NikonGear'23

Gear Talk => Lens Talk => Topic started by: Dr Klaus Schmitt on February 16, 2019, 18:52:24

Title: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Dr Klaus Schmitt on February 16, 2019, 18:52:24
Spring has just arrived here....

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7859/33229166888_3706f87304_o.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7838/40139672493_a8e0a6c60f_o.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7831/33229166138_764dcb81a4_o.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7865/40139672343_eea974b3c5_o.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7854/33229171628_2a02c391ba_o.jpg)

Shot using a Rubinar 4.5/300mm mirror lens...
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: atpaula on February 18, 2019, 00:10:17
1000mm f/11
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af237/atpaula/atpaula019/aD3S_0301_zpsd6frt0ah.jpg) (http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/atpaula/media/atpaula019/aD3S_0301_zpsd6frt0ah.jpg.html)




500mm f/5
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af237/atpaula/atpaula019/aD3S_0275_zpsuzkz2wdc.jpg) (http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/atpaula/media/atpaula019/aD3S_0275_zpsuzkz2wdc.jpg.html)




500mm f/8
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af237/atpaula/atpaula019/aD3S_0234_zps1vghyh6c.jpg) (http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/atpaula/media/atpaula019/aD3S_0234_zps1vghyh6c.jpg.html)




500mm f/8
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af237/atpaula/atpaula019/aD7K_2541_zpslyojbsgd.jpg) (http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/atpaula/media/atpaula019/aD7K_2541_zpslyojbsgd.jpg.html)




1000mm f/11
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af237/atpaula/atpaula019/aaDSC_9892_zps3q7unwo7.jpg) (http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/atpaula/media/atpaula019/aaDSC_9892_zps3q7unwo7.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Grahame Hamblin on February 20, 2019, 02:41:40
Samyang  500  took it out took a few then put it away
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Birna Rørslett on February 20, 2019, 10:56:16
The 'Enigma' is a mirror lens specified to be 125mm f/1.2 according to the lens data engraved on its front. Nothing else is known about it (hence the nick-name) although I suspect it might be of Russian origin. I have had the lens for many years without being the wiser about its particulars.

The register distance is very short and the lens has huge girth thus it is almost impossible to mount directly onto modern cameras with all their ergometric protrusions. Erik ('Dr.Lens') and I circumvented the problem by removing the field lens at the rear exit and using a modified TC 1.4X to move the focal plane sufficiently backwards. This changes the configuration to 175mm f/1.7.

A few CX or m43 mount cameras are flat enough in front to allow the lens to mount as the original 125mm f/1.2, but the limited sensor size means viewing angle is very narrow. It also works is the original 'Enigma' on my Z cameras with a tad of extension as a spacer to clear the camera contour.

I have used the 'Enigma' on my Nikons including UV captures. A few examples are below.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Dr Klaus Schmitt on February 21, 2019, 08:20:15
Wonderful interesting lens Birna; I have a similar unlabled one from a mil. night vision device, but have not adapted it yet, also because it has a rather short register distance, optimised for a directly attached image amplification device. Nice results you got, also in UV!
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Dr Klaus Schmitt on February 21, 2019, 18:21:21
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7859/47115947132_03876e7c0d_o.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7874/46253844945_8379f28f87_o.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7909/46253844685_3278f47217_o.jpg)

with Canon CL 250mm

Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: arthurking83 on February 22, 2019, 14:37:30
@ Aguinaldo .. love the second one ...

here's why!

(http://members.optushome.com.au/aking83/DSF_2553.jpg)
Nikkor 500mm f/8
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Birna Rørslett on February 22, 2019, 15:05:57
From the archives: 1000mm f/11 Nikkor + TC-301. and a Mute Swan.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Birna Rørslett on February 22, 2019, 23:11:00
Sometimes a long lens such as the 1000mm f/11 Reflex-Nikkor can pull out amazing contrasts and details from a landscape scenery.

