Filter options for RF Nikkors

gzuiko

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I've just bought another 5cm Nikkor lens for my S, this one is a very nice Nikkor-H.C. f2. It has been my practice to keep my lenses protected with a Sky or UV filter, and previously I was lucky enough to already have a 43mm Asanuma & Co. 43mm UV that fit my f1.4 5cm Nikkor-S.C when I got it.

However I find myself searching out either a vintage filter for this newly acquired lens, or if by chance anyone might know of a currently manufactured 40.5mm filter with the proper pitch for the old rf Nikkors.

So, just what are my options these days? My one attempt at buying an old Nikon UV filter ended badly with a USA made Nikon filter that refused to clean off its hazy coating. What do y'all do with yours? I realize some don't believe in covering vintage glass like this, but I'd rather protect my investment.

Thanks,

Jim Thomas in snowy DC
 
Thanks Jim, I think this one, as well as all the others made later than 1960 or so, will have the wrong thread pitch and won't work without binding and probably getting stuck. I've got a modern one I use on my Sonnar 5cm f2.0 (on my Contax II). the filter won't work because of the different thread pitch and unless I find an old one from the 50's it isn't going to work. I appreciate the help though---

Jim
 
40.5 filters,

40.5 filters,

i have a stack of 40.5 filters, tiffen, vivitar, pro, promaster spectrum ,hoya, walz, circular polarizer (no name), all fit my 5cm f:2 no. 633xxx series lens,
the walz filters are probably from the 60's chrome filter rings, rest are black rings, probably from the 70's and 80's,
jim
 
Hmmm... well, I guess my 40.5 UV is the exception then.

But no worries, I have a genuine Nikkor chrome filter on the way!
 
I've found the threads on Schneider Filters were somewhat picky, but did go onto my Vintage Nikkor 5cm F2 without problems. The same filters fit the Jupiter-3 and Jupiter-8, and Zeiss 5cm/50mm Sonnars of all vintage. The filter on the 1935 5cm F1.5 Sonnar fits the Nikkors.
 
I received in the mail today an L39 chrome Nikon filter in 40.5mm that fits perfectly, as it should, and is very low profile as well, so this is the best possible outcome. Thanks for all the input.

Jim
 
Hello,

I have a 2005 35/1,8 Nikkor: I read that it can take a standard E43 B+W UV filter? Can somebody enlighten me?

Thanks,

Thomas
 
Thomas, the 2005 version 35/1.8 is unusual in that the pitch of the 43mm thread is 0.75mm and the pitch of the 48mm thread is 0.50mm. The vintage 35/1.8 uses a pitch of 0.5mm for both thread sizes.

I'm not up to date on Leica designations but from memory the pitch of an "E" thread is 0.50mm, so an E43 filter is not the right filter size for the 2005 version 35/1.8.

BTW I don't use a hood or the original 48mm lens cap on my 35/1.8 so don't use the 48mm thread at all. I much prefer to use a 43mm lens cap and the 43mm thread for filters. Though be careful not to screw any filters on too tight, as it might bind to the front optical group, and when yo go to remove the filter you'll end up unscrewing it along with the filter (its quite a shock at first but not fatal to the lens - I'm speaking from experience here ;)).

Also, take a look at this thread below.

Filter sizes and thread pitches
 
Thanks a lot, Jon! btw, Any idea from where I can buy a .75mm thread pitch 43mm UV filter? Or aren't standard B+W filters made with a .75mm thread pitch?
 
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Thomas, looks like B+W filters are also made with a 0.75mm pitch so they should be available anywhere where B+W filters are sold. In fact, I think its considered the standard size these days. AFAIK all modern lenses (Zeiss ZM lineup, CV lineup, Nikkors, etc.) use a flter attachment thread pitch of 0.75mm.

Link to B+W filter handbook here.
 
I have a 43mm 81A from B+W that I believe works on all of my s-mount lenses aside from my 5cm f/1.1, but I'm not 100% that I tried it on the 35/1.8. I know it works on the CV 21, 2.8cm/3.5 and the Millennium 50.
 
I have a 43mm 81A from B+W that I believe works on all of my s-mount lenses aside from my 5cm f/1.1, but I'm not 100% that I tried it on the 35/1.8. I know it works on the CV 21, 2.8cm/3.5 and the Millennium 50.

I assume its the W-Nikkor 2.8cm/3.5 not the CV 28/3.5. Does the filter screw on all the way? Sometimes you get lucky.
 
Yes, the W-Nikkor 2.8cm f/3.5. I thought the pitch would be off, but it's perfect. The filter threads in all the way.
 
Just to confuse things a little. My Nikkor 2.8cm/3.5 takes 34.5mm filters, or A36 filters, or Summitar filters in an adapter ;)
 
I just double checked and my B+W 81A 43mm filter works on CV 21/4 SC, 2.8cm/3.5, 35/1.8 Reissue, and 50/1.4 Millennium.
 
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