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Abbreviations

Model history (6)

Specification

Sources of data

• Manufacturer's technical data.
• Nikon for flexibility & versatility booklet.
• Nikon cameras, Nikkor lenses, Nikon accessories booklet.
• The Nikon system of photography booklet (September 1965).

Manufacturer description #1

Nowhere is the quality of Nikkor optics better demonstrated than in the critical demands of this extra-wideangle lens. Despite its 92 deg. angle of view, it offers unusual resolution, true color rendition and almost no linear distortion. Click-stops to f 16. Focuses down to 3 feet or 90 cm. Accepts 52 mm screw-in filters. Non-meter coupling. Supplied with these components: leather case and supplementary viewfinder. Deep-seat-mount requires mirror to be locked in "up" position.

Manufacturer description #2

Supplied with front and rear caps. Fits Nikon F (with mirror locked up).

Nowhere is the quality of Nikkor optics better demonstrated than in the critical demands of this new extra-wide angle lens. Despite its 92° angle of coverage, it offers unusual resolution, high color correction, and no linear distortion. Features 8-elements. Click-stops to f22. Focuses to 3'. Accepts 52mm screw-in filters.

Manufacturer description #3

Despite the extra wide angle, this lens assures high definition all over the picture field without vignetting; astigmatism is especially well-corrected and distortion is reduced to within 1%. Hence, it is especially suited for photographing an extended landscape, architectural interior, etc. or for intentionally exaggerated perspective. It gives such a great depth of field that even at full aperture all the subjects from infinity to 2 meters (about 6 ft) are included within the range of sharpness when the lens is focused to 4 meters (about 12 ft). Owing to its symmetrical design, the high definition of the lens is maintained for close distance photography. With the Bellows Focusing Attachment, this lens can produce an image larger than natural size.

Mirror in the camera must be kept in flip-up position because of the deep-seated mount of the lens, and the Supplementary Viewfinder should be used on the camera shoe.

There are two discontinued types of Supplementary Viewfinders. One has a bakelite base and the other requires the Flash Unit Coupler to attach the finder to the camera.

From the Camera 35 magazine (December 1967/January 1968)

This popular lens has been around for awhile, and in that time it has built a fine reputation for itself. The first thing you realize when you pick it up, attach it to the camera and use it is that this 21mm lens is a nice, compact job. It offers a very solid mount that seems fully capable of taking a lot of punishment. Nikon owners who are reluctant to take the rather steep financial plunge for a fisheye should certainly look into this 21mm as an excellent alternative. Though not as wild as a fisheye, it should provide enough excitement for any photographer. It lives up to the well founded Nikon reputation.

Notes

• This non-AI lens was designed for Nikon F, F2, Nikkormat FS, FT, FT2, FTN, EL, ELW 35mm film SLR cameras.
• Non-AI lenses cannot be used on Nikon digital SLR cameras (except for the Df) or late (AI) film SLR cameras. However, non-AI lenses can be fitted to Nikon FM, FE, EL2, F3, F4 and Nikkormat FT3 cameras which used the AI metering system but allowed the metering coupling lever to be disengaged. The F5 could have this mechanism fitted as an optional extra. Non-AI lenses can be also fitted to the Nikon F2A and F2AS cameras because the AI mechanism was fitted to the removable metering prism.
• The lens was designed for use with 35mm film SLR cameras with the mirror locked in the up position.

Other ultra-wide angle prime lenses in the Nikon F system

Lenses with similar focal length