b/w samples from original 43-86 Nikkor zoom

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:

thescream.jpg
 
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
 
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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.
 
ampguy said:
... 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 .... ...
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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.
 
Thanks Warren and Chris,

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

Warren T. said:
Interesting "look". I like #11 of 26. :)

--Warren
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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.

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