Based on the serial number the lens was made between 1971 and 1973. It is mid-way in the lenses production run. This is the second optical version of the lens with the first version being a Sonnar design, of which Nikon made two variants. The next iteration of the lens was multi-coated. It can be identified by the letters PC following Nikkor on the lens. Steve McCurry used the later (same optical formula) Ai-s lens to make the famous "Afghan Girl" photo.
My D700 is still my main camera, I am a wedding photographer. It's just magic. I'm gonna get this lens now I love trying vintage lenses. Thank you for the video!
I have one of these and I love it. Its not even the only vintage lens that is surprisingly sharp and beautiful. I use mine with a Z6, much easier to manual focus on the Z cameras. But I'm glad you showed it off from both Z9 and D700. Some may cringe at manual focusing, but I find it more fun and brings back memories when that was the ONLY way. But this lens and almost any body you can fit it to will produce results you simply can't get without spending far more on the lens alone.
I would have agreed until recently, but some of the new budget Chinese lenses are really good! As I just posted above, I rarely use my 105mm now I have a Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 - the AF means you get a lot more keepers and the image quality is really good! (I would have to really pixel peep to see a difference in sharpness, and the bokeh is just as nice to my eye)
Well my three cents... Outstanding lens regardless of its age, amazing how good nikkor modern zooms are going head to head with a prime like that and ending up on top and third, gorgeous photos especially considering it was a walkaround for testing. 👍👍👍
Just watched your video again and I like the fact that you show us the pictures for comparison and you don’t blather on about how great the lenses are without showing it in real time. Like other RUclipsrs. The thing with the softer lens wide-open though is it gives you two lenses in one for taking portraits wide open which is quite flattering to your subject and when stopping down, it becomes a better landscape lens and I’m sure if, the lens was stopped down and compared to the other lenses. The difference would become even less than what is shown here. Although at 400% we are really pixel peeping. Thanks again for your video and your photography is excellent as well. Regards Gerry
Nice set of pix with this legendary lens.I have one as well, a newer version which I have chipped so it communicates with the newer cameras. I have the 85 1.4 as well and they are a nice combination for walk arounds. I installed a focussing screen on my D700 and it makes it much easier to focus these lenses and also using the focus dot for confirmation. Using them on the Z camera is even good with focus peaking and IBIS with these old timers. Thank you for confirming the greatness of these beauties. Regards Gerry
This really mirrors my own recent experience. Before anything else, my fave pics were the long shot of the woman on the rocks looking out to sea in colour, the heron, the rocks emerging from the sea with soft foreground and background, and the sand blowing over the beach. All really nice, printable images. I've been shooting portraits on an AI converted version of this lens (which is why I was seeking a vid on this exact version) on a Nikon D600 and I was astonished how sharp it is wide open. I agree with your comparisons with the other lenses but that it comes so close when this lens is likely over 50 years old! (I checked and they changed to the rubberised focusing ring in '74/'75). The bokeh is also wonderful. I was surprised by how busy it was on the 85mm f1.4 by comparison. I think this is a real sleeper of a portrait lens. The focus throw is so easy as well and it's trivial nailing sharp focus using the viewfinder and focus confirmation dot in a DSLR finder. Did you not have issues getting the lens on and off? In my experience, non AI lenses can stick on DSLRs and 1990s SLRs and it's considered something to avoid.
Thanks for watching and commenting. Re fitting non AI lens, yes, need to be careful. The aperture coupling ring on the camera will grab the lens aperture collar. So I noticed I needed to set the aperture on the lens (I think to wide open) before fitting the lens.
How did you manage to couple the lens with your D700 without damaging the aperture index tab (or the meter coupling lever; I don't know the right name! ) of the lens mount? I thought that it is not possible to mount Non-AI lenses with modern DSLR (except with the Nikon Df which has a movable meter coupling lever) unless you remodel the bayonet. I would like to mount such a vintage lens with my D500. I saw the first version of the Nikkor-P 10.5cm 1:2.5 in the movie "Three Days of the Condor" from 1975 a few days ago and since I did research on the lens. But I don't want to buy one of those lenses without knowing how to couple with my camera if possible at all. It would be nice if you can give me some advice. How did you deal with that problem? Thanks.
