Nikkor-S 50mm f1.4, later version. Nikon S mount with a black barrel. Serial number in the 380,000 range.
Its optical design traces its roots to the Zeiss Sonnar 50mm f1.5 for Contax cameras, with 7 elements in 3 groups. This black-barrel version was made lighter than the earlier 50mm f1.4, weighing only about 142g on our scale. Filter size is 43mm.
Many photographers also enjoy using this lens on Leica and mirrorless cameras via adapters. Around wide open, it produces a smooth, soft, and delicate rendering. Stop it down by about three stops, and the image becomes noticeably sharper.
A classic old lens that can be enjoyed at a very reasonable price!
There are only light rub marks on the chrome at the front from attaching and removing the hood, along with minor paint loss on the aperture ring. Overall, the exterior is quite clean.
A full overhaul was completed in July 2026. The aperture ring operates smoothly with pleasant click stops.
The glass shows very slight balsam separation along the edge of the rear element, a common issue with this lens, but it should have virtually no effect on actual images. Otherwise, there are no cleaning marks or haze, and the glass is clear and bright.
The original front cap and hood are included. The cap shows traces of repair to a crack.
