El-Nikkor Serial Number Relevance

[JeffD]

Hello,

I have been offered a 150mm El Nikkor enlarging lens,
serial number 516022.

Is there anything significant that this serial
number might tell me as to features, or lack
of features that this lense might posess?

Thanks!

 

[Nick Zentena]

Not to me but you can tell the generation of Nikon lens from barrel. The oldest are chrome [or at least metal looking] The newest look like this one:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=ProductDetail&A=showItemLargeImage&Q=&sku=36861

I don't think the design has changed any but the coatings will likely be better with the newer ones.

 

[JeffD]

Actually, it looks a bit different than that newer pic you provided.

Here is what the seller provided:

http://www.hiddenworld.net/misc/nikkor-1.jpg

http://www.hiddenworld.net/misc/nikkor-2.jpg

Asking price is $200 for the lens. Does this seem reasonable?

 

[L Gebhardt]

Actually, it looks a bit different than that newer pic you provided.

Here is what the seller provided:

http://www.hiddenworld.net/misc/nikkor-1.jpg

http://www.hiddenworld.net/misc/nikkor-2.jpg

Asking price is $200 for the lens. Does this seem reasonable?

$200 is a bit high in today's market. I picked up a mint 150mm Nikkor for $125, and I think I may have overpaid. If you can inspect it, or return it may be a good deal.

 

[Nick Zentena]

That looks like my 50mm but my serial number is lower . From memory mine is early 1980s or so. $200 is high in this market. A brand new 135mm Nikon is only $320 for the grey market model at B&H.

 

[JeffD]

Here are the B&H prices:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...h&Q=*&shs=el-nikkor+150mm&image.x=0&image.y=0

I don't understand why one is 499 and one 649. Anyway, assuming the lens
above is analagous to the $499 model, then $200 is probably reasonable, woudn't you think?

 

[BWGirl]

You know, Jeff...what is exorbitant to one person is reasonable to another.

I think what's important is...is this something you need/want? Do you feel it is a good value? If so, by all means get it!

 

[Nick Zentena]

The more expensive model is imported by Nikon USA. It'll carry the Nikon warranty. The cheaper one is imported by B&H and if you have any problems will be serviced by B&H.

In today's market $200 is rich. Search the completed Ebay auctions. You won't find many lenses even getting close to $200. Somebody bought a Rodenstock for $23. Now that's damn cheap but less then $100 for a 150mm lens shouldn't be too hard to find.

 

[JohnArs]

Hi

In my opinion this lens is quiet old around end of 1970s in my opinion. I got a 135 mm for around 150 but an almost new one.
If you need it not very urgent look for a newer model!
Good luck.

 

[jd callow]

Seems High -- As stated above -- check finished auctions on ebay for a real price.

 

[Mongo]

I personally wouldn't go over $100 for it...probably not over $75 unless it was in like-new condition. Enlarger lenses are dirt cheap these days, and the prices are still headed south.

I picked up a Schneider 135mm Componon-S for under $70. Killer lens...for my use, I can't imagine every finding anything better. (I'm sure the APO-Schneider HM lenses perform better wide open, but how often do any of us use an enlarger lens that way?)

You've already been given the best advice: Check eBay completed auction prices. I found two of the newer versions that have sold recently: one for $100 and one for $175. Both in great shape, and both the latest Nikkor optics and coatings. The one you've got pictured (which, by the way, will almost certainly perform as well as the newest lenses if you stop down to f/8) is an older lens and shouldn't bring as much as the newer lenses. (To be honest, I was surprised by the $175 sale...there are lots of sales of good 150mm lenses on eBay for well under $100.)

Having said all of this...if the lens is worth $200 to you, go for it. But if it's really worth that much to you, you can probably buy an almost-new, recent vintage lens on eBay for the money.