Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1 review: 1.4 f = 50mm

For the opportunity lens review Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1: 1.4 f = 50mm Many thanks to Dyachuk Roman.

Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1 review: 1.4 f = 50mm

Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1 review: 1.4 f = 50mm

TTX Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1: 1.4 f = 50mm

Focal length: 50 mm
Diaphragm: maximum: F / 1.4, minimum: F / 16, with intermediate values ​​2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11
Number of aperture blades: 7 pieces
Optical design: 7 elements in 5 groups
Front Filter Diameter: 52mm
The weight: 320g
MDF: 0.6m

Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1: 1.4 f = 50mm, presented in this review, was launched in 1962, in those years the lens was called Nippon Kogaku Japan Nikkor-S Auto 1: 1.4 f = 50mm. The first version had only 6 aperture blades. Version Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1: 1.4 f = 50mm appeared a little later in 1966 (possibly in 1969) and already had 7 aperture blades. Although, you can find 6 petal. There are several further modifications of this lens, for example Nikon Nikkor-SC 1: 1.4 f = 50mm NON-Ai, which was produced from 1973 to 1974 and was equipped with multi-coating. Optically and functionally, they are practically the same lens.

Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1 review: 1.4 f = 50mm view from different sides

Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1 review: 1.4 f = 50mm view from different sides

In general, it is customary to abbreviate to call this lens Nikon 50mm F1.4 N0n-Ai. This is native standard fast manual fix lens from Nikon.

Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1 review: 1.4 f = 50mm view on camera

Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1 review: 1.4 f = 50mm view on camera

The lens is called standard because what a person sees through the viewfinder when using this lens is very similar to the normal human eye. Yes, you don't need to think that the lens is autofocus due to the presence of the inscription “Cars“. This inscription means auto iris controlit happens both on all old Nikon lenses - you just need to set the aperture value on the lens using the aperture ring. You can always aim at a fully open aperture of F / 1.4, and when the shutter is released, the camera will automatically close the aperture to the desired value, and then open it again to F / 1.4. In short, everything happens exactly as on all modern Nikon lenses. Therefore, there is no need to be afraid of manual optics.

Bokeh on Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1: 1.4 f = 50mm

Bokeh on Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1: 1.4 f = 50mm

True, there is one serious limitation when using this lens on modern Nikon digital SLR cameras. This lens simply cannot be installed on the part of the CZK cameras from Nikon. This is due to the fact that he has PRE AI type and requires AI conversion. Converting to AI is a very simple process, you just need to grind off the excess part of the iron "skirt" of the aperture ring and add a special piece to the skirt to transfer the aperture value to the camera.

Photo at Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1: 1.4 f = 50mm

Photo at Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1: 1.4 f = 50mm

Attention: on a number of cameras Nikon 50mm F1.4 N0n-Ai can be used without any alterations, just install and start shooting. Which cameras will sit on exactly Nikon 50mm F1.4 N0n-Ai you can easily find in my article about old PRE AI lenses. Personally, I used it without any problems Nikon 50mm F1.4 N0n-Ai on cameras Nikon D40but on D200, D700, D80 the lens refused to become. I did not remake the lens (I did not convert it to AI) due to the fact that it is not mine, but I was simply provided with it for writing this review.

Photo at Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm F1.4 Non-AI

Photo at Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm F1.4 Non-AI

Attention 2: when working with Nikon 50mm F1.4 N0n-Ai on some cameras, even with AI-CONVERTED, it will not be possible to work in automatic modes. Only the manual M camera control mode will be available. More details in the section AI-S.

Example photo on Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm F1.4 Non-AI

Example photo on Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm F1.4 Non-AI

In fact, if you discard the small non-docking with installation and metering exposurethen after two, three shots on Nikon 50mm F1.4 N0n-Ai you immediately understand that this is a very good, suitable "glass" for which you do not mind paying money. Marketing has dictated its own terms, and many owners of luxurious DSLR cameras by type Nikon D7000, D3200, D5100 almost always use a whale lens and don’t even know that all the old Nikon optics work wonderfully on new ones, very productive CZK. Normal lenses like this fifty dollars Nikon 50mm F1.4 N0n-Ai a lot and their price is sometimes much lower than even the 18-55 whale lens, therefore, I recommend that all real amateur and connoisseurs of photography get a fast fifty dollars, old manual optics can be an excellent replacement for quite expensive 50mm F1.8G, 50mm F1.8D, 50mm F1.4G, 50mm F1.4D.

