Nikon 85mm f/2.8D PC Micro Nikkor tilt-shift lens - SOLD
D Lafon
Registered since 09th Aug 2014
Wed 17-Sep-14 10:12 PM | edited Sun 19-Oct-14 12:19 AM by D Lafon
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#1. "RE: Nikon 85mm f/2.8D PC Micro Nikkor tilt-shift lens - SOLD" | In response to Reply # 0
Wingman Nikonian since 02nd Dec 2002Thu 18-Sep-14 12:19 AMWhat does this lens not do that the PC-E lens does? I've been thinking about an 85mm PC-E, but I understand that this is optically identical. I'm interested, but need to know what I'm missing.
Thanks...
Neal Nurmi
---Wingman Photo----
#2. "RE: Nikon 85mm f/2.8D PC Micro Nikkor tilt-shift lens - SOLD" | In response to Reply # 1
D Lafon Registered since 09th Aug 2014Thu 18-Sep-14 08:42 AMHello Neal,
Thank you for the message. I have owned and used both the 85mm PC-E, and the older 85mm PC lenses simultaneously, although I used them on mostly on D700 bodies, and very recently with the D800e. They are two of my favorites, and the differences are more with ergonomics and handling, and not so much with images.
The older 85 PC can be used on a bellows, and with non CPU extension tubes, or even with an older film cameras, since the aperture is purely mechanical, while the newer PC-E needs the camera to provide power for the aperture for each shot. The newer version may work fine with the Kenko type tubes with the full compliment of electrical contacts, but I did not try it yet.
With the older model, one would set the aperture, and open the stop down button to focus wide open, and then depress the stop down before the shot to stop down the aperture, and allow the camera to meter properly. It's a little slow, but with practice, it tends to become second nature. If you forget to press the stop down plunger before hitting the shutter, your exposure will incorrect because the aperture would not have stopped down.
With the newer PC-E, photographers are spoiled because the lens is always wide open for quick focusing, and it automatically stops down the aperture for you when the shutter is pressed. This makes a huge difference when any type of quick shooting may be needed, because one can just concentrate on focusing, and there is always a bright finder to look through. These features allow the 85 PC-E to do double duty as a manual focus portrait or nature lens depending on your focus skills. The stop down button on the new lens is present, and holds the aperture to the desired setting for previewing depth of field. The stop down button on the new lens is electronic and not a manual plunger. Between the two lenses, the newer version is more hand holdable, and operates very similar to the Ziess ZF lenses or the Nikon P series lenses. None of this matters much if you are using these lenses on a tripod where they really sing.
The newer PC-E lens is also physically smaller than the older lens in terms of girth. This makes the newer lens easier to carry or pack, but those with larger hands may actually like the ergonomics of the older version instead. The focus action of the older lens also seems a little smoother to me.
I like the larger control and locking knobs on the older lens, and I found the knobs on the newer lens to be too small to use comfortably. The tilt movements on both lenses seemed comparable, but I found the shift movement on the newer lens to have more play than the movement on the old lens. With the newer lens, when the shift lock is loosened, I can actually see light through the shift plane interface, so the lock always had to be kept at least slightly snug to prevent this. The older lens seems to have a better, perhaps more precise fitting, shift mechanism.
The newer PC-E lenses have a weather seal at the mount, but both lenses by nature are prone to dust intrusion due to the movements. I would be cautious using either in wet or dusty environments.
A very important point for some people is the ability to orientate the tilt and shift planes. The tilt and shift planes of the older lens can be easily orientated to parallel or perpendicular at home or in the field with the proper screwdriver and some patience. The newer lens requires a new ribbon cable, at considerable cost, and you will need to send the new PC-E lenses into a shop if you need to change the orientation of the tilt and shift planes.
The new lens has the Nano coat on the elements, but it is very hard for me to see a difference in the photos I took. Some of my images with the newer lens, may have better color saturation, and perhaps a tad more contrast, but it may have just been the different shooting situations I was using them in. I do not think I could easily differentiate between images from either versions of the lens. Perhaps similar to how well the Nikon 85mm 1.8G and 1.4G lenses compare...the 1.8G lacks the nano coat, but both lenses are well respected. Both of the 85mm tilt shift lenses are very capable of making outstandingly sharp images.
One last thing that I'll mention about the older version PC, is that I have a little more confidence in it simply because it is mostly mechanical. If the electronics fail on the new PC- E lens, it is useless until repaired, whereas the old lens can function just fine in full manual mode as a non-CPU lens if desired, or even be adapted to other camera makes as a full manual lens.
Sorry for the long winded response, please let me know if I can help with anything else.
DanielVisit my Nikonians gallery
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#3. "RE: Nikon 85mm f/2.8D PC Micro Nikkor tilt-shift lens - SOLD" | In response to Reply # 2
Wingman Nikonian since 02nd Dec 2002Fri 19-Sep-14 12:47 AM
Thank you for the very comprehensive response, Daniel. I have a 24mm PC-E as well as some view camera experience years ago so I am familiar with the type. I think I can live comfortably with the more manual experience with the 85. I am quite interested in this lens, but am still trying to figure out if I can afford it at this time. I've bought a new roof for my house, a new car and a D800 body this summer so my finances are stretched a bit right now. I will be in touch by email...
Neal-
#4. "RE: Nikon 85mm f/2.8D PC Micro Nikkor tilt-shift lens - SOLD" | In response to Reply # 3
georgem Nikonian since 09th Sep 2006Sat 20-Sep-14 08:52 AMDaniel,
I want to thank you for your excellent explanation of the difference between the PC and the PC--E. I can now say I know something that is truly worth knowing.
Good luck with the sale. If I didn't have two kids in college now I would most likely take your lens.
George Macaluso
East Lansing Michigan.
Visit my Nikonians gallery.
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#5. "RE: Nikon 85mm f/2.8D PC Micro Nikkor tilt-shift lens - SOLD" | In response to Reply # 4
D Lafon Registered since 09th Aug 2014Sat 20-Sep-14 09:36 AMHello,
You are very welcome. I am glad that it helped.
DanielVisit my Nikonians gallery
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#6. "RE: Nikon 85mm f/2.8D PC Micro Nikkor tilt-shift lens - SOLD" | In response to Reply # 0
D Lafon
Registered since 09th Aug 2014
Thu 02-Oct-14 12:13 AM
Pending sale on lens.
Thank you,
D Lafon
Thank you,
D Lafon
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I have an 85mm 1:2.8D PC Micro Nikkor tilt-shift lens to sell. The lens is in gorgeous condition with little to no marks in the paint, pristine glass, and nice smooth movements. This lens is very well cared for, super clean, and all functions work properly. Tilt and shift movements are orientated parallel. Lens includes front and rear caps. $785 includes FedEx and paypal, or save $25 if you pay by check or money order. Please let me know if I can help with any questions.
Thank you, D Lafon
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