the ".C" acknowledges the multi-coating which was there all along. The number of aperture blades reduced to 7 at this point - maybe the large number of aperture blades in combination with the large aperture range made the diaphram too slow in high-speed photography.

At the end of 1975 the "New Nikkor" or "K" type was introduced with modern styling. The optics were also tweaked at this point. Though the basic lens construction remained unchanged, the glass material and the lens curvature were changed to improve the performance at open aperture (the earlier models uses some slightly radioactive high-refractive glass which turned yellow over time)

In 1977 the lens was updated to AI with no changes to the optics. The aperture range reduced slightly, the minimum setting is now only f16.

In 1981 the lens was updated to AIS with no changes to the optics. The barrel has new styling and the focus throw was shortened.

There were also improvements to the NIC multi-coating over this time, and somewhere around serial no 479xxx the coatings changed to the yellow-green SIC coating.

The 35/1.4 is one of the few AIS lenses that is still in production.
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: chris dees on April 05, 2016, 22:45:13
I hear there are many incarnations of the 1.4/35 Nikkor and different
 versions
too. Chris Dees who sold me his replaced it with an older version.

.......

I like the scalloped older lenses very much.
Almost all my MF lenses are scalloped versions.
I sold the 35/1.4 AI-s to Frank and got myself a Nikkor-N 35/1.4 factory AI-d (from 1971).
It's a 9-blade version with the thorium (yellow cast) coating. Serial number 360861, so probably the first Nikon batch.

These examples are from last weekend in Antwerp
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Frank Fremerey on April 05, 2016, 23:22:24
I did manage get better focus in another image though, again at f/1.4 though with a little less glow. 

Very cool shot, only minor edit I would apply if it was mine: some dirt on the street. Without it I guess this wold look quite outworldly / David-Bowie-Style.
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Frank Fremerey on April 05, 2016, 23:27:46
Thank you. Only one question: The Ai-S according to your site all have 9 blades again? I got Chris's version manufactured in 2006.


I'll take the bait :). In a nutshell, all manual focus 35/1.4 lenses have more or less the same optics: a 9/7 element lens with CRC. All are fully multi-coated.

The NIKKOR-N 35/1.4 Auto was released in 1970. It has an all-metal scalloped focus ring, 9 aperture blades and an aperture range from f1.4 - f22, the largest range of any Nikkor (compared to the 35/2 from the same period the aperture extends a stop in both directions). Early models are marked "Nippon Kogaku Japan", later changing to "Nikon". The last in the early series is marked "NIKKOR-N.C" where the ".C" acknowledges the multi-coating which was there all along. The number of aperture blades reduced to 7 at this point - maybe the large number of aperture blades in combination with the large aperture range made the diaphram too slow in high-speed photography.

At the end of 1975 the "New Nikkor" or "K" type was introduced with modern styling. The optics were also tweaked at this point. Though the basic lens construction remained unchanged, the glass material and the lens curvature were changed to improve the performance at open aperture (the earlier models uses some slightly radioactive high-refractive glass which turned yellow over time)

In 1977 the lens was updated to AI with no changes to the optics. The aperture range reduced slightly, the minimum setting is now only f16.

In 1981 the lens was updated to AIS with no changes to the optics. The barrel has new styling and the focus throw was shortened.

There were also improvements to the NIC multi-coating over this time, and somewhere around serial no 479xxx the coatings changed to the yellow-green SIC coating.

