Nikkor-S 55mm F/1.2 Pre-AI Review

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Introduction

April 2007

This 55mm f/1.2 is from 1967, and it was the fastest F lens in their lineup. This lens has been upgraded allot over the years, of the 55mm version there is supposedly more then 6 versions out there. It came to an end in 1978 when it was replaced by the Nikkor 50mm f/1.2. The f/1.2 lenses are excellent in low light situations, allowing you to take hand-held shots at night even. Nikon has also made a lens for night photography the Noct Nikkor, but its not likely you will ever get your hands on one of those, as there was just about 12.000 lenses made. The Noct Nikkor can be found on ebay, they usually sell for more than $3000 USD. The 50mm lens is said to be the lens that comes closest to the human eye`s perception of distance and depth, Thus labeled as a normal lens.This does not apply to a aps-c type camera tough, like Nikons DX sized digital SLR`s. Even tough this is a 55mm lens, it is still considered a "normal" lens. On a DX sized DSLR the lens becomes a 82,5mm f/1.2, which is more of a portrait lens then an all round lens like a 50mm. Nikon has an updated version of this lens still in their lens lineup the Nikkor 50mm f/1.2. More information about the f/1.2 lenses can be found @ mir.com.my

Specifications

Lens Construction: 7 elements in 5 groups

Picture Angle: 43° (35mm)

Filter Size: 52mm

Lens Hood: HN-6 or HS-3

Included accessories: ?

Size and weight: L49,5mm Dia73.5mm, 420g

Diaphragm: 7 blades

Price From: Discontinued

Price paid: $ 90 USD

Manufacturers web site: www.nikon.com

Positives

• DOF/IR markings.
• Build quality.
• Performance.
• Sharpness/contrast, not bad for a lens from 1967.

Drawbacks

• Price, it costs to have a f/1.2 lens, even second hand the 55mm f/1.2 is quite pricey
• Hard to focus without a split prism, @ 0.6m there is less then 6mm that is in focus.

Verdict

This is actually a solid performer, true it is a bit soft at f/1.2 but it is still usable IMO . Sweet-spot of the lens is between f/2.8 and f/8. The performance of this lens actually came as a shock to me, as I wasn't expecting very much from it, since the lens has several marks on both the front and rear element. The newer version the 50mm f/1.2 is supposedly allot better then this old dinosaur.

Features
Performance
Build
Value

Alternatives

Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 AI-S From: $ 499.95 USD

Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S From: $ 299.95 USD

Nikon AF 50mm f/1.4D From $ 259.95 USD

Nikon AF 50mm f/1.8D From $ 104.95 USD

*Prices are subject to change. Listed price is from April 11, 2008

Sample Pictures

Images have been imported to photoshop CS3 through Capture NX 2 thus leaving the original image settings as shot, I. E white balance, sharpening, etc .etc. Full resolution sample images are in RGB color mode. Check out my copyright page for information about usage of these images.