rangefinderlove123
Established
The current 50mm 1.8 af-d is the same lens in a lighter, albeit more voluminous, barrel...
Your thoughts on Nikkor 50/1.8 AI-S Japanese pancake version
- Thread starter MP Guy
- Start date
- Latest activity Latest activity:
- Replies 832
- Views 73K
justjasper
Member
Hey folks! I'm looking to get a 50mm prime for my Nikon F3 to replace a Series E that I had. From the discussion here and elsewhere, it's looking like the 50mm/1.8 AI-S Japanese pancake (with serial number beginning with 2) is my best bet.
However, it's quite a bit rarer in the UK than the standard 50mm/1.8 AI-S pancake (with serial number beginning with 4). I'd be curious to hear peoples' thoughts on whether it's worth paying a premium for the Japanese version, and how much of a premium is worthwhile?
Many thanks!
However, it's quite a bit rarer in the UK than the standard 50mm/1.8 AI-S pancake (with serial number beginning with 4). I'd be curious to hear peoples' thoughts on whether it's worth paying a premium for the Japanese version, and how much of a premium is worthwhile?
Many thanks!
For the closer focus, yes, get the Japanese version.
As to how much, that’s an individual decision.
If you’re patient they pop up at fair prices, as not everyone knows about the specifics of these.
As to how much, that’s an individual decision.
If you’re patient they pop up at fair prices, as not everyone knows about the specifics of these.
James24
Well-known
You can find the close focus versions on Ebay from Japanese sellers relatively easily. As you say, they're very hard to find in the UK. Probably around GBP 150 for a decent one plus any Customs charges. But do look at quite a few - I have noticed several examples with fungus.
I got mine from here on rff. 🙂
Yes, although the manual focus action is not in the same league. I have a made in Japan version of the AF-D.
Weights:
pancake: 173g
AF-D: 157g
dourbalistar
Buy more film
I agree, most of the 50/1.8 pancakes I've seen on the Big Auction site and elsewhere rarely specify whether or not it's the Japanese version. You'd need to know what to look for, like the serial number beginning with 2 or the 0.45m close focus distance.
dourbalistar
Buy more film
Nikon FM2n, AI Nikkor 50mm f/1.8S, Ultrafine Xtreme 400, developed in LegacyPro L110 at 1:31 for 5.5 minutes.
2019.11.20 Roll #232-04234-positive.jpg by dourbalistar, on Flickr
2019.11.20 Roll #232-04234-positive.jpg by dourbalistar, on Flickr
Rob-F
Likes Leicas
Is the "Japanese" version any different optically than my 50mm f/1.8 Nikkor that focuses to 0.6 meter? Mine doesn't focus to 0.45M, but is nevertheless marked "Made in Japan." So what's the difference? How is the 0.45 version any more Japanese than the 0.6 version?
dourbalistar
Buy more film
Yes, maybe "Japanese-market version" is more precise.
dourbalistar
Buy more film
Nikon FM2n, AI Nikkor 50mm f/1.8S, Ultrafine Xtreme 400, developed in LegacyPro L110 at 1:31 for 5.5 minutes.
2019.09.25 Roll #221-04060-positive.jpg by dourbalistar, on Flickr
2019.09.25 Roll #221-04060-positive.jpg by dourbalistar, on Flickr
Rob-F
Likes Leicas
I see. For some reason the .45M version seems to get all the attention, even though the only difference is in the mount.
Same mount, but smaller/lighter than any of the other 50/1.8 varieties, and closer focus than the other pancake varieties.
dourbalistar
Buy more film
Nikon FM2n, AI Nikkor 50mm f/1.8S, Ultrafine Xtreme 400, developed in LegacyPro L110 at 1:31 for 5.5 minutes.
2019.10.21 Roll #228-04194-positive.jpg by dourbalistar, on Flickr
2019.10.21 Roll #228-04195-positive.jpg by dourbalistar, on Flickr
2019.11.20 Roll #232-04256-positive.jpg by dourbalistar, on Flickr
2019.10.21 Roll #228-04194-positive.jpg by dourbalistar, on Flickr
2019.10.21 Roll #228-04195-positive.jpg by dourbalistar, on Flickr
2019.11.20 Roll #232-04256-positive.jpg by dourbalistar, on Flickr
Enjoying your pics with this lens, dourbalistar
🙂
🙂
james.liam
Well-known
So, the difference between the two is simply closer focus?
dourbalistar
Buy more film
Thanks! I've only had the lens for a few months, but it's quickly become a favorite.
The Japanese-market version has rubber focus ring, while the other pancake has a plastic focusing ring. The MIR site also notes one more "feature".
dourbalistar
Buy more film
Nikon FM2n, AI Nikkor 50mm f/1.8S, Ultrafine Xtreme 400, developed in LegacyPro L110 at 1:31 for 5.5 minutes.
A peak plus one and a half domes. by dourbalistar, on Flickr
A peak plus one and a half domes. by dourbalistar, on Flickr
dourbalistar
Buy more film
Nikon FM2n, AI Nikkor 50mm f/1.8S, Ultrafine Xtreme 400, developed in LegacyPro L110 at 1:31 for 5.5 minutes.
2019.11.20 Roll #232-04239-positive.jpg by dourbalistar, on Flickr
2019.11.20 Roll #232-04248-positive.jpg by dourbalistar, on Flickr
2019.11.20 Roll #232-04251-positive.jpg by dourbalistar, on Flickr
2019.11.20 Roll #232-04239-positive.jpg by dourbalistar, on Flickr
2019.11.20 Roll #232-04248-positive.jpg by dourbalistar, on Flickr
2019.11.20 Roll #232-04251-positive.jpg by dourbalistar, on Flickr
dourbalistar
Buy more film
Nikon FM2n, AI Nikkor 50mm f/1.8S, Ultrafine Xtreme 400, developed in LegacyPro L110 at 1:31 for 5.5 minutes.
2019.10.21 Roll #228-04222-positive.jpg by dourbalistar, on Flickr
2019.11.20 Roll #232-04243-positive.jpg by dourbalistar, on Flickr
2019.11.20 Roll #232-04244-positive.jpg by dourbalistar, on Flickr
2019.11.20 Roll #232-04246-positive.jpg by dourbalistar, on Flickr
2019.10.21 Roll #228-04222-positive.jpg by dourbalistar, on Flickr
2019.11.20 Roll #232-04243-positive.jpg by dourbalistar, on Flickr
2019.11.20 Roll #232-04244-positive.jpg by dourbalistar, on Flickr
2019.11.20 Roll #232-04246-positive.jpg by dourbalistar, on Flickr
Similar threads