The 35/1.4 is one of the few AIS lenses that is still in production.
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Chip Chipowski on April 05, 2016, 23:31:46
Charlie - love the Lincoln shots, especially #1.
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Roland Vink on April 06, 2016, 00:01:34
Thank you. Only one question: The Ai-S according to your site all have 9 blades again? I got Chris's version manufactured in 2006.
Yes I forgot to mention that, the AIS 35/1.4 returns to 9 aperture blades like the very first version. But unlike the pre-AI models it still only goes to f16, not f22. The aperture blades are straight, not curved.
In the AIS line, all the fast aperture lenses 35mm and up have 9 aperture blades (35/1.4, 50/1.2, 58/1.2, 85/1.4, 105/1.8, 135/2), compared to 7 blades for the slower models.
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Mike Wallace on April 06, 2016, 19:59:00
35mm is one of my favorite focal lengths.  I find the Nikon 35mm 1.4 Ai-S's rendering quite appealing.  On the list!  :)  TY so much for posting!
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: John Geerts on April 07, 2016, 00:20:04
The 35/1.4 AIS is one of my favourite lenses as well, but I used it so intensively during a few years, that a change was needed.  Perhaps time to pick it up again ;)
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Frank Fremerey on April 07, 2016, 08:39:36
Very cool.sun star picture and great graphics. Impressive portait of these sculptures.
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Jakov Minić on April 07, 2016, 10:10:00
John, I like the sun!
Who are these people holding the cross and why?
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Frank Fremerey on April 07, 2016, 10:28:04
Jakov: Iconographically the one is Jesus Himself the other some local hero "helping the Lord"
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: John Geerts on April 07, 2016, 10:48:48
These are different stages of the Calvary.

Peerke Donders is a Saint, and has a special park with a house, a church and a museum and a garden with the unique Calvary-statues, depicting the last hours in the life of Jesus.

The Statues of the different stages of the Calvary were made between  1937 and 1961 by the specialised firm Verbraak and paid for by the Tilburg people themselves. Local Tilburgers stood model for the different side-figures, apart from the obvious Jesus. In 2004 the statues were restored.      During Easter and Good Friday there are special processions in the park, praying at each stage.

More information can be found here: http://www.peerkedonders.nl/het-park/kruiswegstatie/ (http://www.peerkedonders.nl/het-park/kruiswegstatie/) Unfortunately in dutch only. 
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Fons Baerken on April 07, 2016, 14:25:46
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1462/26222510401_2f16fd06f0_o.jpg)

the old Carlsberg brewery, Copenhagen, april 1st, 2016

Df 35/1.4 ais
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Frank Fremerey on April 07, 2016, 14:31:08
Yes, Fons. Thank you for joining. You have tens of thousands of wonderful examples with this lens!
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: John Harkus on April 09, 2016, 10:53:58
Some great images fellas!
I quite fancy one of these lenses - any comments on the autofocus version? It looks like the wide open performance could be similar to the Ai/AiS

tia

John
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Frank Fremerey on April 09, 2016, 11:35:27
The AF-S G version is a huge chunk of glass. It is very well corrected so you get a more textbook like bokeh.

It is sharp corner to corner and suffers from strong geometrical distortion which is irrelevant in people shots
and nature but not so much in the city. That is why I chose the 1.4/24G instead. Perfect Geometry. Perfect everything
Even dreamscape bokeh wide open. A magic lens but also bigger even than the 1.4/35G

no alternative to the 1.4/35 Ai-S except for the 2.0/24 Ai which seems to.have some sample variation though.
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: John Harkus on April 09, 2016, 11:37:50
Cheers FF, pretty much what I suspected
John
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Erik Lund on April 09, 2016, 16:36:56
The 35mm 1.4 AFS is very far away from the Ai and Ais versions.
The lens is fairly sharp with a wonderful Bokeh and transition of tones blend softly similar to the 58mm
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Eddie Draaisma on April 09, 2016, 18:24:17
The 35mm 1.4 AFS is very far away from the Ai and Ais versions.
The lens is fairly sharp with a wonderful Bokeh and transition of tones blend softly similar to the 58mm

Exactly. My 35mm F/1.4 Ais gets a lot less use since the arrival of the AFS version end of 2010, I don't always want or need the sometimes rather psychedelic bokeh rendering of the 35/1.4 Ais.

