Suggestions for manual focus Nikon lenses?

Ratman667 · Mar 9, 2011

I recently got a Nikon FM, a Nikon EM and a Sigma mini-wide 28mm F/2.8 for a really good deal, $80. All are in good working order. The EM needs new light seals as the old ones are flaking. I'm going to get it serviced soon. The FM was serviced a few months ago, the guy had the receipt. The Sigma has a few dust spots, but no fungus and no wear marks on the barrel at all. I shot a few frames with my D3000 and it is pretty darn sharp.

I know nothing about manual focus lenses, however, I am loving the FM with the 28mm so far. Still working on the first roll of film, but it is so easy to use. After I get it serviced, the EM will be my walking around camera, since it is just an aperture priority camera all the time...

I need suggestions on lenses.

I know I want to get a 100mm 2.8 and a 85mm 1.8 or 1.4.

I am leaning towards getting some "E" series lenses as they are extremely inexpensive. I know they are a lot less well built than the Nikkor lenses of the day.

Also does anyone know the part number for the cable shutter release for the FM?

tirediron · Mar 9, 2011

I would look at the 'D' glass, especially for the 85. It's the best compromise of quality and value IMO. The FM uses an industry-standard thread-in cable release. Any generic one will workl

RockstarPhotography · Mar 9, 2011

50mm 1.4 mf and the 80-200 4.5 mf. Both 2 of the sharpest lenses nikon ever made and you can pick them up dirt cheap.

Derrel · Mar 9, 2011

50mm f/1.8 Ai-S Nikkor, the longer, bigger one. 85mm f/2 AiS is "okay" optically, but VERY small and light. 105mm f/2.5 Ai or AiS blows the doors off of the 100mm 2.8 Series E. The 135mm f/3.5 or f/2.8 Ai or AiS are good. The little 200mm f/4 Ai or AiS are very nice and light. The above mentioned 80-200mm f/4.5 is nice, especially if it has been Ai-converted; as you might or might not know, the FM can use pre-AI lenses with the AI-coupling tab flipped up, using stopped down light metering. The FM will shoot doggone near any NIkkor lens. I loved the FM! Tirediron's suggestion of say, and 85mm AF or AF-D NIkkor makes a lot of sense in the 85mm tele field...the 85/2 Ai or AiS is no great shakes--the 85mm AF models are better lenses.

As to the 100 or 135mm Series E lenses....ehhh...they are not that good wide-open...the 105mm f/2.5 AiS NiIkkor is a FAR batter lens in multiple ways, and the AI version is also good. The 75-150 Series E Zoom is a pretty decent little f/3.5 lens, with a useful range of focal lengths.

Ratman667 · Mar 10, 2011

Thanks for the suggestions. Looks like most of the lenses mentioned can be had for $100 - $200 in good shape.

RockstarPhotography · Mar 10, 2011

Ratman667 said:
Thanks for the suggestions. Looks like most of the lenses mentioned can be had for $100 - $200 in good shape.

check out second hand stores too....you can find them there for even cheaper sometimes.

Ratman667 · Mar 10, 2011

I haven't ruled that out. I just did a quick search online to see what I could find. There is also a second hand camera store here in town that I stop by about once a week.