PC 19mm f/4 E ED

[MILLIREHM]

Canon don't make an 85mm tilt shift, theirs is 90mm. Nikon make what focal lengths they want to make.

correct i got it wrong in my memory
of course is Nikon free to make what they want to make, nevertheless Canon and Nikon are frequently imitating each other

imho 19mm may indeed be more appropriate, and it is also  a prime focal length unique for Nikon

and remarkable: the first T/S lens enabling to turn the Tilt against the Shift axis- finally
after upgrades for the 85,45 and 24 the PC-E series would be done for a long period of time

[abergon]

I have seen conflicting information about the compatibility of the PC 19mm with the Nikon Df.

This page:http://www.nikon.com/news/2016/1019_lens_01.htm says: "When used with cameras other than the D5, D4 series, D3 series, D810 series, D500, or Df (emphasis mine), some combinations of shift and rotation may not be possible due to the fact that the lens comes into contact with the camera body."

But this page http://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/product/camera-lenses/pc-nikkor-19mm-f%252f4e-ed.html from the Nikon USA website says: "Usable models although there are some limitations: Df (emphasis mine again), D800 series, D750, D700, D610, D600, D300 series, D7200, D7100, D7000, D5500, D5300, D5200, D5100, D5000, D3400, D3300, D3200, D3100."

Do you know which information is right, and as the case may be, what are these limitations?

[Erik Lund]

The older cameras can't use the latest E lenses also some of the low level cameras don't have so much space around the mount to accommodate for the movements.

The will be no issues using a Df

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Not the clearest of information on Nikon's side, that is for sure.

However, Df being the "flattest" profiled in shape and outline of any Nikon now in production, simply has to be the camera with the least restrictions of movements.

The Df also allows all 'E' type lenses with all features functional.

[Akira]

According to the Japanese Nikon website, PC 19/4.0E can be used with D5, D4 series, D3 series, Df, D810 series and D500 "without limitation".  Yes, Df is included in the "without limitation" category.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

OK, then some details were lost in translation apparently.

Anyone familiar with these cameras should be puzzled by the initial assertion  of compatibility.

[chambeshi]

Suspect a similar constraint with my superb 24 3.5D PCE on the D7200 (and likely some of the other current Nikon SLRs). The lens cannot extend fully upward in vertical Shift, because the lens body is obstructed by the upper "overhang" of the camera's flash housing. And it's commonsense when using the the 90 degree rotation button/lever, but only turn left as shift operating knob fouls...

And reset the 90 degree rotation of the lens is in its normal orientation to attach or detach from the camera, or it will be foul when rotated.

kind regards woody

[Bjørn Rørslett]

The Df has almost no overhang of the finder so should not impose any restriction of movement.

I noticed D500 also was fully compatible and it surely has a lot more overhang than the Df ... However, some of the DX models are quite narrow in width and thus the lens might interfere with the handgrip even when it clears the finder overhang.

[abergon]

Thanks, that's reassuring.

I am not sure I'll have the budget for this lens any time soon but I am certainly interested.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

You are not alone - I'm tempted as well.

However, will request a review sample first.

[MFloyd]

Question.  I hope this sounds not too iconoclastic, but to what extent, PC through a dedicated lens is (much) better that PC in postproduction such as Lr or DXO dedicated module ? I'm not a specialist in architectural photography, but the little PC corrections I had to made via Lr where very satisfying.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

A world of difference that is best understood when tried in the field.

A PC lens allows extreme movements of the plane of focus without any degradation of image quality.

The image below illustrates what such a lens easily should deliver (not taken with the 19, but applying extreme tilt with a 28 PC so the rendition should be comparable)

[Airy]

Indeed, they key feature is the tilt, rather than the shift (latter can be emulated e.g. by unsymmetric cropping, provided one has a high res lens and a high res sensor)

[chambeshi]

Beautiful tidal scene, Bjorn :-) It's always impressive what these PC lenses can deliver in landscapes!

A question I've been meaning to ask is which Micro version of the current PC-E Nikkors - 45 or 85 - would be the best choice to maximize the DoF on small vertebrates, insects etc and details of plants, while securing fitting background to the forward subject? And not sure if this topic has already been discussed in a sister thread

I recently bought a Used PC-E 24 f3.5 in pristine condition (boxed and unregistered!) And am humbly learning its capabilities; the 45 or 85 is the logical progression (in due course)

thanks

woody

[Bjørn Rørslett]

If you are asking for my opinion, I always consider longer lenses to be the better choice for landscape work. Thus the 85 PC is my preferred alternative. It combines nicely with the 24 PC as well.

If just a single PC lens is feasible, the 45 might do good service for some close-ups (it is labelled 'Micro-Nikkor' after all) and the occasional landscape scene as well.