Difference between revisions of "Nikon rangefinder lenses"

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[[Nikon]] began the production of cameras with a line of [[Nikon rangefinder models]]. The first one was the [[Nikon rangefinder models|Nikon I]] launched just after World War II. On this camera, Nikon copied the [[Contax rangefinder lenses|Contax rangefinder mount]] designed before the war by [[Zeiss Ikon]] and introduced with the [[Contax I]].
 
[[Nikon]] began the production of cameras with a line of [[Nikon rangefinder models]]. The first one was the [[Nikon rangefinder models|Nikon I]] launched just after World War II. On this camera, Nikon copied the [[Contax rangefinder lenses|Contax rangefinder mount]] designed before the war by [[Zeiss Ikon]] and introduced with the [[Contax I]].
  
−
Whether related to patents, differing initial engineering decisions, or by mistake, the rangefinder coupling of its lens mount was slightly different than that of the Contax. The result is that the wide angle lenses, because of their wider depth of field, can interchange between the two types of bodies, but the standard and tele lenses cannot.  There are Nikon versions and Contax versions of all focal lengths above normal.  This proves that there was, indeed, an acknowledged difference in coupling.  Nikon apparently made an engineering decision that the disparity was not significant at wider focal lengths.  However, there is some discussion as to whether the problem is also apparent for normal lenses at close distances, as discussed by Dr. Bruce E. Sirovich in a Nikon Historical Society Article.
+
Whether related to patents, differing initial engineering decisions, or by mistake, the rangefinder coupling of its lens mount was slightly different than that of the Contax. The result is that the wide angle lenses, because of their wider depth of field, can interchange between the two types of bodies, but the standard and tele lenses cannot.  There are Nikon versions and Contax versions of all focal lengths above normal.  This proves that there was, indeed, an acknowledged difference in coupling.  Nikon apparently made an engineering decision that the disparity was not significant at wider focal lengths.  However, there is some discussion as to whether the problem is also apparent for normal lenses at close distances, as discussed by Dr. Bruce E. Sirovich in a Nikon Historical Society Article.
−
 
 
 
The main difference seems to arise from a 0.31mm difference in the thickness of the cameras, having a difference in inner mounted lenses such that the film to lens distance at infinity is 26.51 mm for Nikon and 26.82 for Contax. <ref>[http://www.zeisscamera.com/articles_cnrfdr.shtml  Zeisscamera article about Nikon to Contax differences] by Henry Scherer </ref>  
 
The main difference seems to arise from a 0.31mm difference in the thickness of the cameras, having a difference in inner mounted lenses such that the film to lens distance at infinity is 26.51 mm for Nikon and 26.82 for Contax. <ref>[http://www.zeisscamera.com/articles_cnrfdr.shtml  Zeisscamera article about Nikon to Contax differences] by Henry Scherer </ref>  
  
 
Nikon used that same mount on all its rangefinder bodies until and including the [[Nikon rangefinder|Nikon SP]], and on the recent revivals [[Nikon rangefinder|Nikon S3 2000]] and [[Nikon rangefinder|Nikon SP 2005]].
 
Nikon used that same mount on all its rangefinder bodies until and including the [[Nikon rangefinder|Nikon SP]], and on the recent revivals [[Nikon rangefinder|Nikon S3 2000]] and [[Nikon rangefinder|Nikon SP 2005]].
  
−
Surprisingly, the new [[Cosina_Voigtl%C3%A4nder|Voigtländer]] marque, owned by [[Cosina]], also launched a new rangefinder body in 2002 using the Nikon RF mount, called the [[Bessa R2S]].
+
Surprisingly, in 2002 [[Cosina_Voigtl%C3%A4nder|Voigtländer]] launched a new rangefinder body using the Nikon RF mount, called [[Bessa R2S]].
  
 
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Nikon also made some [[Contax rangefinder lenses#Nikon lenses|these lenses]] for the original Contax mount. They are marked with a '''C''' on the barrel, unrelated to the red '''C''' on the front ring of the coated lenses.
 
