b/w samples from original 43-86 Nikkor zoom

[ampguy]

Body was F3, film Reala 100 developed for 12 min. in D76 1:1 @ 72 deg. F.

here

 

[Chris101]

Hey Ted, I've got this lens too. It's the corner piece of my 'grunge' series/style/voice. Whereas most Nikkors strive for ultimate sharpness and elimination of any aberrations, the 43-86 lets raw character shine through! Mine is an original which has been AI converted so I can use it on modern SLRs. Here's an example:

 

[raid]

My 43-86 is black, has a prong, and is Nikkor-C. Is this the second version?

 

[ampguy]

Hi Nick, great photo! Raid, I think there were about 4 or more versions of this through the 18 year run starting in '63. Mine is the very first version within this s/n range from the site here:

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/zoomsMF/4386mm.htm

In '74 they were updated possibly with coatings, and in 1976 this lens went through an optical revamp with its original 9 elements in 7 groups being altered to 11 lens elements in 8 groups design (those versions that have their S/N began with 774071

then AI in '77, with s/n 810001 or so, and then continued on to '81 or so.

I think they all had prongs, if factory AI'd, probably built in '77 or later. Here is a table with some info.:

http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html#43-xx

Note: According to Nikon Handbook by Peter Braczko, he believes serial number from 438611 to 554261 are the first version and may fetch a higher premium than series that followed later. Hmm ....

I love this first version, despite the distortion. It has the ultimate Leica Glow, and zooms!

addl. info. here:

http://imaging.nikon.com/products/imaging/technology/nikkor/n04_e.htm

 

[raid]

Ted,
Thank you for the detailed information. I may had the first version many years ago, and this one looks newer. I will check out its serial number when I return home tonight.

 

[Chris101]

... Note: According to Nikon Handbook by Peter Braczko, he believes serial number from 438611 to 554261 are the first version and may fetch a higher premium than series that followed later. Hmm .... ...

Roland Vink has more information on the dates and serial numbers here. Mine is 550XXX and certainly does have that glowie, old-time look to it's photos.

 

[Warren T.]

Interesting "look". I like #11 of 26. 🙂

--Warren

 

[ampguy]

Thanks Warren and Chris,

Mine is 510xxx, someday I'd like to try the version with more elements/groups to compare.

 

[ampguy]

Hi Warren

Hi Warren

I like 11 a lot too, 20 has more face showing, but the distortion on the R hand side (the window frame is straight!) is just incredible!

You can probably tell from other photos, but that line in the center is where the r hand side wall goes back several feet. I often shoot at that position so I can rest the camera on the deck and use a very slow shutter speed.

Interesting "look". I like #11 of 26. 🙂

--Warren

 

[raid]

My zoom has number 573XXX and is multicoated. Why is it type C and not type F?

 

[ampguy]

because F are not multicoated

because F are not multicoated

In that "type" category, F are used for up to pre or early '70s where yours is built around '74 and has multi-coating, which may be a good thing - post some examples if you get a chance.

You still have the early optical design, which changed around '76 to more elements/groups.

My zoom has number 573XXX and is multicoated. Why is it type C and not type F?

 

[raid]

OK. Now I know! The multicoating may be good to have with such a zoom.