Monday, January 27, 2014

Nikkor 135mm f/3.5 Q non-AI (newer version)

Nikkor 135mm f/3.5 Q non-AI newer version (1969-77)
This sample circa '72.







Filter size: 52mm
Close focus: 5 feet/1.5 meters (marked)
Aperture range: f/3.5 - f/32
Aperture blades: 7 curved
Depth of field scale for f/8, f/16 - f/32, IR index.
Design: 4 elements in 3 groups

Comments: This is the newer version - there is a very similar earlier version allegedly with more chromatic aberration.  I'm hoping to shoot both versions head to head soon.  The newer version starts at serial number 865101, and is distinguished by having 7 aperture blades and stopping down to f/32, whereas the earlier version has 6 aperture blades (9 on the very early samples) and stops down to f/22.  I've quite taken with this lens.  It's sharp and reasonably compact.  I wish it focused a little closer, and a built-in hood would be nice, but it's a steal at around $40.

The Nippon Kogaku versions should not be hard to find, but they seem prone to fungus.



The Nikon versions don't seem to have the same problem.



The C version has a black front ring.



The K version only differs cosmetically but seems uncommon.

Here is a comparison between the newer and older design:





Here are the three 135mm non-AI lenses:



More information:
Pendelski
Andreas Isenegger
MIR
Richard de Stoutz
Brochure

Example photographs:




















































































More photos from this lens

1 comment:

  1. the quintessential 'portrait lens'/short tele... well, some might argue that'd be a 105 mm, but back in the day the typical amateur (destitute!) 'shutterbug' lens kit was 50 mm, 28 mm WA and 135 mm tele.

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