seeking advice on (relatively) lightweight 35mm lens for travel

[PeterN]

Has anyone used the 35/2.8 reversed?

[Akira]

just wanted to let you know I ended up buying the 35mm 2.8 AI (same optics as K) with serial number 851965.

Congrats on your purchase!  I'm also interested in this very optics.  Please share some results.

[PeterN]

I just received lens and the camera. Can't test the camera yet but the lens looks good at first sight. However, one thing puzzles me and I can't find the info on that:

when I set the aperture via the ring, let's say f8, I read in viewfinder and top-display: F3. Likewise, 5.6 is. So the total range varies from 0 to 6 (f2.8 to 22, 7 stops). I can definitively live with that. However, I do not see those numbers when I review the image. There it says F--. Am I doing something wrong or are those numbers not stored in the EXIF file?

Am I correct when I think that a CPU-conversion would 'translate' aperture and focal length into approximate values in the EXIF file?

My apologies if I am using the wrong language.


BTW: the arrival of the FE has wet my appetite for the Df again. ;-)

[Bjørn Rørslett]

The read-out is 'Delta' F. Meaning the difference in stop between the maximum (f/2.8 ) and the current setting.

You get F-- on the display because you haven't assigned any data to a non-CPU lens. Go into the menus for that setting. Not familiar with the D750 so cannot provide any pointers except the knowledge the feature *is* present. It is not unmanly to read the camera manual.

Until you do this, EXIF will show 0 mm and f/0 or f/1, depending on the actual software.

[PeterN]

I really feel like a dummy. Thank you. It worked. In the setup menu there is a non-CPU lens item with two variables: focal length and max. aperture. And then the miracle happens: focal length and aperture in display and EXIF. Now I also know why I prefer primes. ;-)

The read-out is 'Delta' F. Meaning the difference in stop between the maximum (f/2.8 ) and the current setting.

You get F-- on the display because you haven't assigned any data to a non-CPU lens. Go into the menus for that setting. Not familiar with the D750 so cannot provide any pointers except the knowledge the feature *is* present. It is not unmanly to read the camera manual.

Until you do this, EXIF will show 0 mm and f/0 or f/1, depending on the actual software.

[David H. Hartman]

Are people less intimidated by a cellphone camera held at arms length with an LED "flash" that blinds them than most any "proper" camera including something like a D810 with a smallish lens.

On a mirror less camera I have a block on Sony due to many product failures with TVs and CD payers. I have good feelings about Fuji no experience with recent camera. I own a Fuji P&S and my best 50mm enlarging lens is a Fujinon-EP 50/3.5.

Dave Hartman

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If small and light is more important than image quality there is the AF 35/2.0D Nikkor. I can't recommend it because I've never used it. It has a simple optical formula that may requires stopping down for useful results. If getting the picture is more important than image quality then it's surely small, light and unobtrusive. The price should be low these days [but isn't].

If a manual focus 35mm lens is acceptable I can recommend the 35/2.0 AI Nikkor from all the way back to my PR days. I've printed many Tri-X negatives and was extremely pleased the lens at f/5.6. I could pass off Tri-X at EI 200 with the 35/2.0 AI as medium format. The 35/2.0 AI was excellent as a manual focus normal lens on my D300s. The AI has a longer throw on the focus ring than the AIS. I would think any 35/2.0 with multi-coatings, O-C, K, AI or AIS would produce excellent results. The O-C and K would need AI conversion for most dSLR(s). The older 35/2.0 Nikkor-O is a fine lens but would suffer some against the sun or strong lights. I owned one, like it but I don't remember specifically it's flare and ghost performance.

All of these lenses use the Nikon HN-3 lens hood which is small and accepts the Tupperware #G tumbler cap which is very convenient.

Dave

Edit:

I just checked KEH.com for prices. They have a AF 35/2.0D in EX condition for $328.00 (USD) with caps. I can't imagine paying that for the lens.

I read the reviews at Photozone.de and Lens Tips Reviews and they were lukewarm. I would not pay a 4th of the price KEH wants. At least it's small and light.

[HCS]

If small and light is more important than image quality there is the AF 35/2.0D Nikkor. I can't recommend it because I've never used it. It has a simple optical formula that may requires stopping down for useful results. If getting the picture is more important than image quality then it's surely small, light and unobtrusive. The price should be low these days [but isn't].

Define image quality and useful results. There is much internet noise about the quality of the 35 f/2D, but i doubt many of the "reviewers" have actually used the lens.

I have it and (used to) use it on an almost daily basis. While there are many lenses that are sharper, especially wide open, it is of good quality (at least the copy i have) and is indeed unobtrusive and light.

Of course, YMMV.

[Peter]

I use a Nikkor-O 35 f2 and I love the results. I am sure the optics are not the same as the AF-D f2 as well as lack of extra coating.
Th Nikkor-O has a huge front element that requires the use of a shade, also noticed the price of these are starting to go up.