This is a very unique Nikkor lens, unlike any other. It is Nikon's first fast lens for the F system. Some say it wasn't even made by Nikon, and it's 7 element in 5 group design is not at all similar to the later 6 group lenses that replaced it. Made for only two years starting in 1959 it was very short lived. It has a nice smooth and swirly rendering, like a vintage Leica or Zeiss. This particular lens is the last version made before it was discontinued, with the distance markings in Feet only. It has one of the highest serials that I have seen for one of these 5.8cm lenses.
This copy is excellent, it is sharp at all apertures with f1.4 being slightly softer and lower contrast. The lens is in beautiful condition, with only the most minute paint loss on the very tips of some of the knurls, and a few marks in the paint near the mount. The glass is PERFECT. Both front and rear elements are immaculate, it is crystal clear inside with a few specs of dust, absolutely remarkable for it's age. The focus is nice, smooth and well-dampened. The only flaw this lens has is a stiff aperture ring which requires more effort than usual to turn.
Normally I wouldn't consider selling it, but I have a minimalistic streak which is fighting my nostalgic possessions. I love the way this lens draws, but I simply don't use it very often, and I'd rather it go to someone who will really appreciate it than have it in the back of my camera shelf. It comes with a Nippon Kogaku rear cap (which is a bit worn) and a nice OEM Nikon cap of a slightly newer vintage for the front. I had the original lens hood for it as well, but it vanished recently, if I ever find it I will send it as well. I am asking $325 with FREE 2-3 day shipping CONUS, and will ship worldwide for a small fee. I am mostly a lurker here, but trying to be more active, you can check my eBay account of the same name if you wish, I have sold a lot of camera gear with 100% positive feedback. Feel free to ask me anything, I will respond to posts in this thread, PM's, as well as emails sent to rielcool@gmail.com.
Thank you,
Ian
EDIT: I am including some images taken with this lens on a Nikon F with TMAX 100 for illustration purposes.
This copy is excellent, it is sharp at all apertures with f1.4 being slightly softer and lower contrast. The lens is in beautiful condition, with only the most minute paint loss on the very tips of some of the knurls, and a few marks in the paint near the mount. The glass is PERFECT. Both front and rear elements are immaculate, it is crystal clear inside with a few specs of dust, absolutely remarkable for it's age. The focus is nice, smooth and well-dampened. The only flaw this lens has is a stiff aperture ring which requires more effort than usual to turn.
Normally I wouldn't consider selling it, but I have a minimalistic streak which is fighting my nostalgic possessions. I love the way this lens draws, but I simply don't use it very often, and I'd rather it go to someone who will really appreciate it than have it in the back of my camera shelf. It comes with a Nippon Kogaku rear cap (which is a bit worn) and a nice OEM Nikon cap of a slightly newer vintage for the front. I had the original lens hood for it as well, but it vanished recently, if I ever find it I will send it as well. I am asking $325 with FREE 2-3 day shipping CONUS, and will ship worldwide for a small fee. I am mostly a lurker here, but trying to be more active, you can check my eBay account of the same name if you wish, I have sold a lot of camera gear with 100% positive feedback. Feel free to ask me anything, I will respond to posts in this thread, PM's, as well as emails sent to rielcool@gmail.com.
Thank you,
Ian
EDIT: I am including some images taken with this lens on a Nikon F with TMAX 100 for illustration purposes.
Attachments
Last edited by a moderator:
