NIKON AI (NIKKOR)
TecH Specs
| Lens | T | CF | ø | Weight | Sensor | Mount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20mm | 2.9 | 28cm | 95 | 0,8kg | FF | PL |
| 24mm | 2.1 | 33cm | 95 | 1,0kg | FF | PL |
| 28mm | 2.1 | 28cm | 95 | 1,0kg | FF | PL |
| 35mm | 1.5 | 30cm | 95 | 1,2kg | FF | PL |
| 50mm | 1.5 | 53cm | 95 | 1,0kg | FF | PL |
| 85mm | 1.5 | 68cm | 95 | 1,3kg | FF | PL |
| 105mm | 1.9 | 91cm | 95 | 1,2kg | FF | PL |
| 135mm | 2.1 | 122cm | 95 | 1,7kg | FF | PL |
This lens set is based on classic Nikon / Nikkor still photography lenses originally manufactured during the 1970s and 1980s. Whitepoint has completely rehoused the optics for professional cinema use. All lenses are equipped with PL mounts, share standardized focus and iris gear placement, and feature a long 300° focus rotation designed for precise manual control in the traditional cinema direction. All lenses have a uniform 95mm front diameter. Some focal lengths have also been modified to achieve improved minimum focus distances.
In terms of coverage, the lenses easily support Full Frame sensors and even larger formats. They are compatible with cameras such as the Sony Venice, Sony Burano and ARRI Alexa LF in Open Gate mode. Several lenses in the set even cover the full imaging area of the Alexa 65.
What makes vintage Nikon glass so appealing is its balance between clarity and character. While the lenses remain sharp, they avoid the high micro-contrast typical of many modern primes. This results in a softer, more flattering rendering of skin tones and natural textures. Highlights often display a gentle glow, and when shooting at wider apertures the faster lenses can introduce subtle blooming and optical imperfections that add personality to the image. Adjusting the aperture can noticeably change the look of the image, giving filmmakers additional creative flexibility.
The original Nikon lenses used straight-bladed 7- or 9-blade apertures, which often produced angular and sometimes distracting bokeh when stopped down. As part of the rehousing process, Whitepoint replaced these with newly designed 16-blade irises. This modification creates smoother and more rounded out-of-focus highlights across the entire aperture range while preserving the vintage character that makes these lenses special.