(background is the Trollheimen mountain range with first snow)
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: atpaula on February 23, 2019, 00:22:32
Very nice pic. Looks like a surreal sky.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: CS on February 23, 2019, 01:24:45
Sometimes a long lens such as the 1000mm f/11 Reflex-Nikkor can pull out amazing contrasts and details from a landscape scenery.

(background is the Trollheimen mountain range with first snow)

I like the image, but the snow is stipulated?
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Øivind Tøien on February 23, 2019, 07:35:57
The tightness of the little garden vs. the large open space of the field vs. the tightness of the abstract background work really well.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Birna Rørslett on February 23, 2019, 08:26:08
I like the image, but the snow is stipulated?

The photo is taken at Innset, Sør-Trøndelag, Norway. No stipulation of snow, but visually confirmed. The mountains are situated approx. 16 km away. The viewing angle of 1000mm lens  (here, on a DX camera) is *narrow*.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: CS on February 23, 2019, 16:45:57
Very nice pic. Looks like a surreal sky.

Indeed, it fooled me, Aguinaldo, I thought I was looking at sky.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: ArthurDent on February 23, 2019, 22:59:16
If you were going to buy one today, which one would you choose, and why would you do so?
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Akira on February 23, 2019, 23:52:28
Sometimes a long lens such as the 1000mm f/11 Reflex-Nikkor can pull out amazing contrasts and details from a landscape scenery.

(background is the Trollheimen mountain range with first snow)

Beautiful scenery.  Love it!
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Ian R on February 24, 2019, 00:15:51
The photo Birna posted with the 1000 is similar to what I hoped to try with my 1000 Nikkor. I really wanted to isolate landscape details. However in the UK I just never got the clear air needed. Looking though the viewfinder everything was moving and shimmering. I could see the lens had wonderful potential but I was unable to extract it. I have a Nikkor 500mm on the repair bench so I am inspired to get those repairs done and try that.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Dr Klaus Schmitt on February 24, 2019, 01:10:15
Wonderful examples Birna!

+++

Here some with the Canon CL f4/250mm shot today:

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7886/47187845211_a19b5f7cff_o.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7827/47187852981_c5d50f3f07_o.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7883/47187848661_558a3a951b_o.jpg)

Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Bill De Jager on February 24, 2019, 05:52:30
Klaus, I'm really impressed by the color rendition you obtained with your mirror lenses.

Birna, that's a very effective shot.  The snow really does look like sky at first glance. 

If you were going to buy one today, which one would you choose, and why would you do so?

Despite owning several Reflex-Nikkors, I've generally avoided using them due to the unusual bokeh they display in most situations.  They're also very vulnerable to wind vibration, or really any vibration, due to their extremely light weight in relation to their narrow angle of view.  I'm going to try the 1000mm on the moon sometime, though.  I also think Birna has convinced me to take it on my next trip to the desert for when I travel through large landscapes. 

Here are a couple of shots with the 1000mm f/11 AI that illustrate the bokeh when using the lens relatively close up.  I was able to minimize wind vibration from intermittent gentle breezes with careful timing; I could see the image in magnified live view oscillate from just a mild breeze.  Technique included mirror up, remote, electronic first curtain, and not touching the lens or camera less than a few seconds before the shot. These photos were taken near the close focus limit of 8 meters, so depth of field is small (5cm or 2") despite the small aperture.  The camera was a D810 at ISO 6400 due to poor light.  Both photos are cropped and downsized. 

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7915/47141035672_68ea242497_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ePG8x7)_DSC2438 (https://flic.kr/p/2ePG8x7) by Bill de Jager (https://www.flickr.com/photos/99349448@N06/), on Flickr

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7824/47141035212_5ce29ce4b6_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ePG8pb)_DSC2433 (https://flic.kr/p/2ePG8pb) by Bill de Jager (https://www.flickr.com/photos/99349448@N06/), on Flickr

By the way, I recently checked and the 50cm f/5 and the early 1000mm f/11 "F" version, despite being pre-AI, will mount safely on AI cameras due to adequate clearance for the aperture tab.  The lens barrel does not extend as far towards the mount as it usually does on pre-AI lenses.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Birna Rørslett on February 24, 2019, 13:10:34
Another capture with the "Enigma" mirror lens.

