VinceC
Veteran
I just bought a black-barrel version of the 8.5cm f/2 Nikkor. These are fairly rare, because, by the time the black barrel Nikkors were introduced, the majority of Nikon photographers were switching to the 10.5cm focal length.
A couple of forum members expressed interest in comparing my two samples, in part to collect anecdotal evidence on whether the late black lenses use a modified optical formula.
The black lens was listed in 7 out of 10 condition, and that's about right. The filter threads are out of round (not all of my 48mm filters fit on it as a result), there are a few tiny marks on the coatings, the focus turns freely but feels like the lubricant is pretty dry. You can hear it rubbing. The seller said it was mainly stored unused for the last 25 years. The chrome lens has been a daily user for 17 years now but is in slightly better condition, smoother focus, fewer marks on the glass. The chrome lens has an <EP> mark on the mount lock, meaning it was sold in a military post exchange. However, my chrome lens is self-made hybrid. I broke it's front element on assignment about 15 years ago and swapped out the optical group with a Contax-mount Nikkor 85/2, shimming it to focus properly.
The chrome lens is a very late chrome serial # -- 400XXX.
The black lens is a very late black serial # 497XXX.
Weight:
Chrome lens weighs 375 grams / 13.2 ounces.
Black lens weights 325 grams 11.5 ounces (scale accuracy +/- 10 grams)
Coatings:
Chrome - predominantly blue-purple front, blue-purple rear.
Black - predominantly yellow front (like on the pre-AI SLR lenses) and purple with less blue on the rear.
One roll of test shots, including a few side-by side tests, showed no apparent difference in sharpness or contrast.
Attaching a photo of the two lenses, plus a couple of test shots from the new lens. (Note that I put a 48-52 stepup ring on the front of the black lens).
Closeup, wide open with black 85/2
And approximately f/2.8, with focus backed off a bit.
A couple of forum members expressed interest in comparing my two samples, in part to collect anecdotal evidence on whether the late black lenses use a modified optical formula.
The black lens was listed in 7 out of 10 condition, and that's about right. The filter threads are out of round (not all of my 48mm filters fit on it as a result), there are a few tiny marks on the coatings, the focus turns freely but feels like the lubricant is pretty dry. You can hear it rubbing. The seller said it was mainly stored unused for the last 25 years. The chrome lens has been a daily user for 17 years now but is in slightly better condition, smoother focus, fewer marks on the glass. The chrome lens has an <EP> mark on the mount lock, meaning it was sold in a military post exchange. However, my chrome lens is self-made hybrid. I broke it's front element on assignment about 15 years ago and swapped out the optical group with a Contax-mount Nikkor 85/2, shimming it to focus properly.
The chrome lens is a very late chrome serial # -- 400XXX.
The black lens is a very late black serial # 497XXX.
Weight:
Chrome lens weighs 375 grams / 13.2 ounces.
Black lens weights 325 grams 11.5 ounces (scale accuracy +/- 10 grams)
Coatings:
Chrome - predominantly blue-purple front, blue-purple rear.
Black - predominantly yellow front (like on the pre-AI SLR lenses) and purple with less blue on the rear.
One roll of test shots, including a few side-by side tests, showed no apparent difference in sharpness or contrast.
Attaching a photo of the two lenses, plus a couple of test shots from the new lens. (Note that I put a 48-52 stepup ring on the front of the black lens).
Closeup, wide open with black 85/2
And approximately f/2.8, with focus backed off a bit.
