the Nikon NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4 AI-S on BMPCC 6K
This post is based on this video below.
This lens is a testament to the fact that you don't need to break the bank, shelling out over $1,000, to get your hands on a high-quality wide-open 85mm lens. Lenses, in essence, are tools, each serving a unique purpose. There's no such thing as the "perfect" lens, just as there is no one-size-fits-all tool.
With an APS-C sensor, this lens effectively becomes a 127mm, presenting a handheld shooting challenge if not managed properly. Consider using it with a tripod or other stable support, lock onto your subject, and let your narrative unfold. Personally, when I aim to capture intricate details in someone's eyes or immerse myself in my subject's perspective, this lens consistently tops my list.
At its widest aperture of 1.4, the bokeh it produces is undeniably beautiful, albeit with a slight softening of the image. The Nikon NIKKOR 85mm 1.4, when pushed to its limits, can sometimes result in an effect known as "sphero-chromatism," where vibrant pinks and greens appear on the fringes of light sources. This is a lens flaw. If you stop down, the flaw will clean up quickly and stay close to wide open.
Going the vintage route comes with trade-offs, but I'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the fact that I gravitate toward the look and feeling of vintage glass. If you buy them, learn their quirks so you can avoid them. Whether you're a seasoned cinematographer or a passionate videographer, repurposing these old photo lenses for video, especially when paired with exceptional sensors like the BMPCC 6K, can infuse your lens kit and portfolio with a distinctive look.
Thank you to my brother, Michael Hartman, for MIXING this sheesh. Check him out: / youtube.com/user/mahartman
