Nikkor 50mm f/2 ltm

[sanmich]

Hi Folks

I'm fancying a nikkor 50mm f/2 lens for the possibility of getting close focus.

Is there any difference between versions of this lens?

Anything specific that should be cared of when buying?

Thanks!

[xayraa33]

you can focus to 1.5 feet with the non collapsable Nikkor 50/f2.
rf coupling only goes to around 3.25 feet.
the Tokyo marked ones are made earlier and maybe more sought by collectors.
the later black aperture ring ones are more desirable
and a bit lighter, although I find the more common
middle years all chrome ones to be better made.

[David Murphy]

If you are using a III series Leica or compatible there are close up accessories that allow you to focus with ground glass screen and then switch to the camera all-in focus with an extension ring macroing the lens out. Can't remember what it's called even though I own one (somewhere).

[Mackinaw]

I just bought one myself which is now sitting on my M3. Optically, all models of the Nikkor 50.2.0 are the same (derived from 50/2.0 Zeiss Sonnar). Lot of different barrel designs though, different materials too (more brass early and more aluminum late).

Jim B.

[xayraa33]

If you are using a III series Leica or compatible there are close up accessories that allow you to focus with ground glass screen and then switch to the camera all-in focus with an extension ring macroing the lens out. Can't remember what it's called even though I own one (somewhere).

there is the Leitz Focaslide also.

http://cgi.befr.ebay.be/Old-Leica-Accessories-Focaslide-Cassettes_W0QQitemZ110205311780QQihZ001QQcategoryZ 29965QQcmdZViewItem

[Letien]

I just bought one myself which is now sitting on my M3. Optically, all models of the Nikkor 50.2.0 are the same (derived from 50/2.0 Zeiss Sonnar). Lot of different barrel designs though, different materials too (more brass early and more aluminum late).

Jim B.

I have 2 of the 50f2.0 with black rim which is presumably late model but I did not found a piece of aluminum in them. This is an excellent lens and I like it better than the 1.4 which is very difficult to find filter.

[xayraa33]

I got both types and the black ring one feels lighter than my all chrome one.
43mm filters are easy to find new
here is one on my Nicca 5's Nikkor 5cm f1.4 lens.

[Mackinaw]

I have 2 of the 50f2.0 with black rim which is presumably late model but I did not found a piece of aluminum in them.

My reference to the use of more aluminum in the Nikkor 50/2.0 comes from Rotoloni's new Nikon rangefinder book.

Jim B.

[Brian Sweeney]

I checked the Nikkor 50/2 on the M2 with an original Leitz adapter, same vintage as the camera. The RF loses coupling at 3ft. On a Canon P, the same lens makes it to 2.5ft. On a Zorki 3M, it goes all the way to 2ft. The Zorki uses a different shape for the RF coupling that can reach into the thread mount. The Nikkor 5cm f2 has a thick cam, like that of a J-8. The Nikkor 5cm f1.4 RF cam is thin, and will not work with the Zorki 3m.

The early 5cm F2 lenses marked "Tokyo" have a front module that is not compatible with those marked "Japan". There might be a slight change in the optical formula with the "Japan" lenses.

[xayraa33]

I checked my f2 Nikkor lens on a black dial Leica IIIf and the focus was only coupled to the rf till around 3.25 feet at the closest distance.

[LeicaTom]

I have a very early "Tokyo" RIGID version of the lens - shoots totally retro looking work (I love this lens would never part with it) :)
....as for the whole *close up* work thing .....I was not satisfied with what my Nikkor f1.4 did, so it`s not even worth trying with the f2.0 - I say if you want to shoot close up with a 50mm on a Leica try a Canon lens with an "Auto Up" or Leitz Elmar/Summitar with a NOOKY

Tom

[sanmich]

Gentlemen,

Thanks for the numerous helpful answers.

Maybe I was misleading when talking about close focus.

My plan is to machine the lens mount so the camera cam will be able to follow the lens focusing ring to the maximum of the camera. I would like that way to reach 0.7m on my M gear.

For even closer work, I'm hunting a good deal on a SOMKY...

I see some of you have this lens in double. Any interest in selling or trading?

Thanks again

Michael

[David Murphy]

Yes, that's the device I was trying to think of, Focaslide. I've got one I've been meaning to try out -- looks useful. They are not too expensive used and other companies made similar devices for Leica.

there is the Leitz Focaslide also.

http://cgi.befr.ebay.be/Old-Leica-Accessories-Focaslide-Cassettes_W0QQitemZ110205311780QQihZ001QQcategoryZ 29965QQcmdZViewItem

[ferider]

Hi Michael,

I finally tried the conversion of the 50/1.4 and it worked well. Check out

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56962

Best,

Roland.