Legendary Vintage Lens - Nikkor 105mm f2.5

I have an early Nikkor P auto 2.5 105mm. I love it

I have the 1.8 version of this lens. This lens is legendary. This is also the famous Afghan girl lens by Steve McCurry.

I just bought the older Nikkor-P 105MM with the three grouping. Do you know how it differs from this one?

Beautiful images here! I've been looking at versions of this lens for sale. Are there important differences to be aware of between AI and non-AI versions if I want to use it with my mirrorless camera(Fuji X-T3)? Would you recommend sticking with an AI version?

Such an awesome video. A pleasure to watch! Thank you for making this!

I recently was gifted a Nikon FM2 body (1983) and 3 Nikkor lenses bought in 1965 (Used on an F1 that went to Expo67)
This is one of the 3 lenses.(Other are the f3.5 35-105mm and the f4 200mm) This, as well as a Rollei 35 circa 1969 were owned by an uncle
who is now nearly 90 and has dementia...he wanted his gear to stay in the family. (A cousin of mine has his Nikkormat FTn and the 21 and 50mm lenses
bought in 1967) This is all timeless, wonderful stuff that has inspired me to get back to photography as a hobby.
(When I was much younger, I had Pentax/Praktica gear that I got rid of)

beautiful, just ordered one last night, excellent video!

Thanks for the great info. I plan to buy a K 105 / 2.5 673101 - 729914 - Sep 1974 - 1977 Ai kit 39. What is meant by Ai Kit 39 and does it fit on a Nikon D810? The one I am looking at goes from 2.5 to 32? Others I have been looking at just go to 22?

The infamouse Afghan Girl lens.

Awesome channel!
One of my friends gave me this lens which he inherited from his grandfather.
The lens was extremely dirty and we actually both thought that it was impossible to clean.
I cleaned it and it was as though the dirt had kept the glass intact! So now it's in pristine condition!
I really love it!

I found your channel as I was searching for people who had used it on a A7S III for video. I can't seem to find any though :)

I recently had the pleasure/honor of purchasing one of the last few 105's to come off the assembly line in 2005 (serial # 1050xxx). It is also one of only a few to incorporate the SIC lens coating. It was delivered to me in "like new" condition. My plan is to use it with my D850.

does it have auto focus? I have A Nikon d7000 body.

TOP

I have the AI-S and pre-AI versions of this lens both mint condition as collectibles but haven't shot with them yet. You're stunning images inspired me to try the AI-S in my model photography (Nikon D850) 👍🏻

I bought a pre-AI version of the 71-75 105mm in Japan in 1976. It was stolen about 15 years ago, so I replaced it with the stlll later double Gauss design AI-s version. While I mostly shoot medium format, when I do shoot 35mm, this 105mm 2.5 is one of the few lenses I go to. This lens was my standard selection for shooting steam locomotives under full power, which I did from the early 1980s to around 2000, riding the coattails of a friend who was gaga for steam trains. Those pup;pies kick out a terrific amount of black oily dirt and steam when under power, so the 105mm gave the set-back required.

my favorite lens, mine the earlier Sonnar version. Use one!

Is there a big difference between the ai and ais version?

Thanks for the nice review 😊
I have both types, Sonnar and Gauss versions, Sonnar rendering better 3D like images, with slightly less contrast and sharpness on fully open... For later Gauss version you are absolutely right, colours and performance are amazing... I would suggest to buy both lenses, Sonnar is better for video shutting, and BW... Gauss version is best for stills...

Got it with my F3 and the motor drive too. Less than 300.00 including the 28mm Nikkor lens too.

Checking eBay, found several in TERRIBLE condition for $80ish.

Thank you - a very good video cherishing technical history.

Very nice video great job thanks

Remember folks, when it comes in the mail, be sure you already have the adapter...gotta keep that blood pressure down...

I agree with all that you said, but wait till you tried the AIS 180 mm F2.8 ED goldring.

Thanks for sharing. I got the macro version, which I suspect might have a similar design, but it's the sharpest lens I've ever owned.

I've got one for my rangefinder an one converted to ai for my F cameras. They are sharp like chili :-)

I find myself watching your content non stop man. No wonder I am always tagging you on my Instagram account.

Thanks for the video.

I love to use this lens in a 24/50/105 lens kit.

❤️‍🔥

Wow - I can't wait to pick one of these up. Thanks for the terrific review!

take it apart?? gotta be hard

Wonderful review. Gorgeous lens. Thank you.

Great music

Are there any details available on disassembling for cleaning off fungus?

Hey these are some great photos.

I use the Nikon 105 f2 DC it's heavier but even sharper and better subject separation. One my favorite lens I use it more than my 200 f2 vrii .

Is there any difference maybe other than coatings and price than the ai P version- there opticslly ghe same??

Fine lens, indeed. But I prefer the Micro-Nikkor 105mm – it has some more options. @philosimot

Very good video

Some are saying the Sonnar is the better lens, is that false?

I have the sonnar design one with the chrome and 5e/3g which i works better far away than close up like the revision. wondering if i should get an ai(s) version if i can find it

oh no ,i think i want another lens

nice!!

Always prefer the F2 DC design more. This is a good lens for someone to get into vintage mechanical Nikon bodies. I guess it focuses faster on the Phony than a native AF lens. Sharpness is boring.

Bought mine new almost fifty years ago. It is an an outstanding lens (though the other Nikon pre-AI lenses are no slouches either) and I've taken some of my favorite pictures with it.

junk!

Hi! I am a novice and looking for a lens that can capture some novice photos of the stars on vacation. Would this suffice?

So tired of all the hype over this truly pedestrian lens. Reviewer neglected to mention it’s annoying field curvature. (Inability to hold critical focus across the field).

The Canon 100mm f2.8 SSC is distinctly better. (And more compact to boot)

Using an adapter ring and flipping the lens around gives outstanding macro results.