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Abbreviations

Model history (2)

Specification

Sources of data

• Manufacturer's technical data.
• Nikon Series E Lenses For Nikon System Cameras booklet (February 1981).

Manufacturer description #1

A SYSTEM OF ULTRA-COMPACT LENSES THAT MAKE NIKON OPTICAL EXCELLENCE SO AFFORDABLE, THERE'S NO NEED TO COMPROMISE

The magnificent image quality produced by the combination of Nikon camera and Nikon system lenses has long been acknowledged as the finest in 35mm photography. Now, Nikon owners can enjoy this quality at amazingly low cost, with Nikon Series E lenses.

For sheer optical excellence and reliable performance, Nikon Series E lenses have no equals at anywhere near their modest prices. What is even more important, however, is that, unlike other low-cost lenses, they are designed and built by Nikon expressly for use with Nikon AI-system cameras.

When your lenses are made to the same ultra-precise Nikon specifications (which are not available to other lensmakers) as your camera, you know you'll be getting the best results possible. And, with low-cost Nikon Series E lenses available in the most popular focal lengths, there's no reason to settle for less than an all-Nikon system of your own.

All Nikon Series E lenses provide full performance with all AI (Automatic Indexing) Nikon SLR cameras*, including automatic exposure control with cameras so equipped, and aperture indication in the viewfinder via Nikon Aperture Direct Readout (ADR). (They can also be used with non-AI Nikon models, employing the stopdown method of exposure measurement). And, each accepts standard Nikon 52mm filters for added convenience and economy.

* Nikon EM, FM, FE, F3, F2AI AS, EL2 and Nlkkormat FT3.

Manufacturer description #2

This amazingly small and light lens delivers extraordinary optical performance. Its angle of view corresponds most closely to that of the human eye, making it the ideal choice for a majority of situations. You'll like the natural-looking perspective with which the 50mm lens pictures your subjects as much as the crisp sharpness with which it reproduces the finest details. Moreover, its large f1.8 maximum aperture lets you shoot great pictures even in relatively dim light both indoors and out. And, you can focus close enough to fill the entire picture frame with a subject about the size of your handling every way, the Nikon 50mm Series E is your basic lens - the perfect beginning to your personal Nikon lens system.

Nikon Series E

A line of compact, lightweight and low-cost lenses designed and built by Nikon expressly for use with Nikon AI-system cameras and available in the most popular focal lengths.

• Full performance with all AI (Automatic Indexing) Nikon SLR cameras;
• Plastic exterior parts, aperture rings and lens chambers that hold lens elements;
• Minimized number of lens elements, less expensive glass materials;
• Standard Nikon 52mm filters for added convenience and economy.

From the editor

The Series E 50mm f1.8 is an economical lens that was introduced for the EM and FG cameras. It has a plastic lens barrel, only a single coating on the lens, and no meter-coupling prong. Although sharp its performance is not quite up to that of the mainstream Nikkor version.

Notes

• This AI-S lens was designed for Nikon FA, FG, N2000, N6000 AI-S cameras and Nikon F3, EL2, EM, FE, FE2, FE10, FG-20, FM, FM2, FM10, FM3A, Nikkormat FT3 AI cameras. The automatic aperture control will only be available on AI-S cameras.
• AI and AI-S lenses are backward compatible with Nikon F, F2, Nikkormat FS, FT, FT2, FTN, EL, ELW cameras.
• On Nikon digital SLR cameras, the automatic exposure metering with AI and AI-S lenses will not be available on D40, D40X, D60, D70, D70s, D80, D3000-D3500, D5000-D5600 series.

Other standard prime lenses in the Nikon F system

Lenses with similar focal length