> 1) Early Nikkors, non-AI, 135mm f3.5 (Q ca. > 1969)and 135mm f2.8 (Q ca.?). What is the > "conventional wisdom" on these two lenses. > Which was/is considered better? The optical quality of the 135mm/f3.5 is very good -- comparable to the 105mm/f2.5 from the same era. I haven't used the f2.8, but the books I've read say that it's performance wide open isn't very good. > 2) How would one "restore" a focus ring which > s much paint rubbed off? I have a lovely > 105mm 2.5 P lens that I'd really like to get back > a black ring. Can they be painted? By whom? To do it right would cost more than the lens is worth, but If you just want it black, you can just tape of the rest of the lens, scuff the old paint with fine steel wool (so the new paint will stick) and spray it yourself. Some previous owner did that to my old 135mm/f3.5. It looks really bad, but it's black. -Don