Additional information on Nikon (Nippon Kogaku K K) Nikkor-P.C 1:2.0 f=8.5cm (RF Nikkor 85mm f/2.0) Telephoto lens in Leica SM and Contax Mount - Part II HTML File Size: 66k Loading ... 3rd DRAFT: 06.04.2011 NOT COMFORTBLE with accuray of content posted herein This was the subsequent 2nd types of the old style Nippon Kogaku Tokyo MIOJ period front and rear lens cap for the Nikkor-P 1:2 f=8.5cm telephoto lens. Leica and Contax (esp. LSM version should has a different type of rear cap from the Nikon. Credit: Image at the left courtesy of Mr. Kelvin Li from his popular gokelvincameras @ Ebay Store which retails for many hard-to-find Nikon, canon, Contax oldies. Image Copyright © 2003. All rights reserved.     This section we will be discussed some of the alternate versions designed for LEICA SM and Contax-mount for this Nikkor-P 1:2 f=8.5cm telephoto lens. Briefly:- with a little hands from Mr. David Douglas Duncan, Time Magazine photo journalist who had been commisioned to cover the Korean War when it broke out in June, 1950 he was experiementing and tried out for the first time with the Japanese optic on his Leica, the resulting works had been published in many journals and newspaper. It started a wave of cusrious minded reviewers and other photograpehrs with this relatively unknown Company in the occupied Japanese terriroty. That was how Nikon and Nikkor was exposed to the Western media. | RELATED STORY | This probably can provide us with a rough idea when actually Nikon began to enjoy its popularity. Prior to this, to the western consumers/photographers they were still largely remained as a replica-maker which offered affordable alternatives of German brands. The series of mistakes made on the Nikon 1 and followed up Nikon M was also part of the reason despite NIkon second attempt trying to patch the initial mistake of 32 x 24 with a wider 34 x 24 film format. Although I can't be conclusive whether Nikon was trying to create a new film format standard or simply was faced with technicalities. But since they have along been developing lenses for others (most well known was being the HANSA CANON), they would be so creative trying to do just that. Anyway, those are history. In the eyes of the antique Nikon collectors, both the Nikon 1and M were very collectible as both of these RF Nikon bodies form 2 out of 3 camera models that provide with an odd format RF Nikon bodies (3rd model was the S3M with built-in capability of shooting 72 exp. in a 17x 24 format). So, whatever I said will not reducedtheir premium as used equipment hehe ... LEICA Screw Mount (LSM) - Nikkor-P 1:2 f=8.5cm Tokyo ("MIOJ" marked on lens barrel) S/N 80124x Shown below is an unknown LEICA SM Nikkor-P 85/2.0 TOKYO MIOJ version with an interesting production serial number. The S/N starts with 801xxx which incidentally was found as the earliest batch among the Bayonet-Nikon model EXCEPT it has an additional number behind in this LSM version which makes it as a 6-digits model. However, if we assume Nikon has allocated the 6-digits S/N system for the Leica SM version, the finishing and overall appearanceappearance of this supposedly earliest LSM model could not be produced at the same time as the Nikon bayonet version. Reasons being:- Except for the large lens data inscription, the rest of other engraved numerals and lettering on lens barrel were more refined which are identical with the version with S/N 903XXX featured earlier. So, if the assumption was accurate in some ways, the LSM models could be produced after the initial attempt with Nikon own version. Whatever it is, this unknown Nikkor-P 85/2.0 TOKYO MIOJ was marked with Serial Number 801250 - only 10 number from the version BELOW - except this waswas made with a LEICA SCREW MOUNT configuration. As I can't access the 801240 below to verify if it was also has a LEICA screw-mount at the rear. But if it is, then may be we can establish a new theory that 6 digits 801xxx (Original Nikon S-mount uses 5 digits for its earliest batch) could be the earliest batch to differentiate the LEICA SM version from the Nikon own bayonet mount version. Credit: Image courtesy of Mr Mike Otto <staff@pacificrimcamera.com> URL: Pacific Rim Camera, who also operates a popular Ebay Store. Image Copyright © 2003. All rights reserved. Pacific Rim camera can also be reached by mail to: Pacific Rim Camera 1965 Davcor St SE Salem, OR 97302 (503) 370-7461 Fax number is (503) 370-8801     Next, due to the different lens