Nikon also made some [[Contax rangefinder lenses#Nikon lenses|these lenses]] for the original Contax mount. They are marked with a '''C''' on the barrel, unrelated to the red '''C''' on the front ring of the coated lenses.
 +
 +
*Wide
 +
**Nikkor-O 1:4 f=2.1cm, mixed black and chrome finish<ref>[https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Nikkor-O-4-2.1cm/AI-20220121-1128-41399 Nikkor-O 1:4 f=2.1cm] serial no.621181, sold with matching finder at the 42nd Leitz Auction.</ref>
 +
**W-Nikkor.C 1:4 f=2.5cm, chrome<ref>[https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Nikon-RF-W-Nikkor-C-4-2.5cm/A00447 W-Nikkor C 1:4 f=2.5cm, chrome] serial no.402718, sold with matching VF at the 43rd Leitz Photographica Auction, in November 2023.</ref>
 +
**W-Nikkor.C 1:4 f=2.5cm, black<ref>[https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/W-Nikkor.C-4-2.5cm-black/AI-20220121-1128-41397 W-Nikkor.C 1:4 f=2.5cm, black] serial no.403845, sold at the 42nd Leitz Auction.</ref>
 +
**W-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=2.8cm<ref>[https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Nikon-SP-chrome-outfit/AI-36-38281 W-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=2.8cm], serial no.717222, sold as part of a Nikon SP outift at the 36th Leitz Auction].</ref>
 +
**W-Nikkor.C 1:2.5 f=3.5cm<ref>[https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Nikon-S2-chrome-black-dial-outfit/AI-38-39429 W-Nikkor.C 1:2.5 f=3.5cm], serial no.248289, sold with a Nikon S2 at the 38th Leitz auction.</ref>
 +
**W-Nikkor.C 1:3.5 f=3.5cm<ref name=906outfit>[https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Nikon-M-906-outfit/AI-35-37701 Nikon M outfit] comprising W-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=2.8cm serial no.713740, W-Nikkor.C 1:3.5 f=3.5cm serial no.426284, Nikkor-S.C 1:1.4 f=cm serial no.50051755, Nikkor-P.C 1:2 f=8.5cm serial no.80159, and Nikkor-Q.C 1:4 f=13.cm serial no.611127; camera with mis-engraved serial no. Sold at the 35th Leitz Auction.</ref>
 +
 +
*Standard
 +
**Nikkor-N 1:1.1 f=5cm<ref>[https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Nikon-1.1-5cm-Nikkor-N/AI-31-35356 Nikkor-N 1:1.1 f=5cm], serial no.140949 sold at the 31st Westlicht Auction.</ref><ref>[https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Nikon-SP-Chrome-with-Nikkor-N-1.1-5cm/AI-35-37680 Nikkor-N 1:1.1 f=5cm], serial no.142108, sold with a Nikon SP at the 35th Leitz Auction.</ref>
 +
**Nikkor-S 1:1.4 f=50mm 'Olympic', black (made for the Nikon S3 sold at the time of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, but the lens not marked with any Olympic symbol)<ref>[https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Nikkor-S-1.4-50mm-all-black-Olympic/A00279 Nikkor-S 1:1.4 f=50mm 'Olympic', black] serial no.140551, sold at the 43rd Leitz Auction.</ref>
 +
**Nikkor-S 1:1.4 f=5cm, black<ref>[https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Nikon-S3M-Half-Frame-black-paint/AI-40-40271 Nikkor-S 1:1.4 f=5cm, black] serial no.407978, sold with a Nikon S3M ''half-frame'' camera at the 40th Leitz Auction.</ref>
 +
