3.5cm/2.5 Sample Variation?

[MaxElmar]

I've been into rangefinders for many years but I'm new to Nikon RFs. After looking for few years, I just got an S2 and I'm looking for some lenses to hang off it. Are these pretty much the same through all the versions? Chrome/black - does it matter? (I'll be using it with a VC finder.)

I hope to gather the Nikkor 50/2, 35/2.5, and 85/2 and a few VC "S" mount lenses when I want a modern look.

 

[VinceC]

Nikkor lenses are generally consistent in quality throughout the production run (which really lasted in earnest less than a decade). Image quality with the 35/2.5 is the same throughout the iterations. Some very minor changes in coatings over the production runs, but the coatings themselves have held up very well. The chrome lens is significantly heavier, which is the primary difference. If you think you'll be carrying multiple lenses, it could be worth paying extra for the black barrels.

 

[CameraQuest]

generally the black Nikkor NRF lenses are better shooters as they are much lighter and have better lens coatings.

the chrome Nikkor NRF tend to cost less except for the various early rare MIOJ collector lenses.

buy Rotoloni's book on the NRF system. Its a MUST.


Stephen

 

[VinceC]

Also, there isn't original sample variation, but some of these 55- to 65-year-old lenses have been taken apart and serviced over the years, making it possible they weren't put back together quite correctly.

 

[MaxElmar]

Thank you, gentlemen. I appreciate it. I've been thinking about getting a Nikon RF ever since I first read Stephen's amazing site almost a decade ago! I have a a few Barnacks, Canon P, and a Bessa T. I enjoy and shoot them all. What can I say? It's a disease.

My day job is photography and communications and my film/rangefinder work is how I blow off steam and refresh my creativity.