5CM f/2 Nikkor for SP -

[aoresteen]

I'm cosidering getting a 5cm f/2 Nikkor for my SP 2005. I have the 5cm f/1.5 Sonar for my Contax IIa so I'll get the f/2 Nikkor rather than the f/1.4.

What is a fair price for a late black 5cm f/2 Nikkor with execelent glass? I've looked at the auction site but mostly I see f/1.4 or chrome f/2 lenses.

Thanks!

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Not much difference in price between the two, and the late Black Nikkor 5cm F2 is less common than the Black F1.4.

I would expect $200~$250 or so for a black lens. About 1/3rd less for Chrome. The chrome lens is optically identical, and not too heavy. My 1948 Collapsible Nikkor 5cm F2 in LTM is optically equivalent to the late black-rim LTM lens. Both of my S-Mount 5cm f2's are chrome.

Our want-to-buy section in the Classified ad is free.

 

[Highway 61]

There are (basically) two versions of the chrome 50/2.
The first one (with scalloped front namering) is very heavy.
The second one (with flat namering) is of the same weight as the black one.
All are optically identical but they have different coatings colors.

I personally tend to favor the 50/2 over the 50/1.4. The vintage 50/1.4 is an excellent lens no doubt (few 1.4 primes of that vintage are as good) but with a few famous shortcomings. It's at its best at close-up. When used at general distance purpose it has some vignetting and you have to stop it down to f/4 for it to begin to equal the 50/2 as for definition.

I also have the Millenium 50/1.4 but seldom use it because the 50/2 is almost as good and way more compact and light.

I have enlarged some 24x30.5cm photos shot with the 50/2 on FB paper in my darkroom recently and have been floored by the performances of that little lens. Really stunning.

I have a very nice black 50/2 bought from Rover here. If you are persistent and patient you will get one eventually. You may want to get in touch with Jonmanjiro. Yes Japan is going through hard times but Jon might find one for you in a local shop - as Fred wrote, EPOI imported few of them and most of the black 50/2 never went out of Japan.