View Full Version : The 10 most rare F-mount lenses
I thought this would be a fun poll to do if anyone's interested (someone who certain of the answer would be good too). To me F collecting seems the most interesting thing to collect. Also this list may contain some not so early lenses also like the 300mm f/2 AF. Top 15 would be reeaally interesting...:)
nikonhswebmaster
06-11-2008, 02:59
350 preset
1000 6.3
for starters...
hmm... as I've said elsehwere NOT really a whole lot of F collecting interest. C'mon prove me wrong!
So methinks there was less than 350 300mm f/2 AF lenses made. How bout the UV Nikkors? 55mm micro 1:1 ?
David Murphy
06-15-2008, 16:14
Well there's no doubt that F collecting is a growing hobby. I'm not sure there's that many at RFF involved in it. Early era Nikon F gear is really something to behold from a quality standpoint.
1. very 1st version of the 43-86 zoom
2. 28/2.8 non-AI, but lettering modern style
3. 80-200/4.5 AI (12 element)
Brian Sweeney
06-15-2008, 18:17
There are quite a few rare lenses for Nikon F-Mount cameras, as they have been in production for 50 years and used in many applications. Special lenses made for NASA and other scientific/technical applications are all low-production.
Now, Rare lenses made for "the common user" that were oddballs, unpopular, or just short-lived are the most fun to go after. The 5.8cm F1.4 is not rare, but not as easy to find as a 50/1.4. It probably delivers an image that is close in look to the 1950s Leica glass. The 5cm F2 Nikkor-S is in the same short-lived, uncommon category, but was a real optical kludge.
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html
a quick glance at fellow Kiwi Roland's work reveals that every lens has a rare prototype model that would be impossble to obtain. Although much of the table was worked on "the highest serial number sighted minus the lowest" basis, many novelty lenses auch as the aforementioned 100/6.3 are indeed rare. So does certain fisheyes and N-type pre-AI telephotos, and of course the 1200-1700 zoom.
AF300/2 does not exist; there are actually quite a few AIS300/2 made, however many of those has been modified for cinematography and few remained intact in F mount. As far as I know, Bjorn Roselett owns 3, someone from Australia back in a while had one, B&H have one avaliable for $9999 sans the teleconverter right now if anyone has the spare cash.
sepiareverb
06-16-2008, 02:55
Is the 200/2.0 AiS one of the rare ones? There is also the first version of the 55/3.5 Micro, one incredibe close-up lens even today. One of the pieces I kept from my SLR days.
The 25~50/4.0 AiS was never a big seller and is hard to find today, but I don't know how rare that really is.
Brian Sweeney
06-16-2008, 03:39
You should have been around when I put the Nikon F with FTn Photomic head and 50/1.4 up for $100.
The Nikon F already went though it's collectors phase, with the premium paid for cameras, lenses, and cases matching up based on age. The early Brown Leather cases were going for outrageous prices, especially first version for the Photomic. Now, things have settled back down on the F and accessories. The F2 seems to have a run-up on prices or the cameras, but not as much for the accessories. Nikon lenses have gone up with the Digital age as Nikon retained compatibility. A few years ago, a Micro-Nikkor-P 55/3.5 non-AI was $25. prices are up a bit because of users.
I bought my F's and F2's either before or after the run-up. They've all had film through them, but are in categories of "beaters-Users-Shooters-mint". All are handled with care.
Oh dear, earlier this year I tried to get rid of a brown case for nikon F because it does nothing but draws fungi spores. Put it up on a local auction site and got a unexpected fanatical response. It sold for much more than what you'd expect for a neveready case. Also had the black bottom half case with my black F before I sold it due to space constraints....
Well at least I am very glad that the fad is gone, it is just lagging a bit in the rural slum I live in.
Brian Sweeney
06-16-2008, 05:28
Maybe prices are back up again! I'll have to check. I picked up several of those early Nikon F cases for under $20 about 5 years ago, including one for my Photomic F "Bullseye". I keep a 5.8cm F1.4 on it, picked up fairly cheap.
Harry Lime
06-16-2008, 15:56
So methinks there was less than 350 300mm f/2 AF lenses made.