The 35/1.4AFS works well in combo with the 24/1.4AFS (and the 85/1.4AFS), the size difference is really small. The NeoNoct is on my list.
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Frank Fremerey on April 20, 2016, 15:25:45
Here are two shots showing the unsharp parts @1.4 in soft (PN-developed) & blasted (PSCC & Nik Efx) versions:

Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Frank Fremerey on April 22, 2016, 11:38:29
Another aperture series, although incomplete.

I did several series yesterday and the following is my verdict on the D600:

1.4 ... 4.0 are sure my favorite setting for aperture when it comes to look.

BUT: I find 5.6 ... 16 absolutely usable if conditions require such a setting (as in no 52mm ND handy and 1/4000 s speed limit)
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: wesstl on April 22, 2016, 18:24:26
After reading this thread I went looking for a copy of the 35 1.4 AIS and found one in great condition for $300. It arrived last night and should get a good workout this weekend....all at 1.4 of course. I think I have a good idea of the subjects to look for thanks to the examples posted. Should be fun; I do love lenses with "character".
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: stenrasmussen on April 22, 2016, 19:22:40
After reading this thread I went looking for a copy of the 35 1.4 AIS and found one in great condition for $300. It arrived last night and should get a good workout this weekend....all at 1.4 of course. I think I have a good idea of the subjects to look for thanks to the examples posted. Should be fun; I do love lenses with "character".

f1.4 is fun but personally I like it better stopped down to f2.0 better.
(note to self: need to pull this lens out of the cupboard, fix it and start shooting with it)
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Frank Fremerey on April 22, 2016, 21:01:56
Sorry. The attachments did not upload at first try.

now everything seems to work

should be 1.4 ... 2.0 .... 5.6 ... 8.0
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Frank Fremerey on April 23, 2016, 00:11:40
After reading this thread I went looking for a copy of the 35 1.4 AIS and found one in great condition for $300. It arrived last night and should get a good workout this weekend....all at 1.4 of course. I think I have a good idea of the subjects to look for thanks to the examples posted. Should be fun; I do love lenses with "character".

looking forward to you pictures!!!
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Frank Fremerey on April 23, 2016, 18:23:43
ma favorite bokeh is that at f=4. very clean & smooth...
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: pluton on April 24, 2016, 08:36:25
Frank, This could be a 'new thing':  Shots of bokeh only.  Let the word go forth, from this time and place:  It started here!
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Frank Fremerey on April 24, 2016, 18:29:05
Keith ... does the name Jakov sound familiar ... "bokeh only" is his middle name 😂😂😂😂
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: richardHaw on October 30, 2016, 14:01:27
this lens' rendering is surreal! :o :o :o
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Bill De Jager on October 31, 2016, 05:50:30
I bought this lens three years ago and never used it, focusing instead on others.  Here are my first efforts; the latter two are at f/1.4:

(https://c4.staticflickr.com/6/5774/30046481803_d82a53bd7f_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/MM75eH)Chain #1 (https://flic.kr/p/MM75eH) by Bill de Jager (https://www.flickr.com/photos/99349448@N06/), on Flickr

(https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5343/30046481183_09aeea2049_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/MM7542)Emerging (https://flic.kr/p/MM7542) by Bill de Jager (https://www.flickr.com/photos/99349448@N06/), on Flickr

(https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5595/30643351946_8e0b767e4f_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/NFRbWf)Complementary (https://flic.kr/p/NFRbWf) by Bill de Jager (https://www.flickr.com/photos/99349448@N06/), on Flickr

Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Frank Fremerey on November 02, 2016, 11:01:16
Sometimes it is the pictures you take with a lens that speak for themselves...

All taken at f=1.4 (see EXIF for details)
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: John Geerts on November 02, 2016, 12:31:17
Indeed.

I shot for more than a year with this lens only (on the D700) and one gets bored after a time so it rests too much in the cupboard.

