Nikkor 50/2 Collapsible early Tokyo Version

[goamules]

I like Sonnars, and have used most of the fast ones including the Jupiter 3, Nikkor 1.4, Canon 1.5, Tanar 1.5. But the only F2 I have is a J8, seldom used.

All this Nicca talk made me look at getting another, and I found one with an early Nikkor 50mm F2 collapsible. I'm looking forward to comparing it to all the others. I'd like to hear what others think of the Collapsible version. Is it as sharp as the rigid? I read the aperture is not click stops, but I'm ok with that. I mostly got the body because I like uncommon or "rare" lenses. Some are good, some are rare for a reason!

Example shots appreciated.

 

[Mackinaw]

According to Rotoloni, the collapsible and rigid versions of the Nikkor 50/2.0 share the same optics (but I’m guessing there are coating differences). I own a rigid 50/2.0 and it’s a fine lens. I suspect the collapsible version will be the same.

Jim B.

 

[goamules]

Thanks. I'll give a report when I get it.

 

[rgraphex]

goamules did you just win the tower 3 with the collapsible nikkor yesterday on that auction site ? Looked like a good deal.

 

[furcafe]

Per Mackinaw's post, I have a collapsible Nikkor-H (Tokyo, c.1948), but the front element has enough scratches to be noticeably lower in contrast than my later rigid (c.1953-6). The scratches are consistent w/descriptions of the coating in that time period being softer, more like Leitz than Zeiss. Sharpness should be the same, but I would be careful w/the front element.

 

[ferider]

Does any of you know if the Nikkor collapses properly on the M ?

Thanks.

 

[furcafe]

It collapses fine on the 240. Like the CZJ 5cm/2 collapsible for the Contax, which was probably the model, the Nikkor-H's lens barrel is very short.

Does any of you know if the Nikkor collapses properly on the M ?

Thanks.

 

[ferider]

Thanks !

adding message length .....

 

[goamules]

I'll try it on my M3 when it comes too. After a few days waiting with no tracking number appearing on ebay, I pinged the guy. He had "gotten busy going to more estate sales to pick more things to sell...and hadn't shipped yet". Good customer service, eh?

We'll see how it looks, I paid about 1/3 more than I wanted to (ever notice how bidding nowadays ALWAYS ends at your absolute maximum amount? I think ebay is shilling us somehow). It's always a risk buying from a non-camera person, and I'm not picky if things are broken or less than ideal - when they're cheap. When prices get high, you are risking a lot.

 

[goamules]

Got the lens, it's in pretty good shape. Don't need the Tower / Nicca Type-3 though, so I'll put it up for sale.

 

[goamules]

Shot with the lens.

 

[marek_]

Hi,

I've found a collapsible version but it doesn't lock into position when extended. Changing the aperture rotates the barrel. I'm guessing there has been some ware to the three notches or to where they sit when extended and twisted into position.

Does anyone know how to rectify this? It can be a basic fix or something more complicated. I would like to be able to collapse the lens so fixing it to the extended position is of no use.

I'm guess that over years of use, this is a common issue with older collapsible lenses.

Thanks for any help coming my way,

Mark

 

[goamules]

It should be fairly firm when it is turned into the open position. You pull it out, then turn it about 1/5th of a complete rotation. It doesn't really lock, it's a friction fit. You cannot see what the lugs are actuating against, it's inside the barrel. Make sure you are completely turning into the "locked" position, and that there is no old grease in there preventing it. If yours is really loose, look at the lugs at the rear of the barrel, when collapsed. Are they worn?

 

[raid]

I have the rigid Nikkor 5cm/2. It is not the version labeled TOKYO.
These old Nikkor lenses were built very well.

[hand shake?]

 

[goamules]

I'm sure both versions of the 50/2 are just as good.

I did compare the faster 50/1.4 versions, Tokyo vs Japan. I was surprised, but the earlier Tokyo was better, less spherical aberrations wide open.
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=138957

 

[raid]

Roland also once mentioned something to that effect, Garrett. I sold my Tokyo version Nikkor.
I also have the Millenium Nikkor, which is a very good lens.

 

[marek_]

It should be fairly firm when it is turned into the open position. You pull it out, then turn it about 1/5th of a complete rotation. It doesn't really lock, it's a friction fit. You cannot see what the lugs are actuating against, it's inside the barrel. Make sure you are completely turning into the "locked" position, and that there is no old grease in there preventing it. If yours is really loose, look at the lugs at the rear of the barrel, when collapsed. Are they worn?

Hi,

Thanks for your words.

There's just no friction to hold it in place once you've rotated 1/5 of a turn. The lugs look to have some ware, but nothing that looks defective. Which part of the lugs cause the friction? The outer edge of the or the sides?

If it's friction and not some locking mechanism that holds it in place, then adding some friction in some sort of way might do the job. Any experience in doing this?

Mark

 

[goamules]

Nope, sorry. You could send it to DAG, if you want a professional fix. I've been shooting mine a lot, it's very nice.

 

[goamules]

Nikkor Tokyo 50/2 Collapsible.

 

[Bingley]

Nice lens and nice shots, Garrett!