Nikon S2 body with Nikkor 5cm f1.1 internal bayonet lens, dedicated caps, and leather case.
The S2 body is an early version in the 6.16 million serial range.
The Nikkor 50mm f1.1 was introduced in 1956, starting from serial number 119601, and this example is serial number 14, making it one of the very first lenses produced.
Only 835 units of the Nikon S-mount 50mm f1.1 were manufactured in total, including both internal and external bayonet types. For reference, even fewer Leica L-mount versions exist, with only 211 produced.
This lens is the internal bayonet version, known overseas as the Internal Mount. Production later shifted to the external bayonet type in 1959. It takes 62mm filters. Among Nikkor lenses for still photography, including those for the F-mount, it is one of the largest-aperture lenses ever made.
It features a modified Gauss design with 6 groups and 9 elements, using several surfaces made of newly developed rare-earth lanthanum glass. Considerable effort was required to achieve such an extremely bright aperture, involving repeated design revisions and prototyping over a development period said to have lasted two years. It represents Nippon Kogaku’s answer to the postwar fast-lens race that also produced the Zunow 50mm f1.1, Fujinon 50mm f1.2, Hexanon 60mm f1.2, Canon 50mm f1.2, and others.
Wide open, highlights exhibit a soft glow and the rendering becomes very gentle and diffused. From around f1.3, the image quality shifts dramatically toward a more stable, controlled rendering. Even among vintage lenses, this one is known for having exceptionally strong character and personality.
The lens shows almost no signs of use and clearly has been treated with great care. The plating has a beautiful finish and the semi-gloss black paint retains the look of its original era, making it a superb example in outstanding condition.
The body has only slight rubbing on the baseplate, and overall it is very clean with minimal signs of handling. There is a small deformation at the top of the lowercase n in the front Nikon logo, though it is difficult to determine whether this is from manufacturing.
Both the body and lens were overhauled in 2025. Thanks to the meticulous servicing, all operations are exceptionally smooth. The S2 viewfinder shows a few small traces of fungus, but the view remains very clear.
The lens glass is clean and bright, with no noticeable cleaning marks or haze. The well-known balsam separation often seen in Nikkor 50mm f1.1 lenses is present only slightly at the edge of an inner element, and it should have virtually no impact on actual photography.
Please note that when using a Nikon S to Leica M adapter, the rear lens guard will interfere with the rangefinder cam, preventing accurate focusing. This lens is best enjoyed on Nikon S-series bodies or on mirrorless digital cameras.
Test shots produced excellent results, and sample images have been uploaded to our gallery for your review.
The original front lens cap and leather case are included.