Snowdrops
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Birna Rørslett on February 24, 2019, 13:35:31
The 1000mm f/11 Reflex-Nikkor is dark, but sharp. That is, if one can stabilise the (relatively speaking) lightweight lens ...

I have the first version with a large filter wheel protruding to the side and this allows easy removal or replacement of the factory built-in filters. I opted for the removal of one filter so the lens can be used for UV, and replaced another with R72 to make the lens IR-capable.

This is a test shot of a dandelion mop Taraxacum sp. and the familiar UV pattern is clearly present. Taken with the Nikon D3200 (Baader U filter inside).
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: John Geerts on February 24, 2019, 13:37:23
Great examples here.

A boring Mirror shot perhaps:

Posted earlier in Januari 2019

Df and Nikkor 500/8 First version

(http://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=8277.0;attach=37404;image)
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Birna Rørslett on February 24, 2019, 14:01:27
The 1000mm f/11 also can do clocks :D
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Birna Rørslett on February 24, 2019, 14:21:43
A temporary ownership of a Canon Mirror lens 500mm f/8 led to this result (on a D5300). I gave the lens away to a friend who had better use for it.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Airy on February 24, 2019, 14:42:56
If you were going to buy one today, which one would you choose, and why would you do so?

Probably the 500/8 N reflex Nikkor (I also own the 500/8 Tamron and 500/6.3 Samyang).
The 500/8 N has slightly more contrast, and the obstruction factor by the central mirror is somewhat smaller, so the ring bokeh is less "edgy". Also, mechanical vignetting at the frame edges is less (the onion rings remain onion rings, not clipped to "C"s).

The Tamron is not bad at all : smaller, less expensive, and has a big shade (as long as the "lens" itself).

The Samyang is mechahically less well made, and seems less sharp. I saw some good pictures by sb else on the former avatar of Nikongear (I do not remember whom), so I may have picked a lemon.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: John Geerts on February 24, 2019, 15:15:07
Probably the 500/8 N reflex Nikkor (I also own the 500/8 Tamron and 500/6.3 Samyang).
The 500/8 N has slightly more contrast, and the obstruction factor by the central mirror is somewhat smaller, so the ring bokeh is less "edgy". Also, mechanical vignetting at the frame edges is less (the onion rings remain onion rings, not clipped to "C"s).

The Tamron is not bad at all : smaller, less expensive, and has a big shade (as long as the "lens" itself).

The Samyang is mechahically less well made, and seems less sharp. I saw some good pictures by sb else on the former avatar of Nikongear (I do not remember whom), so I may have picked a lemon.
I think also important with the Nikkor 500/8 N Reflex: It's close focus  distance is now 1.5 meter instead of the 4 meter with the previous versions.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Birna Rørslett on February 24, 2019, 15:24:47
The Russian B.I.G. 500 mm f/5.6 does produce quite crisp images however it is susceptible to knocks and bumps bringing it out of optical alignment. Despite the sturdy build one has to treat the lens with some extra care.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: John Geerts on February 24, 2019, 15:58:24
The 1000mm f/11 also can do clocks :D
Even two times closer :D
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Birna Rørslett on February 24, 2019, 16:01:55
Provided the air is clear, the 1000mm f/11 Reflex-Nikkor can do distance shots quite well despite the unavoidable lower contrast.

