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Additional
information on
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Nikon
(Nippon Kogaku K K) Nikkor-S.C 1:1.5 f=8.5cm (RF Nikkor-S
85mm f/1.5)
Telephoto lens for Nikon S-Mount Rangefinder cameras - Part V
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HTML File Size: 66k Loading ...3rd Draft 06.04.2011
Nippon
Kogaku K.K. (Nikon) Nikkor-S.C
1:1.5 f=8.5cm
telephoto lens for Nikon S-series rangefinder cameras Year Introduced: January, 1951*; Discontinued:
probably 1961/2 * Japan site indicated
year of release; supported by An Illustrated History of Nikon Rangefinder cameras
(R. Rotoloni); Peter Brackzho, Author of Nikon Hand Book has suggested a different
February, 1953.
Regardless of differences of opinion on issue of actual year of introduction,
the Nikkor-S 1:1.5 f=8.5cm was the fastest lens speed telephoto lens available for
the Nikon rangefinder system. Along with the Ernst Leitz Wetzlar1:1.5 f=8.5 SUMMAREX (1948~1960 SOOCX)
and Carl
Zeiss Jena 75mm f1.5 Biotar
(1939~196?); the Nikkor-S 85/1.5 had been ranked among the fastest telephoto available
for 35mm photography during the rangefinder era. While the Contax was quite happy
with both the BIOTAR and 85/2.0 Sonnar and didn't followed up with
a faster lens addition at these focal length (They did with the shirt to 90mm
/2 Simmicron
in 1957), thus with the prevailing options during that time, Nikon courageous attempt
was seemingly targeted at the Leica / Leitz 85/1.5. Personally, I don't really think
Nikon was trying to create a lens with commercial success comparable to the 85/2.0
Nikkor-P but rather, it was intended to show the photo community what were they capable
of. You ought to remember back in 1951 during the fragile spec Nikon M/S era, if
ever it was a new creation, they were more like made to fit LEICA and/or Contax.
The Nikkor-S has a suggested retail price of approx. USD300-00, it was relatively
much cheaper than the comparing Leitz counterpart; one step down, for an example,
Sankyo Koki KK's KOMURA
85/1.8
with less than 1/2 f-stop difference, had halved the price tag at USD160-00. It was
interesting to note the Leitz Summarex had its highest sale done in 1951/2 - with
combined quantity of approx. 2,000 units; made up 50% of the total production figures
of approx. 4,000 units sold from 1948~1960. Author of An Illustrated History of Nikon
rangefinder camera had suggested from recorded S/N 264345~266046* from 1951~1961, there were approx. 2,000 units
of the Nikkor-S 85/1.5 being produced with approx. 500 units made in other mounts.
So, general perception was Leitz still commanded at this exotic telephoto lens group
in their own SM. Further, it was also at the time of how the 85/2 was first being
exposed to the western media during the Korean peninsular crises, was it another
companion to entertain demand of a faster lens speed options for war photographers
or simply just aimed to impress as a companion for the 85/2 ? no one can explained
the actual state of event and objectives behind the move. However, as mentioned Nikon
could met a simple objective in establishing an image of their own and besides, the
lens was readily available for the better made S-models that followed after the M
& S. So, whatever it was the Nikkor lens family did had an fast speed option
in its range of short/medium telephoto lenses category. * Nikon Hand Book indicated S/N 264000~266000;
An LS M model shown in this site has a rather high S/N 303674. |
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Known versions with thinly ridged
rings and version that were introduced at the end of cycle has slightly deeper ridged
- similar to the 2nd version of the black barrel 8.5cm / standard
10.5cm Nikkor barrel design. However, except for this cosmetic
change, there was no other significant changes internally.
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Credit: Image at the left
courtesy of Mr. Kelvin Li from his popular gokelvin
cameras @ Ebay Store
which retails for many hard-to-find Nikon, canon, Contax oldies. Image Copyright
© 2003. All rights reserved.
