Nikkor 35mm F2.5 thread size???

[rvaubel]

I just received a Nikkor W 35mm F2.5 for my Leica M8. I need an IR filter but have been unable to determine filter size other than it is smaller than 39mm. Most of the information I find on the internet is for a very rare version of this lens which accepts a 43mm filter thread. Mine appears to be an older version with a smaller filter and a round infinity lock. d€oes anyone know anything about this lens or its performance?

Rex

 

[VinceC]

My 1957 Nikon Handbook says the Leica version of this lens takes 34.5mm filters, or Series VI.

(43mm is very common for Nikon-mount versions of lenses).

 

[wes loder]

filter and sharpness of 35mm f2.5 Nikkor

filter and sharpness of 35mm f2.5 Nikkor

All of the Nikkors in Leica thread mount except the 35mm f1.8 took 34.5mm filters, a common size in Leica thread mount lenses at that time. Nikon continued to use that same filter size for many of its enlarging lenses and, of course, the RF Micro-Nikkor and the 105mm f4 Nikkor in both F and RF mount.

As for the sharpness of the 35m f2.5: it should be excellent. Better than the Biogon, or any Leitz wide angle of that era. Probably the sharpest wide angle Nikon made for the RF series. The modern multi-coated 35mm f1.8 might yield a better performance. Nikon used the same formula for the "normal" lens for the Nikonos.

By contrast, the Tessar-formula 35mm f3.5 W-Nikkor seldom impressed anyone, although it was popular because it was so inexpensive. WES

 

[dberger]

I just received a Nikkor W 35mm F2.5 for my Leica M8. I need an IR filter but have been unable to determine filter size other than it is smaller than 39mm. Most of the information I find on the internet is for a very rare version of this lens which accepts a 43mm filter thread. Mine appears to be an older version with a smaller filter and a round infinity lock. d€oes anyone know anything about this lens or its performance?

Rex

The rangefinder Nikkor 35/2.5 is a very good lens -- certainly usable wide open and gets better stopped down. You may have to get used to its handling, since you have to focus the LTM version using the infinity lock/tab (this was typical of the time).

As someone else pointed out, the LTM version has an oddball 34.5mm filter thread. Nikon made some filters of this size, but they are quite hard to find and priced accordingly. I found a no-name 34.5-to-40 step up ring on ebay, which offers versatility. I do not know if Nikon ever made a hood for the lens, but the Leitz FOOKH (made for the early 50mm Elmar and 35mm Summaron) works fine.

Cheers,

David

 

[dberger]

All of the Nikkors in Leica thread mount except the 35mm f1.8 took 34.5mm filters, a common size in Leica thread mount lenses at that time. Nikon continued to use that same filter size for many of its enlarging lenses and, of course, the RF Micro-Nikkor and the 105mm f4 Nikkor in both F and RF mount.

As for the sharpness of the 35m f2.5: it should be excellent. Better than the Biogon, or any Leitz wide angle of that era. Probably the sharpest wide angle Nikon made for the RF series. The modern multi-coated 35mm f1.8 might yield a better performance. Nikon used the same formula for the "normal" lens for the Nikonos.

By contrast, the Tessar-formula 35mm f3.5 W-Nikkor seldom impressed anyone, although it was popular because it was so inexpensive. WES

I always thought that Nikon was the only lens maker to use the 34.5mm filter size, since many older screw mount lenses made by Leitz and many others take 34mm ones. In fact, Leitz, Canon, Minolta, and Topcon each made a series of 34mm filters. Needless to say, I was perplexed when I first got a Nikkor LTM 35 and none of my 34mm filters fit.

Comparing with other lenses, I feel that the post-war Biogon is equal to the Nikkor, although it is very expensive and unavailable in LTM. The Summaron 35/2.8 is also outstanding and is probably my favorite slow 35 -- it just makes great pictures all around. That lens too is very expensive (excepting the goggled M3 version, which I have), especially in screw mount. For the price, the Nikkor 35/2.5 cannot be beat among the classic LTM 35's.

(Before I get roasted: I know the Canon 35/2.8 is a nice lens and less expensive than the Nikkor, but I do not think it is as good. A well made Jupiter 12 is also a fine choice.)


Cheers,

David

 

[furcafe]

I agree w/you (& disagree w/Wes) on this point. IME, the w-Nikkor is optically equal, but not superior to the post-WWII W. German Biogon for Contax RF. The f/2.5 v. f/2.8 maximum aperture is a minor advantage to the w-Nikkor, & the black version is substantially lighter in weight than the Biogon. Both lenses are pretty flare-resistant for their era.

