Additional
information on
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Nikon
(Nippon Kogaku K K) Nikkor-P.C 1:2.0 f=8.5cm (RF
Nikkor 85mm f/2.0)
Telephoto lens for Nikon S-Mount Rangefinder cameras - Part I - Early Models
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Introduction:- The colorful history behind
the Nikkor 80mm lens group can directly associated in emergence of Japanese optical industry
during the '50,
so, it can be very sentimental to any Nikon fan. Along with the early series of 3.5cm/f3.5,
5cm/f2.0, 5cm/f3.5, 13.5cm/f4 which had formed the basis as Nippon Kogaku K.K. first
batch of Nikkor lenses made in their own S-mount, the Nikkor-P 1:2 f=8.5cm telephoto
lens was introduced as a new attempt at this focal length by the Japanese optical
Company. It was known that during pre-Nikon S-series models, Nikon was more like
an independent 3rd party contract manufacturers just like the way with labels such
as Sigma, Tokina or Tamron today. The only thing that interests me was, Nikon has
opt for Contax's 85mm
Zeiss Sonnar
rather than from Leica's more popular focal lengths of 73mm (Hektor f/1.9 1931~46) and 9cm
Elmar f/4
(1931/51). Well, I do know Leica did offered a Summarex 8.5cm f/1.5 (1943~1960) but it
didn't had a mass market appeal where the Zeiss 85/2.0 SONNAR was more successful
commercially due to affordability There are basically two lens speed available in
f/2.0 and f/1.5 in the Nikkor 85mm lens group with the latter that directly aiming
at the Leica fast speed lens while seemingly the f/2.0 had Contax/Zeiss as target.
As Nikkor-S f/1.5 versions were introduced quite late in 1953. Overall, at the 85mm
focal length, Nikon was more inclined for Zeiss design/market rather than from Leitz.
It was equally interesting to note that another Japanese manufacturer, Canon has
also offered their 6 E/4G all chrome LSM-mount Canon SERENAR 85mm f/2.0 as early as in 1948
(MK II/1952). So, this partly has explained basis of selection for Nikon in their
short telephoto focal length at 85mm -as they had competitions domestic and internationally. |
FAT
Elmar
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9cm
f4 Elmar
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SEOOF
9cm/f2
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SOOZI
9cm/f2
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Elmarit
90/f2.8
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Thambar
9cm f/2.2
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Summarax
85/1.5
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Zeiss
85/f2
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Zeiss
Opton 85/2
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Zeiss
Triotar 85/4
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Zeiss
Opton 85/4
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Serenar
85/f2
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Serenar
85/1.5
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Canon
85f/1.8
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Canon
85f/1.9
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S.K.
Komura 85/1.8
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Just
let me show you with a rough idea how congested this short tele-focal length was
during that era. Many major brand names which included 3rd labels usually offered
two options (please take note the lenses highlighted below had different year of
releases that may not coincide with Nikkor 85mm lenses. Some within the pages have
different mount such as M42 mount lenses. The links was meant for cross references
only:-
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BIOTAR
75/1.5
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Hektor
7.3/f1.9
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Along with the
Nikkor-P
10.5cm 1:2.5
(1954), both Nikkor-P 8.5cm f/2.0 were the two best selling Nikkor rangefinder medium
telephoto lens. The short Nikkor telephoto lens was among the 5 original Nikkor lenses
that were introduced when Nikon decided to introduce their own series of camera with
the Nikon
1
in 1948. It was during the post war Japanese occupation period and much of the Japanese
optical as well as camera manufacturing ideas were still largely based on replication
of idea/concept from the German who had a more matured manufacturing industry. IF
you are observant, the Nikkor-P 1:2 f=8.5cm was Nikon first attempt to break out
from conventional supplies of popular focal lengths such as 35mm and 50mm where Nippon
Kogaku K.K. all along had gained some expertise in the design and manufacturing of
these lenses. |
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Their early effort
towards the last quarter of the '40 saw many variations which seemingly had been
targeted mainly on improving the lens handling aspect which we can witness today
via the used photographic equipment market. Each of these models are representing
not only the progress in lens development but also had reflected the state of the
industry as a whole during the period. Lastly, Nikon had added an ALTERNATE Nikkor-S.C
1:1.5 f=8.5cm
which came with a very fast lens speed of f/1.5 in 1951. The 8.5/1.5 was only supplied
in a typical black/chrome finishing and NONE was produced in all chrome finishes.
