Thursday, October 23, 2014

This old lens: Nikkor 5cm f/2 S non-AI

Lens: Nikkor 5 cm f/2 S non-AI ('59-'63)
This sample circa '62.









Filter size: 52mm
Close focus distance: 2 feet, 0.6 meters marked.
Aperture range: f/2 - f/16
Aperture blades: 6 (early samples have 9)
Depth of field scale for f/4, f/8, f/11, f/16, and IR focusing index.
Design: 7 elements in 5 groups

More information:
Nikon Rumors review
Lens Tip review
Nikon Thousand and One Nights
Brochure
Andreas Isenegger
Richard de Stoutz
MIR

Comments: This is a very early F mount lens and has a slightly unusual design to get the necessary retrofocus for the mirror box. The later 50mm f/2 H is much more common, cheaper, and a better performer. I think it is safe to say that is the better lens for most people unless you are a collector or like lenses with character like me. I like the slightly soft, lower contrast look with just a hint of swirl it gives.

This lens is available (very rarely) as a tick-marked lens.

The 5cm f/2 S is easily mistaken for the earlier versions of the 50mm f/2 H with the ribbed aperture ring if you do not read the identity ring:



Sample photographs:







































































More photos from this lens

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