NIKON 45MM f/2.8P Special Edition Ultra-Compact Nikkor Lens

Nikon introduces a new lens with a really retro-look - but with some Ultra-Modern Features! The AI-S Nikkor 45mm f/2.9P ultra compact lens has a special silver Retro finish which matches the silver FM3A & other select SLR cameras. This lens has a high-performance Nikon Super Integrated Coating that reduces flare while increasing contrast. And with the 45mm's built-in CPU for information exchange (P-type Nikkor), transfer of information from lens to light meter and flash systems, create a superior image and makes this lens fully compatible with almost all Nikon SLR's. This is an update to the classic Tessar design for manual focus applications, and is compatible with all exposure modes of CPU-controlled Nikon SLR's (P-type Nikkor) as well as F3HP, FM3A and FM-10 cameras. You can get more natural out of focus highlights because of the 45mm's seven-bladed rounded diaphragm. The 45mm AI-S Nikkor Lens comes with both a 52mm NC Filter and metal HB-35 Hood. The hood not only reduces glare on the lens - It make's the lens look really Cool!

1 I love it, but do I need it?
I got this lens as the companion for my FM3a. The lens was especially designed for the camera and they make a beautiful silver pair. As far as aesthetics goes, these two are a match made in heaven.

So what's right about it? Lots.

The lens is 45mm which is only 2mm longer than the 'true' normal of 35mm film which is 43mm. That means that it is more normal than your standard 50mm lens.

It is stylish. The pancake design is sleek and tight. The silver matches the silver of the FM3a (will they make one in black to match the black FM3a?). The provided filter and inverted lens hood also add to the lens' attractiveness. It is also light, which makes it an easy choice to take along as your normal lens.

The lens is very sharp throughout its focal range. It is a snap to focus the lens and the focus ring is solid and sure. The aperture blades are rounded so that the final aperture is almost a circle. If bokeh is your thing, this lens delivers awesome blur.

There are drawbacks, of course.

It would be nice if the lens was a little faster. The 50mm Nikkon lenses come in f1.4 and f1.8. They are more than twice as fast, allowing you to gather more light when you need it. The 45mm is restricted to f2.8, which is plenty fast for everyday shots, but in lower light a faster film may be necessary.

I found the focusing ring and the aperture ring a little too close for comfort. Sometimes when trying to adjust the focus, I ended up adjusting the aperture instead. It's not a huge deal, as it's simply a twist of the ring to change it back, but it happens often enough that there may be a user-design issue that needs to be addressed (redesign the user? :-)

The price. It is too high. That's the biggest complaint I have with this lens. With a 50mm f1.8 available for bargain basement prices, is it worth it to spend this much on a slower, only slightly more normal lens? That's up to you to decide.

In all, I'm very happy with this lens. It is a treat to use and the picture quality is outstanding. I don't know if I would have bought it if I hadn't been swept up in the FM3a purchase, but I'm glad that I have it now. It is my primary lens and it hardly leaves the camera body. Of course it doesn't have auto-focus, so you may not find it terribly useful on your N80 or N75, but if you are getting the FM3a, take a look. You might find that the price is justifiable.