configuration which affect shooting and lens handling property, the LEICA version has different rotational direction from the Nikon. i.e. RIGHT --->>> LEFT. Further, unlike the earliest models made for the Nikon bayonet mount models, it was interesting to note the LEICA SM batch has both distance/DOF scales index colored, as well as an additional infra index (R) being added (the latter feature was not available on the earliest Nikon S-mount model)s. The additions could probably be aiming to improve its lens features with added appeal to LEICA users. Leica Screw Mount (LSM) all chrome-version - Nikkor-P 1:2 f=8.5cm Tokyo ("MIOJ" marked on lens barrel) S/N 801250 - 10 digits difference from the model shown above Leica (LSM) all chrome-version - Nikkor-P 1:2 f=8.5cm Tokyo ("MIOJ" marked on lens barrel) w/ f/16 minimum aperture Please take note this Nikkor-P 85/2 Tokyo MIOJ models were similar with the early Nikon Bayonet mount models with MIOJ marking engraved on lens tube. The minimum aperture was confined to f/16 only for this version (Late LSM Models has added provisions for f/32 and /22 - read more info below). Contax-mount version of the Nikkor-P 1:2 f=8.5cm all-chrome version:- While most Nikon folks are fond in focusing on the Nikkor-P 85/2. Many do not realize Zeiss JENA has a very good telephoto at this focal length too. I think mainly due to Leica had seemingly very contented in kept refining their established lens group of 73/90mm focal length LEITZ lenses* while within the Leize lens family, Leica only has an excellent Summarex 85/1.5 (1943~1960) (where Nikon eventually brought their fast lens speed 85mm telephoto Nikkor-S 1:1.5 f=8.5cm in 1951 to take on the Leitz); and thus, the Zeiss Sonnar 85mm 2.0 was often being compare to the Nikkor-P as both lenses share similarities in identical focal length/maximum lens speed. However, I guess there was not a secret where Nikkor-P 85/2 embodies with a strong flavor of the Zeiss design inside out as during the Nikon RF infancy stage, German optical designs were often being used as basis for the oriental makers. So, to be fair, we should also adjust/tune our thinking where it should be other way round whenever we are doing an accessment of a product appeared at the time of the period. The adoption of the optical design for the entire product cycle of the Nikkor-P, despite it has gone through so many changes physically has remained using the same optical construction of 5 elements in 3 groups design throughout. In this respect, I would think there is any question in doubting the optical excellence it can deliver for photographers as this was exactly where Japan overall optical industry were first being introduced to the West. So, it would be an acknowledgment to find a oriental made optic was used on a Contax rangefinder cameras. * RELATIVE:- Velostigmat 9cm f/4.5 | ELMARIT 90mm f/2.8 | THAMBAR 90mm f/2.2 | ELMAR (FAT) / ELMAR 90mm f/4.0 | SOOZI Summicron 9cm f/2.0 | SEOOF Summicron 90mm f/2 | Hektor 7.3cm f/1.9 | SUMMAREX 85mm f/1.5 Two different designs of the Carl Zeiss 85mm f/2.0 Sonnar appeared in different stages/mount version. The above is Contax. The left has a LSM configuration. In general, I would think during the initial stage, Nikon had been carefully accessing the difering architecture between Leica and Contax as well as other aspect such as marketing etc. which had them finally settled with Contax/Zeiss framework as the basis for their Nikkor bayonet lens design for their S-series models. This decision had probably resulted with some of the share identical lens handling features between the two Companies in some examples such as rotational direction of the lens from RIGHT-->>LEFT (Leica operates the other way round i.e. LEFT-->>RIGHT). Even the major segment in aperture / focusing and lens mounting section but with an exception of the rear ring portion. Other differences are just the thickness and dimension of the individual rings. Typically with a Contax Mount Nikkor-P 1:2 f=8.5cm telephoto lens are quite similar with the Nikon bayonet version.       