Apparently a lot of these ended up in the movie business, converted to ARRI or PL (Panavision) mount. I was on a night shoot a few years ago and we were using one to shoot a 'burning' building from across a small canyon, with a Arriflex 435. Big piece of glass! That front element is huge.
nikonhswebmaster
06-16-2008, 16:27
I owned one for an afternoon, bought it from a dealer uptown, sold to a dealer downtown, it was HUGE. :p
NIKON KIU
06-16-2008, 19:52
350 preset
1000 6.3
for starters...
Starters is right!!!:angel:
This is when the Nikon F came out!!
Some believe these are RF lenses!!!!!!!!!:bang:
Kiu
nikonhswebmaster
06-17-2008, 06:59
The 350 was only marketed as an F lens, and came in an F marked box. It did of course fit the reflex housing, but was not aimed at that market when it was released.
The marketing on the 1000 6.3 was a little more unclear, but there was a distinct F model.
How about a nice little zoom, like the 1200-1700 f5.6-8.0? It is always handy to have such a thing in your camera bag!
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/zoomsMF/12001700mm.htm
I am not sure what are the 10 most rare but I can say that there certainly are any number of excellent F mount lenses that are great performers - even now. Overall the prices of manual lenses seems to have fallen a bit due to the fact that most DSLRs need a "chipped" lens for all of its functions to work. This applies even more to early non AI lenses which will not mount and function on later cameras. But there are also some desirable rarities that seemed to still be in demand. The 58mm Nokt Nikkor for example and the 300mm f4.5 ED. Both appear to be in great demand and attract a premium. I think I can say that Nikkor lenses are also beautifully made.
There are also many good lenses that are relatively cheap. The 50mm f2.0 is an excellent example being common and a great lens which turns in lovely photos, especially in black and white.
I am not sure what are the 10 most rare but I can say that there certainly are any number of excellent F mount lenses that are great performers
Agree completely! Before the D200, when only the expensive Nikon DSLR's could meter the older lenses, and the prices of them was really low, I managed to finally pick up my "dream set" which I couldn't afford back when they were new (so I went into Pentax).
20/3.5-UD, 24/2.8, 35/2, 85/1.8, 105/2.5, and 180/2.8. All of them are AI-converted with the factory part, except the 85, which was converted by my friend Pete Smith. I've used all of them on my Canon 20D with adaptors, but maybe one day I'll pick up a D3 when it's been replaced and the price comes way down.
I've heard or read that the chrome barrel 85mm f/1.8 Nikkor is quite a rare lens as well... so is someone who thinks they've got a pretty good handle on what this list is going to step up and make a poll?? I've read a few mentioned here that I don't think make the list, but it is really hard to say where the line is as far as a rare version of a lens or how to define these select lenses we would list... for instance the 20-60cm zoom I believe it is, in 1 touch or 2 barrel adjustments. I believe just the dual ring is rare. Does that make it unique enough or is it a big enough change to give it status as its own lens? I would say yes. I think also the 9 blade early 5cm, 3.5cm, 10.5cm lenses would be considered individually for such a poll although they were produced in great numbers thereafter with the same lens design...
not a rare lens but: http://images.yuku.com/image/jpeg/f86254a9d448120a81a5a8330a88dc6966c34e0.JPG
Nikkor 500mm/5.0 mirror lens?
Evanjoe610
05-26-2009, 18:04
Hey Guys,
How about the older Nippon Kogaku labeled lenses? I have quite a few of these older non-AI lenses made originally for the F. Had all of them AI converted by Nikon.
Evan
Al Kaplan
05-26-2009, 18:08
200mm Medical Nikkor.
These come to mind:
1st gen 43-86 zoom
28/2.8 non AI
80-200 fixed f4 zoom with latest optics design (12 elements I think)
105/2.5 *PC* coated version. There are 5+ versions of the F mount 105/2.5, but I *think* the *PC* one is the rarest.
P. Lynn Miller
05-26-2009, 18:33
105/2.5 *PC* coated version. There are 5+ versions of the F mount 105/2.5, but I *think* the *PC* one is the rarest.
Hmmm... I have one of those.
A real jewel...
http://plynnmiller.com/forum_photos/2007_02_013_025_700.jpg
Very nice, sharp, but not too sharp.
I mostly use the lens in color, wide open with the cat, I can follow the cat around, and easily blur a messy background into a nice studio pastel ...
Of course, the lens is great for people too!
Hmmm... I have one of those.