This test target is situated 1.6km away. Not bad on the DX camera.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: John Geerts on February 24, 2019, 16:16:21
Impressive results with the 1000mm


The buds of the (white) magnolia

Df  with the Nikkor Reflex 500/8 N (latest version)
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Dr Klaus Schmitt on February 24, 2019, 21:54:47
Impressive images guys!!!
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Dr Klaus Schmitt on February 26, 2019, 09:56:49
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7894/47158639282_c123757fc0_o.jpg)

Studying ... with Canon CL f4/250mm

Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Akira on February 26, 2019, 10:02:05
Studying ... with Canon CL f4/250mm

Beautiful shot!  The bokeh looks unique.  Never knew about this lens...
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Birna Rørslett on February 26, 2019, 12:12:05
Another with the 1000mm f/11 Reflex-Nikkor. A shot across the birch-forested delta of Øyeren, just as sap rises and colour birches reddish before onset of leafing.

The depth-of-field is way too shallow to keep but a slice of the forest into sharp focus, even when shooting across a delta 5-6 km wide.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Birna Rørslett on February 26, 2019, 12:16:59
Another from the same area. This time an industrial smokestack as multitemporal IR with the B.I.G. 500mm f/5.6 Russian mirror lens. At the time I was unaware of the focus shift introduced by the rear-mounted Wratten 87C filter as the D70 used here had no Live View. I decided to keep the image nonetheless. Sharpness isn't always of paramount importance.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Birna Rørslett on February 26, 2019, 12:40:25
I decided to try my luck with the Transit of 2004 (and in 2012, but that is another story) thus assembled a lot of appropriate gear and drove through the night south along the coast to get clear skies. The Transit itself occurred early in the morning.

The set-up included numerous mirror lenses as evidenced from the overview below. From left to right 1000mm f/10 MTO (Russian) + TC-14B, B.I.G. 500 mm f/5.6  (Russian) + TC-301, and an Itorex 300mm f/5.6 + TC-201. At that time the Reflex-Nikkor 1000mm hadn't arrived, or rather, I had sold the one I had in exchange for an old model with external filter wheel and the lens was still in transport. Thus I had to make do with whatever was available to me.

Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Birna Rørslett on February 26, 2019, 12:45:52
The footage by the MTO delivered a nice "string of pearls" as Venus transited the solar disc.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Birna Rørslett on February 26, 2019, 12:56:34
... whilst the shorter Itorex literally burned out the sensor of my D70. I got just this image before the camera went up in flames and smoke. Still, a result I treasure. What is a camera worthy anyway?
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Birna Rørslett on February 26, 2019, 13:08:19
The 1000mm f/10 MTO is not a bad performer, but gets easily out of alignment. The lens casing should be more robust I'd surmise.

I use it mainly for false-colour IR emulation these days. Here a test shot with the Fuji S5Pro Broad-band.

Distance to target slightly above 1 km.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Birna Rørslett on February 26, 2019, 13:15:49
The tiny and featherweight Itorex 300mm f/5.6 mirror lens is not that bad, but its low weight makes it extremely prone to vibrations from any source.

A landscape shot to prove its decent performance.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Birna Rørslett on February 26, 2019, 13:21:11
However, the featherweight of the Itorex makes it easy to put the lens into an empty pocket and use it for experimental purposes. If one foregoes any expectation of critical sharpness (with the lens hand-held), much fun can be had from it.

Here are two different views of Pahrump Valley, Nevada. Using the broad-band Panasonic GH-2 and no filtration
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Dr Klaus Schmitt on February 26, 2019, 14:03:11
Very nice results you got Birna! Now I finally got to know how this amazing photo happened with that burnt sensor!!!
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Dr Klaus Schmitt on February 26, 2019, 14:08:40
Spring has arrived here....with Canon CL 4/250mm CAT

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7867/47158640212_2d02c38b91_o.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7896/47158639992_94fa6a1e44_o.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7911/47158639642_fd135424f5_o.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7903/47158641152_c7dd90f7c1_o.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7827/47187852981_c5d50f3f07_o.jpg)
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: atpaula on February 26, 2019, 15:25:13
Very pleasant shots you got Dr Klaus.
Interesting how close this telephoto is able to work with.
I prefer this last one and the other with the lady at the top of the page. 
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Akira on February 26, 2019, 15:38:03
... whilst the shorter Itorex literally burned out the sensor of my D70. I got just this image before the camera went up in flames and smoke. Still, a result I treasure. What is a camera worthy anyway?

