Nikkor-Q lens overview?

numerus · Sep 5, 2024

Today a package arrived for me from Japan containing a Nikkor-Q 105 mm 1:3.5. I want to use it on my Nagaoka Super Wide for 6x9 and Instax film. I read about a Nikkor Q 135 and 150 in a classified ad some time ago. I have never seen these lenses before. As I really appreciate the imaging performance of the Nikkors, I would also like to have at least the 150mm. Do you know any details about these lenses? For example, image circles, production period, and anything else you can find out. And I explicitly don't mean the M series.

Many thanks for your help

ags2mikon · Sep 5, 2024

The Q denotes 4 elements so I would estimate a Tessar formula, so about 150-160mm of coverage. It should work fine for 6x9. For 4x5 It will barely cover with movements.

B.S.Kumar · Sep 5, 2024

If you wanted this lens, you could have asked me I was planning to list one soon.

There were a number of versions of this lens. All of them are optically the same.
The first was the typical LF lens in a Copal shutter. Strangely, it was sometimes also sold in a Copal Wista #1 shutter.

The second was made for the Marshal Press camera, the precursor of the Mamiya Press. It accepts accessory 135mm and 150mm lenses.
It looks like this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/365093437693
This listing shows it mounted on a Linhof board: https://www.ebay.com/itm/225918616381

A third version was made for the Bronica S and EC cameras. Naturally, the barrel was different.

The 300 and 450mm Q series lenses were also offered as a casket set, with both lenses sharing a common Copal 3S shutter which had scales for both lenses.

The M-series followed the Q-series. The M's were multi-coated. Initially the set consisted of 105, 300 and 450mm lenses. The 200mm f/8 lens was added later.

Kumar

abruzzi · Sep 5, 2024

I would assume that the 105, if it is a tessar formula, would cover 6x9 but not much larger? I have the Nikkor-M 105/3.5 and while it illuminates 4x5 at infinity, its very soft past about 110mm.

B.S.Kumar · Sep 5, 2024

That is correct. The Q 105mm f/3.5 lens covers a 110mm image circle.

Kumar

ags2mikon · Sep 5, 2024

My bad I misread the OP. He bought a 105mm. I was thinking 135mm. I have both in Bronica mount. They are good.

abruzzi · Sep 5, 2024

BTW, I 'll add that the Nikkor-W (their standard plasmat line) 105mm will cover 4x5 barely, but tessar type lenses like the M or Q generally don't have very good coverage. I recently got a Fujinon CM-W 105/5.6. This lens has a large enough image circle to cover 4x5 with enough to spar for small movements (174mm image circle) So I'm using it as a lightweight and compact wide for my ultralight kit (a Toho FC-45A bought recently from Kumar) instead of a Super Angulon type lens.

DREW WILEY · Sep 5, 2024

The Q was the single-coated tessar predecessor to the multi-coated M series. I own a set of the M's, including a 105/3.5. It's a wonderful optic for 6X9, but WILL NOT adequately cover 4x5, even at very small stops. You can get a "circle of illumination" slightly large enough to fill 4x5, but the rendition of the corners and edges will be awful. More often, I'm asked about the potential use of this lens for 6X12 roll film backs. But even point-blank, with no movements, it's a near miss : up to around 6X11 cm you get good resolution, but the far edges will be disappointing.

numerus · Sep 5, 2024

I also had this lens for my Bronica S2a and I loved it. But then I deided to concentrate on 6x9 and 4x5 and sold all smaller cameras except a Fuji GS645S and a Voigtländer Perkeo II.

For 4x5 I also have the Fujinon SW 8/105 with a giant image circle. I’ll use the Nikkor for smaller formats only. I bought the strange Wista shutter variant. But since I like self cocking shutters I‘m quite happy with it. Tommorow I‘ll test it witht the Lomo Instax back. Thanks a lot for all your information.

B.S.Kumar said:
If you wanted this lens, you could have asked me I was planning to list one soon.

I‘m pretty sure I‘ll ask you again for nice things Sometimes I think I should complete my Nagaoka toolbox with the standard 4x5 field camera that could use all the backs I have.

B.S.Kumar · Sep 5, 2024

numerus said:
I bought the strange Wista shutter variant.

The shutter itself isn't strange. The lens fits into a #0 size shutter, but the Wista variant is usually a #1.
These shutters were made specially for Wista. They have two cable release sockets. One is the normal socket for releasing the shutter. The second socket can be fitted with a cable that goes to the back of Wista cameras. When a holder is inserted into the camera, the shutter automatically closes and the shutter can be fired. The shutter opens for viewing and focusing when the holder is removed.

Kumar

numerus · Sep 6, 2024

Thank you for your knowledge. I was surprised that such a small lens sits in a Copal 1 shutter. But for me this press shutter was the reason to buy the lens, since it is very useful for my douple exposure projects.

Nikkor-Q lens overview?

Attachments

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency