The Nikkor-S 5 cm f/1.4 lens is a classic manual focus lens manufactured by Nikon, a renowned Japanese camera equipment manufacturer. It was primarily designed for use with film cameras, specifically rangefinder cameras, and was released in the mid-1950s. This lens is known for its exceptional image quality and fast maximum aperture, making it a popular choice among professional and amateur photographers alike.
**Specifications and Features**
The Nikkor-S 5 cm f/1.4 lens offers a focal length of 50mm, which is considered to be a standard focal length for many photography applications. With its fast maximum aperture of f/1.4, this lens allows for excellent low-light performance and the ability to achieve a shallow depth of field, resulting in beautifully blurred backgrounds and sharp subject focus.
The lens construction consists of seven elements in five groups, which help to deliver sharp and contrasty images. It has a minimum focusing distance of 0.6 meters, allowing photographers to capture close-up details with ease. The lens also features a 10-bladed diaphragm, which contributes to smooth and pleasing bokeh, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the images.
**Performance and Image Quality**
The Nikkor-S 5 cm f/1.4 lens is highly regarded for its exceptional optical performance. It produces sharp images with excellent contrast and color rendition, even when shooting wide open at f/1.4. The lens is known to have good edge-to-edge sharpness, making it suitable for a wide range of photographic genres, including portraiture, street photography, and landscape photography.
One notable characteristic of this lens is its ability to produce a pleasing background blur, thanks to its wide maximum aperture. The smooth bokeh adds a three-dimensional feel to images, separating the subject from the background and creating a visually pleasing separation.
**Price and Availability**
As this lens is no longer in production, it can be found in the used camera equipment market or through online auction platforms. The price of the Nikkor-S 5 cm f/1.4 lens varies depending on its condition, age, and demand. On average, it can cost anywhere between $300 to $800, although prices may fluctuate.
It’s worth noting that the availability of this lens may be limited, particularly in pristine condition or with desirable serial numbers. Therefore, potential buyers should carefully research reputable sellers and assess the lens’s condition before making a purchase.
**Conclusion**
The Nikkor-S 5 cm f/1.4 lens remains a highly sought-after lens among vintage camera enthusiasts and professional photographers who enjoy shooting with film cameras. Its exceptional image quality, fast aperture, and beautiful bokeh make it a versatile tool for various photography genres. Although it may require manual focus and lack some modern features, the unique character and performance of this lens continue to captivate photographers even after several decades since its initial release.
