Nikon Nikkor-H / HC 50mm f/2 Pre-AI Review

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Introduction

Updated October 20, 2008

The Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 Pre-AI dates back to 1972, and the HC dates back to 72-74. The Nikkor-H does not have a multi coating on the lens, but the later H.C version does. Hence the C part in the lens name. The 50mm f/2 lenses from Nikon have a rumor of being among the best performing 50mm's Nikon have produced. The Pre-AI Nikkor's needs to be converted to fit today's cameras. The latest camera these lenses can be used on without modification is the Nikon D40(x) D60. To convert a Pre-AI lens to AI' D is not a hard thing to do if you have the right tools. The question is, is it worth it to convert these lenses to fit today's cameras?

Specifications

Lens Construction: 6 elements in 4 groups

Picture Angle: 46° (35mm)

Minimum focus distance: 0.45

Filter Size: 52mm

Lens Hood: HN-5, HS-2

Included accessories: front cap, rear cap.

Size: dia 63.5mm, length 41mm

Weight: 220g

Diaphragm: 6 straight blades.

Price from: $ Discontinued

Manufacturers web site: www.nikon.com

Positives

• Price, both the AI and the Pre-AI version can be bought second hand for about $50 USD so unless you own one of these it doesn't make any sense to convert it.
• DOF/IR markings, as usual with most of the older Nikkor lenses both a depth of field and the infrared focusing marking is marked.
• IR performance.

Drawbacks

• Light falloff/vignetting wide open, Not the worst I've seen but there still is a bit of it.
• Needs to be converted to fit today's camera's (except Nikon D40(X) and D60

Verdict

On the Nikon D3 this lens does lack a bit of contrast and sharpness wide open. The center sharpness is pretty good but the corners does not get great until f/2.8. From f/2.8 to f/11 this lens shows remarkable performance, @ f/16 image quality drops and results in a softer image. The IR performance of this lens is stunning, there is a slight drop of contrast wide open, stopping down to f/2.8 and the result is stellar. Do note that some of the 50mm f/2 H / HC I tested there was a hint of hot spot @ f/16. On the last one I tested here, there was none what so ever. The price difference between a used AI and a Pre-AI lens is minimal, so unless you already own this lens I can't say it's worth it to convert this lens to fit today's camera's. The build quality of the lens is of usual Nikkor MF quality. It has been built really well.

Features
Performance
IR Performance
Build
Value

Alternatives

Nikkor Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 AI-S From $679.95 USD

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D From: $129.95 USD

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D From: $319.95 USD

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G From: $464.95 USD

Zeiss MF 50mm f/1.4 ZF Planar T* Price: $550.00 USD

Sigma AF 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Price: $499.00 USD

For an equivalent normal lens on a DX camera:

Zeiss 35mm f/2 ZF Distagon T* Price: $826.00 USD

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX Price From: $199.95 USD

Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2.0D From: $349.95 USD

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Price: $439.00 USD

Prices are subject to change. Listed prices is from July 26, 2009

Sample Pictures

Images have been converted to .jpg in 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. Note, lens is focused on the wheel in the middle of the picture.