Nikon Ai AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

Nikon is a kind manufacturer who values compatibility and produces the "D" type lenses for older cameras even after releasing the "G" type without the aperture ring. Because of the orthodox double-gauss design using 7 elements in 6 groups, the depiction looks more classical in the digital age. It has the residual aberration wide open, but it becomes very sharp by stopping down by 2 steps. And, this lens must be nominated for the first prime lens for serious beginners. Although it's reasonably priced, you get more than you pay for: the sweet rendition wide open and the image quality unique to the large diameter. And, if you're not satisfied with your photography, feeling mannerism, or want to change your expression, you may want a lens like this.

( Photography : M.Ishizuka & K / Text : K )

I stopped down to F8 and shot the wet plain in the early morning. This image looks both delicate and powerful. The flair is more significant than modern lenses, but it matches this scene.

The rendition is clear under the side or direct light. The clarity is unique to a prime lens with the smaller number of elements. The focal peak looks very sharp, too.

Because it's 50mm, I can't panfocus even at F8. The sharpness is impressive.

This lens makes me want to shoot wide open. The moderate level of residual aberration adds to the warm mood.

The bokeh is a bit noisy, but it has an interesting effect. In my opinion, the smoother the bokeh is, the more "photographic" the image becomes. And, the quirkier the bokeh is, the more "picturesque" it becomes. What do you think? Anyway, if you want to take unique images, choose the complex background. There's only one rule in photography: when you press the shutter button, the camera takes a picture. Everything else is up to you and that's why photography never bores us.