lens questions

[JoeyG123]

Hi all,

I am looking to purchase a new 50mm Nikon lens, it will be for use with an HVX and sgpro, i am a little confused about the newer lenses when they refer to 35mm compatability, i know that it reletes to the size of the digital sensor i.e digital cameras usually have smaller sensors but what would i need for use with my hvx and sgpro, a lens designed for use with a 35mm film camera or one of the newer digital models?

also i assume AF should be avoided for this setup or am i wrong?

thanks,

if anyone has a link to a decent site where i can find a new nikon 50mm f1.2 / f1.4 lens for use with my sg it would be a huge help,

 

[Will Clegg]

Don't get digital-specific lenses lenses - they usually will not have a manual aperture ring, which you will need to control exposure. AF is ok, so long as it has a switch so that you can go manual. You won't be using the AF though, and it will cost more, so it's probably not worth is unless you also have a Nikon DSLR setup.

IMO, the Nikon 50mm 1.4 AI lens is the best lens you can get in the Nikkor MF line. You can find these used at KEH.com or ebay (though KEH is a bit more relialbe, if a bit more expensive). Also, go to any local camera shop and they are likely to have a used 50mm 1.4, as it was ubiquitous before the advent of digital photography.

There are certainly other considerations, like that AI lens have fewer shutter blades than AiS and so the shapes of your out of focus highlights will change... check out the 35mm adapter section on this site for endless dicussion on lens choice. But for your first lens, definitely go with a used 50mm 1.4. You (and your wallet) will not be sorry.