A real jewel...
http://plynnmiller.com/forum_photos/2007_02_013_025_700.jpg
jonmanjiro
05-26-2009, 19:30
not a rare lens but: http://images.yuku.com/image/jpeg/f86254a9d448120a81a5a8330a88dc6966c34e0.JPG
I've seen a few S-mount Nikkors with a colon after the serial number, but this is the first F-mount Nikkor I've seen with a colon!
wjlapier
05-26-2009, 19:39
I know of a Canon FD 85L in F mount ;) Might be one of a kind!
rogue_designer
05-26-2009, 19:44
6mm 2.8 fisheye
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/speciallenses/6mmfish.htm
No idea on total production, but I can't be that many.
P. Lynn Miller
05-26-2009, 20:09
Very nice, sharp, but not too sharp.
I mostly use the lens in color, wide open with the cat, I can follow the cat around, and easily blur a messy background into a nice studio pastel ...
Of course, the lens is great for people too!
Ampguy,
Thanks, the Nikkor 105 is a legendary portrait lens for good reason.
Not sure about rarity... but there a few less common lenses I would still like to try with my Nikon F one day, including...
Nikkor-O 2.1cm f4.0
Nikkor-S 5.8cm f1.4
Nikkor-S 55mm f1.2 - Type II single coated
Nikkor-H 85mm f1.8 - first version that is only single coated
kshapero
05-26-2009, 21:02
I am not sure what are the 10 most rare but I can say that there certainly are any number of excellent F mount lenses that are great performers - even now. Overall the prices of manual lenses seems to have fallen a bit due to the fact that most DSLRs need a "chipped" lens for all of its functions to work. This applies even more to early non AI lenses which will not mount and function on later cameras. But there are also some desirable rarities that seemed to still be in demand. The 58mm Nokt Nikkor for example and the 300mm f4.5 ED. Both appear to be in great demand and attract a premium. I think I can say that Nikkor lenses are also beautifully made.
There are also many good lenses that are relatively cheap. The 50mm f2.0 is an excellent example being common and a great lens which turns in lovely photos, especially in black and white.Gee, I Ai'd a bunch my F mounts and they work fine on my D200 in A and M mode which is all I would use anyway. When I want to let it out, I use the excellent CV 40mm/f2 with the "chip".
Agree completely! Before the D200, when only the expensive Nikon DSLR's could meter the older lenses, and the prices of them was really low, I managed to finally pick up my "dream set" which I couldn't afford back when they were new (so I went into Pentax).
20/3.5-UD, 24/2.8, 35/2, 85/1.8, 105/2.5, and 180/2.8. All of them are AI-converted with the factory part, except the 85, which was converted by my friend Pete Smith. I've used all of them on my Canon 20D with adaptors, but maybe one day I'll pick up a D3 when it's been replaced and the price comes way down.
Interesting, Nikon returned my 105/2.5 when I sent it for conversion in the 70's, saying they would not convert that one, and doubled the price on the other two lenses I sent.
Have had a couple of them, always a terrific lens.
Regards, John
Brian Sweeney
05-27-2009, 01:48
According to the Nikon/Nikkormat Manual by Abbott and Cooper, the 55/1.2 Nikkor-S was the first regular production Nikon lens to get multicoated surfaces- but for the rear cell only. This practice started in 1969. I had one of those lenses, but favored and kept the 55/1.2 Nikkor-SC. The 55/1.2 is a true F1.2 lens as measured, and the SC and Ai version has a T-Stop of T1.25. It has 7 element in 5 groups, as opposed to the 50/1.2 and 58/1.2 that are 7 elements in 6 groups.
Brian Sweeney
05-27-2009, 01:53
Interesting, Nikon returned my 105/2.5 when I sent it for conversion in the 70's, saying they would not convert that one, and doubled the price on the other two lenses I sent.
Have had a couple of them, always a terrific lens.
Regards, John
It depended on the serial number of the lens, some were constructed differently and could not be "factory converted" with a new aperture ring. Typically, the lenses without screws in the rear were not eligible for factory conversion. Other shops would cut a groove in the aperture ring, but not Nikon. Some lenses were more expensive to convert, such as the GN-Nikkor.
I had my 105/2.5 "RIFR", 24/2.8 Nikkor-NC, and 55/3.5 Nikkor-P factory Ai'd for $18.50 each. In the 1970s of course.
