Alternative Lenses for Nikon

If, like me, you enjoy working with manual focus prime lenses, at some point you may find that Nikon’s current list of F-Mount lenses is a quite limited. While the lenses that have survived are excellent examples, they are neither economical nor compact. However, there are alternatives for those willing to make some compromises in the name of classic photography.

The current lineup of Nikkor manual focus lenses that can be purchased new include the 20mm f/2.8, 24mm f/2.8, 28mm f/2.8, 35mm f/1.4, 50mm f/1.2, 50mm f/1.4, and Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8. These lenses will mount to film or digital bodies, and with the exception of entry-level and prosumer bodies, meter and work in aperture priority mode.

Unfortunately, the 35mm which is considered normal for the APS-C DX digital format, is only available in the ultra-fast f/1.4 version which is very expensive. However, the 28mm f/2.8 is available for less than half the price of the 35mm f/1.4, and is actually “true” normal at 42.5mm. It’s historically one of Nikon’s best prime lenses, and makes an excellent, moderately fast normal lens for the DX format. The 24mm f/2.8, also an excellent offering, becomes the classic 35mm focal length for street photography and reportage.

While the above options represent the pinnacle of Nikon’s optical performance, there are other Nikon options that are more economical and compact. Not to be overlooked are the excellent Series E lenses. These lenses were introduced in 1979 along with the compact EM body, and use somewhat simpler formulas to arrive at a more compact, economical design. The little-known secret is that their optical and build quality is quite good, despite the fact that they employ a considerable amount of plastic in their construction.

Moving away from Nikon and Nikkor branded lenses, there are some more options.

Voigtländer SL II series lenses are manual-focus, chipped prime lenses which will meter and work with all camera modes even on entry-level and prosumer bodies. These include the 20mm f/3.5 Color Skopar, the 40mm f/2.0 Ultron, the 58mm f/1.4 Nokton, and the 90mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar. These are extremely compact, solidly built-all metal lenses with good optical performance. The 40mm Ultron is noted for it’s superb optical performance and versatility with a length that caters to both the DX and FX formats.

Zeiss ZF.2 series lenses are manual-focus, chipped prime lenses which will meter and work with all camera modes even on entry-level and prosumer bodies. Their extensive line includes the Distagon T* 3.5/18, Distagon T* 2.8/21, Distagon T* 2/28, Distagon T* 2/35, Distagon T* 2.8/25, Distagon T* 1.4/35, Planar T* 1.4/50, Planar T* 1.4/85, Makro-Planar T* 2/50, Makro-Planar T* 2/100. These are impeccably built lenses, with stellar optical performance at a robust size.

All of the above lenses are specifically designed with Nikon mounts. If you’re willing to be a little more adventurous, there are even more options, but here is where things get a little tricky. The “flange focal distance” of the Nikon F-Mount (the distance between the mount and the film plane) is 46.5mm. Being one of the longest in the industry means that the Nikon does not serve well as a “universal body”. However, Nikon lenses can be easily adapted to other bodies with a simple mechanical adapter, making them, in a sense, “universal lenses”. The thickness of this adapter is critical as it makes up the difference between the two different flange focal distances.

However (with two exceptions), it is physically impossible to manufacture a purely mechanical adapter to mount other brands of lenses to a Nikon body that will preserve the capability of infinity focus. Instead, a number of adapters exist which use a 1.4x optical element to restore infinity focus at the cost of optical performance, and further enlargement of the image on the film plane. However if the lens is being used purely for macro work, this element can often be removed, restoring the lens’ full optical quality. Lenses which can be adapted in this way include Canon FD, Minolta MD and Pentax.

The exceptions to this are are Contax MM, Leica R and Olympus OM lenses. The Leica R flange focal distance is 47mm, while the Olympus is 46mm, putting Nikon right between the two. This makes it possible to manufacture a redesigned mount for each of these lenses to adapt them semi-permanently to Nikon bodies. In either instance, the mount can be installed in such as way as to make the conversion reversible. This is important, because both lenses command high values on the collector’s market.

The Contax and Olympus conversions use a single mount, although there’s s second Olympus version for special lenses with two-piece mounts. Leica conversions use six different mounts. You remove and set aside the original mount plus any shrouds, cams or other parts, and in some cases install a spring or retaining clip. You then install the new mount, and you’re good to go. The conversions can also be chipped.

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For more information on Leica/Olympus conversions, visit Leitax