There are a few lens features that separate the Nikon from the Contax-mount models. The MAIN problem is, I still have NOT come across any of the MIOJ TOKYO Nikkor-P 85/2 in Contax mount yet which made the issues here a little muddy (unclear) here so, all I can based on is this "EP" model where presumably was either occupation OR just after but before the next version upgrade which has a different black/chrome appearance NOTE:- I have placed this explanation on else where in the Nikkor site. But just to save you from clicking to other pages just to find out what the hell is this mark stands for. An "EP" marked item was just to differentiate mechanize / goods that sold during the post war Japan era. EP engraved items were distributed via military "duty-free" outlets or sometimes referred as PX distribution system during the period. Technically, you can refer them as the same with "MIOJ" (Made in Occupied Japan) products except EP extends longer period for the US troops in Japan after quoted "MIOJ" on products were expired. Case stufy references on some of the Contax-mount models introduced at different stages:- compare compare compare compare compare compare First was the added aperture of f/22 and f/32. It was indicated on the DOF scales as well. This addition was also being replicated over to the LEICA late Nikkor-P 85/2 models (refer to the LSM section above this). Another inclusion which was missing in most of the MIOJ Tokyo edition on Nikon bayonet models is the infra index that also was provided on the LSM models. However, as the difference in lens handling property, the Contax models has the index placed at the left after the distance index and it was red colored. One thing that kept puzzled me was why this was not made as standard feature on the all chrome MIOJ Tokyo edition on the Nikon mount models. Lastly, all the models made for Contax has an inscription of a "C" on the other side of the lens tube. Note: at least one version that had surfaced that uses without the ' ' symbol encasing the alphabet "C". It uses different font too (see a few lines below this).     There are a few things that worth mentioning from these lovely pictures prepared by Kelvin LI from gokelvincameras, UK. Have you notice the original box that camealog with the Contax-mount Nikkor-P 85/2.0 ? It was printed with "NIKKOR COATED LENS f=85mm f/2" - Nikon had gone into details even for marketing aspect as Zeiss late version often used the metric scales of "mm"" instead of "cm" (However, the Guarantee Card was still using "cm" in the lens data). The depth of field scales leaflet was printed in apple green while most early Nikon own DOF chart were either B/W or in orange/yellow. Lastly, the rear cap has improved appearance with fine, ridge edges isn't it ? Frankly, I am not too sure when did all these Contax-mount versions were being produced, but they seemingly exhibit a better overall chrome finishing (well, may bebe Kelvin has special interest in the Contax and take better pictures which makes them sparklingly brighter than those for the Nikon-mount and Leica SM models, hehe. ...). The model with S/N 292903 at the right hand side has a different "C" (Contax-mount Nikkor lens) used on the lens barrel. This was the first model that I encountered without and open/close inverted comma. Besides, it uses a different type type face. The usual engraved marking is marked 'C'. To me, the differences can be minute, but all I am interested was during the time of change, does the Contax models have other changes too ? --->>> Basic Technical Specification for Nikkor 1:2 f=8.5cm Tokyo (w/ "MIOJ" marked on lens barrel/lens cam) versions ONLY telephoto lens:- NOTE: for 2nd series Nikkor-P 1:2 f=8.5cm, please use the Specification sheet appears on next section. Lens Mount: Nikon Bayonet S-mount for Nikon RF camera models Compatible Models: Nikon S-series rangefinder models; Leica SM and Contax Mount versions available Focal Length: 85mm (8.5cm) / Maximum / Minimum Aperture: f/2.0 / f/16 Angle of View: 28° 30' (Diagonal); 16° /24° (Horizontal/Vertical) Optical Construction: 5 elements in 3 groups Minimum Focusing Distance: approx. 1m (approx. 3.5 ft on scales) ~ OO; (Marked values: Feet ONLY for all models:- OO, 50, 30, 20, 15, 12, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5 , 4, 3.5' Infra Index: Not available on Nikon models, (R) symbol provided on LEICA SM models Excellent displays of Depth of Field scales as well as clearly layout distance scales - a feature which was less attentive by Nikon in all the modern Autofocus Nikkor lenses. Rotational Focusing direction: RIGHT-->> LEFT (Nikon, Contax); LEFT -->> RIGHT (LSM)   Depth of Filed Scales: f/16, f/11, f/8, f/4, at the left (229k Jpeg) Magnification ratio: 1.7X; Filter Attachment Size: 48mm (P=0.75) Snap-On, Screw-in type / Series VII Dimension: Weight: approx. 