You are correct. The Non-AI lens coupling tab is not designed for the D700, D500 D850. It is possible to mount the lens, however the lens needs to be set to f22 when mounting and demounting the lens. If you mount the lens at f2.5. The coupling ring will interfere with the lens coupling tab, limiting the lens aperture movement to a range of f2.5 to f5.6 only. If you mount with the lens set to f22, the lens tab will be free of the coupling ring, letting you use the full range of apertures from f2.5 to f22. I borrowed this lens, so if I were to buy one, I would go the an AI or AI-S version to make sure I have proper light meter coupling with my D700, D500 and D850.
@@Adventure8 Thank you very much! That's good news with the "trick" to set the aperture to f22 when mounting the lens. Of course it would be easier and more convenient to go for an AI or AI-S version. However I want to try the older lens because of the different (and hopeful more special) optical formula. Thanks again and all the best for you.
@@fotoamateur1620 I was about to ask the same question but you put it far more eloquently than I could, and a big thanks also to the uploader for the information and work-around.
Hi, interesting video. However....you didn't choose the "right" 105mm lens. What do I mean by that? Well there are 3 versions of the pre-Ai 105mmf2.5. The first version has the focal length marked in cm (10.5cm), the second in mm (105mm) and the third has a black nose (The 1st and 2nd versions have a silver nose). So what difference does that make to image quality? Well the 1st and 2nd (not sure if all the 2nd) are a Sonnar design which gives the images a unique look. All the versions would have similar sharpness but the Sonnar versions have different rendering and color palette which is noticeable if viewing side by side with a 'normal' Nikkor. The easiest way to tell the difference is that the Sonnar rear element is smaller than the lens housing. You should definitely check out the 'Sonnar' version if you can because I think the images it produces might surprise you?
@@Adventure8 Thanks for the reply. As more become aware of the 105 Sonnar version it's becoming more pricey. However what is less known is that the Nikkor Q 135mm f3.5 is also a Sonnar lens, and can still be picked up for under $50? Both are equally sharp wide open and both render images beautifully, and as a bonus both use the same filters and the same snap on Nikon lens hood. I've just checked and there's a 135 Sonnar on ebay selling for $24? The coupling prongs (rabbits ears) are missing (no need for them anyway if shooting digitally) and it's got clean glass. Maybe an opportunity for you to check out a Sonnar Nikon on the cheap? 😉
@@Jeff-zc6rrThe black nose versions are the 3rd version and only 1st and SOME 2nd versions are Sonnar design. Also "The easiest way to tell the difference is that the Sonnar rear element is smaller than the lens housing."
All good lenses but the big takeaway for me was being reminded how great the colours are coming off the D700. Will have to dust of my own neglected DSLR.
I love this lens, but your tests certainly showed how good modern lenses are! The 105mm f/1.4 outperformed the old girl easily at f/1.4!! I must admit mine doesn't get much use since I got a Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 - AF is very handy, and the results aren't far behind at all. I would definitely recommend the Viltrox over this if it's your only portrait/short tele lens - you get a lot more keepers (I grew up with nothing but MF lenses, but even with a lot of experience, peaking and EVF zoom it's not easy)
Yes, no debate, technology moves on and today's modern lenses are outstanding. As you, I still love using my old MF vintage lenses. I feel like a Master craftsman in photography going old school.
It's a lot easier on a DSLR though - with the combination of the nature of the viewfinder and the focus confirmation dot. Also on the newest Nikon Z cameras like the ZF and Z6III where you can zoom straight to the eye. But yes, the Viltrox 85mm f1.8 is an absolutely wonderful lens, no question.
Great video, I really love the build and image quality of those Nikon lenses… I also have a D700 and I would love to know how you manage to get sharp images with a manual lens on the D700.
Thanks for watching. If I need critical focus, I use the focus assist (little green dot/arrows in the view finder). Also make sure the shutter speed is 1/(2 x focal length) for hand held shots. Often my out of focus shots are actually camera shake.
Nice shots! Do you have any Nikon film camera recommendations? I bought a pre-ai version of this lens thinking it would fit on my d700/810, but also interested in shooting film!
No, the only way to couple the light meter of the D700 is via AI or AI-S lens. Non AI lenses, need to use manual and use the aperture stop down button for light metering.
Good question. The aperture ring at the base of the lens is different between an AI lens and non-AI. So I guess to convert a non-AI lens to AI means the aperture ring needs to be changed. Personally I wouldn’t bother. Either buy non-AI because you like the look or go for AI or AI-S to ensure light meter coupling.
You are right. The pre AI lens is a close fit with the Nikon D850. The light meter coupling tab just fits over the collar of the lens. So you need to be careful when mounting the lens.
