Nikon 100 mm 2.8 Series E lens

[General257]

Hi

I'm interested in the Nikon 100 mm 2.8 Series E lens to be used on my F100 for
indoor portrait work. I realize that it is an older less expensive Nikon
subject to flare. However since my interest is mainly for animal, cat & dog
portraits all taken indoors I was wondering what opinions anyone has on this
lens .
Am I also correct in assuming that the lens will meter on the F100 as this is
an important issue with my decision to buy.
Any opinions would be appreciated.
Tomas

[Webmarketing]

This is not a spectacular lens (perhaps a good choice for portraiture) and
isn't up to the same physical build as the Nikkors. It's good value,
though, and should serve your needs. It will meter fine in aperture
priority or manual. No shutter priority or program metering, however. Take
care.

Fred
Maplewood Photography

"General257" <gener...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20010627084433...@ng-ba1.aol.com...

[Tony Polson]

gener...@aol.com (General257) wrote:

Hi Tomas,

Within the limits you have specified it's a great lens. The 100mm f/2.8
Nikon Series E is a very fine portrait lens used either indoors or
outdoors with no light source in or near the frame. It's sharp with
good bokeh, although it is not as good as the 105mm f/2.5 AIS.

When a light source approaches the frame the lens will begin to lose
contrast. This is why the hard-to-find dedicated Nikon rubber lens hood
(HR-5?) is a *must* when shooting outdoors. When the light source
enters the frame the hood cannot help. You will get noticeable flare
together with a distinct deterioration in contrast and thus an apparent
loss of sharpness.

Look for the later version with the chrome ring around the barrel near
to the aperture ring. These are alleged to have better coating, and
they will also be several years newer. Look carefully for any evidence
of fungus, either the fine, wispy stuff or any internal white dust.
Damage to the coatings of internal elements is also a sure sign.
Normally, fungus will only be a problem where the lens is stored
incorrectly or not dried properly after being used in the rain.

The lens will work perfectly on your F100 in manual or aperture priority
modes with centre-weighted metering. You cannot use spot or matrix
metering or any other exposure modes. The only autofocus Nikon body
that will give you matrix metering with this lens (and other AIS manual
focus lenses without the P chip) is the Nikon F4.

I hope the above does not sound too critical. I am a great fan of
Series E lenses and the 100mm f/2.8 is probably my favourite. I have no
doubt that you will be very pleased with the results you get from this
fine lens.

Best regards,

--
Tony Polson

[Paul Rubin]

I'm really happy with mine. It's sharp and there's a brightness to
the images that I really like. Also, it's nicely smaller and lighter
than the 105/2.5.

[Tony Polson]

"Mark P. Nelson" <m...@alleleb.biol.berkeley.edu> wrote:

> Tony Polson <tony....@btinternet.com> wrote:
> : The lens will work perfectly on your F100 in manual or aperture priority

> : modes with centre-weighted metering. You cannot use spot or matrix
> : metering or any other exposure modes. The only autofocus Nikon body
> : that will give you matrix metering with this lens (and other AIS manual
> : focus lenses without the P chip) is the Nikon F4.
>

> Actually, spot metering works fine with manual focus lenses on my F100.

Oops. I didn't know that. :-(

One of these days I am just going to have to read that manual. I did
try; on the day I received the camera I went on a long train journey and
resolved I would read it from cover to cover.

I was asleep before we'd gone 15 miles. If my wife hadn't been with me
I'd have missed my stop.

Nikon user manuals of the last ten years are sure-fire insomnia cures.

;-)

--
Tony Polson