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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;rmpsrpms, post: 2535585, member: 31773&quot;]A while back, on another forum, I published a thread of a similar title. I used it to showcase the Nikon 95mm f/2.8 Printing-Nikkor (95PN), which is a lens optimized for 1:2 / 2:1 theatrical film transfers (16mm - 35mm, or the reverse). The 95PN has perfectly flat field, zero distortion, and higher sharpness and resolution across the frame than almost any lens ever made. It is also apochromatic, meaning it is fully corrected for longitudinal chromatic aberration (LoCA) at all three colors (R/G/B). Because it is optimized for 1:2 and can be used from 1:4 up to 1:1, it is perfectly adapted for shooting the full range of US coins on APS-C sensors. For the smallest coins, and variety details, it can be reversed and used from 1:1 up to 3:1, where it has few rivals. </p><p><br /></p><p>Problem with the 95PN is its price and rarity. Only a couple thousand were ever made, and they sell for $1500-$2500 depending on condition. As the ultimate coin lens, perhaps it&#039;s worth it!</p><p><br /></p><p>Recently, I have &quot;discovered&quot; a hidden gem of a lens that while not quite up to the level of the 95PN, still exceeds most every other lens for coin photography due to its similar pedigree of optimum 1:2 / 2:1 theatrical film transfer. The Kodak 89mm f/3.8 Printing Ektar (89PE) was probably used for many more film transfers than the 95PN due to its relative affordability and compatibility with many film printers. Many of the films you might have watched at the Cinema or Drive In were likely printed by an 89PE or its bigger brother, the 103PE. </p><p><br /></p><p>These Printing Ektar lenses are a very different breed than the range of Printing Ektar lenses made for 1-hour photo shops, which typically have a f/4.5 aperture and have poorer coverage and color correction. The 89PE and its big brother the 103PE are apochromatically corrected (like the 95PN) and sharp from corner to corner even at f/3.8. The f/4.5 are achromats (corrected at only two colors) and generally not as sharp or as flat field. Do NOT go out and buy just any Printing Ektar thinking it will be a great coin lens, as you will be very disappointed. </p><p><br /></p><p>Below are photos taken of a lowly Peace $ and Lincoln Cent using the 89PE. The Apo correction gives true color fidelity and accuracy. </p><p><br /></p><p><img src="http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/IMG_5078_2.jpg" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></p><p><br /></p><p><img src="http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad273/rparkhurst/IMG_5089_2.jpg" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></p><p><br /></p><p>If folks are interested I&#039;ll use the lens to shoot some variety details to show what this lens is capable of![/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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