My Nikon F4 with the AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.4G.
Made with the D800 and 55mm f2.8 micro Ai-s Nikkor, so opposite ends of the same reasoning.
Out of curiosity I wanted to see how well (if at all) my F4 worked with the 35mm Af-s f1.4G: I can confirm that the F4 lives up to its reputation of being able to take any lens Nikon has ever made.
The lens performs very well with one caveat; no f stop ring meant the only modes I can use are: Program high, program & shutter priority. So the down side was hyper-focal focusing was not an option (overcome by focusing about a 1/3 of the way in to the image) happy days. In shutter priority I could select for aperture by turning the speed control knob and as I quite often use the camera in manual it was not a problem.
The AF focusing was decisive and fast so no worries there, in actual fact it probably means that batteries will last a lot longer. Although in all the years I have had the camera, I have never needed to replace the AA or rechargeable type in the field.
This means that I might just talk myself into buying the AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G. The 50mm f1.8 AF that I am using at the moment, has become very imprecise when focusing (age and a lot of use!) also I have the 55mm Micro Ai-s for the manual cameras.
As a matter of interest; why the f1.8 & not the f1.4 – the answer is exactly the same as with the previous 50mm AF lens; price and diminishing returns….. Looking at both lenses, the f1.8 is sharper over most of the range I use and at less cost, so at the price I could afford to do exactly what I am now considering; if I wear it out – get a new one.
If anyone is interested in the two books the camera is sitting on; they are from the Folio Society, see below from their site.
The Icelandic Sagas
Magnus Magnusson (ed.)
Illustrated by Simon Noyes
Punctuated by a series of eerie illustrations by Simon Noyes, these great Nordic stories of mythology & exploration are chosen and prefaced by Magnus Magnusson.
David A Lockwood 
There’s something substantial about these old cameras, and the fact that you are still using this one is a testament to the craftsmanship that went into them. It’s also a testament to your skill as a photographer, as are your images. Just a thought: you can still find a 35mm f2, a little slower, but they have the aperture ring.
Thanks Jim, your kind comments are much appreciated.
The 35mm was a birthday gift from my wife for my D800, also a gift.
I have the Nikkor Ai f3.5 35-70 which incidentally works very well with the Df.
f/1.4 is a dream!
Yes – beginning to realise it’s rather special.
David.
I have the camera, and an old 1.4 lens I used to love on it… still in a closet in my workroom, and haven’t touched it for years. Maybe because I did all my own processing, I find it too much of a burden to use now. But I don’t have the heart to give it away. I envy your ability to use these fine cameras.
Ha Shimon,
Take it out & put some batteries in…. Give the shutter speeds some exercise and feel a little nostalgic for the time before digital 😉
David.
Couldn’t help wondering if you read the books in a big leather chair with “dum dum-dum dum… dur-dum” in the background… 😉
A glass of single malt from either Miyagikyo distillery (Japan has some fantastic whisky) or Islay & Vivaldi
😎
David.
Sounds like whisk(e)y would be your “specialist subject” then 🙂
That & Guinness ….. 😎
The pleasure is to zoom in on the camera and see how well used and cared for it is.
Thanks,
It was a gift from my wife and has had many films put through it over the years. This camera & my Billingham bag have seen quite a few adventures.
David.
Looks so nice.
This camera just keeps going…….. 🙂
David.
Great camera/lens combination, I’m pleased it worked well. The books look fantastic too.
Yes I wondered how well it would work and sure enough the F4 does its thing again!
Folio Society books are always a pleasure – I love the Sagas, so both 🙂
David.