15oz Standard Accessories: Front/Rear lens cap*, slip-on matching chrome Lens hood** as standard accessories. Optional: various options for Optical Finders (8.5cm model); (Varifocal/variframe) - subject to Nikon RF model used; leather lens case, optical filters etc. * Early version slip-on metal lens cap with NIKKOR word, 2nd design with Nippon Kogaku TOKYO logo ** Reversible storage type, lens cap can be hood on at the rear.     Other Information: Early Nippon Kogaku Tokyo series were all having chrome finishing. Those units have engraved "MIOJ" (Made in Occupied Japan) marking located on lens barrel. Second series with engraving of "MIOJ" being moved to rear cam section; Third series with "Made in Japan' replaced "MIOJ" at same location of the rear metal cam. models with "Nippon Kogaku Japan" please refer to next section. There is no known version so far that supplied with metric scales (Please send me some pictures if yours is having this information to update/correct the info that appears in this site). Original listed/Suggested retail price in Japan: 38,000 Yen. This lens was also made available in Contax bayonet mount as well as in Leica Screw mount (M39). Serial Numbering References:- Early MIOJ Tokyo versions starts from 801xx 5 digits S/N. (probaly less than 200 units). Followed up units could had been started from 9031xxx~904089 (1,000 units). 3rd series 286500~287300 (less than 1,000 units). Total Number: approx. 2,000 units. 4th batch Made in Japan series from 288941~288941 (1,700 units). Ref: Mr. Robert Rotoloni, author of An Illustrated History of Nikon Rangefinder Cameras. NOTE:- THIS SITE REQUIRES An EARLY Series of CONTAX MOUNT MIOJ series model of Nikkor-P.C 85/2 for illustration purposes, anyone can contribute some pictures ? previous | NEXT | 2/5 The next lens update of thie Nikkor-P 85/2 occured after 1953 Part One - Early / Variations | Part Two - Early LSM/Contax models | Part Three - Chrome barrel f/f32 | Part Four Black barrel f/32 | Part Five (Nikkor-S 85mm f/1.5) W-Nikkor-O 1:4 f=2.1cm | W-Nikkor.C 1:4 f=2.5cm | W-Nikkor.C 1:3.5 f= 2.8cm | W-Nikkor.C 3.5cm lens Group (3.5/2.5/1.8) | Stereo-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=3.5cm | 5cm (50mm) lens group | RF Micro-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=5cm | Nikkor-P.C 1:2 f=8.5cm lens group / Nikkor-S.C 1:1.5 f=8.5cm lens group | Nikkor-P.C 1:2.5 f=10.5cm lens group / Nikkor-T 1:4 f=10.5cm | Nikkor-Q.C 13.5cm lens group: 135/4, 135/3.5 Early / Last Version, 135/4 Bellow lens | Nikkor-H 1:2.5 f=18cm | Nikkor-Q 1:4 f=25cm | Nikkor-T 1:4.5 f=35cm | Nikkor-T.C 1:5 f=50cm | Reflex-Nikkor 100cm f/6.3 System Accessories for Nikon Rangefinder cameras Optical Finders (4 parts):- Fixed Focal length Finders (index page): 2.1cm, 2.5cm, 2.8cm, 3.5cm, 35cm Stereo, 5cm, 8.5cm, 10.5cm, 13.5cm | Variframe / Varifocal / Sport-frames | Nikon Reflex Housing Nikon S36/S72/S250 Motor Drives / S36 Manual | light meters | Nikon RF Flash/Speedlights | Close-up photography / Repro Copy Outfit / Nikon Bellow Focusing Device (in progress) | Cases/Compartments | Lens & body caps, Lens Hoods/shades, Original Price Lists | packaging/boxes Instruction Manuals Related info:- Main index page for Leica/Leitz | Contax/Carl Zeiss | Seiki Kogaku (Canon) | Message Board | lenses | Message Board | RF cameras Back to - Nikon RF-Nikkor lenses:- Main Index Page | Message Board | for your Nikkor optics Nikon Auto Focus Nikkor lenses:- Main Index Page Nikon Manual Focus Nikkor lenses:- Main Index Page   Nikon F | Nikon F2 | Nikon F3 | Nikon F4 | Nikon F5 | Nikon F6 | Nikkormat / Nikomat | Nikon FM | Nikon FE/ FA | Nikon EM/FG/FG20 | Nikon Digital SLRs | Nikon - Other models | Back | Main Index Page of Pictorial History of Nikon SLRs about this photographic web site Home - Photography in Malaysia Credit:- Special thanks to all the contributors of images and content which made up the basis of the site. Note:certain content and images appeared in this site were either scanned from official marketing leaflets, brochures, sales manuals or publications published by Nikon over the years and/or contribution from surfers who claimed originality of their work for educational purposes. The creator of the site will not be responsible for may discrepancies arise from such dispute except rectifying them after verification."Nikon", "Nikkormat", "Nippon Kokagu KK" & "Nikkor" are registered trade name of Nikon Corporation Inc., Japan. Site made with an Apple G5 IMac.