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 was hoping that, one day I would 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, surely you would become a better photographer.
I have already featured sample images from the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S in reviews of the Nikon FM2n, Nikon FM3a, and Nikon F3 but wanted to wrap up with my thoughts about this iconic lens and feature even more sample images. I have also written an article on using the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S on Fujifilm X Series cameras.
Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S - Introduction
Even though the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S dates back to 1981 you were able to purchase it brand new up 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 spent.
The lens is also widely available on eBay and often bundled with Nikon SLR cameras. This lens has been a very popular choice for Nikon cameras for decades, hence the supply is quite good.
The Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S shown on the Nikon F3
Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S - Handling and Build Quality
The Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S is a manual focus lens with a smooth focus ring and the aperture is adjustable in full stops. The lens has 7 elements in 6 groups with 7 diaphragm blades and a filter diameter of 52mm, which is standard with a long list of Nikkor lenses from this era.
Weighing in at 8.69 oz, 246 g, and dimensions of 2.5 x 1.6", 63.5 x 40.6 mm, in my book the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S is a perfect size and 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
Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S 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.
Personally, 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
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 probably should 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. 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 a real classic. In the interest of trying to review other Nikkor lenses, I recently put it up for sale but eventually regretted the decision. When taking 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 for now, I am hanging onto the Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S.
Update: February 2023
I have now had a chance to test the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S on a Nikon Zf as well. You can read the review here:
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
Nikon SLR and F-Mount Lens Reviews
Nikon F3 HP
Nikon F3
Nikon F
Nikon FM3a
Nikon FM2n
Nikon FE2
Nikon EM
Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S
Voigtländer Ultron 40mm f/2 SL IIs
Voigtländer Nokton 55mm f/1.2 SL IIs
See all of my reviews at a glance: Camera Reviews - Archives
