I recently got my hands on a Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 prime lens. Nikon released this version of the lens in 1964, so it’s definitely got some vintage qualities to it. I love the old look of the lens and it produces good photos. The lens isn’t perfect, but for the low price you’d pay for this lens I’d say it’s a good buy.
I made quick real world use video review of the lens. If your interested in that kind of thing give the video a watch.
Thanks for stopping by, Rob
with their RF lenses at 85mm focal length. In fact, the first 85mm Nikkor telephoto lens that has a f/2.0 maximum lens aperture was introduced back in 1948 ! They have even another FASTER lens at f/1.5 version introduced in 1951 with a different optical formula. This reflex version of the short telephoto lens for 35mm Nikon SLR photography was first introduced in August, 1964. The fast f/1.8 aperture of this lens was once the fastest lens among many Nikkor telephoto lenses introduced during that period. The relatively large maximum aperture of this lens facilitates easy focusing under poor light conditions and is especially suited for indoor and night photography.
Shown at far left couyld be the earliest version one can traced in a reflex mount Nikkor 85mm telephoto. Not marketed broadly though.
NOTE:- Refer to theRangefinder Nikkor lenses section for more infoCredit
: Image of the Rangefinder Nikkor 85mm f/2.0 lens displayed at far left courtesy of Mr. IGOR® Copyright © 2003.
The "moderate" 85mm focal length and the convenience of direct single lens reflex viewing with SLRs provides proper image magnification and natural perspective, making this lens among few favorite optic for those who often covers half length portraiture, theatrical photography and as well as in photojournalism. Many Nikon faithful have rated this lens highly for its high resolution and outstanding contrast produce across its entire aperture settings and focusing range but personally, I thought the Nikkor 85mm f/2.0 introduced at later years was even better - although the replacement lens in 1977 has a marginally slower maximum lens speed and that has apparently upset many stomachs who initially downgraded rating of that lens which supposedly aimed to replaced the older f/1.8 lens.Credit
: Image of the Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 AI modified lens displayed in this site courtesy of Mr. Biddle Worthington® Copyright © 2003.
A symmetrical-type design was used in this 85mm f/1.8 Nikkor-H lens which aimed to ensure satisfactory results be achieved even for close-up photography. There may have at least three known versions in this lens. The earliest version has as chrome lens barrel with a deeply ridge scalloped type focusing ring while the aperture ring is a finely ridged type of design [see picture at left]. This was followed by another two subsequent versions with and without lens coating indicator "C" after the NIKKOR-H engraved inside the filter ring while another known version has the lens data inscribed at the outer rim while the focusing ring has a wider grip design. Credit: Image of the Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 AI modified lens displayed in this site courtesy of Mr. Biddle Worthington® Copyright © 2003.
However, all these versions used a similar 6 elements in 4 groups optical design and exterior cosmetic doesn't really matter in this respect except the coated lens should has a higher premium over those that don't. Subsequently, prior to its discontinuation, this well built Nikkor telephoto lens went through another round of upgrade which saw many other physical changes to its exterior and most importantly, NIC lens coating process was featured in their production, it occurred in 1975 [see below for more info].
Specifications:
Focal length:
85mm Maximum aperture: 1:1.8 Lens construction: 6 elements in 4 groups Picture angle: 28° 30' Distance scale: Graduated both in meters and feet up to 1m [3.5ft] Aperture scale: f/1.8 - f/22 Aperture diaphragm: Fully automatic
Meter coupling prong: Integrated [fully open exposure metering]Front/Back view and an odd Container that holds the lens.Credit
: Images of the Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 AI modified lens displayed in this site courtesy of Mr. Biddle Worthington® Copyright © 2003. All rights reserved.
Attachment size: 52mm [P=0.75] Lens Hood: Built-in telescopic type Filter: 52mm screw-in Dimensions: 72mm dia. X 70mm length [2-27/32 in. X 2-3/4 in.] Weight: 420g [14.8 oz]
Accessories: 52mm Snap-On front cap [108 - 00 - 400], rear cap type F [108 - 00 - 401], 52mm screw-in lens hood [108 - 02 - 201, accepts hood HN-7], leather case [108 - 02 - 304], plastic case type S [108 - 00 - 300], flexible pouch No. 52 [1 08 - 02 - 302]Nikkor lenses of yester-years may be heavy but they has excellent built quality which is hard to compare by many modern lenses. See the satin chrome lens barrel of this image, you can almost feel the robust physical construction. Come to think of it, sometimes, why are people keep complaining a tiny wideangle is too heavy? Nikon probably is happy to learn that fact and replied with many plastic lenses to shut their mouths now...Credit
: Image of this Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 lense was contributed by Mr. Yakidiyak® . Image Copyright © 2003. All rights reserved.
Note: Michael Liu believes that there may have been an early 5 element, 3 group version Lens Hood $5.25 list [1967] Lens Case $10.50 list [1967] $199.50 list [1965]; $189.50 list [1967] Note: Production serial numbers may have been started from 188011 for this early non-Ai 85mm f/1.8 version
Product Code No. for this lens: 108-02-100
The 85mm f/1.8 Nikkor believed to have been gone through a lens updating process which occurred around the mid-seventies. The refinement made has enabled this non-Ai lens focuses closer and its appearance has a more typical modern Nikkor lens look. The built-in hood feature has been eliminated in this version. Like the 105mm f/2.5 Nikkor, this telephoto lens uses a symmetrical-type design which, despite its large maximum aperture of f/1.8, minimizes image deterioration at close distance and provides outstanding images even when closed-in-to 0.85m [3 ft]. This version may bear serial number 390001.See
more info at NEXT section of Pre-AI Nikkor 85mm telephoto lenses
Comparing the Specifications:
Focal length: 85mm Maximum aperture: 1:1.8 Lens construction: 6 elements in 4 groups Picture angle: 28° 30' Distance scale: Graduated both in meters and feet up to 0.85 m and 3 ft Aperture scale: f/1.8 - f/22 Aperture diaphragm: Fully automatic Meter coupling prong: Integrated [fully open exposure metering] Attachment size: 52mm [P=0.75] Lens Hood: HN-7 Filter: 52mm screw-in Dimensions: 70mm dia. x 70mm length [2-3/4 in. X 2-3/4 in.] Weight: 430g [15.2 oz] Accessories: 52mm Snap-On front cap [108 - 00 - 400], rear cap type F [108-00-401]. Lens Cases: CL-32, No 55, CP-1
85mm focal length Manual Focus Nikkor Lenses: Manual Focus Nikkor Lenses at 85mm focal length : | Early non-AI versions |pre-AI versions | Late 1970 | Early 1980 - present:85mm f/1.4 ; 85mm f/2.0 |AF-Nikkor 80mm f/2.8 for F3AF | Back | to Main Index Page of Manual Focus Nikkor lenses at 85mm focal length
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Recommended links to understand more technical details related to the Nikkor F-mount and production Serial Number: //rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-153.html by: my friend, Rick Oleson //www.zi.ku.dk/personal/lhhansen/photo/fmount.htm by: Hansen, Lars Holst //www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/nikonfmount/lens2.htm //www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html
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