**Nikkor-S.C 1:1.4 f=5cm, black<ref>[https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Nikon-S-black-paint/A00139 Nikkor-S.C 1:1.4 f=5cm, black] serial no.331242, sold with a black Nikon S at the 43rd Leitz Auction.</ref>
 +
**Nikkor-S.C 1:1.4 f=5cm, aluminium<ref>[https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Nikkor-S.C-1.4-5cm-aluminium/AI-20220121-1128-41377 Nikkor-S.C 1:1.4 f=5cm, aluminium] (according to the auctioneer, a trial of just 300 lenses made in this finish) serial no.358232, sold at the 42nd Leitz Auction.</ref>
 +
**Nikkor-H 1:2 f=5cm, black<ref>[https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Nikon-S2-black-paint-Nikkor-H-2-5cm/AI-20220121-1128-41676 Nikkor-H 1:2 f=5cm, black] serial no.755392, sold with a black Nikon S2 at the 42nd Leitz Auction.</ref>
 +
**Nikkor-H.C 1:2 f=5cm, chrome, ''collapsible''<ref>[https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Nikon-One/AI-40-40287 Nikkor-H.C 1:2 f=5cm, chrome, collapsible barrel], serial no.70818, sold with a Nikon One at the 40th Leitz Auction.</ref>
 +
**Nikkor-H.C 1:2 f=5cm, chrome, ''rigid''<ref>[https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Nippon-Kogaku-Tokyo-Nikkor-H.C-2-5cm-The-First/AI-39-39768 Nikkor-H.C 1:2 f=5cm, chrome, rigid barrel], serial no.50080101, sold at the 39th Leitz Auction.</ref>
 +
**Micro-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=5cm, chrome<ref>[https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Nikon-S3-black-paint-Olympic-Micro-Nikkor/AI-34-37166 Micro-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=5cm, chrome], serial no.523105, sold with a Nikon S3 Olympic at the 34th Leitz Auction.</ref>
 +
 +
*Longer than standard
 +
**Nikkor-S.C 1:1.5 f=8.5cm<ref>[https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Nikkor-S.C-1.5-8.5cm/AI-20220121-1128-41394 Nikkor-S.C 1:1.5 f=8.5cm, black], serial no.264847, with [[EP]] mark, sold at the 42nd Leitz Auction.</ref>
 +
**Nikkor-P.C 1:2 f=8.5cm<ref name=906outfit/>
 +
**Nikkor-P.C 1:2.5 f=10.5cm<ref>[https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Nikon-Nikkor-P.C-2.5-10.5cm/AI-37-36843 Nikkor-P.C 1:2.5 f=10.5cm], serial no.916867, with [[EP]] mark, sold at the 37th Leitz Auction.</ref>
 +
**Nikkor-Q.C 1:3.5 f=13.5cm<ref>[https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Nikon-S2-chrome-dial-set/AI-32-36138 Nikkor-Q.C 1:3.5 f=13.5cm], serial no.259419, sold with hood and matching finder as part of an outfit with a Nikon S2 at the 32nd Westlicht Auction.</ref>
 +
**Nikkor-Q.C 1:4 f=13.5cm<ref name=906outfit/>
 +
 +
*Special
 +
**Stereo-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=3.5cm stereo lens pair<ref>[https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Stereo-Nikkor-3.5-3.5cm-outfit/AI-41-40759 Stereo-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=3.5cm] outfit, serial no.241833, sold at the 41st Leitz Auction.</ref>
  