I have a F2.8 200mm Ais lens made by Sun which i think is the first name for Sigma.
Would this lens be rare now?
Sorry to bring this up when talking about Nikkor lenses but i can't find any information about this lens online.
Ronald M
05-27-2009, 03:55
I have no rare ones, but a few favorites. 50 2.0 35 2.0 original 105 2.5 original.
I use them on my D700 I consider them wow.
Got a bounch of new AF lenses that live in a drawer and save `em for kids baseball etc.
It depended on the serial number of the lens, some were constructed differently and could not be "factory converted" with a new aperture ring. Typically, the lenses without screws in the rear were not eligible for factory conversion. Other shops would cut a groove in the aperture ring, but not Nikon. Some lenses were more expensive to convert, such as the GN-Nikkor.
I had my 105/2.5 "RIFR", 24/2.8 Nikkor-NC, and 55/3.5 Nikkor-P factory Ai'd for $18.50 each. In the 1970s of course.
Some guys have all the luck, price doubled during the process I had my lenses converted, but the 50 1.4 was and is beautiful, then I did send the 105 to be machined. Fond memories of that lens, but I have more equipment than time, and at least two of them. I think they sent the old parts back?
Thanks, John
Nikkor 105mm 2.5 P:
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t261/raidamin/105mm%20Nikkor/144775-R1-22-23A.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t261/raidamin/105mm%20Nikkor/144871-R1-08-8Asepia.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t261/raidamin/105mm%20Nikkor/nikkor105mm25.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t261/raidamin/105mm%20Nikkor/nikon6.jpg
The lens is not really "rare", but it is awesome. I have it as RF and as SLR lens. Both are the Sonnar versions.
How rare would be the first generation Noct-Nikkor?
http://www.photochimps.com/pp/data/orig/500/The_Musician-Kensington-600.jpgI use a zoom-Nikkor 80~200 2.8 ED AIS, and as I understand Nikon only made about 1,500 of this lens before it was discontinued. Not the rarest of lenses, but certainly difficult to find today.
http://www.photochimps.com/pp/data/orig/500/Christine_at_the_zoo_2008-800.jpg
nikonhswebmaster
05-27-2009, 15:10
Fun to see this thread alive and well, the 80~200 2.8 ED AIS is indeed a low production lens, I have a friend who will not part with hers.
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/fisheyes/6mmf28.htm
For me it's a converted and unique 85/1.5 Helios 40-2. But I've bragged about that before :o :)
mynikonf2
05-27-2009, 17:39
Having collected the early non-AI F mount Nikkors for years, it makes me cringe hearing about them being converted to AI, especially when the aperture ring is mutilated by grinding. Not to long after the introduction of AI lens indexing, I remember sending off a mint "K" type 85/1.8 to Nikon for conversion. Today, it is very rare finding a true mint "K" type 85/1.8 in original condition.
The 5.5cm/3.5 Micro Preset has already been mentioned as a rarity. The "NKJ" labled 180/2.8 non AI & the "NKJ" labeled 28/2.0 non-AI are two more that are not seen very often. You can also add the "NKJ" labeled, 9 aperture blade, 35/1.4 non-AI to the list of rarities. Another rarity is the 3.5cm/2.8 non-AI "Tick-Mark" lens while the 3.5cm-8.5cm/2.8 non-AI zoom has to rank up there with the UV 55mm/4 as two of the rarest F mount Nikkors.
Having collected the early non-AI F mount Nikkors for years, it makes me cringe hearing about them being converted to AI, especially when the aperture ring is mutilated by grinding. Not to long after the introduction of AI lens indexing, I remember sending off a mint "K" type 85/1.8 to Nikon for conversion. Today, it is very rare finding a true mint "K" type 85/1.8 in original condition.
The 5.5cm/3.5 Micro Preset has already been mentioned as a rarity. The "NKJ" labled 180/2.8 non AI & the "NKJ" labeled 28/2.0 non-AI are two more that are not seen very often. You can also add the "NKJ" labeled, 9 aperture blade, 35/1.4 non-AI to the list of rarities. Another rarity is the 3.5cm/2.8 non-AI "Tick-Mark" lens while the 3.5cm-8.5cm/2.8 non-AI zoom has to rank up there with the UV 55mm/4 as two of the rarest F mount Nikkors.
