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Mamiya Auto Sekor 55mm f1.4
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PostPosted: Thu Dec 26, 2013 3:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Pancolart wrote:
cropshy wrote:
Does anyone know if the Mamiya/Sekor 55mm f1.4 is the same as the Rikenon 55mm f1.4 with the Nikon mount?

It's not. Neither optically, neither Gehäuse. Rikenon is IMHO fully Nikon made lens.


"Rikenon" is the name for lenses made by or for RICOH. If it would have been made by NIKON it would rather be called "Nikkor".
However, the 55 mm Auto Rikenon f/1.4, 5 groups 6 elements was developed for the Ricoh Singlex SLR introduced in 1962 which used to have a Nikon F mount. Please refer to the Camerapedia.

Regards, Thomas


PostPosted: Thu Dec 26, 2013 4:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The 55/1.4 Rikenon in Nikon mount on the early Singlex may not be the same design as the more common Rikenon 55/1.4 m42 in the later Singlex and TLS.
The later m42 is certainly a 7 element lens. I have opened and fixed several for resale.
the m42 Rikenon is also very similar to various 55/1.4 from Cosina branded as Cosinon, Argus and Exaktar.
I have also opened and fixed several of these. In some cases elements can be exchanged between them, thats how similar they are.
Cosina was a major manufacturer since the late 1960's. Almost all their production was rebranded however.
They almost owned the store brand SLR business and even got several name brands started in the industry. The Ricoh Singlex/TLS is a Cosina design and may even have been made by Cosina. The design is so similar to known Cosinas that I was even able to take a prism from a TLS to put into an Exakta Twin TL (well known as a Cosina product) that I am fixing.


PostPosted: Thu Dec 26, 2013 4:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thank you . It sounds like you have good informations. The problem is that you can find different informations on the web about those 55mmf 1.4.
I have a Cosinon. It has the same flat rear lens that the lenses which are supposed to have been produced by Tomioka or for Mamiya. Is it possible that thoses 55mm shared the same design?
The japenese optical industry of that time is a little bit a labyrinth with a lot of subcontracts.


PostPosted: Thu Dec 26, 2013 5:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

tb_a wrote:
Pancolart wrote:
cropshy wrote:
Does anyone know if the Mamiya/Sekor 55mm f1.4 is the same as the Rikenon 55mm f1.4 with the Nikon mount?

It's not. Neither optically, neither Gehäuse. Rikenon is IMHO fully Nikon made lens.


"Rikenon" is the name for lenses made by or for RICOH. If it would have been made by NIKON it would rather be called "Nikkor".
However, the 55 mm Auto Rikenon f/1.4, 5 groups 6 elements was developed for the Ricoh Singlex SLR introduced in 1962 which used to have a Nikon F mount. Please refer to the Camerapedia.

Regards, Thomas

I don't need to. I have all those lenses plus opened most of them. Nikon mount Rikenon has practically nothing to do with M42 Rikenon (or any other 1.4/55mm M42).
Simple check: Nikon mount Rikenon has rear element diameter as Nikkor 1.4/50mm lenses. M42 Rikenon has much smaller. Rikenon with Nikon mount is made from Nikon materials, parts and paint used.


PostPosted: Thu Dec 26, 2013 8:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Pancolart wrote:

Nikon mount Rikenon has practically nothing to do with M42 Rikenon (or any other 1.4/55mm M42).


That's right. Nobody said so.

The funny thing is that Mamiya built both the Nikkorex F and the Ricoh Singlex Camera inkluding the 55mm lenses.
Ricoh bought the Camera from Mamiya and not from Nikon. The second Ricoh SLR model with M42 lens was already built by Ricoh themselves. There are also some rumors that Tomioka have built the lens for Mamiya but up to now there is no proof for this.

See also here: http://www.cameraguild.jp/nekosan/singrex.htm


PostPosted: Mon Jan 20, 2014 11:49 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Rikenon, Mamiya, Tomioka, Nikon? I just finished Rikenon 1.4/55mm (Nikon mount) CLA. Very interesting:
Rikenon has additional front element compared to Nikon Nikkor-S 1.4/50mm or Tomioka (Mamiya, Cosina) 1.4/55mm. 7 reflections (front system only)!
Making it quite genuine.

So looking for a relative I stumble upon NIKKOR-S 1.4/5.8cm design:
http://imaging.nikon.com/history/nikkor/40/


And to incite your imagination i quote from: http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/50mmnikkor/index2.htm
Quote:
Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1:1.4 f=5.8cm standard lens
By the end of 1959 this mysterious lens was introduced. Some people believe that this lens, having 7 elements in 5 groups, wasn't produced by Nikon itself. This lens had a relatively short life. In less than 2 years it disappeared from the market. Total production is a mere 39,000 lenses


This is how Rikenon looks from inside:








PostPosted: Mon Jan 20, 2014 1:24 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Pancolart wrote:
Rikenon, Mamiya, Tomioka, Nikon? I just finished Rikenon 1.4/55mm (Nikon mount) CLA. Very interesting:
Rikenon has additional front element compared to Nikon Nikkor-S 1.4/50mm or Tomioka (Mamiya, Cosina) 1.4/55mm. 7 reflections (front system only)!
Making it quite genuine.

So looking for a relative I stumble upon NIKKOR-S 1.4/5.8cm design:
http://imaging.nikon.com/history/nikkor/40/



I've already read somewhere about possible connections between these lenses. But the Rikenon's rear element looks completely flat while the Nikkor's one is convex, at least on the diagram.

