The legendary Nikkor-P.C 8.5cm f2, an early version with a chrome barrel. Nikon S mount with an external bayonet. The Nikkor 85mm was introduced in 1948. It features a Sonnar-type optical design with 5 elements in 3 groups. The filter diameter is 48mm, and the distance scale is in feet.
Wide open, it delivers a slightly soft rendering with rich tonal gradation and high contrast. Stopped down to around f4, the corner falloff becomes much less noticeable, the image grows more even across the frame, and the increased contrast transforms its rendering into something remarkably crisp and sharp.
This is a landmark lens famously used and highly praised by D.D. Duncan during the Korean War, helping establish the outstanding quality of Japanese lenses worldwide. It is also highly recommended for use on modern mirrorless digital cameras via an adapter.
The lens shows little sign of use and has a clean, attractive exterior. The plating is also in very good condition. The included aluminium hood is in similarly nice shape.
Fully overhauled in June 2026. Both the aperture ring and helicoid operate exceptionally smoothly.
The glass shows no noticeable haze or scratches, although there are several small fungus marks around the periphery behind the front element. It is a great shame, as the rest of the lens is excellent, but they should have virtually no effect on image quality. Focus has been checked using our Nikon S test body. We also carried out a shooting test on a digital camera, with very good results.
The original hood and hood cap, rear cap, and leather case are included.
