First lens for N80 and scratched negatives?

I want to start with one lens for my soon to be new N80. Is the 28-

105 3.5-4.5 the best choice? I mostly do very close-up work, and

people: portraits and groups. Recommendations appreciated, if you

keep in mind that I don't have a big budget and don't want a huge

zoom lens. Also I read on the Nikonusa site that people were having

trouble with scratched negativess, and while most attributed them to

lab problems, I was surprised at the implication of the camera

itself. Does anyone know about this? Thank you--pbasha

Never hear of the scratched negative issue and would very strongly suggest that it is either lab related in most cases or there is dirt/junk on the rollers in the camera and that the owner needs to clean it.

 

The 28-105 is an excellent starter lens, the 1:2 macro feature is nice, but you said you do "very close-up work". If you mean you need 1:1 macro you won't achieve that with this lens.

--evan

1:1 is more what I would call real close of work than 1:2. It's a big difference.

 

If I recall correctly, there were a run of N80s back at the beginning that did scratch negatives. However I believe that's pretty much history now and you don't have to worry about it too much.

What about a true micro lens like the Af 105mm f/2.8 for close-up and portrait?

The 28-105mm isn't a tiny lens, but it's all relative to what you are used to I guess.

 

If you want to go beyond 1:2, you can get extension tubes or close-up filters that work with the 28-105mm. Also, you could get a 50mm and a reversing ring (the 50mm/1.8 AF-D is about $100).

 

Also, know that you have to get extremely close to the subject to get 1:2 magnification. It extremely difficult to get insects & such to remain still with a lens coming at them and the lens can get in the way of the light.

 

For a general purpose lens. I'd say the 28-105mm is the best bet for the things you mentioned. Don't overlook the 50mm lens though, the 2 extra stops make it incredible useful in low light and for throwing the background out of focus.

There was a batch of N80s with pressure plate problems that causes scratched negatives. We have two N80s as backups and one of the two scratches every roll of film. It has nothing to do with the lab and it has been professionally cleaned but still has the problem. Nikon said it has to be sent into them to have a new pressure plate installed.

 

For your lens choice I would recommend something faster like 2.8 aperture. I love my Sigma 28-105 f2.8/4 AF-D lens. It's about $199 new. Very small, lightweigh, and very sharp.

The 28-105 Nikkor is a good choice for a "universal" lens, at a reasonable price. Not sure what you mean by closeup, but you can extend the near-focus magnification with a relatively inexpensive Nikon 5T or 6T close up (diopter) accessory. If you are getting a flash, the SB50DX will be great for closeup and portraits, and adequate for small groups, if you stay in the wide angle range for diminished flash-to-subject distance.

Or if you want a fast and silent lens, the new 24-85 G lens. Then add a Tamron 90/2.8 and you have a dead sharp 1:1 macro lens that will do very well as a portrait lens as well.

My suggestion is save your money and get an F100 or FM3a. If

the only lens you can afford is a AF 50/1.8 you can probably live

with its total lack of "Zoom Appeal" and

outstanding performance. Years ago when I bought my first SLR the

name "Nikon" was too good to put on the very fine

Nikkormat FTn. Now Nikon puts their name on anything. If you get

an FM3a look for a clean used manual 50/1.8 AI or AIS or a 50/1.4 AIS (late compact version, new or used).<br>

<br>

The N80 cant use the many fine manual focus AI and AIS

lenses except in manual exposure mode as the built in meter does

not work with them. You may as well buy a Nikon F beater with

standard prism. Add to this all the complaints of scratched

negatives and the extremely low weight and I cant fathom

why the camera sells.<br>

<br>

I cant remember what I paid for my first camera but Ill

bet it was about the same as the F100 in inflation adjusted

dollars. My favorite current Nikon film cameras are the FM3a and

F5. I think my favorite Nikon digital camera will be announced

this spring or summer.<br>

<br>

I dont make fun of people who buy N80(s) but I do think its unfortunate to spend that much money and not get a really fine camera such as a Nikon FM3a. If thats too much money

consider an clean used FE2 or FM2n. Of the last two my preference

is the FE2.<br>

<br>

For years the camera companies have been selling auto this and that buy holding out the grab shot as the Holy Grail of photography. The big pro AF cameras with fast, long AF glass can get some amazing shots of birds in flight and similar action but for most the long list of features is just a sales gimmick.<br>

<br>

Here is a article you might like to read... <br>

<br>

<a

href="http://www.vothphoto.com/spotlight/articles/forgotten-lens.htm"

target="_new">The Forgotten Lens</a><br>

<br>

I post this link often as I really think most people who care

about more than just snapshots are better off to start with and

always carry one of these lenses.<br>

<br>

Regards,

Patricia,

 

I think you will be very happy with the N80. I had one of the earlier models and had problems with film scratching. Nikon replaced the rollers with newer ones to remedy the problem. I have not heard of any problems with any of the recent production runs. Unless you are interested in using older Nikon lenses the N80 should satisfy most of your needs. The size and weight of the camera is a definite advantage if you use the camera for long periods of time. I am also not aware of any durability problems with this camera. I've had this camera for over two years, and except for the scratching problem, which Nikon promptly resolved, been very happy with the features.