Nikkor-P.C 8.5cm f2 Late model. Nikon S-mount. External bayonet. The sleek combination of black paint and silver chrome gives it a sharp appearance. It was introduced in 1948, with the early versions featuring a chrome-plated silver barrel. It employs a 3-group, 5-element Sonnar-type optical design, with a filter diameter of 48mm. The distance scale is marked in feet. This particular unit, with a serial number in the 497xxx range, is considered part of the final production lot.
At maximum aperture, the lens produces a slightly soft image with dramatic vignetting, creating a unique rendering. Stopping down to around f4 dramatically increases sharpness, fully showcasing the lens's exquisite resolving power.
This lens is renowned for its historical significance, as it was used and praised by D.D. Duncan during the Korean War, bringing international recognition to the excellence of Japanese-made lenses. The black barrel version is somewhat rare and complements both silver and black camera bodies beautifully.
Even with modern mirrorless digital cameras, this lens can be enjoyed via an adapter. The craftsmanship of the barrel and hood is outstanding, and simply holding it gives a sense of precision, making it a truly endearing lens.
There are hardly any signs of use. This is an exceptionally beautiful piece that retains much of its brand-new feel. However, the tip of the included hood shows some paint wear. All parts are functioning correctly. The glass has two very faint cleaning marks near the edges of the front element, but they have virtually no impact on actual shooting. Otherwise, the glass is clear with no haze, providing excellent optical condition. The coatings on all surfaces are well-preserved, allowing you to enjoy the lens's original image quality.
This set comes with the original hood, front and rear caps, and a leather case, making it an excellent choice for collectors as well.