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| While Nikon was
still selling their chrome lenses; there were a few new releases in the Nikkor lens
family that might have some significant with the decision with the introduction of
the black barrel design. Although the Nikon S2 was the first Nikon S-model that had
produced a small batch of black bodied model, but I think export market for other
brands may also be part of the reason for such a move. Among the telephoto lens group,
the first which had adopted the new black barrel design was the Nikkor-S 1:1.5 f=8.5cm
counterpart; similarly, the ever popular Nikkor-P 1:2.5 f=10.5cm was another. Please
take note: BOTH of the mentioned medium telephoto lenses were new inclusion in the
Nikkor lens family and they were introduced natively with the standard look of the
black barrel design that were used by other short/medium models that followed. So,
it was equally interesting to note Nikon had reacted pretty late in giving Nikkor-P
1:2 f=8.5cm with similar outfit. You can call it as lens update but similarly, Nikon
was also using this general lens updating program with the new design to re-brand
itself. With a compatible black S-body, they match well and very eye-appealing indeed
in such a combination. The black barrel in mid section on chrome design also making
it acceptable when such a lens is mounted onto a chrome S-body. |
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7E/3G 5cm f/1.4 Nikkor-S (1950~1961)
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7E/3G 8.5cm f/1.5 Nikkor-S
(1951~1961)
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| <<<--- Strictly speaking both
the Leitz and Nikkor-S use a Gauss-design but they came with their respective modified
form. But certainly Nikon nor Canon's Serenar version didn't took a copied path.
To me, the more amazing thing is actually when comparing both the Nikkor-S f/1.4
(5cm / 8.5cm lenses) - you will find the 8.5cm f/2.0 is just like a "magnified"
version of the 7 elements in 3 groups Nikkor-S 1:1.4 f=5cm except it is in elongated
8.5cm focal length. *NOTE: 5cm lens group has another f/1.5 too. Further, last series
of the Nikkor-S 5cm has a 7E/4G design. |
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Due to
its larger dimension of the lens with its extraordinary lens speed, the Nikkor-S
has been supplied with some dedicated accessories on its own, from lesther lens case
esp. with a special lens hood.
Credit: Image at the left
courtesy of Mr. Kelvin Li from his popular gokelvin
cameras @ Ebay Store
which retails for many hard-to-find Nikon, canon, Contax oldies. Image Copyright
© 2003. All rights reserved.
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The Nikkor-S
1:1.5 f=8.5cm was supplied natively as a black version only. There was no known chrome
version so far. The early version which was supposedlly fell around the time towards
the end of US occupation and there could be some intermix accessories but none of
the lens so far has any MIOJ or Tokyo version suffaced in the used equipment market.
The lens cap of this version with S/N 264458 provided by Kelvin LI has an interesting
old-style "Nippon Kogaku Tokyo" lens cap. But the lens data inscription
was still labelled as "Nippon Kogaku Japan".
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Leica SM-mount (LSM)
Nikkor-P
1:1.5 f=8.5cm
telephoto lens
Shown was
a LEICA SM mount version of this fast speed Nikkor-S 85/1.5 lens. Typically, other
than the rear mount, you will notice the rotational direction of he focusing ring
is operating from left to right. Nikon also supplied a different rear lens cap for
the LSM model. There was an auction for a NEWER type-2 LSM lens lately which had
shown with a different kind of lens hood (Boyonet-type); wondering does Nikon had
made a different lens hood for the late version for this fast speed telephoto lens.
If the S/N system provided by R.Rotoloni was accurate, we can assume both the units
w/S/N 264382 and 367074
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Credit: Image courtesy
of Photo_Arsenal -Worldwide® Germany.
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Credit: Image(s) courtesy
of Rokas Kundrotas®. where he is more
well known as maintaining another popular Rokas
Photo & Videao @ EBAY
with another personal site at www.Kundrotas.com - both kept a huge inventry for many used
collectible equipment of major camera labels. Image copyright © 2008. All rights
reserved. Please respect the visual property of the contributing photographer.
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Compare the above
of the boyonet type lens hood used on the late LSM RF 85mm f/1.5 Nikkor-S (notice
the ring pattern which indictes it was a Type 2) with this original lens hood that
came with the unit S/N 264458. They are different.
