NIKON
RANGEFINDER LENSES
compiled from "The
NIKON Manual" by George B. Wright,
1957
copyright
Frank Mechelhoff
Update
June 2022
The lens program for the Nikon Rangefinder camera was small when
compared to Leica, Contax or Canon, but nevertheless was of
excellent optical quality - at least on their level, some of
them superior. Nippon Kogaku had a history of photography lens
making and even 35mm camera lenses starting long before World
War II, their program includes some "world firsts" and "world
fastest" lenses of certain focal lengths and - last but not
least - were known for their 100% quality control. It was been
said that not a single lens left the factory without critical
examination - different to many other manufacturers of their
time... All of them together, plus the price level lower than
ZEISS, created the excellent reputation of the NIKKOR lenses for
professional use in the very beginning of the 1950's...
WIDEANGLE
Lenses
Nikkor-O 1:4 f=2.1cm
Launched first as a Rangefinder lens (1959), ca. 298
produced.
Picture of www.cameraquest.com (see report)
later on produced as
SLR lens (Nikon F mount/ Mirror Lock-up)
Story
by
Nikon about this rare lens
W-Nikkor 1:4 f=2.5cm
Story
by
Nikon about this lens
W-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=2.8cm
Story of that lens by NIKON
W-Nikkor 1:3.5
f=3.5cm
W-Nikkor 1:2.5
f=3.5cm
Story of that lens by NIKON
W-Nikkor 1:1.8
f=3.5cm
The fast wideangle lens in the world when introduced -
together with the Canon
RF 35/1.8
About 8000 made
Story
by
Nikon about this lens
STANDARD
Lenses
Nikkor-H.C. 1:2
f=5cm
Story of that lens by NIKON
Nikkor-S.C. 1:1.5 f=5cm
Based on the prewar Carl Zeiss Sonnar design, very soon replaced
by the 50/1.4 (similar design-wise)
40.5mm Filter, about 1100 lenses made (Nikon RF and Leica screw
mount)
Article
about
this lens by Robert J. Rotoloni
picture by Rotoloni
Nikkor-S.C. 1:1.4 f=5cm
This lens made Nikon's name as a
choice for professional photographer. Most common standard lens
for Nikon S, S2, SP and S3.
Nikkor-N 1:1.1 f=5cm
This lens was the world's fast 35mm lens when
introduced
in 1956 (Link: Story by NIKON)
Che Guevara used this lens as photo reporter. The fact that it's
development (directed by Saburo Murakami) based
on
a German pre-war patent of A.W.Tronnier and Schneider
Kreuznach of 1930 is quite unknown among Nikonians. First
version with inner bayonet mount (~1500 made), second version
with outer mount (~1800), Leica M39 mount (~200)
Nikkor-S.
1:1.4 f=50mm "Olympic" 1964/ 2000
Last S-Mount
lens published, 2000 produced (+ 8000 on "Millenium" edition
S3 cameras)
STORY OF THIS LENS by
Nikon
TELEPHOTO
Lenses
Nikkor-P.C. 1:2 f=8.5cm
Probably the best short telephoto lens of the early 1950's,
based on a Carl Zeiss Sonnar prewar design. The later, black
version is rare.
Nikkor-S.C. 1:1.5
f=8.5cm
The first Nikon lens available in black. About 2000 made. Nikon
article
about this lens
Nikkor-P.C. 1:2.5
f=10.5cm
Heavyweight lens with an excellent reputation, common, a
true classic. Produced in Nikon-F mount as well until 1971
Article
by
Nikon about this lens
Nikkor-Q.C. 1:4
f=13.5cm
Nikkor-Q.C.
1:3.5 f=13.5cm
Story of that lens by NIKON
LONG
TELEPHOTO
Lenses to use with the Reflex Housing
Nikkor-H.C.
1:2.5 f=18cm
Nikkor-Q.C. 1:4
f=25cm
Nikkor-T.C.
1:5 f=50cm
Nikon
Prism Reflex Housing for Long Telephoto Lenses
Lenses
for
Special Use
Micro-Nikkor-P.C.
1:3.5
f=5cm
EL-Nikkor-H.C.
1:2.8 f=5cm (Enlarging Lens)
Bellows-Nikkor
f=13.5cm
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