Nikor 55mm 1,2 questions

[ray*j*gun]

I have been contemplating buying a 50mm 1,2 AI lens (or AIS if the price is right) for my Nikon F, Nikkormats and D90. During my search for the right value I keep seeing 55mm 1,2 Nikors and it started me wondering why Nikon built a 50 and a 55 super fast lens. So the question is, does the 55 provide some unique capability over the 50....in other words is the 55 more of a specialty lens ........ is there a difference aside from the obvious 5mm focal length?

Thanks guys!

 

[JMQ]

The Nikkor 55/1.2 was the earlier version, produced from Dec 1965 thru 1977 or 1978. While fast, the image was only so-so at full aperture. The 50/1.2 was its successor with superior performance even at 1.2, and production started in 1978. There is also the superb but expensive Noct-Nikkor at 58mm/1.2

 

[johannielscom]

Have a look here and all your questions will be answered, even the ones you did not know yet you had!

Edit: the whole site is brilliant, this fellow Dutchman has created an extensive site on all things Nikon. He's the alternative for mr. KR 😉

 

[ray*j*gun]

Johan and JMQ thank you thats exactly what I wanted to find out.....I have bookmarked the site Johan...it does look amazing!!

Thanks again.

 

[johannielscom]

Johan and JMQ thank you thats exactly what I wanted to find out.....I have bookmarked the site Johan...it does look amazing!!

Thanks again.

It does, doesn't it? I just spent some time there reading up on Nikon RF's, only to find out I knew virtually nothing about those beauties!?

Anyway, enjoy that fast Nikon lens you're gonna get!

 

[Paulbe]

Johan--let me add my thanks for the tip on that Nikon site.
I can foresee many hours of reading on the horizon!
Thanks again...
Paul

 

[hans voralberg]

I own on 55 for the Nikon and one converted to M-mount by Amedeo, while it's much softer than the AI/AIS 50mm it has some veiling flare and glow which looks nice if you're into that sort of thing.