I have a lovely, mint P-C that appears to be Nikon converted to AI. Impressive build and just a beautiful lens. Being a lens-hound, I also have an AI and an AI-S but not the Sonnar design model. I tend to use the AI-S the most for no other reason than to preserve the P-C's minty look. I don't test lenses but for my uses all these lenses are optically excellent.
me too.
one year ago, I bought my first 105/2.5 Ai version by an unexpected chance at 50USD/370RMB, with a lot of mildew inside, and the lense looks used quite often. the seller told me it was belong to a HongKong photographer.he work with some stars.
in that time , I am not aware of this famous story and lengendary lense.
the price was cheap, and fortunately this lense is easy to maintenance, I fixed the mildew problem, it performs very well.
after playing some times of this lense, I do love it, the rendering and the sharp full-open. (except the CA and weight)
from a collection perspective, the first one is not such good, then I found a chance bought the 2nd Ai version in double price, but the class is perfect, and no maintenance in origin condition. focus smoothly. perfect.
last time I got a NIKKOR PC Auto 24/2.8, I feel the material, built quality and mechnics are quite good (even lack of camera to use it), then I think of buy a mint auto nikkor-PC 105 for collection.
so now still about doubt price, I have one.
ps:last picture is from seller