Author Topic: Lens "porn" with the Df: 35-70 mm f/3.5 Zoom-Nikkor AI #72 mm  (Read 17603 times)

Bjørn Rørslett

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I continue my quest to visit most Nikkors with the Df to learn what each lens can contribute. Time has come to the first of the 'pro' mid-range zoom lenses, the 35-70 mm f/3.5 Zoom-Nikkor AI from 1977. This is the 72 mm version and it uses the big HK-4 lens shade. It remained in production until 1981 when it was replaced by a lens with similar specification but the smaller 62 mm filter size, and this last version also had a kind of 'macro' focusing implemented.

The 35-70/3.5 is very sturdily made, has a two-ring zoom operation, and focused to just 1 m which is pretty distant at 35 mm setting of course. Image quality is good to excellent, and most of the CA seen can be removed quite easily in a post-processing stage. Be warned though this lens is very prone to flare if directed towards the sun or other strong point-light sources.

As usual for lenses of its vintage, image contrast is lower than what a modern lens delivers. The 35-70 makes up for this by its almost '3-D' drawing and beautifully rendered transitions. Unusual for a zoom design, it has very low geometric distortion so architecture is one of its force fields. It is a lens for Nikkor aficionados with a cultivated  taste. Plus of course being a prime candidate for CPU modification.
 
Here is a view of the 35-70, complete with the proper HK-4 hood, on my Df.



(note the tiny Foolography GPS receiver on the camera's left-hand side, it's pretty neat and unobtrusive ... When the 'L' bracket is added, it encloses the GPS device entirely).
 
An example of modern architecture of an office building to show the excellent geometric rendition of the 35-70. I shot this during a snowfall so image contrast was further reduced by all the snow blowing past me. In fact, one can observe an "air perspective" within < 100 m distance.

Snowy impression by Nikon Df




A detail of silver birches being planted outside the office building shown above. The contrast between vulnerable nature and man-made features couldn't be greater, but notwithstanding that, it is safe to conclude Nature will draw the longer straw eventually because such buildings rarely live for a century before they are razed, whilst the silver birch has an estimated longevity several times longer.




A final image by the 35-70 mm f/3.5 @72mm filter before I move on. This is from the earlier series posted yesterday so windy and snowy conditions with that lead-grey sky only Nordic winters can provide.


Modern Yggdrasil by Nikon Df



The keen observer will immediate spot two issues. Firstly, the tree is not an Ash (Fraxinus) as described in the Nordic Sagas, but a Lime (probably Tilia x europaea; I'll have to check next spring when it leafs). This is within artistic license so even in a strict sense nothing to worry about. However, the second issue is signs of really bad moiré on the roundabout traffic sign. It is pretty rare to get the moiré this pronounced as common wisdom tells you this flaw is for high-resolving cameras a group in which the Df not really belongs. However, given a sufficiently sharp lens and the suitable conditions, you can indeed get moiré with almost any digital camera. The Df is no exception.

John Geerts

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Re: Lens "porn" with the Df: 35-70 mm f/3.5 Zoom-Nikkor AI #72 mm
« Reply #1 on: April 26, 2016, 19:30:09 »
It's indeed a remarkable good lens. Much better than the 62mm and perhaps Nikons  best manual zoom?   The sharpness is unique, and as Bjørn states the 3D- drawing and transition rendering gives an unexpected and
 fantastic  look.  Most of the (small) drawbacks are easily corrected in PP.

The dresses and their patterns is a nice example of the strength of this zoom.    (earlier posted in the 366-days forumtopic)



And the colours are very authentic



And work well with flowers and nature



Also combined with the Close up attachment lens 6T an impressive performer



Because of the lack of distortion very usable for architecture.


John Geerts

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Re: Lens "porn" with the Df: 35-70 mm f/3.5 Zoom-Nikkor AI #72 mm
« Reply #2 on: February 20, 2017, 11:29:56 »
The hood HK-4 is very hard to find.

But also the HN-9 (originally for the 20mm f/3.5 UD) is usable. With a filter (or double step-up ring) it won't vignette at 35mm.

Fons Baerken

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Re: Lens "porn" with the Df: 35-70 mm f/3.5 Zoom-Nikkor AI #72 mm
« Reply #3 on: February 20, 2017, 12:27:19 »
Very nice lens indeed havent used it since a while now, shame.

Imagelover

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Re: Lens "porn" with the Df: 35-70 mm f/3.5 Zoom-Nikkor AI #72 mm
« Reply #4 on: October 06, 2019, 10:46:44 »
Yesterday evening (saturday 5th October) I went out with my silver Df and the Zoom-Nikkor 35-70 f3.5 AI (both bought used) to capture the light after the sun disappeared below the horizon. On the same spot I took some thirty pictures of the scene as it changed during about an hour. Df with the lens on a tripod, lens set at 35mm, aperture f8, and I think it was 1/15th of a second.
One picture taken is far better than none!

Jacques Pochoy

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Re: Lens "porn" with the Df: 35-70 mm f/3.5 Zoom-Nikkor AI #72 mm
« Reply #5 on: October 06, 2019, 18:28:51 »
Great colors...  8)
“A photograph is a moral decision taken in one eighth of a second. ” ― Salman Rushdie, The Ground Beneath Her Feet.

PeterN

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Re: Lens "porn" with the Df: 35-70 mm f/3.5 Zoom-Nikkor AI #72 mm
« Reply #6 on: October 06, 2019, 20:52:09 »
I love the delicate rendering.
In fact, it makes me wonder if I should trade my D750 for a Df, just for using vintage lenses.
Peter

Jack Dahlgren

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Re: Lens "porn" with the Df: 35-70 mm f/3.5 Zoom-Nikkor AI #72 mm
« Reply #7 on: October 07, 2019, 01:27:59 »
I love the delicate rendering.
In fact, it makes me wonder if I should trade my D750 for a Df, just for using vintage lenses.

I find the Z6 better with vintage lenses than the Df except for the lack of recording f stop in the Exif. The look of the Df complements old lenses too, but not so important to me.

Imagelover

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Re: Lens "porn" with the Df: 35-70 mm f/3.5 Zoom-Nikkor AI #72 mm
« Reply #8 on: October 07, 2019, 09:25:16 »
Peter and Jack;

I really think both the Df and the Z6 are great cameras in using vintage lenses! It gets down to what you really prefer. I`m not an owner of mirrorless, no choice yet.
One picture taken is far better than none!