Fujinon 50mm f/1.2 – Early Type, Chrome Barrel
A rare restock of the early Fujinon 50mm f/1.2, featuring a chrome and silver-painted barrel. Released in 1954, this version has a straight helicoid and distance scale marked in feet.
This early version is considered somewhat of a prototype, with production said to be limited to around 100 units — making it an exceptionally rare lens. It differs in several ways from the later black-barrel version, including the shape of the rings and infinity lock. While the later black version features an amber-toned coating, the early chrome model displays both purple and amber hues.
It was released during the height of Japan’s fast-lens competition era, alongside lenses such as the Zunow 50mm f/1.1, Hexanon 60mm f/1.2, Nikkor 50mm f/1.1, and even lesser-known examples like the Leonon 50mm f/1.2.
The bare lens weighs 398g, and 424g with the filter ring attached.
This particular lens bears a serial number ending in 50 — a clean, memorable number.
On early white Fujinon lenses, the aperture and focusing rings may appear chrome-plated at first glance, but they are actually silver-painted — and many examples show corrosion or peeling in these areas. However, this particular lens has maintained a remarkably clean exterior.
Aside from a small patch of paint wear on the aperture ring, there are virtually no signs of use — it’s in beautiful cosmetic condition.
The front element shows a few light cleaning marks, but otherwise, the glass is clear with no haze or balsam separation — bright and crisp throughout.
Fully overhauled in April 2025. Operation of all rings is smooth and precise.
On our demo Leica M10-P and M11, there is a slight front-focus tendency around the 1–2 meter range, but stopping down by one or two stops brings the subject into the depth of field. This focus behavior appears to be consistent with how the lens was originally manufactured.
Test results were excellent — please refer to our Test Shots Gallery for sample images.
Comes with the original Fujinon filter ring that also serves as a hood, as well as the case and genuine front and rear caps bearing the FUJINON logo.
