1985 Nikkor AIS 50mm f/1.8 Pancake on the Nikon Z6II + Photos!

nerwin · May 15, 2024

I've always wanted one of these pancake lenses, they are super small and when I got this lens in mint condition that came with my Nikon N2000, I had to get an adapter to mount it on my Nikon Z6II and go shoot with it a little. I am very impressed with this lens for what it is, it resolves incredible well on the 25mp full same sensor and heck, its even sharp wide open..giving that you nail the focus which isn't easy. That focus ring is SKINNY. But its fun to shoot with.

Just need to add some maple syrup!

Here it is adapted on my Nikon Z6II with the Pholsy adapter.

And of course for fun, here it is mounted on the Nikon N2000 (1985) versus the 50 1.8 S on the Z6II in 2024. 50mm lenses have got BIG.

Here some color photo example photos I took around my yard just testing out the lens.

I know some will HATE the bokeh, it can look busy but I don't mind it because it just has that retro vibe and to be honest it depends greatly on the distance between your subject and the background.

Here it looks pretty nice to me.

Here you can see more of the shape, almost has that bubbly "soap" like bokeh that many seem to desire nowadays.

This is a landscape shot taken wide open at f/1.8

Here is the same scene captured at f/5.6 or f/8 - I don't honestly remember. When I zoom in 100 percent, I almost can't tell the difference between this and my Nikon Z 50mm 1.8 S, that is amazing!!

I feel like this lens renders colors in a unique way, they are pretty natural but have a certain look to it that I can't explain. Perhaps its the coating or maybe lack thereof. Not sure which but I like it! HOWEVER, what I really, is black and white with this lens. I feel that is where it shines the best.