Is it just me or is your lens not sharp enough? I have the same one and starting with the Nikon D3, D4 and D5, it is very sharp from f2.5. Currently, I connected it to Hasselblad X1D with an adapter and the effect is really good. It's obvious that it's not medium format glass, but the resolution is good enough :) Regards and congratulations on good shots :) It's good that there is such material about this good glass.
Thanks, much appreciated. Re its sharpness, I don't have the lens any more, had to return it to its owner. I'll have to get another version and do another test. Thanks for watching.
The D780 has the coupling ring for AI-S lenses. I don't know how you can convert a Non AI-S lens to couple. My suggestion, buy a used AI-S lens instead.
I have since 1978. Beautiful bokeh, sharp as a tack.
Very nice!
Based on the serial number the lens was made between 1971 and 1973. It is mid-way in the lenses production run. This is the second optical version of the lens with the first version being a Sonnar design, of which Nikon made two variants. The next iteration of the lens was multi-coated. It can be identified by the letters PC following Nikkor on the lens. Steve McCurry used the later (same optical formula) Ai-s lens to make the famous "Afghan Girl" photo.
That’s interesting, thanks for sharing the details.
My D700 is still my main camera, I am a wedding photographer. It's just magic. I'm gonna get this lens now I love trying vintage lenses. Thank you for the video!
Good choice!
I have one of these and I love it. Its not even the only vintage lens that is surprisingly sharp and beautiful. I use mine with a Z6, much easier to manual focus on the Z cameras. But I'm glad you showed it off from both Z9 and D700. Some may cringe at manual focusing, but I find it more fun and brings back memories when that was the ONLY way. But this lens and almost any body you can fit it to will produce results you simply can't get without spending far more on the lens alone.
Totally agree! Thanks for watching and commenting.
I would have agreed until recently, but some of the new budget Chinese lenses are really good! As I just posted above, I rarely use my 105mm now I have a Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 - the AF means you get a lot more keepers and the image quality is really good! (I would have to really pixel peep to see a difference in sharpness, and the bokeh is just as nice to my eye)
I have this lens. Great video. Thank you
RS. Canada
Thanks for watching!
Well my three cents... Outstanding lens regardless of its age, amazing how good nikkor modern zooms are going head to head with a prime like that and ending up on top and third, gorgeous photos especially considering it was a walkaround for testing. 👍👍👍
Thanks for commenting and your glowing review.
Just watched your video again and I like the fact that you show us the pictures for comparison and you don’t blather on about how great the lenses are without showing it in real time. Like other RUclipsrs. The thing with the softer lens wide-open though is it gives you two lenses in one for taking portraits wide open which is quite flattering to your subject and when stopping down, it becomes a better landscape lens and I’m sure if, the lens was stopped down and compared to the other lenses. The difference would become even less than what is shown here. Although at 400% we are really pixel peeping. Thanks again for your video and your photography is excellent as well. Regards Gerry
Thanks, much appreciated. Glad you found the video interesting. Cheers Peter
I got the Nikon 105mm s2.5 AIS. I love it and used it with my Nikon D750 and D500
Great.
Great video and results! Just picked up this lens to pair with my ZF.
Good choice!
Great shots, felt like I was looking at a Nat Geo magazine.
Wow, thanks heaps. We all need encouragement to pick up a camera and take a shot. Thanks for watching.
Nice set of pix with this legendary lens.I have one as well, a newer version which I have chipped so it communicates with the newer cameras. I have the 85 1.4 as well and they are a nice combination for walk arounds. I installed a focussing screen on my D700 and it makes it much easier to focus these lenses and also using the focus dot for confirmation. Using them on the Z camera is even good with focus peaking and IBIS with these old timers. Thank you for confirming the greatness of these beauties. Regards Gerry
Thanks for watching and commenting.
I have the lens that came out right after this one but non-AIS as well. Its absolutely great and best $100 CAD I ever spent (on a lens)
Great value.
This really mirrors my own recent experience. Before anything else, my fave pics were the long shot of the woman on the rocks looking out to sea in colour, the heron, the rocks emerging from the sea with soft foreground and background, and the sand blowing over the beach. All really nice, printable images.
I've been shooting portraits on an AI converted version of this lens (which is why I was seeking a vid on this exact version) on a Nikon D600 and I was astonished how sharp it is wide open. I agree with your comparisons with the other lenses but that it comes so close when this lens is likely over 50 years old! (I checked and they changed to the rubberised focusing ring in '74/'75).