Example photo on Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm F1.4 Non-AI

Example photo on Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm F1.4 Non AI. On the one hand is the sun, and on the other is a thundercloud (no gradient, no obrab.)

Basic information about Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1: 1.4 f = 50mm

  1. Even if you set the Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1: 1.4 f = 50mm to Nikon D700, auto focus will not be performed. It doesn't matter if there is a “screwdriver” in your camera. This is a manual lens, and therefore, to focus, you will need to get into focus exclusively manually. For this, the lens has a special focusing ring. The ring is metal, without rubber bands, but with protrusions like a nut. It is very convenient to focus, the ring itself rotates almost 180 degrees. When focusing, the front lens does not rotate, but only moves forward by half a centimeter. When focusing, all lenses in the lens barrel move. Focusing accuracy on all Nikon cameras can be seen by the green dot in the bottom corner of the optical viewfinder. More details about the tricks with focusing in the section AI-S.

    Example photo on Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm F1.4 Non-AI

    Example photo on Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm F1.4 Non AI. Background blur

  2. True, Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1: 1.4 f = 50mm loses in the minimum focusing distance to modern analogs. Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1: 1.4 f = 50mm has an MDF of 60cm, and almost all modern fifty dollars have an MDF of 50cm. This does not stop me from using the lens.

    Example photo on Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm F1.4 Non-AI

    Example photo on Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm F1.4 Non AI. Flowers

  3. The lens is very ancient, older than me, but it functions wonderfully, moreover, it was constantly used. The entire lens is solid iron and glass, nothing more. True, over the years of use, the focusing ring loosened a little. But the Made in Japan label protects the lens from destruction.

    Example photo on Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm F1.4 Non-AI

    Example photo on Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm F1.4 Non-AI. Squirrel and bokeh.

  4. The Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1: 1.4 f = 50mm filter diameter is the most widespread - 52mm, there is nowhere easier to find a filter for it. I used Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1: 1.4 f = 50mm with my protective light filter.
  5. The lens can be used on both FX and DX cameras. On Nikon DX APS-C cameras with 1.5X crop factor, the lens will have EGF equal to 75mm, which is almost ideal for portrait photography.

    Example photo on Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm F1.4 Non-AI

    Example photo on Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm F1.4 Non-AI. Heavy blur

  6. Of course, the Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1: 1.4 f = 50mm lens is very small and compact. Noticeable by the fact that aperture values ​​are indicated different colorsso that you can easily and quickly find the desired value on the DOF scale. Like that: F4, F8, F11, F16. DOF at the lens is very small.
Sample photo on Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm F1.4 Non-AI

Sample photo on Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm F1.4 Non-AI

Image quality

Despite its age, the lens produces normal image quality already at F2.8. Even at f / 1.4 there is sharpness, but the face is soft due to spherical and chromatic aberrations. Spherical aberrations give the picture an interesting artistic look. When the aperture is closed down to f / 2.8, the lens becomes very sharp. On DX cameras with open apertures, you can take interesting artistic shots, portraits. Also, at F / 1.4 there are no “nuts” in the bokeh, but when closing, the most common “nuts” are obtained. The lens reproduces contrast well, but is afraid of flare from side and back light. The lens does not have multi-coating, but only the usual one, so side light is a serious problem. The color rendition is quite pleasant.

Sample photo on Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm F1.4 Non-AI

Sample photo on Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm F1.4 Non-AI. Focus on infinity

Personal experience

Huge aperture F / 1.4 allows very easily blur the foreground and foreground in photoswhich is very useful for a portrait. Also big aperture helps to avoid movement when handheld photography... If you are chasing an interesting lens “design”, you may like sample photos from Helios-81H and Nikon 50mm f / 1.2 AI-S Nikkor MF. I personally use Nikon 50mm f / 1.4G AF-S Nikkor. The lens from this review I even used at the wedding, on the second camera, to create sketches for a photo book or collage. I'm not out of place here to paint all the obvious details, I do this so that the person who has used autofocus all his life is not afraid of the old manual Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1: 1.4 f = 50mm.

Sample photos on Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1: 1.4 f = 50mm

All sample photos in this review were taken on a camera. Nikon D40, RAW -> JPEG auto levels, Q = 80%, resized to 1600 * 1200 and printed data from EXIF. No processing. Sorry, Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1: 1.4 f = 50mm didn’t want to make friends with my full-frame Nikon D700 and this review will be without examples on the FX camera.