Credit: Image copyright
2008 Jon Mitchell® from Australia.
Image Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. You can access Jon's portfolio
at Flickr
for more creative visual. Please respect the visual property of the contributing
photographer.
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So, in comparison,
the 8.5/2.0 can be more complicated. Technically, we can separate the flow along
these changes within the 85/2 series into three main categories for the purpose of
discussion i.e. Occupation (Tokyo) / Post Occupation (Tokyo) and the
established Nikon rangefinder system (Black/chrome N.K. Japan) period. Please
take note that Nippon Kogaku at the initial stage was still a relatively unknown
player, so the basis of Company financial was still heavily basing on producing alternative
optic for the German. Which means ratio for Leica and/or Contax mount versions could
probably occupied a significant portion of the early produce but as it went along
with gradual acceptance of Nikon by the photographic community, the ratio changed
in tandem. This was the main reason why the series of the early Nikkor lenses esp.
within the 35, 50, 80 and 135mm designed for Nikon rangefinder cameras can have so
many variations to address in a site. |
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First of all, TYPICALLY - all known versions within the occupation/post occupation
85/2.0 have a basic heavy brass on chrome construction. The differences among them
were basically in details in accordance to changes in the periods such as aperture
lacks positive click-stops feel among the earliest versions. The LEICA SM and Contax
mount models appeared during this period have respective lens characteristics of
their own which based on the operating mechanism of the two German companies. The
last batch of Nikon 85/2.0 was introduced after Nikon had eventually established
their footing in the market was more straight forward. They can be easily recognized
via the black/chrome finishing in their exterior design.
Generally, all the lenses within the 85mm lens group exhibit excellent product a
quality. They are quite heavy due to adoption of chrome/brass combination which helps
to project a solid, rigid quality feel. Models that were appeared just before and
after the Nikon S seemingly had better layout and clearly defined lens features as
well as inscriptions of data.
<<<--- Shown is
a typical Nikon's own bayonet S-mount Nikkor-P 1:2 f=8.5cm Nippon Kogaku Tokyo telephoto
lens. It has four rings (aperture, focusing, index and lens mounting rings). Unless
there are versions that I am not aware of, all variations among the series have FEET
series only. The minimum aperture is f/16 with DOF scales cater for f/16, f/11, f/8
f/4 and f/2. All the models typically have lens data printed with "Nippon Kogaku
Tokyo S/N Nikkor-P.C 1:2 f=8.5cm".
The "C" indicates
all lenses within the series of 8.5cm are coated optic.
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Nikon (Nippon Kogaku
K.K.) Nikkor-P 1:2
f=8.5cm (RF Nikkor-P 85mm f/2.0)
lens for bayonet S-mount Nikon Rangefinder cameras Year Introduced: 1948#; Discontinued: 1964/5 # Nikon indicated
date in their official web site. Other sources: Nikon RF illustrated History has
suggested March, 1948; but it was mentioned as April, 1949 (Nikon Hand Book). |
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The earliest Nikkor-P 1:2 f=8.5cm telephoto
has only provided with 5 digits serial numbering control for prioduction. I guess
this has partly reflected the state of confidence during those early days towards
their S-Series rangefinder camera system. From the various figures compiled from
various collectors on most of the other lenses, I think Nikon probably had the same
thought of realising a 6-digits production figures would be unimaginable with their
prevailing position in the market. It is indeed very difficult to locate such an
early model but luck strikewhen I began the site construction, a seasoned Ebay Auctioneer,
Kelvin LI from gokelvincameras, UK shown me a version of his collection (but
Kelvin has not indicated how much does he put a price tag on this lens).