With the D800E at the closest focus.
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: richardHaw on November 03, 2016, 13:19:10
OK, now I know why most of what is posted here are close-ups :o :o :o

this lens is really something when shot close to around 2m wide-open ::)
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: richardHaw on November 03, 2016, 14:17:33
here at f/1.4, really challenging :o :o :o
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: richardHaw on November 03, 2016, 14:19:50
OK, f/2 makes things a lot faster :o :o :o
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Frank Fremerey on November 03, 2016, 14:20:20
Challenging is the word
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: richardHaw on November 03, 2016, 14:23:30
the bird is the word :o :o :o

something simpler, a static subject. awesome lens!
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: richardHaw on November 03, 2016, 14:25:47
it's actually pretty sharp :o :o :o

having lot's of fun with this lens ::)
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Bill De Jager on November 08, 2016, 06:18:02
A few more taken on the same day, all at f/1.4:

(https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5593/30643347196_9e117b3332_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/NFRawm)Knot #4 (https://flic.kr/p/NFRawm) by Bill de Jager (https://www.flickr.com/photos/99349448@N06/), on Flickr

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5693/30643344936_dfd59a9bcc_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/NFR9Ro)Redwood Leaves (https://flic.kr/p/NFR9Ro) by Bill de Jager (https://www.flickr.com/photos/99349448@N06/), on Flickr

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5824/30048458064_952e7f1578_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/MMhcHb)Knot #1 (https://flic.kr/p/MMhcHb) by Bill de Jager (https://www.flickr.com/photos/99349448@N06/), on Flickr

(https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5724/30563137132_2d943d1268_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/NyL4Sd)Photinia #1 (https://flic.kr/p/NyL4Sd) by Bill de Jager (https://www.flickr.com/photos/99349448@N06/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Erik Lund on November 08, 2016, 07:48:43
Very nice images Bill, good use of the lens characteristics that are so typical for this lens wide open
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Tom Hook on November 26, 2016, 04:53:17
Here's the 35 1.4 ais at f/2. I have switched to a new camera, the 810, and subsequently new software, Iridient, because Capture NX2 no longer works  :-\.

I feel like I'm starting over.
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Frank Fremerey on November 26, 2016, 08:30:41
Bill & Tom. Great examples. Superb photography
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 26, 2016, 09:42:26
I have to go some time back to find extensive use of this "artistic lens".

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3915/14917904409_ed8d7bd080_o.jpg)

on Df
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: F456 on December 03, 2016, 23:55:59
My first post on this interesting website: hope it is worthy...

I think we have a thirst nowadays for old-style lenses with so-called imperfections. Just as the old 1960s-1990s Summilux 1.4/35mm for Leicas is hard to find now and much liked despite the better behaved ASPH versions made since. In the case of the Leica the compact size helps too, no doubt.

I too am hoping to go out and buy the 1.4/35mm Nikkor once more after seeing those characterful wide open shots. I am so sad I sold my Noct though; I cannot afford to get another.

Maybe, as with a face, a lens with an imperfection draws more attention to its beauty because of a distinct feature. Which happens to be indistinct, in the case of the defocused background!
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Bill De Jager on December 04, 2016, 02:05:42
Thank you, Frank and Erik!
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: John Geerts on December 05, 2016, 20:26:58
The 35mm -  f/1.4 AIS with the Fuji S5 Pro.
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Frank Fremerey on December 05, 2016, 20:44:49
I have to go some time back to find extensive use of this "artistic lens".
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3915/14917904409_ed8d7bd080_o.jpg)
on Df

Dear Fons! I feel I commented on this wonderful poetic picture ages ago. A daring colorscape and a wild background. Totally love it!
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Frank Fremerey on December 05, 2016, 20:45:54
The 35mm -  f/1.4 AIS with the Fuji S5 Pro.

