Nikon Nikkor 50mm f1.7 AiS Lens

General

Nikon Nikkor 50mm f1.7 AiS Lens:  nice example of the Nikon Nikkor 50mm f1.7 AiS pancake lens (serial 4022935) for Nikon F mount.

This was one of our own lenses which we are now disposing of as we are slimming down our own equipment.

The optics are close to mint and the barrel shows only light use. The lens has been fully serviced by us with fresh lubricants as the original lubricants were dry causing the lens to have a binding focus feel.

Like all lenses of this period, and even after cleaning, there will be small particles of dust – these do not affect the picture in anyway.

Complete with original Nikon end caps.

About
The Nikon 50mm f1.8 AiS lens is almost identical to the late model Series E lens. Some of its cosmetics are slightly different but it uses almost identical construction.

The cosmetic difference is basically the focus barrel is slightly longer on the AiS with a slightly different grip pattern and the aperture control ring is also slightly longer with a bigger separation between the F stop markings on the lens and the repeater markings for the cameras Judas Window for aperture display in the viewfinder.

The Series E was a low cost version of the AiS for Nikons consumer cameras. The AiS version has better coatings and returns slightly sharper results with better flare resistance.

There are two versions of the AiS 50mm f1.8 The Japanese version is all metal construction and focuses down to 1.5’. The serials for the Japanese version always begin with ‘2’.

The slightly lower quality AiS was distributed in Europe and the US with a plastic body. Its easy to spot as its minimum focus distance is 2’ and the serials always begin with ‘4’. Optically the Japanese version and the UK/US version are identical.

Restoration

Lens has been fully cleaned, serviced and re-lubricated as its original lubrication was failing causing the focus to be overly stiff. Oil vapour cleaned from lens optical surfaces.

Please be aware that the cameras and lenses for sale can be up to 50 years old.  They have been serviced and/or checked and are always as good as they can be made, but please don’t expect them to be flawless as if they were made yesterday.

All lenses of this age exhibit some small particles of dust and coatings are not up to modern standards. Cameras will exhibit some wear signs and likewise may have small dust specks in their viewfinders or focus screens.  These do not affect the picture in any way.

ANY problems or issues will be described in the main text which you are advised to read carefully.If you are unfamiliar with film cameras we suggest you do some online research and read the manuals which are freely available from online resources.

We are enthusiastic film fans and spend our time hunting cameras and lenses that have been or are being unloved. We then spend hours to bring them back to fully working and clean condition, ready for a new lease of life with you  We always change the film seals, give the camera a clean/service and make sure its fully working before we sell it on to you.

Most lenses are cleaned, re-lubricated and all of their functions checked prior to sale so you know they will work, full details will always be in the text. All items are packed safely for transit using proper packing material NOT something the cat was sick in. Having been stung both on eBay and by dealers alike who often know very little about film cameras we decided to offer people a chance to experience film using a camera that will last for many years and which we can say for sure works reliably

Mel & Claire