Just run into a Nikon M with 1.5/50 !

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Wouter

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Totally unexpected, I ran into this kit at the brazilian auction site today. I found lots of info on the body, but the lens is somewhat enigmatic and seems to be quite rare. Does anybody have more information ?
 
I haven't received it yet ...

I haven't received it yet ...

but will post pictures of body and lens when I do.
 
lens

lens

it was a $2000 lens, at least it was about 2 years ago. not sure now, the last one i had was a screw mount version i think i sold it for about $1500. good luck!
 
5cm 1.5

5cm 1.5

The lens was only made for about a year , it was original on a Nikon m.
There were about 800 made in Nikon bayonet and another 500 in Leica screwmount .
The reason it was only made for a short time is that it was replaced by the 5cm 1.4 .
Nice find .
 
This lens is only for collector I think. You can simply use Nikkor 50mm f1.4 in Leica-screw-mount instead in a pretty reasonable price.

Wish Wouter could post some pictures to show this rare lens. That would be great if you can also use this lens to take some pictures. : )
 
pics tomorrow

pics tomorrow

KEVIN-XU 愛 forever;1843020 said:
This lens is only for collector I think. You can simply use Nikkor 50mm f1.4 in Leica-screw-mount instead in a pretty reasonable price.

Wish Wouter could post some pictures to show this rare lens. That would be great if you can also use this lens to take some pictures. : )
Click to expand...

I'm receiving it tomorrow, will post some pics of course.
 
The seller went to post it and at the postoffice discovered that express shipping would be more than he had charged me. He then decided to send it by economy shipping ... :( Result: I have to wait a week longer. And that for a 5 dollar difference. Some people never learn how to be professional. Needless to say I told him quite strongly I didn't like the way he had proceeded.
Nikon Kiu I can send you some high res pics of the equipment - once it arrives - if you inform your email by pm. If you want to see specific details, please inform.
Cheers
 
So here it is: Nikon M with 1.5/50 lens

So here it is: Nikon M with 1.5/50 lens

I received the camera and lens a couple of days ago. Some time went into cleaning (!) and testing. I am sure a tech could clean it up better by partially dismounting it, something I do not have the guts to do. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the optical elements are in really good condition and that the camera, despite its age and apparently active workspan, is fully functional, with clean, clear and contrasty view-and rangefinder.

Attached some pics. Let me know what you have on info on this camera and Nikon history of the early 50ties period.
 

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and some more ..

and some more ..

Some more pics:
 

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Wouter

Based on the pics and looking at Bob Rotoloni The Complete Nikon Rangefinder System book (get one, seriously it's an investment and great reading) both body and lens match.
The lens is the most interesting because from the "907" series, it has a different style of engraving (in fact yours is 11 serial numbers after the one in the book) than the other later "907". This lens model had more lens made in Leica mount (408) than on Nikon S mount (389). It's optical formula is unknown but Bob writes to be close to Sonnar design. It was made during the "Occupation" hence the engraving with "TOKYO", these lens are the so call "Tokyo Lens".
Cherish the baby and show some pics with it.
 
migtex said:
Wouter

Based on the pics and looking at Bob Rotoloni The Complete Nikon Rangefinder System book (get one, seriously it's an investment and great reading) both body and lens match.
The lens is the most interesting because from the "907" series, it has a different style of engraving (in fact yours is 11 serial numbers after the one in the book) than the other later "907". This lens model had more lens made in Leica mount (408) than on Nikon S mount (389). It's optical formula is unknown but Bob writes to be close to Sonnar design. It was made during the "Occupation" hence the engraving with "TOKYO", these lens are the so call "Tokyo Lens".
Cherish the baby and show some pics with it.
Click to expand...

Thank you migtex. I'll sure take some pics with this lens and post them here.
 
A very nice find. That's the lens that made Nikon/Nikkor famous. Life photographer David Douglas Duncan used a Leica-mount version of this lens to cover the start of the Korean War in 1950, and word very quickly spread through photography circles and photo magazines that a no-name Japanese company was making lenses that we sharper than their German counterparts. Within a few months it was improved to the much more widely available 50/1.4.
 
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