If I remember correctly, you disclosed for the first time that the D70 was burnt.  Why?  Did the ND film have some pin hole?
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Dr Klaus Schmitt on February 26, 2019, 16:46:39
Very pleasant shots you got Dr Klaus.
Interesting how close this telephoto is able to work with.
I prefer this last one and the other with the lady at the top of the page.

Thank you! Indeed, it has a very short minimum focus distance for a 250mm lens of a little under one meter!
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Birna Rørslett on February 27, 2019, 10:42:18
My first mirror lens was the 500mm f/8 Reflex-Nikkor (old version). I struggled to get sharp images with it as at the time I never used a tripod, and the lens itself was very light weight.

Contrast also was on the low side, but shooting high-contrast scenes sometimes added more snap to the image.

Labour Day May 1st

Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Dr Klaus Schmitt on March 11, 2019, 09:55:53
"Carlos" - Portrait with Canon CL 4/250mm CAT

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7803/47270222942_fe86a5e1df_o.jpg)
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: arthurking83 on March 12, 2019, 13:06:17
Just a bit of fun with this one ...

(http://members.optushome.com.au/aking83/DSF_9235.jpg)
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: John Geerts on March 13, 2019, 11:43:24
With the Nikon Df  and the Nikkor-Reflex 500/8 N
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Fons Baerken on March 13, 2019, 12:50:49
John, nice one.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: JJChan on March 13, 2019, 13:53:57
D850 with Nikkor Reflex 500/8N
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: John Geerts on March 13, 2019, 14:56:18
John, nice one.
Thank you, Fons.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on March 14, 2019, 11:57:39
D300 with Tamron SP 350mm f/5.6 1/2000s ISO 400

Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Dr Klaus Schmitt on March 17, 2019, 11:07:50
That Tamron is a darn good lens, I have that (and the 500mm) too!
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Airy on May 30, 2019, 12:51:38
the Tamron 500/8 was my first mirror lens. Small size, effective lens shade, decent quality but the Nikkor is definitely better. The Tamron 350 looks very good indeed.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Airy on June 02, 2019, 08:10:23
May 30. Df; 500/8N on a monopod (and even that is uncomfortable). These few pics give some hints about the front bokeh and the extreme compression that is a characteristic of the focal length, not of the lens itself.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Birna Rørslett on June 02, 2019, 10:04:11
Also indicative of the lower contrast inherent to mirror lenses. Otherwise, good examples of the quality one can obtain with such a lens.I always found the 500mm f/8 Reflex-Nikkors unwieldy to handle because of their bulk combined with low weight.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Imagelover on June 02, 2019, 11:48:42
Hello! The picture was shot from my home from where I can see this happening during summertime in Norway. The lighthouse is located on the island of Grip some kilometers north-west of Kristiansund. Nikon D7100 with Reflex-Nikkor 500mm f8N on a tripod.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Akira on June 02, 2019, 11:53:54
Hello! The picture was shot from my home from where I can see this happening during summertime in Norway. The lighthouse is located on the island of Grip some kilometers north-west of Kristiansund. Nikon Df with Reflex-Nikkor 500mm f8N on a tripod.

Hi, welcome to NG!

This is unbelievable!  Thank you for sharing.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Imagelover on June 02, 2019, 13:08:07
Thanks for your warm welcome, Akira! The shot was with the Nikon D7100 (see text below picture), not the Df. Sorry for mentioning wrong camera.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: mxbianco on June 02, 2019, 13:39:30
Thanks for your warm welcome, Akira! The shot was with the Nikon D7100 (see text below picture), not the Df. Sorry for mentioning wrong camera.

