This was a transitional lens originally designed with bayonet mount for Rangefinder Nikons. One of approximately 850 made. No fungus, chips, scuffs or scars. Does have slight dust. Still has the step ring, BR ring. No front cap, Has Nikon F rear cap, but probably not period correct.
Matthew Lin states: "This is one of the rarest Nikon lenses in F mount. I heard from one unofficial source that only less than 1,000 units have ever been made. (around 850...bob) This estimation seems to agree with the serial numbers of the three examples known to me. The lens was released in June 1968 when it replaced the 135mm f4 short mount of the same optical construction in RF mount. It was again replaced by a newer 105mm f4 bellows lens in Jan 1970. This short production time explains why this lens is so rarely seen today. You won't see it in almost any Nikon reference books. Even the fabulous "Complete Nikon System" by Peter Braczko did not mention about this lens, although the book did include many other rare prototypes. The only accessory that comes with this bellows lens is a 43mm to 52mm step up ring. When this lens inherited the optical design of the RF 135mm short mount, it also inherited the 43mm filter thread. Although 43mm is common for RF lenses, it is a fairly odd size for the reflex. In one old ad, Nikon boosted "Actually, every Nikkor between 24mm and 200mm takes the same 52mm filters, with the exception of the 180 f2.8. That even includes the 80-200mm zoom". I guess this is the philosophy behind this step up ring. There is no dedicated lens hood known to exist."
Probably a 9 out of 10. Nice clean lens.
$250 plus shipping from Tacoma, WA vicinity. For Sale within the USA.
Matthew Lin states: "This is one of the rarest Nikon lenses in F mount. I heard from one unofficial source that only less than 1,000 units have ever been made. (around 850...bob) This estimation seems to agree with the serial numbers of the three examples known to me. The lens was released in June 1968 when it replaced the 135mm f4 short mount of the same optical construction in RF mount. It was again replaced by a newer 105mm f4 bellows lens in Jan 1970. This short production time explains why this lens is so rarely seen today. You won't see it in almost any Nikon reference books. Even the fabulous "Complete Nikon System" by Peter Braczko did not mention about this lens, although the book did include many other rare prototypes. The only accessory that comes with this bellows lens is a 43mm to 52mm step up ring. When this lens inherited the optical design of the RF 135mm short mount, it also inherited the 43mm filter thread. Although 43mm is common for RF lenses, it is a fairly odd size for the reflex. In one old ad, Nikon boosted "Actually, every Nikkor between 24mm and 200mm takes the same 52mm filters, with the exception of the 180 f2.8. That even includes the 80-200mm zoom". I guess this is the philosophy behind this step up ring. There is no dedicated lens hood known to exist."
Probably a 9 out of 10. Nice clean lens.
$250 plus shipping from Tacoma, WA vicinity. For Sale within the USA.