 
== Other lenses ==
 
== Other lenses ==
Line 82: Line 110:
  
 
The reflex housings made in [[Contax rangefinder lenses|Contax mount]] should be compatible with the [[Nikon rangefinder models|Nikon rangefinder bodies]], notably all the [[Zeiss Ikon]] models, and the [[Mirax|Mirax-B]] by Orion Seiki and later [[Miranda|Miranda Camera]].
 
The reflex housings made in [[Contax rangefinder lenses|Contax mount]] should be compatible with the [[Nikon rangefinder models|Nikon rangefinder bodies]], notably all the [[Zeiss Ikon]] models, and the [[Mirax|Mirax-B]] by Orion Seiki and later [[Miranda|Miranda Camera]].
 +
 +
==Notes==
 +
<references/>
  
 
== Links ==
 
== Links ==

Revision as of 12:29, 25 April 2024

Nikon began the production of cameras with a line of Nikon rangefinder models. The first one was the Nikon I launched just after World War II. On this camera, Nikon copied the Contax rangefinder mount designed before the war by Zeiss Ikon and introduced with the Contax I.

Whether related to patents, differing initial engineering decisions, or by mistake, the rangefinder coupling of its lens mount was slightly different than that of the Contax. The result is that the wide angle lenses, because of their wider depth of field, can interchange between the two types of bodies, but the standard and tele lenses cannot. There are Nikon versions and Contax versions of all focal lengths above normal. This proves that there was, indeed, an acknowledged difference in coupling. Nikon apparently made an engineering decision that the disparity was not significant at wider focal lengths. However, there is some discussion as to whether the problem is also apparent for normal lenses at close distances, as discussed by Dr. Bruce E. Sirovich in a Nikon Historical Society Article. The main difference seems to arise from a 0.31mm difference in the thickness of the cameras, having a difference in inner mounted lenses such that the film to lens distance at infinity is 26.51 mm for Nikon and 26.82 for Contax. [1]

Nikon used that same mount on all its rangefinder bodies until and including the Nikon SP, and on the recent revivals Nikon S3 2000 and Nikon SP 2005.

Surprisingly, in 2002 Voigtländer launched a new rangefinder body using the Nikon RF mount, called Bessa R2S.


8277290202_4487f9c860_n.jpg
Nikkor-S 5cm f/1.4 lens
image by Geoff Harrisson (Image rights)
25659526363_34901b5ae0_n.jpg
W-Nikkor-C 3.5cm f/3.5 lens
image by Geoff Harrisson (Image rights)
10397523903_d2c924f000_n.jpg
Nikkor-Q 13.5cm f/3.5 lens & finder on a Nikon S
image by Geoff Harrisson (Image rights)


Nikon

The original lenses for the Nikon rangefinder models.

Nikon also made some these lenses for the original Contax mount. They are marked with a C on the barrel, unrelated to the red C on the front ring of the coated lenses.

  • Wide
    • Nikkor-O 1:4 f=2.1cm, mixed black and chrome finish[2]
    • W-Nikkor.C 1:4 f=2.5cm, chrome[3]
    • W-Nikkor.C 1:4 f=2.5cm, black[4]
    • W-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=2.8cm[5]
    • W-Nikkor.C 1:2.5 f=3.5cm[6]
    • W-Nikkor.C 1:3.5 f=3.5cm[7]
  • Standard
    • Nikkor-N 1:1.1 f=5cm[8][9]
    • Nikkor-S 1:1.4 f=50mm 'Olympic', black (made for the Nikon S3 sold at the time of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, but the lens not marked with any Olympic symbol)[10]
    • Nikkor-S 1:1.4 f=5cm, black[11]
    • Nikkor-S.C 1:1.4 f=5cm, black[12]
    • Nikkor-S.C 1:1.4 f=5cm, aluminium[13]
    • Nikkor-H 1:2 f=5cm, black[14]
    • Nikkor-H.C 1:2 f=5cm, chrome, collapsible[15]
    • Nikkor-H.C 1:2 f=5cm, chrome, rigid[16]
    • Micro-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=5cm, chrome[17]
  • Longer than standard
    • Nikkor-S.C 1:1.5 f=8.5cm[18]
    • Nikkor-P.C 1:2 f=8.5cm[7]
    • Nikkor-P.C 1:2.5 f=10.5cm[19]
    • Nikkor-Q.C 1:3.5 f=13.5cm[20]
    • Nikkor-Q.C 1:4 f=13.5cm[7]
  • Special
    • Stereo-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=3.5cm stereo lens pair[21]

Other lenses

Fuji

  • Fujinon 5cm f/1.2

Link:

Komura

Made by Sankyo Koki.

  • 35/2.8 W-Komura, black with wide chrome stripes, N on lens barrel
  • 80/1.8 Komura, black with wide chrome stripes, finder, N on lens barrel
  • 135/3.5 Komura, black, chrome nose and mount

Soligor

  • 135/3.5, black and chrome

Tanaka

See the main article on Tanar lenses.

  • W Tanar 35mm f/2.8, black and chrome, external finder
  • Tele-Tanar 13.5cm f/3.5, black and chrome, external finder (also made in Contax mount; the Nikon edition has a small N at the rear end)

Taylor & Hobson

A Taylor, Taylor & Hobson Cooke Amotal Anastigmat 2in f/2 was sold mounted on a Nikon S body at Christies 8/6/1995, it is unknown if it was original.