As uillustrated via the pictures below, the overall workmanship during the early
stage by Nikon was quite rough in details. The apertures control was not offered
with click stop mechanism yet. Most of the lens inscriptions of lens data were seemingly
hand engraved. The letterings are quite large in comparison to later models. An important
point is, where there might be doubt if all the series of 85/2 are coated, this lens
data encoded from this early Nikkor lens had already suggested it was native coated
with the "C' marking printed after the lens data at the front.
Other than the "C" and a tiny red dot index mark, all lencoded letterings
and numerals on aperture/distance scales are printed in black. |
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Well, in the
eyes of Nikon RF system collectors, this original rangefinder-type Nikkor-P 8.5cm
1:2 TOKYO MIOJ telephoto lens can be an ABSOLUTE classic piece ! I wpuld think
it is an extremely hard to find piece of optical glass whcih has been maintained
in such imaculate original condition. As shown, the S/N of the lens is encoded with
a rare, short 5-digits 80130 which indicates it
was among the first series produced. The original metal lens hood had an old style
type face "NIKKOR" word engraved
onto. Also please take note of the overall larger charactors used appearing on the
lens data.
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This old,
antique classic collector lens also has a f/16 minimum aperture. Depth of field scales
cover all f-stops EXCEPT for f/5.6 and NO click-stops mechanism. There is NO color
coded index either, neiher any Infra Index was providedin this early model. |
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The
numerals look more like being hand engraved rather than machine grilled, overall
in this area it was quite rough. The " Made in Occupised Japan" (MIOJ)
is printed on the other end of the all-chrome lens barrel.
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Credit: All images of this
Ver.1 series courtesy of Mr. Kelvin
Li
from his popular gokelvincameras @ Ebay Store which retails for
many hard-to-find Nikon, canon, Contax oldies. Image Copyright © 2008. All rights
reserved. Please respect the visual property of the contributing photographer.
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Nikon (Nippon
Kogaku K.K.) Nikkor-P 1:2 f=8.5cm Tokyo
MIOJ (Rear Cam) - 7-digits S/N version
This sample lens
came with a S/N 9031129 - no typo mistalke here, it carries a SEVEN DIGITS serial
number. The lens cap has reverted to a "NIPPON KOGAKU, TOKYO" engraving.
"MIOJ" engraving has
been moved to the uppper side of the cam at the rear lens mount section. The lens
case also has the same logo at the top. Numeric for distance scales and f-stops still
remain large. Not really sure if this was an experiemental model to find an appropriate
S/N system during a specific era. IF not for the MIOJ at rear lens cam location,
where the 903xxx batches still retaining the on lens barrel numbering, I would think
these may be the pre-903 series model. The lens has one significant change with the
solidly built, updated NIPPON KOGAKU TOKYO name engraved on top of the lens cap as
standard acccessory (the rear cap has not been printed nor engraved with the cumtomary
NK logo as appeared in many of the LEICA / CONTAX MIOJ Tokyo models. |
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The MIOJ is printed on the cam at the rear whcih may suggest this could be the 2nd
series. A point of interest is the lens cap. It has new interface with Nippon
Kokagu TOKYO logo printed on the metal cap. Similarly, the leather lesn case
also has an embosssed logo of Nippon Kogaku TOKYO. |
Assuming the
mode featured above was just an co-incidental mode, the next version that followed
AFTER the initial batch of the Nikkor-P 80/2 release still carried with many of the
basic features found on the earliest 801xxx group. However, Nikon has used a different
serial production number which began from 90xxxx where a common 6-digits S/N was
used. The MIOJ was still encoded on the lens barrel shown with the number 903422
below. The journal, An Illustration of Nikon rangefindeer camera had suggested the
2nd batch of this may be less than 1,000 units. However..... |
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Nikon RF 85/2
Tokyo MIOJ S/N 903422 Early, with MIOJ mark on lens barrel, use big letters engraved
at front rim (like the earlier #801-series), w/ faint
front coating mark. This version has indicated "C". Lastly, distance scales letetring
are also in large letters.
