Nikkor-Q.C 5cm f3.5 in Leica screw mount, with rangefinder coupling. Early narrow-waist barrel design. International aperture scale: f3.5, 4, 5.6, and so on. Tessar-type optical design with 4 elements in 3 groups. Engraved Nippon Kogaku Tokyo. Serial number in the 5710xx range. Distance scale in feet.
The roots of the Nikkor 50mm f3.5 can be traced back to the lens fitted to the Hansa Canon in 1935. This example, however, is believed to have been produced after manufacturing resumed in 1945, shortly after the war, and supplied for Leica screw mount compatible cameras such as the Canon SII.
Developed as Nippon Kogaku shifted its production toward civilian products after the war, this lens is a symbolic example of the postwar recovery and development of Japan’s optical industry.
This example is believed to have been manufactured in 1945, making it a very early Nikkor 50mm f3.5. It uses a standard Leica screw mount and screws fully into Barnack Leica cameras without interference.
A rare piece.
There are relatively few signs of use, though some deterioration to the plating and scratches on the mount surface can be seen. Considering that this lens was manufactured in Japan immediately after the end of the war, these imperfections are perhaps understandable. The mount surface is stamped 4C. If anyone knows what this marking signifies, we would be very interested to hear from you.
A full overhaul was completed in June 2026. The aperture and helicoid now operate smoothly with a pleasantly moderate amount of torque. Test shots using the rangefinder also produced good results.
The glass is clear and bright with no haze. A faint coating is applied only to the front and rear surfaces of the first lens element.
Sample images are available in our Test Shoot Gallery. Perhaps due to the manufacturing tolerances of the immediate postwar period, a slight amount of uneven sharpness can be seen across the frame, but the center renders clearly and sharply even wide open.
An original Bakelite front cap and a metal rear cap are included. Both caps are stamped Made In Occupied Japan.