The bokeh is also wonderful. I was surprised by how busy it was on the 85mm f1.4 by comparison. I think this is a real sleeper of a portrait lens. The focus throw is so easy as well and it's trivial nailing sharp focus using the viewfinder and focus confirmation dot in a DSLR finder.
Did you not have issues getting the lens on and off? In my experience, non AI lenses can stick on DSLRs and 1990s SLRs and it's considered something to avoid.
Thanks for watching and commenting. Re fitting non AI lens, yes, need to be careful. The aperture coupling ring on the camera will grab the lens aperture collar. So I noticed I needed to set the aperture on the lens (I think to wide open) before fitting the lens.
How did you manage to couple the lens with your D700 without damaging the aperture index tab (or the meter coupling lever; I don't know the right name! ) of the lens mount?
I thought that it is not possible to mount Non-AI lenses with modern DSLR (except with the Nikon Df which has a movable meter coupling lever) unless you remodel the bayonet.
I would like to mount such a vintage lens with my D500. I saw the first version of the Nikkor-P 10.5cm 1:2.5 in the movie "Three Days of the Condor" from 1975 a few days ago and since I did research on the lens. But I don't want to buy one of those lenses without knowing how to couple with my camera if possible at all.
It would be nice if you can give me some advice. How did you deal with that problem? Thanks.
You are correct. The Non-AI lens coupling tab is not designed for the D700, D500 D850. It is possible to mount the lens, however the lens needs to be set to f22 when mounting and demounting the lens. If you mount the lens at f2.5. The coupling ring will interfere with the lens coupling tab, limiting the lens aperture movement to a range of f2.5 to f5.6 only. If you mount with the lens set to f22, the lens tab will be free of the coupling ring, letting you use the full range of apertures from f2.5 to f22. I borrowed this lens, so if I were to buy one, I would go the an AI or AI-S version to make sure I have proper light meter coupling with my D700, D500 and D850.
@@Adventure8 Thank you very much! That's good news with the "trick" to set the aperture to f22 when mounting the lens. Of course it would be easier and more convenient to go for an AI or AI-S version. However I want to try the older lens because of the different (and hopeful more special) optical formula.
Thanks again and all the best for you.
@@fotoamateur1620 I was about to ask the same question but you put it far more eloquently than I could, and a big thanks also to the uploader for the information and work-around.
Hi, interesting video. However....you didn't choose the "right" 105mm lens. What do I mean by that?
Well there are 3 versions of the pre-Ai 105mmf2.5. The first version has the focal length marked in cm (10.5cm), the second in mm (105mm) and the third has a black nose (The 1st and 2nd versions have a silver nose).
So what difference does that make to image quality?
Well the 1st and 2nd (not sure if all the 2nd) are a Sonnar design which gives the images a unique look.
All the versions would have similar sharpness but the Sonnar versions have different rendering and color palette which is noticeable if viewing side by side with a 'normal' Nikkor.
The easiest way to tell the difference is that the Sonnar rear element is smaller than the lens housing.
You should definitely check out the 'Sonnar' version if you can because I think the images it produces might surprise you?
Fantastic comments. Glad you added this info for everyone's benefit. Will have to find a Sonnar version. Thanks.
@@Adventure8 Thanks for the reply. As more become aware of the 105 Sonnar version it's becoming more pricey. However what is less known is that the Nikkor Q 135mm f3.5 is also a Sonnar lens, and can still be picked up for under $50?
Both are equally sharp wide open and both render images beautifully, and as a bonus both use the same filters and the same snap on Nikon lens hood.
I've just checked and there's a 135 Sonnar on ebay selling for $24?
The coupling prongs (rabbits ears) are missing (no need for them anyway if shooting digitally) and it's got clean glass.
Maybe an opportunity for you to check out a Sonnar Nikon on the cheap? 😉
How do you know he has the wrong one?
@@Jeff-zc6rrThe black nose versions are the 3rd version and only 1st and SOME 2nd versions are Sonnar design. Also "The easiest way to tell the difference is that the Sonnar rear element is smaller than the lens housing."
For film, the Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 was, like the Nikkor 85mm, was mainly used as a portrait lense.
Excellent
All good lenses but the big takeaway for me was being reminded how great the colours are coming off the D700. Will have to dust of my own neglected DSLR.