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| Credit:
Images above courtesy of Mr. Kelvin
Li from his popular gokelvin cameras @ Ebay Store which retails for many hard-to-find Nikon, canon, Contax
oldies. Image Copyright © 2003. All rights reserved. |
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Information on Nikon Optical Finder for Nikkor-P 8.5cm f/1.5 lenses:
The various Finder options have been addressed at the ealier section, both the
lenses (f/2.0 / f/1.5) can be used and/or interchange between the two. CLICK
HERE to access
that section.
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Basic Technical Specification for Nikkor-S.C 1:1.5 f=8.5cm (application
to version II with slightly different design on all the rings on barrel) telephoto
lens:-
Lens Mount: Nikon Bayonet S-mount for Nikon RF camera models
Compatible Models: Nikon S-series rangefinder models; Leica SM and Contax
Mount versions available
Focal Length: 85mm (8.5cm)
Angle of View: 28° 30' (Diagonal); 16° /24°
(Horizontal/Vertical)
Maximum / Minimum Aperture: f/1.5 / f/32
Optical Construction: 7 elements in 3 groups
Minimum Focusing Distance: approx. 1m (approx. 3.5 ft on scales) ~ OO; (Marked values: Feet ONLY
for all models:- OO, 50, 30, 20, 15, 12, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5 , 4, 3.5'
Infra Index: Provided in all versions. Nikon
bayoent models with "R" placed at the
left of focusing index. LSM model positions the (R)
index at the right.
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Rotational
Focusing direction: RIGHT-->> LEFT (Nikon, Contax); LEFT -->> RIGHT
(LSM)
Depth of Filed Scales: f/32, f/22, f/16, f/11, f/8, f/4, f/1.5 at the left (229k Jpeg)
Magnification ratio: 1.7X; Filter Attachment Size: 60mm (P=0.75) Snap-On,
Screw-in type / Series VIII
Dimension:
Weight: approx. 546g (19-1/4 oz) (LSM version: 18-11/16 oz).
NOTE;- Optical diaphragm for this Nikkor-S.C: please refer to the top o f this
page
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| Standard Accessories:
Front/Rear lens cap*, leather lens case; black / metal Lens hood** Optional:
Optical Finder (8.5cm
model); (Varifocal/variframe); optical / Series
VIII filters etc.
* Black metal lens hood in two separate peices and with reversible storage feature
(includis the lens cap), last version using Snap-On with bayonet design which is
also metal; slip-on black, metal lens cap(s) with NK logo.** Reversible storage type,
lens cap can be hood on at the rear |
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Other Information:
Two versions. All black finishes only. Type 1 and Type 2 differentiate via design
on the focusing, aperture and lens mounting rings. NO known metric scales for distance
yet. No known version that marked with MIOJ nor made in Japan etc. on cam , barrel
or ring yet. (Please send me some pictures for updating). Original listed/Suggested
retail price in Japan: 61,360 Yen. Also available in Leica Screw mount (M39) with
slightly different operating principle; Contax bayonet mount:- no info nor pictures
to show.
Serial
Numbering Guide: 2644345~266046 (approx. 2,000 units); no info on the 2nd version
with newer design rings. Ref: Mr. Robert Rotoloni, author of An Illustrated History of Nikon
Rangefinder Cameras.
Please note the LSM model with S/N 3667074 used in this site had surpassed the author's
suggestion. So, there could be other units with other combination of S/N.
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NOTE:- THIS
SITE REQUIRES CONTAX-MOUNT
version
for illustration purposes, anyone can contribute some pictures ?
