The Unsung Heroes: the 35-135 Zoom-Nikkor

[Bjørn Rørslett]

In various incarnations, the 35-135 Zoom-Nikkor f/3.5-4.5 was produced from 1984 to 2005. That is over two decades, yet the lens never caught the attention of the general public, and it has few claims to any fame despite a fairly large production volume. Basically there was an AIS version first that remained in production until 1998. The AF version arrived in 1986 and was updated in 1988. Apparently it then remained unchanged until production ceased in 2005.

Either as manual or AF , the lens zooms by push-pull operation. This concomitantly changes the total length so you need to think beforehand where to place your support grip for shooting. The AIS exhibits the usual layout of a rotating lens barrel for focusing whilst the AF lenses have a quite narrow focusing collar in front. This was widened from the initially very narrow collar of the first AF model.

The proper hood for the AF model is HB-1, while the AIS should have HN-22. However, when the lens is used on a DX camera, the HN-23 does a good service for both.

I own the AIS and the last AF(N) model, both dating to around '90. Since these lenses command such a low esteem, I got them for next to nothing, perhaps no more than $150 for both combined. CPU-modifying the AIS 35-135 is pretty easy.

In the picture below the AIS and AF(N) are shown with a red Nikon D5300 as backdrop. This red camera is - needless to say - modified for IR shooting. The D5300 has no support for the 'screwdriver'-type AF of the AF 35-135, so I usually put the AIS lens on this camera and reserve the AF model for my quaint old-fashioned Fuji S3 Pro (UVIR Limited Edition).

[Bjørn Rørslett]

I already alluded to the usage of this 35-135 lens for IR photography. This is actually an application field that few zoom lenses can boast of coping with in a satisfactory manner, but the 35-135 is unusual and really works well for IR.

A few examples to show its versatility.

[John Geerts]

That looks pretty impressive.  How do you rate this lens for normal photography? I acquired one, in a lot of 8 lenses, but have not yet received it. There is hardly any good review of this lens available.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

It is OK, but perhaps nothing more. Image contrast is rather low as usual for its vintage.

I don't use the lens often for visible work, though. (D300, Ais 35-135)

[Bjørn Rørslett]

This is the AF 35-135 on my Df. A Danish Bronze Age burial mound.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

The ancient Fuji S3 and the 35-135 are highly synergetic and results are very pleasing. Apparently, it doesn't matter whether the AIS or the AF model is used as they largely deliver identical images. However, the RAF files from this camera are understood by few modern RAW converters and getting them properly processed is a nightmare. Thus I'm trying to introduce either the Nikon D600 (broad spectrum) or D5300 (IR modified) into the work flow as an alternative, but getting equally pleasant output is quite difficult apparently.

I am not the person to give up, though, and the false-colour IR images from D5300/35-135 this weekend were on the right track.

[Akira]

Very inspirational images, as always, Bjørn!

Does the modified D5300 have an internal IR720 filter?

[Bjørn Rørslett]

...

Does the modified D5300 have an internal IR720 filter?

Yes, indeed it has.

[Chip Chipowski]

Bjorn, this is a little OT but I am curious to learn more about how you process your color IR images.  I use a D200 with a 720nm filter and while I like the B&W conversions, I have had very little success in producing nice color images. 

[Bjørn Rørslett]

"It just happens". Not every IR image has a colour potential apparently. Sometimes I merge results from different RAW converters. One for providing detail, another for the colours.

The Fuji makes the job much easier, by the way. It simply "sees" differently and I guess that is a major reason for my keeping this ancient battery-hungry clunker of a camera.

[Chip Chipowski]

Thanks - sometimes the best answer is not an easy answer

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Don't take this as any attempt of "keeping a secret" - I honestly don't know exactly what I do on each occasion ... Probably unconsciously exploring the latent potential of a capture I'd guess.

For the Fuji IR it is easier, well sort of, as the camera itself does 50% of the job and the remaining steps are mainly to change the hue so as to emulate the old IE 2443 Infrared Ektachrome and boost the contrast a little.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

More examples from the 35-135.

[Chip Chipowski]

Bjørn, I did not interpret your response as secretive.  If nothing else, I appreciate knowing it depends on the shot and there is no silver bullet.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

More examples of the 35-135.

First is the not-so-inspirational view from my front porch, softened ever so slightly by the IR embellishment of the winter landscape.

Second depicts the onset of Spring Thaw in a rural landscape.

Third is a birdie, probably a magpie, snapshot taken when I opened my car door.

Hopefully it will become evident that such a humble lens indeed can deliver quite acceptable images. Pick up one for yourself while they are cheap.