If you look at your original message, you will have a "modify" button allowing you to edit out your message (adding, deleting, changing, ...), so that wrong info is minimised.

Ciao from Massimo
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Akira on June 02, 2019, 13:41:34
Thanks for your warm welcome, Akira! The shot was with the Nikon D7100 (see text below picture), not the Df. Sorry for mentioning wrong camera.

What Massimo says, but your stunning image is not at all affected by such a harmless mistake!
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Imagelover on June 02, 2019, 13:55:49
Thanks, Mxbianco and Akira!
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: mxbianco on June 02, 2019, 17:20:41
Thanks, Mxbianco and Akira!
Sorry, I had forgotten to give you my congrats for the image, and only the "service info" had passed.

Ciao from Massimo
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: mxbianco on June 03, 2019, 06:59:06
Reflex-Nikkor 500/8 N, the one with the longer focus throw, and focussing as close as 1.5m

Ciao from Massimo
 
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Imagelover on June 03, 2019, 07:11:33
Great shots, mxbianco! The Reflex-Nikkor you have used is the best performer of the Nikkor 500 reflexes.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: mxbianco on June 03, 2019, 07:21:43
Great shots, mxbianco! The Reflex-Nikkor you have used is the best performer of the Nikkor 500 reflexes.
It's great for handheld shots, very unconspicuous in crowded streets, and also for reaching subjects across a fence, but also for close-ups.
Defects: its own hood (HN-27) is only 2 cm deep and it's practically useless, but I found someone was tossing away on eBay a used hood(original, + original lenscap!)  from a Hasselblad's 500mm Tele-Tessar, which can be adapted with a 82-86 step-up ring. So now my hood is 12 cm and flare is a thing of the past.

I also have an older 500mm C-type, focusses only to 4m and has more vignetting, not bad for astrophotography, maybe with a DX sensor (vignetting becomes negligible)
In my lens arsenal I also have the Reflex-Nikkor 1000/11 AI, difficult to use handheld (only when sun is really shining!), and a pain to focus (on a tripod, with LiveView it's OK)

I named this one The ant's perspective, taken with 500/8 N and literally creeping in the high grass...

Ciao from Massimo
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: mxbianco on June 06, 2019, 09:15:54
Another one from Burano, (Venezia)

Reflex-Nikkor 500mm/8 N

Maybe qualifies for the feet thread, too ...

Ciao from Massimo
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: John Geerts on June 06, 2019, 09:35:43
Beautiful, that Ants's perspective, Massimo.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: mxbianco on June 06, 2019, 11:05:27
Beautiful, that Ants's perspective, Massimo.

Happy you like it!

Ciao from Massimo
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Imagelover on June 06, 2019, 16:12:01
A great picture which clearly shows the effect of out of focus blur from the Reflex-Nikkor 500!
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: John Geerts on April 05, 2020, 20:25:21
Z6 - Nikkor 500/8  1971 version
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Dr Klaus Schmitt on April 05, 2020, 21:10:45
Here some shot with a Canon CL f4/250mm CAT lens

(https://live.staticflickr.com/7826/46253843985_8a42521abf_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/7827/47187852981_ba922c8938_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/7909/46253844685_d85f9e2dc7_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48756610427_c7cf01b869_b.jpg)



Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Mike G on April 05, 2020, 21:17:01
Very nicely done Klaus! Especially the sunset/sunrise shot.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: John Geerts on April 19, 2020, 21:17:12
With the Reflex Nikkor 500mm f/8 N  Latest version. (Close focus 1.5mtr)  Lilac

Posted before in April 2020
(https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=9356.0;attach=44030;image)

Ducks

(https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=9356.0;attach=44053;image)
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Airy on April 23, 2020, 11:18:50
beautiful ! this is what I'd call a canonic use of this lens.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: John Geerts on April 24, 2020, 18:56:54
Thanks Airy.

