Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S Review

The Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S shown on the Nikon FM3a

A Review of the Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S for Nikon SLR Film Cameras

As a young photographer back in the eighties, the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S was a lens I hoped to one day get my hands on. There was something magical about that fast f/1.4 f-stop.

The sheer amount of glass they could fit in this lens was awe-inspiring for a young photography nerd. I was convinced that if you had this lens, indeed, you would become a better photographer.

I have already featured sample images from the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S in the Nikon FM2nNikon FM3a, and Nikon F3 reviews. However, I wanted to share my thoughts about this iconic lens and more sample images. I have also written an article on using the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S on Fujifilm X Series cameras.

The Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S shown on the Nikon FM2n

Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S - Introduction

Even though the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S dates back to 1981, you could purchase it brand new until very recently.

I bought my copy of the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S on the local used market for $120.00, and it offers terrific value for the money.

The lens is also widely available on eBay and often bundled with Nikon SLR cameras. It has been a very popular choice for Nikon cameras for decades, so the supply is quite good.

The Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S shown on the Nikon F3

Handling and Build Quality

The Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S is a manual-focus lens with a smooth focus ring. The aperture is adjustable in full stops. The lens has 7 elements in 6 groups, 7 diaphragm blades, and a filter diameter of 52mm, which is standard with a long list of Nikkor lenses from this era.

Weighing 8.69 oz (246 g) and measuring 2.5 x 1.6" (63.5 x 40.6 mm), the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S is a perfect size in my book. It never feels bulky or cumbersome to carry around.

The focus ring is big enough that you never struggle to find it, and the rubberized grooves make it easy to adjust focus. The minimum focusing distance is 1.48", 45 cm.

The Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S shown on the Nikon FM2n

in Action

The Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S is an absolute joy to work with. The all-metal design makes it feel rugged and solid in the hand. My copy is absolutely mint, which adds to the enjoyment factor.

It gives me great pleasure to carry around an older lens that still appears as if new. According to the serial number on my lens, it is a late copy, which I estimate to be from around 2004.

English Bay, Vancouver, Nikon FM3a, Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S, Ilford Delta 100

Image Quality

The sample images in this post are from three different black-and-white negative film stocks: Ilford Delta 100, Ilford HP5 Plus, and Kodak TRI-X 100. I rarely shoot the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S at f/1.4, but I should probably try it more.

Nailing accurate focus gets trickier at f/1.4, and I do find it renders rather soft images at the max f-stop. I most often shoot it from f/2 and upwards and find the images rather pleasing in this range. The photos are perhaps not clinically sharp but have a nice character.

Depending on your monitor size, you can view my sample images up to 2500 pixels wide or pinch-zoom if you are on your mobile phone. Please see more sample images below and click to view larger images.

English Bay, Vancouver, Nikon FM3a, Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S, Ilford Delta 100

Conclusion

The Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S is an absolute classic. I recently put it up for sale in the interest of reviewing other Nikkor lenses, but I eventually regretted the decision. When I took a second look at the lens and the images I have made with it, I realized what a gem it is, and you get all that for $120.00.

Hadden Beach, Vancouver, Nikon FM3a, Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S, Ilford Delta 100

As a reviewer, I inevitably go through a lot of gear. I buy and sell to try more cameras and lenses. My goal has never been to be a collector, but once in a while, you come across a lens or a camera that promises longevity, and if you sell them, chances are, you will regret it.

You never know, but I am hanging onto the Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S for now.

Update: February 2023

I have now had a chance to test the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S on a Nikon Zf. You can read the review here:

Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S on the Nikon Zf


Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S - Sample Images

The negatives in this post were copied using a Fujifilm X-Pro2, an AF Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D lens, and Skier Sunray Copybox 3. RAW files were imported to Lightroom and I used the Negative Lab Pro plugin to convert the files.

Please click to view larger images.

Vancouver Maritime Museum, Nikon FM3a, Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S, Ilford Delta 100

Vancouver Maritime Museum, Nikon FM3a, Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S, Ilford Delta 100

Coal Harbour, Vancouver, Nikon FM3a, Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S, Ilford Delta 100

Stanley Park Seawall, Vancouver, Nikon FM3a, Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S, Ilford Delta 100

Morton Avenue, Vancouver, Nikon FM3a, Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S, Ilford Delta 100

Vancouver, Nikon EM, Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S, Kodak T-MAX 100

Sunrise Market, Vancouver, Nikon EM, Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S, Kodak T-MAX 100

Gore Ave., Vancouver, Nikon EM, Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S, Kodak T-MAX 100

East Hastings, Vancouver, Nikon EM, Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S, Kodak T-MAX 100

Lord Strathcona School, Vancouver, Nikon EM, Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S, Kodak T-MAX 100

Finch’s Market, Vancouver, Nikon EM, Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S, Kodak T-MAX 100

Vancouver, Nikon EM, Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S, Kodak T-MAX 100

Pacific Central Station, Vancouver, Nikon EM, Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S, Kodak T-MAX 100

Western/Southern street corner, Vancouver, Nikon EM, Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S, Kodak T-MAX 100

British Columbia Sugar Refining, Nikon FM3a, Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S, Ilford HP5 Plus

Astoria Hotel, Nikon FM3a, Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S, Ilford HP5 Plus

Vanier Park, Nikon FM3a, Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S, Ilford HP5 Plus

Vanier Park, Nikon FM3a, Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S, Ilford HP5 Plus