I don't understand your "cringing" remark.
I am a user rather than a collector of equipment, so I see no problem at all when someone has a piece of gear modified in some way to make it more convenient to use for taking photographs, as I have often done.
After mentioning that I put Nikon F2 film advance lever plastic tips on my S3 rangefinders, I was admonished by an insulted collector who told me that it was my duty to preserve my gear in its original condition for future generations. There are enough Polishers and Worshippers out there with the pristine stuff squirrelled away in glass cases to keep the future generations happy, so it's not anything I'll waste any time worrying about.
mynikonf2
05-28-2009, 05:01
I don't understand your "cringing" remark.
I am a user rather than a collector of equipment, so I see no problem at all when someone has a piece of gear modified in some way to make it more convenient to use for taking photographs, as I have often done.
After mentioning that I put Nikon F2 film advance lever plastic tips on my S3 rangefinders, I was admonished by an insulted collector who told me that it was my duty to preserve my gear in its original condition for future generations. There are enough Polishers and Worshippers out there with the pristine stuff squirrelled away in glass cases to keep the future generations happy, so it's not anything I'll waste any time worrying about.
Let me further explain myself. I never said that you should not convert your gear. I merely made a statement about a feeling of mine. I am a "user" as well as a "collector" of the gear I use. That is how I came to appreciate the quality of the gear that I collect. I have also converted my gear to meet my photographic needs when necessary. In hindsight, I wish I had bought the gear that was already made for the purpose for which I made the modification. I guess what I did not make clear in my original post is that there is a finite amount of truely "mint" original early Nikon gear & I stress the word "MINT", that has survived. It seems a shame to me (the way I see it, it's ok if you don't it see it that way, if it's your gear) to convert "MINT" equipment when there is so much gear that does not qualify as "MINT" grade equipment, to convert. That is what I should have said instead of saying "it makes me cringe" but again hindsight is always better.
Brian Sweeney
05-28-2009, 06:21
> After mentioning that I put Nikon F2 film advance lever plastic tips on my S3 rangefinders
Why not just use the Lever Advance from the Apollo F's on it? Should replace the entire advance lever. I've seen spare parts Apollo style advance levers on Ebay.
He would have been really annoyed if I used the metal tips from my early F2's on it. (I would not do it, though. They are uncommon.)
> After mentioning that I put Nikon F2 film advance lever plastic tips on my S3 rangefinders
Why not just use the Lever Advance from the Apollo F's on it? Should replace the entire advance lever. I've seen spare parts Apollo style advance levers on Ebay.
He would have been really annoyed if I used the metal tips from my early F2's on it. (I would not do it, though. They are uncommon.)
I thought that the advance levers on the F and the S3/SP were not interchangeable, so I used what was availible to me.
One tip came from an F2 parts body, and the second from an advance lever that I bought separately somewhere or other. I used a Dremmel to drill out the brass screw shields, and widen the channels and epoxy to cement the tips in place. I'm still looking for one more tip for my SP.
If it's too expensive or impossible to find another, I'll just counterfeit it by making a mold from aluminum foil wrapped on my F2's lever tip, and then use epoxy as casting material, and then finish/polish it with a Dremmel, and spray it gloss black. I did it this way for my F years ago and it works just fine.
Let me further explain myself. I never said that you should not convert your gear. I merely made a statement about a feeling of mine. I am a "user" as well as a "collector" of the gear I use. That is how I came to appreciate the quality of the gear that I collect. I have also converted my gear to meet my photographic needs when necessary. In hindsight, I wish I had bought the gear that was already made for the purpose for which I made the modification. I guess what I did not make clear in my original post is that there is a finite amount of truely "mint" original early Nikon gear & I stress the word "MINT", that has survived. It seems a shame to me (the way I see it, it's ok if you don't it see it that way, if it's your gear) to convert "MINT" equipment when there is so much gear that does not qualify as "MINT" grade equipment, to convert. That is what I should have said instead of saying "it makes me cringe" but again hindsight is always better.
Being a member of the Nouveau Poor I can't afford any Mint or Pristine gear. Besides, I never consider equipment to be Investments, but rather only Tools, so I don't care about cosmetics. It's only the mechanics and optics that matter to me.
So the Collectors can rest easy, I don't have anything nice enough or rare enough they'd want anyway. My gear is only good for taking pictures.
