LENS-DB.COM

Abbreviations

Model history (10)

Specification

Sources of data

• Manufacturer's technical data.
• Nikon/Nikkormat Sales Manual (March 1972).
• Nikon F2 Photography Guide.
• Nikkor lenses for Nikon and Nikkormat cameras.

Manufacturer description #1

This is unquestionably the most wanted normal lens in the entire realm of 35mm sIr photography. Obviously, it offers exceptional speed for successful picture-taking under virtually any and all light conditions and for action shots even with slow color films.

More important, however, is the superb center-to-edge definition the 50mm f1.4 offers even at full aperture. It is actually sharper than most slower normal lenses when they are stopped down! No wonder it enjoys a truly legendary reputation among knowledgeable photographers throughout the world. As one test report put it, "the superb 50mm f1.4 Nikkor should be owned by every Nikon and Nikkormat user".

Manufacturer description #2

With an f/1.4 aperture, this lens has enjoyed worldwide renown as the "standard" standard lens in 35mm photography.

Without flash, the lens demonstrates its worth under extremely poor light conditions as well as in available light situations.

The f/1.4 aperture provides an all-around bright image in the viewfinder. Focusing is easy and accurate as the lens has shallow depth of field, and the displacement of focus resulting from stopping down of the diaphragm is virtually eliminated.

At full f/1.4 aperture, a slight flare may be detected but at f/2.8 or smaller, the flare completely disappears.

This compact, well-designed lens is an outstanding general-purpose lens for portraiture, landscape and indoor sports photography.

From the editor

·C (multi-coated) version of this lens was introduced in 1973. The specification is exactly the same as for the single-coated version.

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.

Other standard prime lenses in the Nikon F system

Lenses with similar focal length