The Nikkor-S.C 50mm f1.4, produced by Nippon Kogaku, is a rangefinder-coupled standard lens designed for the Leica L mount. Introduced in October 1950, it followed the earlier Nikkor-S.C 50mm f1.5, which was a direct copy of the Zeiss Sonnar. The f1.4 version incorporates unique improvements, evolving the design is in 7 elements in 3 groups, Sonnar type. This lens is characterized by its soft and pleasing rendering at wide open apertures, making it a delightful choice for portraiture and artistic photography.
The distance markings are indicated in feet, with rangefinder coupling effective up to 1 meter, transitioning to non-coupled operation beyond that point. It is capable of close-up photography down to approximately 46cm, a feature that, while perhaps not deemed essential at the time of its release, is quite advantageous in today's mirrorless camera landscape.
This particular unit is one of the early models, distinguished by the unique "discard number" 5005 found in its serial number. The design was finalized in May 1950, leading to the numbering convention of 50(Year)05(Month). Only about 2,000 units with this discard number were produced, with both Nikon S mount and Leica screw mount variants available.
However, it is important to note that this lens exhibits signs of yellowing in the glass. A radiation meter test revealed elevated levels of radiation in the lens compared to the ambient background radiation in the store. This suggests that it likely contains radioactive materials, a characteristic of certain lenses from this era.
While there are minor scuffs on the tip of the lens barrel, the overall appearance is quite good, showing minimal signs of use.
In 2023, the lens underwent a full overhaul, ensuring that the aperture and helicoid operate smoothly and comfortably, just as they did when first sold. The rangefinder coupling is functioning perfectly, allowing for precise focusing.
The glass elements are in remarkable condition, free from noticeable cleaning marks or fogging, delivering a beautifully clear optical performance. Real-world test results have confirmed its excellent capabilities.
Included with the lens are the original screw-in lens hood marked with the EP logo (the accompanying leather case also bears the EP mark), a genuine UV filter (L38), and the original black front cap. This lens is not only a great addition to any photography kit but also an appealing choice for collectors.