Brian Sweeney
05-28-2009, 11:17
I've seen Nikon SP's with the Apollo advance lever on them. I've interchanged some trivial parts. (Okay- the LITTLE Plastic window that fits in the middle of the Shutter Speed Dial was missing from an otherwise perfect SP and I took one from the beaten up F and glued it into the SP... DON'T TELL THE PERFECTIONIST GUY OR NIKKI!)
I bought 2 Fs new in '71 and have been using them and a slew of lenses and accessories to feed my family ever since. Long ago I lost boxes, neveready cases, instructions, etc. and I'm still using some "rare" stuff. Not collectable cause it is all brassy and "used". They are tools and good tools last. They are in the same class as my truck and my grandfathers wrenches.
Isn't it blasphemy to discuss Fs and Spottys on this site?
I saw this listed earlier but the 6mm f2.8 - I've only seen two and shot one.
The 6mm f8 and have shot this one.
The 13mm and have only seen one for sale.
The 10mm ortho fisheye might not be rare but is not common. I've only seen on and seen two for sale.
It depended on the serial number of the lens, some were constructed differently and could not be "factory converted" with a new aperture ring. Typically, the lenses without screws in the rear were not eligible for factory conversion. Other shops would cut a groove in the aperture ring, but not Nikon. Some lenses were more expensive to convert, such as the GN-Nikkor.
I had my 105/2.5 "RIFR", 24/2.8 Nikkor-NC, and 55/3.5 Nikkor-P factory Ai'd for $18.50 each. In the 1970s of course.
I somehow missed the cutoff on the $18.50 price, after I had sent in my lenses, so I paid double.
They were supposed to return the parts? I do not recall.
I had the 105 converted by a third party, but I was not thinking of collector status.
Still a nice lens, one sits on my recently acquired well brassed black F2, which I bought -- uh, just because it was there. ;-)
John
Brian Sweeney
08-12-2009, 14:10
I still have the price list with SN range for each of the lenses that could be converted. I worked in a camera shop while paying my way through college. I kept the old Nikon dealer catalog.
For me it's a converted and unique 85/1.5 Helios 40-2. But I've bragged about that before :o :)
Incidentally I've been looking at that conversion job and at my non-converted 85/1.5 Helios 40 (M39 variety, chrome). The conversion seems pretty non-destructive, all it does is to ensure that the lens focuses beyond infinity, eventually with an M42-Nikon adapter permanently attached to the back. However it's quite a fat lens. Have you tried on what F cameras yours will mount, and on the F/F2 what finders are compatible with it?
Incidentally I've been looking at that conversion job and at my non-converted 85/1.5 Helios 40 (M39 variety, chrome). The conversion seems pretty non-destructive, all it does is to ensure that the lens focuses beyond infinity, eventually with an M42-Nikon adapter permanently attached to the back. However it's quite a fat lens. Have you tried on what F cameras yours will mount, and on the F/F2 what finders are compatible with it?
No, sorry, only have the F.
giellaleafapmu
08-31-2009, 10:55
1. very 1st version of the 43-86 zoom
2. 28/2.8 non-AI, but lettering modern style
3. 80-200/4.5 AI (12 element)
Mmmmh, what is the very first version of the 43-86? I have the one for the Nikon F (pre Ai) with rubber focusing ring and always wondered whether it was ever produced with fluted focusing ring.
To this list one could also add the 35 2.8 tick mark and the 28 tick mark which appears in a brochure but not even the collectors books all agree whether it existed in the market.
GLF
Todd.Hanz
08-31-2009, 11:09
You should have been around when I put the Nikon F with FTn Photomic head and 50/1.4 up for $100.
That may have been the one I bought from you, I still have it ;)
Todd
it makes me cringe hearing about them being converted to AI, especially when the aperture ring is mutilated by grinding.
in many cases, grinding is only option left. or start hunting who knows how expensive original Nikon AI-adapting parts.
BillBingham2
08-31-2009, 12:35
Another crazy option is to buy a beater version and harvest the aperture ring.
B2 (;->
Brian Sweeney
08-31-2009, 13:08
Mmmmh, what is the very first version of the 43-86? I have the one for the Nikon F (pre Ai) with rubber focusing ring and always wondered whether it was ever produced with fluted focusing ring.
