Nikon EL-NIKKOR 80mm f 5.6

[t al z]

I am looking at a Nikon EL-NIKKOR 80mm f 5.6...how do I know if it has 6 elements? I think there is only one Nikon EL-NIKKOR 80mm f 5.6 and they all have 6 elements...am I right? or are there different versions?

I am looking at this lens:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=310098672828

how can you tell how many elements are in a lens?

 

[t al z]

I believe if they have an "N" in their name they are six elements. i.e. "Nikon 80mm f/5.6N". but is there an actual "N" written on the lens?

 

[resummerfield]

That is a later "N" lens, and it has 6 elements. The El Nikkor 75/f4 lens is 4 element, but the 80/f5.6, in the original version or later "N" version, has always been a 6 element lens.

 

[Jon Shiu]

I think you are right in that there is only the 6 element lens in the 80/5.6 lens. Also, I believe that is the newer N version in that auction.

Jon

 

[fschifano]

That is the later version of the lens. The earlier version had a chrome barrel. Both early and late versions are 6 element designs. Th 75 mm f/4 lens is a 4 element design and inferior to both the early and late version of the 80 mm. f/5.6 lens.

 

[t al z]

thank you!

what about the "Nikon El-Nikkor 80mm f/5.6-45". I am not sure what the 45 means. But since, you indicated that all 80mm are 6 elements...then this one must have 6 as well:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-El-Nikkor-80mm-Enlarger-Lens-f-5-6-45_W0QQitemZ110309258899QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item110309258899&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1234|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

does anyone also know whether the NIKON EL-NIKKOR 50MM 1:2.8 is 6 elements (see: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=220292209542)? I assumed all 50mm EL-Nikkors were 6 elements.

 

[resummerfield]

thank you!

what about the "Nikon El-Nikkor 80mm f/5.6-45". I am not sure what the 45 means. But since, you indicated that all 80mm are 6 elements...then this one must have 6 as well:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-El-Nikkor-80mm-Enlarger-Lens-f-5-6-45_W0QQitemZ110309258899QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item110309258899&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1234|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

does anyone also know whether the NIKON EL-NIKKOR 50MM 1:2.8 is 6 elements (see: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=220292209542)? I assumed all 50mm EL-Nikkors were 6 elements.

The 50mm/f2.8 El Nikkor pictured in the auction is the older version, and like all 50mm/f2.8 El Nikkors, it has 6 elements. The 50mm/f4 El Nikkor has only 4 elements.

The 80mm/f5.6 pictured in the auction is the older version. It is an excellent lens. The "45" refers to the smallest aperture.

 

[Phillip P. Dimor]

The 80mm/f5.6 has 6 elements, regardless if it is an 'N' (newer plastic with lighted f stops) or non-'N' (metal, non-lighted f stops). The 75mm has 4 elements.

My 80/5.6 is the old metal one. It is an early one and is fine. The 50mm/f2.8 el-nikkor that I also one is an old one as well. I do jump up and down over this particular one.

I think my 80/5.6 is just okay. The one on that ebay auction your specified is newer (much newer) and I wouldn't hesitate on it.

Other than that, the best way to figure out of it's got 6 elements.. the number of reflections if you shine a pen light into it, reading the manufacturers datasheet.. asking here on apug

 

[Phillip P. Dimor]

The f5.6-45 that is pictured is very similar to mine. Small, metal, heavy. It is sharp wide open but I use it at f8-f11 generally.

 

[t al z]

thanks again! so both the 50mm and 80mm linked in my post are older models. good to know. and great info and how to tell if it is N...as it does not say on the actual lens. glad to know all the 50mm 2.8 and 80mm 5.6 are 6 elements...thanks!

 

[mikebarger]

The 80mm 5.6 is my favorite lens for 35mm negs.

Mike