I appreciate older lenses, in fact I love Nikon AF-D 85/1.4, 105/2 DC, 135/2 DC, 300/2.8 AI-S, (Zeiss lenses). I needed an AF lens for portraits (for landscapes I had and I have today Zeiss and I'm at peace with the universe!): so, in the past, I bought Nikon AF-S G 85mm f/1.4 and Nikon Af-S G 105mm f/1.4E , but I have resold them in a little time, because I didn't like their accentuated contrast and their colours, very different from old Nikon AI-s and Nikon D and their "tonal passages" (are these words right? I don't speak English very well! Excuse me....) and I bought 85/1.4 AF-D, 105/2 DC, 135/2 DC and I love them!!!!!! I needed it too a 180mm/200mm, also MF, for landscapes and street, so I preferred AF, so I bought this 180mm f/2.8 AF-D. I want to appreciate more old lenses!!!!
I have seen no real difference in color between any Nikkor lens,,, ever.
Don't understand this too contrasty statement, a matter of post processing will control this easily.
And yes better with a sharp lens as a start point, then only sharpen what needs to be sharpened,,,
You sold 85 and 105mm 1.4 G, two of the finest tools, very odd, but ok I don't get it