Nikkor-S·C 8.5cm f1.5. Nikon S-mount. A large-aperture medium telephoto lens made by Nippon Kogaku. A stately construction with black paint and chrome finish. Optical design consists of 3 groups and 7 elements. Distance scale in feet. The lens accepts 60mm screw-in filters, or Series 8 filters can be inserted into the two-piece hood.
It is said that a total of around 2,000 Nikkor 85mm f1.5 lenses were produced across three mounts—Nikon, Leica, and Contax. As expected from a large-aperture telephoto, the lens is filled with a generous amount of glass, giving it a solid heft. Actual weight: 548g.
Despite its extremely shallow depth of field, it delivers an appealing softness when used wide open. When stopped down, it produces crisp, high-resolution images—truly a lens with two distinct characters. A superb design that fully embodies the strengths of the Sonnar-type optical formula.
There is a very slight dent near the lock lever at the base of the lens barrel, but it does not affect mounting or focusing. Minor scuffs can be seen on the black paint and chrome areas, yet the overall appearance is good for this lens. The included hood, however, shows more signs of use, with noticeable wear and paint loss. The hood cap, which is often missing, is in excellent condition.
All mechanical operations are smooth, including the aperture and focusing helicoid, and the aperture blades are clean. The focusing accuracy and rangefinder coupling have been checked with our Nikon S test body, and image rendering was confirmed using a Leica SL.
There are a few light cleaning marks on the front element, and some typical balsam separation along the edge of the middle elements—common for Nikkor lenses—but none of these affect image quality. The glass is clear and free from haze or fungus, providing excellent optical clarity.
Comes with the original hood, the rare hood cap, a Toshiba Series 8 SL filter, and the original rear cap. Please note that the vintage Toshiba filter shows considerable wear and should be considered a bonus item.
A fine, practical Nikkor 85mm f1.5 for regular use.
