The legend continues.

This was one of the finest portrait lenses of the manual focus era. Mine dates from 1970, the period in which Nikon’s mechanical quality peaked. As with all similarly designed lenses, the focus ring is a delight to use and the absence of half stop clicks on the aperture ring a welcome ‘feature’ indeed. Seldom has a feature more confused precision with accuracy, an especial irritant when Aperture Priority exposure is used. As with the 50mm and 200mm of the era, the filter size is a mere 52mm, with engraving, fit and finish as you will not find in today’s offerings. The lens is sharp at any aperture. Vignetting is not noticeable at f/2.5 and the balance and feel on the large D700 body are excellent. I see no color fringing.

In very good condition with perfect glass and a period, reversible lens hood and caps, it cost me $125, already converted for AI operation on modern digital bodies. No protective filter is needed with the hood in place, but the rear element is fairly exposed, dictating the use of a rear cap when the lens is in your bag.

While the diaphragm has but six blades, the absence of high refractive index glasses and simple single anti-reflection coating combine to produce gorgeous rendering of out of focus areas.

Winston works on his latest Lego. At the maximum f/2.5 aperture, ISO 800.

The EXIF data for the above are wrong, as I forgot to dial in the right lens! Another reason to add a CPU. I originally processed this in LR3. Having just upgraded to LR4, I converted the file to the new 2012 Process and it’s subtly better, with improved rendering of light and shadow in Winston’s face.

A wonderful lens for those seeking reality, not brutality, in their portrait work.