Voigtländer

The range of lenses launched together with the Voigtländer Bessa R2S.

Zunow

Teikoku Kogaku, better known as Zunow, made some lenses in Nikon RF mount. Some had spectacular characteristics, and all are very rare.

  • 50/1.1, all chrome

Reflex housings

Nippon Kōgaku made its own reflex housing for the rangefinder cameras, in two main versions.

The reflex housings made in Contax mount should be compatible with the Nikon rangefinder bodies, notably all the Zeiss Ikon models, and the Mirax-B by Orion Seiki and later Miranda Camera.

Notes

  1. ↑ Zeisscamera article about Nikon to Contax differences by Henry Scherer
  2. ↑ Nikkor-O 1:4 f=2.1cm serial no.621181, sold with matching finder at the 42nd Leitz Auction.
  3. ↑ W-Nikkor C 1:4 f=2.5cm, chrome serial no.402718, sold with matching VF at the 43rd Leitz Photographica Auction, in November 2023.
  4. ↑ W-Nikkor.C 1:4 f=2.5cm, black serial no.403845, sold at the 42nd Leitz Auction.
  5. ↑ W-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=2.8cm, serial no.717222, sold as part of a Nikon SP outift at the 36th Leitz Auction].
  6. ↑ W-Nikkor.C 1:2.5 f=3.5cm, serial no.248289, sold with a Nikon S2 at the 38th Leitz auction.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Nikon M outfit comprising W-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=2.8cm serial no.713740, W-Nikkor.C 1:3.5 f=3.5cm serial no.426284, Nikkor-S.C 1:1.4 f=cm serial no.50051755, Nikkor-P.C 1:2 f=8.5cm serial no.80159, and Nikkor-Q.C 1:4 f=13.cm serial no.611127; camera with mis-engraved serial no. Sold at the 35th Leitz Auction.
  8. ↑ Nikkor-N 1:1.1 f=5cm, serial no.140949 sold at the 31st Westlicht Auction.
  9. ↑ Nikkor-N 1:1.1 f=5cm, serial no.142108, sold with a Nikon SP at the 35th Leitz Auction.
  10. ↑ Nikkor-S 1:1.4 f=50mm 'Olympic', black serial no.140551, sold at the 43rd Leitz Auction.
  11. ↑ Nikkor-S 1:1.4 f=5cm, black serial no.407978, sold with a Nikon S3M half-frame camera at the 40th Leitz Auction.
  12. ↑ Nikkor-S.C 1:1.4 f=5cm, black serial no.331242, sold with a black Nikon S at the 43rd Leitz Auction.
  13. ↑ Nikkor-S.C 1:1.4 f=5cm, aluminium (according to the auctioneer, a trial of just 300 lenses made in this finish) serial no.358232, sold at the 42nd Leitz Auction.
  14. ↑ Nikkor-H 1:2 f=5cm, black serial no.755392, sold with a black Nikon S2 at the 42nd Leitz Auction.
  15. ↑ Nikkor-H.C 1:2 f=5cm, chrome, collapsible barrel, serial no.70818, sold with a Nikon One at the 40th Leitz Auction.
  16. ↑ Nikkor-H.C 1:2 f=5cm, chrome, rigid barrel, serial no.50080101, sold at the 39th Leitz Auction.
  17. ↑ Micro-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=5cm, chrome, serial no.523105, sold with a Nikon S3 Olympic at the 34th Leitz Auction.
  18. ↑ Nikkor-S.C 1:1.5 f=8.5cm, black, serial no.264847, with EP mark, sold at the 42nd Leitz Auction.
  19. ↑ Nikkor-P.C 1:2.5 f=10.5cm, serial no.916867, with EP mark, sold at the 37th Leitz Auction.
  20. ↑ Nikkor-Q.C 1:3.5 f=13.5cm, serial no.259419, sold with hood and matching finder as part of an outfit with a Nikon S2 at the 32nd Westlicht Auction.
  21. ↑ Stereo-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=3.5cm outfit, serial no.241833, sold at the 41st Leitz Auction.

Links

In English:

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