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Specification

Source of data

• Combining high speed with high resolution. Nikkor lenses for Nikon cameras, and other fine 35's booklet.

Manufacturer description #1

This is the widest angle Nikkor lens available. While by no means a high speed lens, the effective use of rare earth elements provides unusual speed for the focal length. It covers 4x the area of a 50mm lens with an 80.5 angle of view. The symmetrical design delivers exceptional flatness of field and minimum vignetting. Features 4 elements; click stops to f/22.

Manufacturer description #2

Picture angle: 80"30'. Click-stops to f/22. Focuses to 3.5ft. or 1m. in meter calibration. Attachment size: slip-on outer diameter 36mm, Screw-in diameter 34.5mm, P=0.5. Supplied complete with snap-on front cap 34.5mm, filter adapter ring (screw mount), ring insert No. 5, screw-in rear cap LL, leather case and individual viewfinder.

From the Nikon Journal (Vol. 3, No. 2, December 31st, 1985)

This lens, introduced in 1953, covered an angle of 82 degrees and was a four element symmetric design in a chrome plated brass rotary mount. The configuration appears identical to that of the ZEISS JENA TOPOGON 25/4 lens constructed in East Germany for the CONTAX from 1950 until 1953. The 2.5/4 was supplied in a fitted velour lined leather case along along with a 2.5 cm optical finder and 34.5mm chrome lens shade. The finder had no parallax correction; the shade had provision for a series VI filter. A special deep rear lens cap was provided to protect the protruding rear element; the front cap was a push on 36mm black metal design with N-K Tokyo logo. F stops to f22 were internally adjusted in a somewhat awkward fashion. Close focus was the 3.5 feet near limit of the LEICA rangefinder. Serial number range was 402XXX-403XXX. Minimum f stop was f22. This very compact lens had impressive optical performance. Hence, it is in high demand by LEICA RF users. This, plus a relatively low production run, makes it difflcult for the collector to obtain the 2.5/4 in mint condition.

From the editor

Note that this Leica screw mount version uses Series VI filters, while the Nikon S-mount version accepts Series VII filters.

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