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| OFF TOPIC:- This certainly
looks like an old, rare version of a Nikon RF camera caps huh ? No. it is just a
bubble case but it was made in rare and unique form in solid black finishes to serve
an early Nikkor-S
1:1.5 f=8.5cm telephoto lens
in Leica screw mount that was started to offer during 1951. It carries with few of
the earliest series of old Nikkor lens accessory features and considered as an odd
offer during such a late MIOJ stage. |
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RELATIVE:- How the rangefinder Nikkor lenses
evolved itself after the reflex Nikkor era? The focal length was very popular among
Nikon photographers. The first non Ai reflex version started with a moderately faster
lens speed version of f/1.8 from the RF f/2.0 in 1964. The Nikkor-H had also went
through several rounds of updates and version in 1973 had applied the NIC. A radical
change of the design was occurred in 1975 during the Pre-Ai era and had remained immensely popular
telephoto lens but it was replaced with an Nikkor 85,mm f/2.0 along with the major Ai-upgrade
in 1977. The
Ai-S Nikkor 85/2.0S
was introduced quite late in 1983. In 1988, the first Autofocus Focus AF
Nikkor 85mm f/1.8S
was introduced and the lens speed was reverted back to f/1.8 from the Ai/Ai-S f/2.0
The AF-D
85mm f/1.8D
was later introduced in 1994 for 3D Matrix Metering enabled Nikon AF SLRs. Variations:
Nikon had shown a prototype Autofocus 80mm f/4.5 as early as in 1971 (NOTE the 80mm
focal length change here for some of the lenses mentioned); the AF 80mm f/2.8S IF was released as the companion lens
for Nikon F3AF in 1983. Another surprising package was
the PC
Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D.
However, none of these were comparable to the Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 - where it was ranked as one of
the fastest short telephoto lens for a long time. The AF Nikkor f/1.4D was introduced quite late in 1996.
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previous | NEXT | 45 A
85mm telephoto lens with a fast lens speed - Nikkor-S 1:1.5 f=8.5cm
Part
One
- Early / Variations | Part
Two
- Early LSM/Contax models | Part Three - Chrome barrel f/f32
| Part
Four
Black barrel f/32
| Part
Five (Nikkor-S 85mm f/1.5)
W-Nikkor-O 1:4
f=2.1cm | W-Nikkor.C 1:4 f=2.5cm | W-Nikkor.C
1:3.5 f= 2.8cm | W-Nikkor.C 3.5cm lens Group (3.5/2.5/1.8) | Stereo-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=3.5cm | 5cm (50mm) lens group | RF Micro-Nikkor
1:3.5 f=5cm | Nikkor-P.C 1:2
f=8.5cm lens group / Nikkor-S.C
1:1.5 f=8.5cm lens group |
Nikkor-P.C 1:2.5
f=10.5cm lens group / Nikkor-T 1:4 f=10.5cm | Nikkor-Q.C 13.5cm lens group: 135/4, 135/3.5 Early
/ Last Version, 135/4 Bellow lens
| Nikkor-H 1:2.5
f=18cm | Nikkor-Q 1:4 f=25cm
| Nikkor-T 1:4.5 f=35cm | Nikkor-T.C 1:5 f=50cm | Reflex-Nikkor 100cm f/6.3
System Accessories
for Nikon Rangefinder cameras
Optical Finders (4 parts):- Fixed Focal length Finders (index page): 2.1cm,
2.5cm, 2.8cm,
3.5cm, 35cm Stereo,
5cm, 8.5cm, 10.5cm,
13.5cm | Variframe / Varifocal / Sport-frames
| Nikon Reflex Housing
Nikon
S36/S72/S250 Motor Drives
/ S36 Manual |
light meters | Nikon RF Flash/Speedlights | Close-up
photography / Repro Copy Outfit / Nikon Bellow Focusing Device (in progress) | Cases/Compartments | Lens & body caps,
Lens Hoods/shades,
Original Price Lists |
packaging/boxes
Instruction
Manuals
Related info:- Main index page
for Leica/Leitz | Contax/Carl Zeiss | Seiki Kogaku (Canon)
| Message Board | lenses | Message Board | RF cameras
Nikon
RF-Nikkor
lenses
(Rangefinder):- Main Index Page
Nikon
Auto
Focus
Nikkor lenses:- Main Index Page
Nikon
Manual
Focus
Nikkor lenses:-
Main Index Page
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Credit:- Special thanks to all the contributors of images
and content which made up the basis of the site. Note:certain
content and images appeared in this site were either scanned from official marketing
leaflets, brochures, sales manuals or publications published by Nikon over the years
and/or contribution from surfers who claimed originality of their work for educational
purposes. The creator of the site will not be responsible for may discrepancies arise
from such dispute except rectifying them after verification."Nikon", "Nikkormat", "Nippon Kokagu KK" & "Nikkor" are registered trade name of Nikon
Corporation Inc., Japan. Site made with an Apple G5 IMac. |
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