Alas, I have no experience w/the pre-WWII Biogon or the coated Jena postwar update (or the Soviet Jupiter version) of that lens.

Comparing with other lenses, I feel that the post-war Biogon is equal to the Nikkor, although it is very expensive and unavailable in LTM.

Cheers,

David

 

[Joe Vitessa]

I have the LTM version and it is a great lens. Sharper and more contrasty than the Canon 2.8. My only beef with it is that it's difficult not to change the aperture ring when you change the focus.

Joe

 

[ZivcoPhoto]

Rex

I use the Leitz FOOKH on my W Nikkor 35mm F2.5 in LTM. I've got plenty of 39mm filters (the size you are now at with this adaptor) to cover any shooting requirement. They are fairly commonplace and inexpensive.....the filters.

I use an inexpensive aftermarket 39mm "wide angle" lens shade when conditions dictate and the lens has never flaired or vignetted with this set up.
The original snap on Nikkor shade for this lens I once saw on the big auction site for several thousand dollars.

The FOOKH adaptor makes this lens easy to use.....I got mine for reasonable price from Sandy Ritz Collectables.

THis is a very fine lens, in addition to using my LTM version on a Leica, I have a several in Nikon S mount.

 

[Limpovitj]

Rex

I use the Leitz FOOKH on my W Nikkor 35mm F2.5 in LTM.
...
The FOOKH adaptor makes this lens easy to use...

Maybe I'm tired and confused, but aren't you talking about the SOOGZ (A36 to E39)? The FOOKH is the hood for the 35mm Elmar (and A36 Summaron), right?

 

[rvaubel]

The rangefinder Nikkor 35/2.5 is a very good lens -- certainly usable wide open and gets better stopped down. You may have to get used to its handling, since you have to focus the LTM version using the infinity lock/tab (this was typical of the time).

As someone else pointed out, the LTM version has an oddball 34.5mm filter thread. Nikon made some filters of this size, but they are quite hard to find and priced accordingly. I found a no-name 34.5-to-40 step up ring on ebay, which offers versatility. I do not know if Nikon ever made a hood for the lens, but the Leitz FOOKH (made for the early 50mm Elmar and 35mm Summaron) works fine.

Cheers,

David

OK, thanks fellows. So my little jewel takes 34.5 mm filters. That presents a rather interesting dilema on the M8 with regards to IR filters. I don't suppose that B+W or anyone else for that matter is going to provide 486 IR cut filters in such a strange size. Fotohubert in Germany has B+W 486 filters in 34,35.5 and 36mm but no 34.5mm. Anyone got a solution?

Rex

 

[VinceC]

>>Anyone got a solution?<<

Step-up ring to a more common filter size.

 

[rvaubel]

>>Anyone got a solution?<<

Step-up ring to a more common filter size.

Good suggestion except where does one get a 34.5mm to anything step-up ring?

Rex

 

[xayraa33]

I use 36mm push-on filters for my Nikkor 35/2.5 LTM lens.
the 34.5 screw in filter is hard to find as it is an odd ball size.

 

[dberger]

In a previous post, I wrote that I had a 34.5-to-40mm step up ring. Well, I lied 😱. I dug it up and it turns out that I have a 34.5mm series IV adapter ring. It was made by Ednalite, and the writing on the ring is: Ednalite USA 661. With it, I have used series filters and the Canon series hoods. The Leitz FOOKH is easier and a smaller package when filters are not needed.

A quick look on ebay revealed this auction for 34.5mm (and other) series adapters. Cheap at twice the price 😀 (no affiliation).


Cheers,

David

 

[ZivcoPhoto]

Rex, as I was recently corrected, about the particular adaptor made my Leica and fairly easy to get, the "SOOGZ" is a 36mm clamp on adaptor (on to your lens barrel) and allows you to use the standard 39mm thread filters. I am sure that when Leica started recently making special corrective filters for the M8, the first size they made was 39mm - the size of the the more popular lens made by Leica - the 50mm Summicron versions.

As I stated before, with my LTM 35mm Nikkor and this adaptor made by Leica (SOOGZ - I stand corrected) I can use any standard 39mm filter made by Leica.

So in your case you could get an IR filter in 39mm and screw it on for your M8.

You can always Google Leica SOOGZ, and you'll find plenty of information on this very finely finished adaptor. It is not your average generic step up ring, it is a very well engineered and manufactured piece of equipment.