Nikkor 5cm F1.5 and 13.5cm F4, Leica Mount

[Brian]

These lenses are rare, replaced within a year by the 5cm F1.4 and 13.5cm F3.5. I've read some statements made that these lenses are not very good, that the lenses replacing them were faster and sharper. Half right- the new lenses are faster. Probably more marketing to one-up the German lenses that they competed with, and to dispel the myth that the Nikkor lenses were just "copies" of the German optics. As to where the "soft" and"not as good" comments, my best guess- to keep prices down?

ANYWAY- these are the lenses that David Douglas Duncan used for "This is War", the story of the Korean War. The Japanese optics industry gained world attention as a result of the quality of the images.

My two lenses are from the same batch as those used by DDD. The 5cm F1.5 has a serial number just a few lower than the one he bought, were likely on the production line at the same time. These two lenses have glass in near mint condition, and give a great account of themselves on the M9. They are performing as good as they did 65 years ago when made.

Nikkor 5cm F1.5 and 13.5cm F4 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

The 13.5cm F4, wide-open on the M9:

Gunston Hall by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr


The 5cm F1.5, wide-open.

Gunston Hall by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

[Brian]

Front view- and I keep filters on these. I'm not going to be the guy to screw them up after 65 years of surviving without scratches and cleaning marks...

Nikkor 5cm F1.5 and 13.5cm F4 by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

The 13.5cm F4 at F5.6.

Gunston Hall by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

The 5cm F1.5, at F4.

Gunston Hall by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

[Brian]

13.5cm F4, wide-open. Slow-Speed, braced on railing.

Gunston Hall by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

5cm F1.5, wide-open,

Gunston Hall by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

[Brian]

I posted the 1024 pixel wide shots on Flickr, the slected 800x600 have compression artifacts in them. Click on the images here to see the larger images.

The 13.5cm F4 is sharp enough to produce color-aliasing artifacts on the M9 used wide-open. I have some series VI color filters, will be shooting on the Monochrom next.

[Brian]

13.5cm F4, wide-open. Original as uploaded to Flickr.

Neighborhood Shots by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

Let's see if the forum software let's me post a 1024 Vertical shot...

[Dennis Gallus]

Those are very nice images, thanks for posting. You are fortunate to own such pieces of history.

Dennis

[Brian]

Thanks Dennis.

These are my "Pearls of Great Value", sold a lot of gear to get them. I've found a few pictures taken "in modern times" with the 5cm F1.5, and nothing with the 13.5cm F4. I like shooting with them, Totally worth it!

[PFMcFarland]

Yeah, glass like that could make you forget all the other stuff you sold to get them. And they look so good, too. Beautiful results with them, Brian.

PF

[Brian]

Thankyou- I will be using these lenses a good bit, and posting more examples. The 13.5cm F4: I have a book from Japan on S-Mount and Contax RF mount lenses, has examples from the 5cm F1.5 and the rare S-Mount 2.1cm F4. Some rare lenses. It does NOT have any examples from the 13.5cm F4 Nikkor. I've used all of the lenses bought, including the rare ones like this.

[Santiago Montenegro]

Wonderful pics from historic lenses, Brian.