Nikkor-W 150mm lens question

fullframe45 · Mar 26, 2009

Hello,

I'm interested in purchasing a used Nikkor-W 150mm LF lens from a local dealer, and had some questions:

1) The rear element has the words "Lens Made In Japan" stamped in WHITE on the outer surface. I've normally only seen this stamped in BLACK on LF Nikkors, so I was just wondering if anyone knows if this is OK, or whether this might mean it's a rear element that is NOT matching to this particular lens?

2) Thoughts on the lens itself - quality, sharpness, contrast?

I'm brand new to this great site, and appreciate any insight given. Thanks in advance.

keithwms · Mar 26, 2009

I have the 150 SW and adore it. I don't recall about the labeling, I'd have to check.

Overall the Nikkors are excellent. Very well made.

bspeed · Mar 26, 2009

how much $$ , i.e. dont overpay !

Nick Zentena · Mar 26, 2009

I don't have that one but shouldn't it have serial numbers on both elements and shouldn't they match? Wasn't it made for quite a LONG time? I'm not sure how much you can tell from comparing different vintages.

fullframe45 · Mar 26, 2009

The lens looks mint, and, from my eyes/ears, looks like shutter/aperture and all functions in great condition.

I think it's a good deal at @$210.

Yes, that was what I was thinking, too: some of these may have had the rear element stamped with white, and some with black, depending on when it was made. It looks fairly modern, though, not older style.

I don't believe Nikkor LF lenses have serial numbers on the rear element. They appear only on the front element on the barrel.

Any other thoughts would be great.

If I had the money, I'd opt for the APO-Sironar S 150/5.6 (red band), but have heard good things about the Nikkor 150/5.6W I'm looking at.

Fotoguy20d · Mar 26, 2009

I'll take a look at mine tonight.

Dan

dmcmahon · Mar 26, 2009

If the lettering is white, I believe it means it is a newer vintage lens. On my 150mm the lettering
is engraved on the rear element so it is hard to see but its there.

david

mpirie · Mar 26, 2009

My 150 has the engraving, but it's not painted white, just engraved into the anodising.

Mike

bspeed · Mar 26, 2009

$210 Yes, by now it should be on your camera!!

mpirie · Mar 26, 2009

dmcmahon said:
If the lettering is white, I believe it means it is a newer vintage lens. On my 150mm the lettering
is engraved on the rear element so it is hard to see but its there.

david

Does it affect the image quality?

Mike

fullframe45 · Mar 26, 2009

This is a great forum. Thanks so much for all those chiming in.

Sorry, what I meant to say was the white lettering of "Lens Made in Japan" is not engraved on the actual rear element glass

Rather, I meant it's engraved on the rear "barrel".

Newbie mistake, sorry.

All I'm trying to do is to make sure this is, indeed, the matching rear element piece for the Nikkor-W 150/5.6, that's all.

Thanks for everyone's time.

Fotoguy20d · Mar 26, 2009

Mine is a 7xxxxx serial number. Text is engraved in white on the front element barrel but the rear element engraving is in black.

Dan

Fotoguy20d · Mar 27, 2009

My 90mm f8 SW is a 6xxxxx serial number and has a similar marking scheme. Is there a way to date (approximately) these lenses by their serial number? How about by the Copal shutters they're mounted in (it's a safe assumption they are original with the lenses).

Dan

Nikkor-W 150mm lens question

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