A small test comparing one of the oldest and newest

Everything is taken off the tripod on the Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1: 1.4 f = 50mm and Nikon 50mm f / 1.4G AF-S Nikkor ... This is a dirty test, as Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1: 1.4 f = 50mm could not sit on my D700, I held it with one hand in the bayonet mount (without clicking on the camera), and the other focused on Live View. A few shots were taken, the best one was chosen. Sharpness was pointed at the tip of the longest cactus arrow. ISO 200, 1 \ 320s, F1.4, white balance manual, equal to 5560 degrees Kelvin, JPEG L, color adjustment VI. Here link to full-size (24MP) comparison file. No processing. The new Nikon gives a warmer, sharper and sharper picture, which is to be expected.

All Nikon 50-58 / 1.4 / 1.2 autofocus lenses

  1. Nikon 50mm 1: 1.4 AF Nikkor (first version, MK I) - the lens was produced only in Japan from 1986 to 1991
  2. Nikon 50mm 1: 1.4 AF Nikkor (second version, MK II, also known as the 'N', or the 'NEW' version) - the lens was only available in Japan from 1991 to 1995
  3. Nikon 50mm 1: 1.4D AF Nikkor (third version, MKIIIbetter known as 'D'-version) - the lens is available from 1995 to this day. There are two subversions that are no different.
  4. Nikon 50mm 1: 1.4G AF-S Nikkor SWM (fourth version, MKIVbetter known as 'G' version) - the lens is only available in China from 2008 to this day.
  5. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 58mm 1: 1.4G Nano Crystal Coat SWM Aspherical (version better known as'58/1.4') - the lens is only available in Japan from 2013 to this day.
  6. Nikon Nikkor Z 58mm 1: 0.95 S Noct - The lens is available from 2019 to this day. Premium Lens for Mirrorless Cameras Nikon Z... It does not have automatic focus, but has a record aperture. Complex optical design with 17 elements in 10 groups, with 4 ED elements and 3 aspherical elements.
  7. Nikon Nikkor Z 50 / 1.2 S - The lens has been produced from 2020 to the present day. Professional S-line lens for mirrorless cameras Nikon Z... Complex optical design with 17 elements in 15 groups, with 2 ED elements and 3 aspherical elements

Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.

Conclusions:

Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1: 1.4 f = 50mm is a good prime lens with a huge aperture and with good image quality. Attracts in the lens aperture and nice bokeh. Bad side - slight soft effect up to F2.8 aperture

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

Add a comment: Alex

 

 

Comments: 104, on the topic: Review of Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1: 1.4 f = 50mm

  • Kirill

    Good day everyone! Found at home a camera nikon on the lens it says “nippon kogaku japan no. 845668 nikkor-s auto 1:14 f = 50mm ”if anyone can collect or who needs parts! Write to mail badguy4@mail.ru. I will send fot

  • asp

    This is not a lens - this is God's punishment. It seems to be in no way outstanding, but you cannot refuse it. He began to sell, and after a couple of days he was removed from the auction. I'm dumb?….

  • Artemy

    I was presented with this rarity of the 60s, having tried it out - I was delighted. I understood the beauty of the manual mode, so now I'm not at all interested in photographing otherwise.

  • Sergei

    What is “Non Ai?” He's either Ai or not Ai! It is better to just write down the full name and marking of the lenses, not any Non Ai or Yes Ai, otherwise such fictional terminology only confuses.

    • Peter Sh.

      AI, Non-AI is a terminology used all over the world that is understandable to Japanese, Chinese, and Papuan.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Indeed, there is no AI or AI-S in the name of the old lenses, but their specification is usually written like this: “AI, AI-S, NON-AI, PRE-AI, Nikon F, K, etc.”. In appearance and in name, lenses may look like two peas, but have different protrusions for transmitting data to the camera, so this designation is extremely necessary.

      • Sergei

        And do not tell me which lens to choose, the Soviet Helios 44 2 VOMZ, or Nikkor 1,4 / 50?

        • Arkady Shapoval

          There are at least 6 different versions of the manual Nikkor 50 1.4, and I would prefer any of them instead of Helios-44-2. By the way, if you choose a lens for the Nikon camera, then with Helios there will be problems with focusing to infinity.

          • Sergei

            Doesn't the adapter compensate for the difference in working lengths?

          • Sergei

            If the front lens of the lens is slightly smeared, the lens is wiped, how critical is it for color shots? Is the rear lens in order.

  • Oleg

    Tell me please, is it worth changing the MC Helios-81H lens to this?

    • BB

      I don’t see much point.

    • Yarkiya

      To correctly answer your question, you need to know all your circumstances.

      • Oleg

        What?
        I use the Nikon D3100 camera, the MC Helios-81H lens with a dandelion.

        • KalekseyG

          I think it meant: the urgent need for highly artistic photos with blurring all that is possible, the presence of an external flash, etc. etc. Personally, I think there is no need for replacement, although I have a 50 / 1.4 and a dandelion, but I took it for the sake of the 81 jump rope

          • Oleg

            But is there no jump on this lens, like on 81N?
            I just thought that by setting the dandelion to Nikkor 50 1.4 I would get the jump rope to work correctly - after all, Nikkor and Helios-81H lenses have different leverage stroke lengths, as a result of which the frame is overexposed and the exposure compensation needs to be entered - the larger the aperture, the larger ( minus) amendment.

            • KalekseyG

              Well, now it’s clear that there is some need for acquisition. But the question was answered, plus it’s better to take the puff and learn how to use it in M ​​mode

              • Oleg

                There is an external puff)

    • Lynx

      no.

  • Oleg

    Oh, and by the way, why only in M, because with dandelion and TTL mode it works

    • KalekseyG

      Did you need advice or information about the knowledge of the counselor? Troll? Look in the article by Arkady about the flaws of the chip, therefore I am writing about M.

  • Oleg

    I really liked the lens. For manual shooting for this money - the most it!

    • skydreamer

      Yeah, photographing a face that close at 50mm is such a chore, how kris turned out.

  • NIKA

    I welcome the guys.
    I'm off topic, I'm sorry. Can someone tell me pzhl. Where to buy 2 covers (back and front) to the Nikon Nikkor-SC Auto 1 lens: 1.4 f = 50mm Maybe a reference to aliexpress or ebay, I will be very grateful! thanks

    • NIKA

      It is to the Soviet optics) sorry, I forgot to indicate!

  • Sergei

    Thank you for the timely and objective review. He dispelled my doubts before buying this lens. For several months of using it, I never cease to like it. There are, of course, nuances, but this is a technique, it does not take off, but the photographer. Therefore, you have to adapt and learn to use those opportunities that are. In my opinion, an excellent lens, but which you must be able to use.

  • Vlad

    Dear friends, I’m selling the Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1: 1.4 f = 50mm lens described above with Lushnikov’s dandelion, in excellent condition and already redesigned aperture ring, i.e. gets on any Nikon camera. If you are interested, please contact +380504416746.

    • Vlad

      SALES

  • Jury

    Vlad, if relevant write:
    Pansym@mail.ru

  • Basil

    Good day to all! I use this lens on Nikon D7100 without any modifications. I photograph them "for the soul." The instance is inspiring! Gorgeous sharpness! The drawing is very beautiful. Having bought a reversible ring, I use it as a macro - I'm happy as an elephant)))

  • Yuri Vostrukhin

    Very nice lens, I liked it. Nikon F4s.Vision2 T50

  • Anton

    Good afternoon!

    Thanks for the review!
    I want to ask your recommendation, now such a lens is on sale, but only for shipment, that is, it is not possible to feel it normally
    I now have Arsat 50 / 1,4 (that is, in your reviews),

    specifying the question:
    50 1,4 I'm interested in as a portrait for shooting on an open aperture, well, maximum covered up to 2

    in Arsat, I like the contrast and big aperture (it’s about a third of the foot lighter than even the native lens) and generally edible sharpness, but it has wild chromatic aberrations (a gray plush cat acquires a pronounced bluish tint)

    accordingly the question: is it worth buying Nikon instead? that is, on the open, will the sharpness differ markedly and in which direction and what will happen to the aberrations?
    or it will be sewn to soap and it’s worth looking at something else, or not at all: I have a mirrorless camera, that is, you can buy any adapters, I just already have Nikon

    ps
    the fact that he is not Ai I know

  • Jury

    I have the same one, I use it on Nex-3. Feels like the photo in the review - I got a defective copy. I have both normal contrast and sharpness. Generally awesome glass! If I had looked at the review before buying, I would have thought it was a parasha, and would not have taken it.
    https://www.flickr.com/photos/123036053@N04/albums/72157681710940003

  • Alex

    Thank you Arkady for your inspired work .. I have a question: Nikon 50 / 1.4 is on sale without any letters on the front of the frame, except for the serial. The bayonet paw sticks out like Nikkor-S, and so I don’t understand Non-Ai or Ai ..?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Indicate serial

  • Alex

    Serial number 4815082 You have not found similar versions in the reviews, I want to reveal my Kodak with a good lens ..

    • Arkady Shapoval

      One of the latest versions of AI

  • Alex

    Thank you very much!

  • @ f_e_d_2

    I liked the head-to-head comparison with modern 1.4 very much. But if you show the pictures one by one, hardly anyone would notice the difference! and if you do not increase it by 100%, then you can say no. The test is most likely really "dirty", because the old man for 50 years, probably no one "washed". Can you imagine what kind of plaque is there on each lens surface? Now, if I could compare it after the revision ...

    • Roma

      Does he disassemble for cleaning?

  • koba

    the above comparison file with the new 50 / 1.4G shows that there is a difference, but it is not catastrophic, the contrast can always be increased, but it is not always possible to lower it correctly, something will be lost ... But the question arises - so many old lenses have been tested here, but not among them, that is, no one provided the “main” ones for testing - 50 / 1.4 Ai and 50 / 1.4 Ai-s. According to reviews, they are considered to be the highest quality fifty kopecks from Nikon. They are not expensive, they are made just fine, many professionals used them in their work in those distant film times, the same Salgado shot many beautiful photographs with those fifty rubles, the same Makkari also used them ...

  • Leonid

    Arkadiy, be affectionate, and by seryyny No. 4034998
    I ask you, for Nikkor 50.
    Crazy.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Likely this

  • Leonid

    Dyakoy, for sure.

  • Elena

    Prompt please,
    There is a choice between the Olympus 50 1,8 and Nikkor S auto 1,4, which one to give preference to?
    Need a portrait lens
    for olympus micro 4/3

    • Alexey

      olympus zuiko 50 1.4 5 versions. but 50mm is not a portrait lens, even at double cropped. distortion won't go away when you shoot at close range.

    • Alexey

      and if for the two named lenses, then the Zuiko 50 1.8, although not bad, and even sharper than the Zuiko 50 1.4 in the tests on the closed one, but structurally it is very simplified and not so reliable, and its repair is difficult, due to the extremely budgetary construct. As for the old manual nikon fifty dollars, they are all like AK-47s, which is good, but on the open one they all have very noticeable spherical aberrations, some people like it, some interfere with it. on closed until 2.8 they are very sharp and Ken Rockwell writes that too. however, putting it all on a double crop ... everything will be cut off. the picture will be far from what such a lens can give. Well, to "cram" the patient, crossed out, the model will have to move twice further into the frame than shooting in the full frame, which will increase the depth of field and reduce the blur of the background. (shrugs) You can throw your slippers at me, but a double crop for portraits is somehow not very suitable.

      • Trueash

        >> double cropping for portraits is somehow not very suitable - Joe Edelman is not solace: https://www.youtube.com/c/JoeEdelmanPhotographer/videos

      • Novel

        An interesting model and good control of light are suitable for portraits. Unless you're shooting portraits of spherical aberrations, of course. I agree with the argument about the distance to the subject (you can't turn around much on the EGF), but if you have a squeezed model with a grin instead of a smile on the background of a carpet or #babaNaTreeve - does it really matter what to shoot it?

        • Rodion

          And yet, and still - do not recommend a full-frame fifty for a double-crop. Will not pull, let's be frank, will not pull.

    • B. R. P.

      As an option for the manual for the crop2 Chinese, you can take a special sharpened one, however, Zuiku cannot be overcome by more than one in the picture.

    • Rodion

      None. Take something modern under the double crop. Try 7artisans 35 / 1.2.

  • Mihailo

    Good afternoon I used this miracle on the d3200. Now I got a damaged but serviceable d750. Due to the rheostat ring, the lens, of course, does not become. Does anyone have a good link to a manual for it? I really don’t want to refuse, analogues for a full frame cost a lot of money.

  • Vadim

    I fly, Arkady! Can you tell me where I can marvel at this manual half-and-half? The lens on which is written only Nikon Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.4 2976294. The aiming ring is gum, wider than the lower version and has three rows.

Add a comment

Copyright © Radojuva.com. Blog author - Photographer in Kiev Arkady Shapoval. 2009-2023

English-version of this article https://radojuva.com/en/2012/08/nikon-f-1-4-f-50mm-pre-ai/comment-page-2/?replytocom=207861

Versión en español de este artículo https://radojuva.com/es/2012/08/nikon-f-1-4-f-50mm-pre-ai/comment-page-2/?replytocom=207861