Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/09/01
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Dr. Blacktape Wades In.. I got the AIS mechanical version of the 85 1.4 and it is rock solid...yes, built like a Nikkor manual focus, not a Leica lens, but that's a given...Nothing to report yet on results.... (And, by the way, my choice was not dictated by some belief in the superiority of the lens - although it has a legendary reputation - but by having to make cost compromises, and by the fact that I find I prefer a reflex over a rangefinder for longer than "normal" lenses - and can't afford to start building an R6.2 system at the moment.... ALSO..KOBOLUX.... Got a 21 finder to use with my new 21 ASPH...No one warned me it's a chrome orange juice can!...Is there an alternative that's in the same $200 price range but more reasonably sized - and with better bright lines? The Kobolux is BRIGHT, but the finder lines are virtually invisible! - -----Original Message----- From: owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us [mailto:owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us]On Behalf Of Larry Kopitnik Sent: Wednesday, September 01, 1999 2:03 PM To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us 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