Hello:

I have an old Nikkormat FT2 that I would like to buy a new lens for. I would like either a 35mm or 50mm that is very high quality, but is also fairly compact (I am aware of the 45mm P lens, but it is quite expensive for a slow 45 - I think). What current lenses will work on this body, and which of the 35's and 50's are the best optically. Do I need ais or non-ai or what?

Is there an older lens that might be better?

Thanks much,

-- Nick Hillyer (nhillyer@fhcrc.org), June 05, 2002

Answers

Nick, all Nikon lenses will mount on your FT2 without exception, but AF Nikkors and Nikon E-series lenses will not couple with the metering pin on the lens mount of your camera body because they lack the metering fork. There is one exception : the compact version of the AI-S 50mm/1.8 Nikkor will not couple either because its aperture ring is too narrow to fit the coupling fork. Bear in mind also that the most recent G-type AF lenses do not have an aperture ring at all, but then you will probably not buy an AF lens in the first place since you have a manual focus camera. In the 50mm range there is really a lot of choice, but the 1.8 and 1.4 lenses generally get good reviews. If you go for an older non-AI lens, do prefer the multi-coated versions. You can recognize those by their black 'nose' and the letter 'C' (for multi-Coated) engraved in the name - for example : 'Auto-Nikkor S.C 50mm f1.4'. I have accumulated five different 50mm Nikon lenses over the years and their isn't a bad one in the bunch, but if you want a fast standard lens then do prefer the f1.4 over the f1.2 lens. As for the 35mm lenses : I don't own one (I jump to 24mm directly) but again, the quality differences should not be overwhelming. The same points as for the 50mm lenses above apply here. Have fun!

-- santorini (conny.duwez@wol.be), June 06, 2002.

the most compact 50 that will work on your ft2 (i think) would be the f/2.0... these aren't as compact as the series E f/1.8, they have kind of a built-in-hood style of barrel. i think it would be about as compact and lighter than anything you'd find in a 35mm nikkor. quality is very good.

rick :)=

rick_oleson.tripod.com

-- rick oleson (rick_oleson@yahoo.com), June 06, 2002.