 A few other, earlier posted in April 2020 and 'Bikes forever

(https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=9356.0;attach=44027;image)

(https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2764.0;attach=44028;image)
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Airy on April 25, 2020, 23:21:16
beautiful ! this is what I'd call a canonic use of this lens.
... I should have written "mirror", "lens" sounds moronic in this context ...

... and the last shots are also convincing. It's always fun to see the bushes "boiling" or foaming (1st shot, top left !). Sometimes it's even appropriate.

My problem right now is that my garden is too small for a proper use of this lens. Then again, I'm fortunate to enjoy a garden...
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Snoogly on July 11, 2021, 06:53:18
I love this reflex nikkor 500mm! I don’t know how I will ever get it in focus, but I just slapped it on my Z6ii, cranked the ISO up to around 24,000, leaned back on the sofa, and caught my budgie drinking gin. A very dark room.

It’s like a beautiful and magical tool - even more so when you can nail the focus :-)

I know it’s a pretty duff image, but for a first image with a ‘new’ lens I am delighted :-)

Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Snoogly on July 11, 2021, 06:54:28
John, your Ducks is such a beautiful thing :-)
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: John Geerts on July 11, 2021, 07:07:28
John, your Ducks is such a beautiful thing :-)
Thank you  ;)
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Akira on July 11, 2021, 07:20:51
I love this reflex nikkor 500mm! I don’t know how I will ever get it in focus, but I just slapped it on my Z6ii, cranked the ISO up to around 24,000, leaned back on the sofa, and caught my budgie drinking gin. A very dark room.

It’s like a beautiful and magical tool - even more so when you can nail the focus :-)

I know it’s a pretty duff image, but for a first image with a ‘new’ lens I am delighted :-)

Very unique use of a reflex lens.  It is also attractive as a color composition.  Nice!
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Snoogly on July 11, 2021, 07:56:55
Very unique use of a reflex lens.  It is also attractive as a color composition.  Nice!

Hearing that from you is an honor indeed :-)

When the rules allow for a legal drink in a bar, I’d love to meet somewhere in downtown Tokyo :-)
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Snoogly on July 12, 2021, 08:57:06
How crucial is it to have a rear filter on the nikkor 500mm? I have read that ‘a’ filter is necessary for accurate focusing, but maybe that only applied to film cameras.

I ask because a few friends have asked me about the lens here in  Japan, but the best deals are sans filter. Does it actually matter on a DSLR?
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Akira on July 12, 2021, 22:59:45
Hearing that from you is an honor indeed :-)

When the rules allow for a legal drink in a bar, I’d love to meet somewhere in downtown Tokyo :-)

I've enjoyed some off-line meetings with the NG members here in Tokyo.  I don't drink alcohol, but am willing to meet you in person and have some nerdy chat whenever the current crazy situation is put to end!
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Dr Klaus Schmitt on July 20, 2021, 07:55:49
A very rare one showed up, made for the Russian Space program in the 70s. A prototype of the ZUFAR-2 4.5/350mm UV-VIS lens which unfortunately was too corroded
for me to take the plug on it, here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Zufar-2ca-Sowjetunion-Objektiv-/154526859917?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=8XSkWi3BurSOW4FfeyyV6aNgbkA%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Zufar-2ca-Sowjetunion-Objektiv-/154526859917?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=8XSkWi3BurSOW4FfeyyV6aNgbkA%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc)

I have two of them, wrote about them here: https://photographyoftheinvisibleworld.blogspot.com/2018/11/zufar-4350mm-and-its-prototype-quartz.html (https://photographyoftheinvisibleworld.blogspot.com/2018/11/zufar-4350mm-and-its-prototype-quartz.html)

(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sQspX9NnHjE/W_6g9d8HRAI/AAAAAAAAA3I/Tt1VCkm-D3IUQOALAvjQKBQVoKeTk9SBACLcBGAs/s1600/Ob-512%2Bset_%2528c%2529.jpg)

Here is aonther very rare CAT lens, the ZIKAR-1 f1.2/100mm for visible light only: https://www.ebay.com/itm/154527274645?hash=item23fa8b1695:g:u5gAAOSwpsFg60rO (https://www.ebay.com/itm/154527274645?hash=item23fa8b1695:g:u5gAAOSwpsFg60rO)

ZIKAR-1A, from the russian space defence program, to detect fired rockets aiming at the (then) USSR from about 45.000 km away, mounted at some camera system from a satellite in orbit around earth. It is a catadioptric system with two Beryllium mirrors, f1.2/100mm and some fluorite aux. lenses. Several such systems were successfully launched into space and were in operation several years long.

