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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

A remarkably fast wide angle, featuring unusually large front and rear elements (front elements would cover an f/1.4) to noticeably decrease vignetting over other wide angle formulas. Rare earth lanthanum glass provides an unusual flat field and excellent correction despite the fast speed. Features 7 elements; click stops to f/22. Accepts 43mm screw-in filters.

Manufacturer description #2

Picture angle: 62". Click-stops to f/22. Focuses to 3.5ft. or 1m. in meter calibration. Attachment size: Slip-on outer diameter 45.5mm, Screw-in diameter 43mm, P=0.5. Supplied with snap-on cap 43mm, screw-on rear cap LL and leather case.

From the Nikon Journal (Vol. 3, No. 3, March 31st, 1986)

High initial cost and a late introduction in 1956 make this superb lens the rarest of the 3.5 cm SM lenses. A seven element five group asymmetric design incorporated the latest rare earth glass and coating technology. A protruding enlarged rear element necessitated the use of the special deep rear cap also found on the 2.5/4 lens. Angle of view was 62 degrees. Near focus was 3.5 feet; minimum f stop was f22. A new light weight chrome plated parallel focussing mount was used; the f stop ring was done in black alloy similar to the later versions of the 3.5/3.5 and 3.5/2.5 lenses. Serial number range was 181XXX. Accessory size was 43mm. A snap on front lens cap was sold. An elusive rectangular 43mm lens hood (AC519) was catalogued but has not been reported by collectors. The rectangular shape was necessitated by the fact that the large round hood sold with the concurrent RF lens blocked the rangefinder windows of the LEICA style cameras. The non rotating mount made such a hood practical.

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