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Credit: All images courtesy
of Mr. Kelvin
Li
from his popular gokelvincameras @ Ebay Store which retails for
many hard-to-find Nikon, canon, Contax oldies. Image Copyright © 2008. All rights
reserved. Please respect the visual property of the contributing photographer. |
Nikon (Nippon
Kogaku K.K.) Nikkor-P
1:2
f=8.5cm Tokyo
"Made in Japan" at rear cam
Cont....
if we accept the theory
that 9031xxx ~904089 was within that 2nd batch, this Nikon RF Nikkor-P 85/2 Tokyo
with S/N 904035 shown below may challenge the thought. It has an unknown year of
release and embodies with most of the basic lens features found withn the 2nd bactch
with one difference: It has an ODD "Made in Japan" engraving instead
of the usual "MIOJ" engraving and it is located at the rear lens cam, w/one
4mm separation on the edge. I am not a historian. But if we assume the Author quote
is correct. The only logical explanation to this was, some national pride had Nikon
experimenting how to get rid of the "Occupied" word in their line
of products but not getting approval from the US military. |
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The odd
"made in Japan" encoding at the top of the lens cam at the rear sction
found in this model. Another issue is, the quality of produce on various lens features
such as data and overall quality has improved from the late series of the 90xxxxx.
CLICK on 3x thumbnail(s)
below for enalrged view(s)
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Nikon (Nippon
Kogaku K.K.) Nikkor-P
1:2 f=8.5cm Tokyo MIOJ
(Rear Cam)
"hyphan" at end of 6-digits Serial Number
Collecting
oldies can be a very tedious process. Some people may feel offended with this remark
because this may imply all owners of Nikon rangefinder cameras are not photographers.
Well, don't be. But with today modern techno cameras offering the kind of shooting
comfort as well as exposure accuracy, it may relegate the ratio in chances of using
these RF gears solely for photography to less than 15%. You may ask why ? Here is
another example. For some strange reasons, Nikon has added a mysterious batch of
unknown quantity with an odd ":" after the 28xxxxx batch - supposedly it
was verified by guru collectors as third batch of the Nikkor-P 85/2 Tokyo MIOJ series.
The journal by Robert Rotoloni has suggested based on his finding that the 3rd batch
carried with S/N 286500~287300 (800 units). So, this oddly spec Nikkor 85/2 was somehwere
in between the series. |
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NOTE: This
is another unknown Nikkor-P 85/2.0 Tokyo MIOJ version which carries an interesting
":" at end of
serial number. "MIOJ" engraving has been moved to the uppper side
of the cam at the rear lens mount. The lens case also has the same logo at the top.
Numeric for distance scales and f-stops still remain large. The lens construction
has greatly improved with cleaner finishing.
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Case study
references:-
NOTE:- Before
we skip to other sections, I think we should also allocate some columns to address
some of the alternate LEICA SM and/or Contax versions of this Nikkor-P 1:2 f=8.5cm
telephoto lens. Please bear in mind, the index page page as well as the next section
cover the models with "MIOJ" marked on
lens barrel andor Rear lens cam only. Similarly, the spec sheet appears
on the next page is also confined to this all chrome Nikkor lens model. IF yours
is a newer version (With "NIPPON KOGAKU JAPAN" inscription on the lens
data printed on the front rim just beneath the filter thread, you should refer to
THIRD page). There may be some variants that fall neither here or there during the
trasitional change from occupation period to the "new" Japan era, it will
be discussed where it relates. |
| NEXT | 1/5
various
Leica SM and Contax-mount versions on this Nikkor-P 85/2
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
Nikon RF-Nikkor lenses (Rangefinder):-
Main Index Page
Nikon
Auto
Focus
Nikkor lenses:- Main Index Page
Nikon Manual
Focus
Nikkor lenses:- Main Index Page
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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
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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
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