Nikkor-P.C 8.5cm f2, early version for Nikon S mount. This highly acclaimed lens was famously used by D.D. Duncan during the Korean War. Manufactured around 1950.

Serial number 903xxx. This unit belongs to the second production batch with the test number 903, following the earliest 801 series. It was the 847th lens produced in this lot, placing it in the later phase of the 903 batch. While the construction as a Hachigo Nikkor was mostly complete at this stage, it differs slightly from later models in several ways, such as a slightly wider name ring, absence of aperture click stops, and a minimum aperture of f16.

Made in Japan under Allied occupation, it bears the engraved marking Made in Occupied Japan (commonly known as MIOJ). The name ring is marked Tokyo. The lens design is a 3-group, 5-element Sonnar type. Distance scale in feet. Weighing 484g (measured without caps), it feels substantial in hand, though slightly lighter than the Leica mount version.

Rare item.

There are some signs of wear and minor scratches from regular use, but no deep scratches or dents are observed.
Fully overhauled in June 2025. The aperture and helicoid operate smoothly. Rangefinder coupling is accurate.
The front element shows several shallow cleaning marks, and the rear element has a few small scratches, but these are unlikely to affect image quality.
Comes with a well-equipped set of accessories: genuine two-piece aluminum hood that can hold a filter, black paint screw-in hood cap, heavy rear cap for S-mount external bayonet, leather lens case, 8.5cm Tokyo-marked viewfinder with its own leather case, and the original box.