RE: [Leica] Nikon v Leica

["Greg.Chappell" <Greg.Chappell@bankofamerica.com>]

I own one of the first 85 1.8 Nikkors made (according to the ser #, it dates
from about 1961, that was AI'd (not Nikon job). Bought it around 5 years ago
for $60! That lens is as sharp as any Nikkor in that focal length. Whenever
I DO use that system, it's my most used lens. Too bad it could not be
converted to AIS for use with AF cameras metering systems that require AIS
technology. On an F3 its great. 

Problem is, since going to the M6, it hardly ever sees the light of day now!

- -----Original Message-----
From: kopitnil [mailto:kopitnil@marketingcomm.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 01, 1999 9:03 AM
To: leica-users
Subject: Re: [Leica] Nikon v Leica


>>>>>>>>>
>Just a quick note in response to above. I finally got the new Nikkor
>85mm1.4 and it is outstanding.

Is it solid like older Nikon lenses, or is it kind of plasticky like some
newer AF lenses? (The current 60 Micro Nikkor being wonderfully solid!)
<<<<<<<<<<

Nikon 85 f/1.4D autofocus lens -- I've been using one for a couple years
now -- is a solid lens, one with Nikon's crinkle metal finish. Still,
mechanically, it's not a Leica. Manual focus feel is better than most
autofocus lenses but not at the same level as a good manual focus lens. The
manual focus of the 60 mm Micro Nikkor you mention (and which I also use)
is better.

But optically, the 85 mm f/1.4D Nikkor is superb. Not having shot with the
75 Summilux, I can't say how it compares (an 85 just suits my shooting
style better than a 75 mm lens). But I could show you photos I've taken of
my dog with the Nikkor at f/1.4, even near the 3' minimum focus distance,
where you can distinguish every eyelash. And the out-of-focus areas are
velvety-smooth enough to please me (though, again, whether they're as
smooth as the 75 Summilux I don't know).

(However, consistently focusing an 85 mm lens at f/1.4 on the eyelashes of
a dog 3 feet away is another matter altogether.....)

Larry