Seems to be a great combination of lens & Camera. How do you develop these shots?
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Frank Fremerey on December 05, 2016, 20:49:28
My first post on this interesting website: hope it is worthy...
I think we have a thirst nowadays for old-style lenses with so-called imperfections. Just as the old 1960s-1990s Summilux 1.4/35mm for Leicas is hard to find now and much liked despite the better behaved ASPH versions made since. In the case of the Leica the compact size helps too, no doubt.
I too am hoping to go out and buy the 1.4/35mm Nikkor once more after seeing those characterful wide open shots. I am so sad I sold my Noct though; I cannot afford to get another.
Maybe, as with a face, a lens with an imperfection draws more attention to its beauty because of a distinct feature. Which happens to be indistinct, in the case of the defocused background!

What you say is one aspect of the effect you will see showing this kind of pictures on the interweb. Some people really hate this "icorrect" rendering as they say. Some love it.

If you can live with this comtoversy, good. I can.

Yet I also own or can borrow all these "perfect" expensive lenses from friends any time.
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: John Geerts on December 05, 2016, 21:05:42
Seems to be a great combination of lens & Camera. How do you develop these shots?
Yes it is. Very good lenses  work on every good camera of course  ;)   

Adobe Camera Raw reads the RAF-files (at the max setting including D-range at 400%)  in the correct size including all pixels. I ran some tests to check that. So it will go in the normal workflow.  I checked it with Fuji's Finepix Studio, Silkypix and the special raw-convertor S7raw and all four deliver nearly the same 16-bit  Tif-file (4.256 x 2.848 -  80.0 MB)  at the standard settings.  DxO, Faststone and Affinity (and probably many others) won't read the RAW-file in the correct way.
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Frank Fremerey on December 05, 2016, 23:31:04
Thank you. I tried it with PN and it did not work.
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Andrew on December 06, 2016, 10:04:49
D500 with 35/1.4 AIs
Processed in C1 ver 9
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Danulon on December 17, 2016, 23:19:17
I purchased this lens, too, kind of x-mas present.  ;)
I love this peculiar bokeh!

Sample picture:

(http://nikongear.net/revival/gallery/0/262-171216231518.jpeg)
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: richardHaw on December 18, 2016, 02:50:05
I am really liking this lens but unfortunately the really short focus throw is driving my nuts :o :o :o
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Frank Fremerey on December 18, 2016, 11:23:27
I purchased this lens, too, kind of x-mas present.  ;)  I love this peculiar bokeh!  Sample picture:
(http://nikongear.net/revival/gallery/0/262-171216231518.jpeg)

Guenther: that is the spirit. Some love it, Something likes it!!!!
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: PeterN on December 18, 2016, 11:51:15
Now I want to have the 1.4 AIS too...
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: John Geerts on December 18, 2016, 16:12:41
I prefer this one to the other 35's  ;)
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Roland Vink on December 18, 2016, 20:06:23
I am really liking this lens but unfortunately the really short focus throw is driving my nuts :o :o :o
Get the AI version :)
Only you also trade the 9-blade aperture for a 7-blade aperture (very early AI converted Nikkor-N 35/1.4 also have 9 blades but they have yellow radioactive glass :o )
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Jack Dahlgren on January 09, 2017, 06:32:20
I have the AI and really enjoy using it.  The bokeh really varies by subject and f stop. Here are a couple from today first at f/4 second at f/1.4
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/514/32201560345_c30a9932be_o_d.jpg)

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/323/31360021774_28facbfac1_o_d.jpg)

I like the wide open look myself when it adds texture.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/339/31360019994_80325a7c6e_o_d.jpg)
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: John Koerner on January 09, 2017, 07:46:11
The 35mm -  f/1.4 AIS with the Fuji S5 Pro.


I purchased this lens, too, kind of x-mas present.  ;)
I love this peculiar bokeh!

Sample picture:

(http://nikongear.net/revival/gallery/0/262-171216231518.jpeg)


Both of these are really, really nice.
Title: Re: Joint effort to describe the classic Ai-S 1.4/35mm
Post by: Tom Hook on May 26, 2017, 05:42:43
Rhododendron taken yesterday with the 35mm 1.4 Ais at 1.4. Soft but nicely so I think.