Nikkor 85mm f1.5 (L)

Item No. 024394

Rarity: ★★★

※About rarity

The Nikkor-S.C 8.5cm f1.5, a large-aperture medium telephoto lens, was introduced in 1951. It is a Leica screw mount lens, made by Nippon Kogaku. The lens comes in both black paint and chrome-plated finishes, and it has a 3-group, 7-element design with feet scale markings.

It takes a 58mm screw-in filter. Please note that the L-mount version of the Nikkor 85mm f1.5 has a different filter thread and hood attachment method compared to the Nikon or Contax mounts. For reference, the filter size for Nikon S and Contax mounts is 60mm.

Approximately 2,000 units of this lens were produced across the Nikon, Leica, and Contax mounts. Due to its large aperture and telephoto design, the lens is heavy, weighing 588g (measured).

At full aperture, the lens produces soft, gentle rendering with beautiful bokeh. Its resolving power is excellent. Even when stopped down, it maintains sharpness without becoming overly harsh, offering sharp images. The rendering is distinct from the sharp characteristics of modern Nikon lenses, allowing for a unique shooting experience.

There is only a slight paint loss at the front edge of the barrel, and the overall appearance remains beautiful, just like when it was last sold.

It was fully overhauled in 2023, and the aperture and helicoid still operate smoothly. The rangefinder coupling accuracy remains excellent, even at full aperture.

The lens shows minor balsam separation as small white spots along the edge of the rear element, but it does not affect real-world shooting.

Thanks to meticulous servicing, the operation of all parts feels pleasant, and with its well-suited size, it makes for an enjoyable shooting experience.

Included are a rare dedicated hood similar to the one used for the Summarex 85mm, a hood cap, the original rear cap, and a case. This lens would be an excellent choice for both use and collection.

Mount:
Nikon S
Accessories:
hood, caps, case.
Condition:
94% A
Maintenance:
Checked
Warranty:
6 months warranty

Add to wish list

Rarity

Current model or easy to find.
★★ Can be found with some efforts.
★★★ Not easy to find. Once 1~2 months.
★★★★ Rare item. Once a year(it depends on shops).
★★★★★ Super Rare. Once 5~10 years or more (it depends on shops).