(http://forum.mflenses.com/userpix/20189/455_Zikar1_collage_1.jpg)
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Imagelover on July 20, 2021, 10:11:12
Desember 6. 2020: D810 with Reflex-Nikkor 1000mm f/11 on a tripod, ISO 31, -1 ev, 4 sec.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Snoogly on July 25, 2021, 05:55:48
With the Reflex Nikkor 500mm f/8 N  Latest version. (Close focus 1.5mtr)  Lilac

Posted before in April 2020
(https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=9356.0;attach=44030;image)

Ducks

(https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=9356.0;attach=44053;image)

John, how did you shoot the Ducks?
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Snoogly on July 25, 2021, 06:54:38
I took the 500mm f8 to a very hot and boring park today, and aimed at a pond.

I am falling in love with this lens now :-)
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Airy on August 11, 2021, 23:23:37
Another one : the Reflex Nikkor 500/8, old version. A wonderful gift from a retiring colleague. Mint condition with original carrying box.
Performance is better than I expected (note: I also have the new version, purchased in Tokyo ten years ago. Comparisons pending).
Camera was my Df, as usual.

Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Snoogly on August 12, 2021, 08:09:12
Lovely Airy.

How did you manage to focus on the DF? I am using mine on a Z6ii, for focus peaking. But one thing we have in common is our choice of subjects :-)
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Dr Klaus Schmitt on August 12, 2021, 08:09:30
Looks very good to me!
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Snoogly on August 12, 2021, 08:24:31
This is a shot of my mirror lens :-)

+ TC and two third party lens hoods.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Airy on August 12, 2021, 09:11:58
Lovely Airy.

How did you manage to focus on the DF? I am using mine on a Z6ii, for focus peaking. But one thing we have in common is our choice of subjects :-)

1) DK-17M magnifying eyepiece is a must, irrespective of the lens, when manual focus is the norm. I have fitted all my cameras with it, starting with the D700.

2) A monopod is highly recommended to avoid occasional focussing misses, or general discomfort, due to camera shake when FL exceeds, say, 200mm. It does not matter if it is a light Velbon or a sturdy carbon fiber one; one is far better than none.

Of course, if you are blessed with a Z6 or even with an Olympus OM-D (a nice combo with 180/2.8 for instance), the two points above become irrelevant.

By the way, when using those 500mm mirror lenses, my usual speed is 1/1000s (1 / 2*FL) on static subjects, while I usually set the auto ISO to 1/FL with other lenses. These mirror lenses are relatively light and very short, meaning insufficient inertia. The old 300/4 feels much more stable in comparison...
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: John Geerts on August 12, 2021, 11:32:21
Great shots
Another one : the Reflex Nikkor 500/8, old version. A wonderful gift from a retiring colleague. Mint condition with original carrying box.
Performance is better than I expected (note: I also have the new version, purchased in Tokyo ten years ago. Comparisons pending).
Looking forward to the comparision !

I also have the latest version, but images with  the older version looked sharper with more resolution. (more bite)
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Snoogly on August 12, 2021, 12:04:22
Great shotsLooking forward to the comparision !

I also have the latest version, but images with  the older version looked sharper with more resolution. (more bite)

Me too. But I do like the ‘macro’ function of the New.
Title: Re: Show us your Mirror Lens shots!
Post by: Snoogly on September 20, 2021, 07:56:15
I am proud of this one :-)