GLF
The first version 43~86 had the diamond shaped rubber inset focus ring, chrome nose, and was single-coated. The SN started at 4386xx (I think that's the right number of x's).
The AI 800/8 ED-IF and AI 1200/11 ED-IF are not very common lenses. The super-wide AI 13/5.6 also a rare lens.
The most rare Nikkor I have is probably the 105/4 bellows (latest version). The most expensive rare lens I have is probably the AIS 58/1.2 noct.
giellaleafapmu
09-01-2009, 05:15
6mm 2.8 fisheye
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/speciallenses/6mmfish.htm
No idea on total production, but I can't be that many.
That might have been a small production but I saw the lens twice and never ever met a 35 tick mark in my life...
GLF
giellaleafapmu
09-01-2009, 05:18
The first version 43~86 had the diamond shaped rubber inset focus ring, chrome nose, and was single-coated. The SN started at 4386xx (I think that's the right number of x's).
Ok, that is in line with what I knew and with what I have... This is not a common lens but is not that rare at all. If you wait to see that at your local shop that might never happen but if you look for it in the right websites it is actually not too difficult to find.
Just as a side note, the lens had a bad reputation but I quite like for portraits used around f5.6.
GLF
Others that are often overlooked since they are rare and not particularly desirable as user lenses:
8.5-25cm f/4-4.5 - Nikon's first production zoom predating the 43-86
10.5mm f/4 preset - like the 2.1cm f/4, its an RF lens remounted for the F
Also, the original variants of the "first family" lenses (those introduced in 1959 with the camera) which all have f/stop rings that extend well back of the body flange, almost completely hiding the F's body flange from view from the side. This part of the original mount design was to shield the mount from dirt/dust. It was substantially reduced around 1961-2 to the modest 1.5-2mm or so found on lenses through the introduction of AI coupling. These early variants fit only the Nikon F & F2, Nikkorex F, and Nikkormat FS. They do not fit any metered Nikkormat nor any AI body.
narsuitus
10-03-2009, 07:11
The Nikon 105mm f/4 short mount lens is the rarest F-mount lens that I own and use.
another would be the Bellows-Nikkor 135mm f/4. Another RF lens, for the reflex housing + bellows this time, that was remounted to fit the F, its bellows actually, directly.
Nikkor AIS
10-08-2009, 17:53
Iv got a Nikkor 300 2.0 IF ED AIS with case hoods and the matching TC 14-C. If you go to Nikon cafe and do a search on the Nikkor 300 2.0 tribute threads. I took the time and took some rather nice photo's of the lens case drop in filter converter as well as the lens mounted to my D3 . F3T and Canon 5D2. I also have several shots taken with the lens. Check out the www.nikon cafe and do a search if you want to see these images. I also have several on my smug mug but Im not quite ready to unleash these on the public:p. just yet.
Although the lens is huge it images are worth all the effort in transporting it from one place to the other. There is a 3D quality that I get with no other lens. Matched TC-14 C the Nikkor 300 2.0 transform into a sharp as a tack 420 2.8 . This combo is so good I recently sold my Nikkor 400 2.8 IF ED AIS because the 300 2.0 with the converter is more than it's equal. And even with the TC 301 mounted on te end it give my Nikkor 600 4 IF ED AIS a run for it's money.
Any ways check out the Nikon Cafe and do a search . Iv also posted some other tribute threads on other not so common Nikkor's like the Nikkor 8mm 2.8 / 800 5.6 If ED ..OO
Im sorry I dont know how to link one from the other. im Nikkor AIS not computer guy 101 :bang: But if someone has the ability than by all mean make it happen.
Kind Regards
Gregory
dsadowski
10-24-2009, 17:32
I recall owning a 500 f5 for a brief period maybe 25 years ago. Something that fell my way, and I turned it around and sold it in a short period of time at a profit. I recall I had the box for it too.
I believe Zunow made a 50/1.1 in F mount, which is supposed to be unbelievably rare. I played with an LTM mount one a few months ago, and there's an S mount one as well.
Ronald M
11-30-2009, 21:25
I have a Nikkor P 105 2.5 2389xx series. Factory fresh and looks like new.
It is a gem. Also have two AiS samples, one mint and one that was cheap that was all I could find. The black paint was pealing on the nose. 1000 grit wet dry to remove all the old and then I sprayed with primer and gloss black that matched. Looks really good.
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