Totally agree
I love this lens, but your tests certainly showed how good modern lenses are! The 105mm f/1.4 outperformed the old girl easily at f/1.4!! I must admit mine doesn't get much use since I got a Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 - AF is very handy, and the results aren't far behind at all. I would definitely recommend the Viltrox over this if it's your only portrait/short tele lens - you get a lot more keepers (I grew up with nothing but MF lenses, but even with a lot of experience, peaking and EVF zoom it's not easy)
Yes, no debate, technology moves on and today's modern lenses are outstanding. As you, I still love using my old MF vintage lenses. I feel like a Master craftsman in photography going old school.
It's a lot easier on a DSLR though - with the combination of the nature of the viewfinder and the focus confirmation dot. Also on the newest Nikon Z cameras like the ZF and Z6III where you can zoom straight to the eye. But yes, the Viltrox 85mm f1.8 is an absolutely wonderful lens, no question.
I have the p.c. version. I guess it is Multi-Coated. My favorite one on my Canon T3i.
❤️👍
Great video, I really love the build and image quality of those Nikon lenses… I also have a D700 and I would love to know how you manage to get sharp images with a manual lens on the D700.
Thanks for watching. If I need critical focus, I use the focus assist (little green dot/arrows in the view finder). Also make sure the shutter speed is 1/(2 x focal length) for hand held shots. Often my out of focus shots are actually camera shake.
@@Adventure8 I appreciate your response, I’ll put on practice those recommendations thank you so much… looking forward for the new video 👍🏼
I see that this is not Sonnar-type lens. The Sonnar type is more optically inaccurate and more beautiful than pre AI, AI and AI-s
Thanks for sharing
Great video! Do you know if the 50mm f/1.4 or the 105mm are optically different between the non-AI and Ai/AIS versions?
Not sure. My preference is to go for Ai/AiS versions, just for the convenience of compatibility across Nikon film and digital cameras.
Nice shots! Do you have any Nikon film camera recommendations? I bought a pre-ai version of this lens thinking it would fit on my d700/810, but also interested in shooting film!
Nikon FM2 is very popular. I still have my old Nikon F2.
I have the same 105 f2.5 as you, but I had mine "ai-ed" in 1980. Did the D700 have a flip-down aperture index tab so you could mount the non-ai lens?
No, the only way to couple the light meter of the D700 is via AI or AI-S lens. Non AI lenses, need to use manual and use the aperture stop down button for light metering.
You can't physically mount a non-AI lens on to a DSLR i.e the D700 without damaging the tab on the camera. You have to have the lens AI modified.
No such problem on a FTZ adaptor though.
Would you suggest AI or pre-AI version for Sony A7 series cameras? If I understand correctly AI would not bring any benefit in such case.
Not sure if there are any optical differences between AI and pre-AI. So whichever would be great with the Sony.
Just got mine. Absurdly difficult to focus with this even with focus peaking.
👍 have fun
Im think in buying one, not converted. Do you have some info about how to convert into Ais? Thanks in advance!
Good question. The aperture ring at the base of the lens is different between an AI lens and non-AI. So I guess to convert a non-AI lens to AI means the aperture ring needs to be changed. Personally I wouldn’t bother. Either buy non-AI because you like the look or go for AI or AI-S to ensure light meter coupling.
I thought Pe-Ai lens mounts damaged DSLRs. Did this pre-Ai lens have an Ai conversion?
You are right. The pre AI lens is a close fit with the Nikon D850. The light meter coupling tab just fits over the collar of the lens. So you need to be careful when mounting the lens.
Is it just me or is your lens not sharp enough? I have the same one and starting with the Nikon D3, D4 and D5, it is very sharp from f2.5. Currently, I connected it to Hasselblad X1D with an adapter and the effect is really good. It's obvious that it's not medium format glass, but the resolution is good enough :) Regards and congratulations on good shots :) It's good that there is such material about this good glass.
Thanks, much appreciated. Re its sharpness, I don't have the lens any more, had to return it to its owner. I'll have to get another version and do another test. Thanks for watching.
can i convert my nikon 102 2,5 i think my lens are a non ai to fit my nikon d780
The D780 has the coupling ring for AI-S lenses. I don't know how you can convert a Non AI-S lens to couple. My suggestion, buy a used AI-S lens instead.
@@Adventure8 oh its an 105 Al lens
Disappointed. I thought you were going to show a Sonar original version which I have in the boos mint condition. Also have the later one.
I would love to test your lenses.
You shouldn't mount a non ai lens on a Dslr rhat require that ai cutout.
True, I might buy an AI version for myself.
maybe by focusing f2.5 with Manuel.not correct as autofocus.
Thanks for watching.