Can you please elaborate more about Rikenon disassembling? I have this lens with a very stiff focus ring so I would need to lubricate it.


PostPosted: Mon Jan 20, 2014 3:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

dimitrygo wrote:
Pancolart wrote:
Rikenon, Mamiya, Tomioka, Nikon? I just finished Rikenon 1.4/55mm (Nikon mount) CLA. Very interesting:
Rikenon has additional front element compared to Nikon Nikkor-S 1.4/50mm or Tomioka (Mamiya, Cosina) 1.4/55mm. 7 reflections (front system only)!
Making it quite genuine.

So looking for a relative I stumble upon NIKKOR-S 1.4/5.8cm design:
http://imaging.nikon.com/history/nikkor/40/



I've already read somewhere about possible connections between these lenses. But the Rikenon's rear element looks completely flat while the Nikkor's one is convex, at least on the diagram.

Can you please elaborate more about Rikenon disassembling? I have this lens with a very stiff focus ring so I would need to lubricate it.


Indeed, it's flat. Very comparable to Nikkor-S 1.4/50mm. Both have rear element width around 34mm.
For instance Rikenon M42 1.4/55m or Tomioka 1.4/55mm have rear element width: 30mm

Regarding disassemble: unscrew infinity blocker found on focusing ring (it is the only screw there). Focus past infinity and proceed carefully. When released be careful to mark release point so you'll be able to put back correctly. Important: Infinity blocker screw isn't typical and has counter part (a nut) on inner side of focusing ring. If this nut drops off i think it's best to glue it on correct spot before reassemble. If you need additional info let me know. I had to clean aperture blades too.


PostPosted: Mon Jan 20, 2014 5:17 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Pancolart wrote:
Regarding disassemble: unscrew infinity blocker found on focusing ring (it is the only screw there). Focus past infinity and proceed carefully. When released be careful to mark release point so you'll be able to put back correctly. Important: Infinity blocker screw isn't typical and has counter part (a nut) on inner side of focusing ring. If this nut drops off i think it's best to glue it on correct spot before reassemble. If you need additional info let me know. I had to clean aperture blades too.

Is the helicoid exposed at least partially after removing the optical block? It could be easier to access it this way. Did you need to remove the name plate ring or just unscrew the whole front lens barrel?


PostPosted: Mon Jan 20, 2014 5:37 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

dimitrygo wrote:
Pancolart wrote:
Regarding disassemble: unscrew infinity blocker found on focusing ring (it is the only screw there). Focus past infinity and proceed carefully. When released be careful to mark release point so you'll be able to put back correctly. Important: Infinity blocker screw isn't typical and has counter part (a nut) on inner side of focusing ring. If this nut drops off i think it's best to glue it on correct spot before reassemble. If you need additional info let me know. I had to clean aperture blades too.

Is the helicoid exposed at least partially after removing the optical block? It could be easier to access it this way. Did you need to remove the name plate ring or just unscrew the whole front lens barrel?

Possibly so. But by minimal margin. It might enable you to unscrew chrome front filter edge giving you even more space to lube helicoid. Name plate removal will only enable you to reach optics internally.


PostPosted: Mon Jan 20, 2014 5:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Pancolart wrote:
dimitrygo wrote:
Pancolart wrote:
Regarding disassemble: unscrew infinity blocker found on focusing ring (it is the only screw there). Focus past infinity and proceed carefully. When released be careful to mark release point so you'll be able to put back correctly. Important: Infinity blocker screw isn't typical and has counter part (a nut) on inner side of focusing ring. If this nut drops off i think it's best to glue it on correct spot before reassemble. If you need additional info let me know. I had to clean aperture blades too.

Is the helicoid exposed at least partially after removing the optical block? It could be easier to access it this way. Did you need to remove the name plate ring or just unscrew the whole front lens barrel?

Possibly so. But by minimal margin. It might enable you to unscrew chrome front filter edge giving you even more space to lube helicoid. Name plate removal will only enable you to reach optics internally.

Thanks, I will start with this approach and see if it is enough.


PostPosted: Mon Jan 20, 2014 11:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've got two Nikon mount Rikenon 55mm f1.4 lenses. Both are cosmetically nice, but one has oily aperture blades that only barely move. I'm debating about whether or not to disassemble it to attempt a cleaning.


PostPosted: Thu Jan 23, 2014 2:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

cropshy wrote:
I've got two Nikon mount Rikenon 55mm f1.4 lenses. Both are cosmetically nice, but one has oily aperture blades that only barely move. I'm debating about whether or not to disassemble it to attempt a cleaning.

You're lucky to have two! I treasure this lens high. If you're not experienced in servicing lens i advice not to proceed.


PostPosted: Thu Jan 23, 2014 3:39 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

cropshy wrote:
I've got two Nikon mount Rikenon 55mm f1.4 lenses. Both are cosmetically nice, but one has oily aperture blades that only barely move. I'm debating about whether or not to disassemble it to attempt a cleaning.

I would have it serviced by an experienced technician, preferably by someone experienced in that model.


PostPosted: Thu Jan 23, 2014 11:48 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Pancolart wrote:
cropshy wrote:
I've got two Nikon mount Rikenon 55mm f1.4 lenses. Both are cosmetically nice, but one has oily aperture blades that only barely move. I'm debating about whether or not to disassemble it to attempt a cleaning.

You're lucky to have two! I treasure this lens high. If you're not experienced in servicing lens i advice not to proceed.


I certainly don't possess the needed technical skills necessary for lens repair, so I'm not going to attempt it.


PostPosted: Tue Mar 18, 2014 11:29 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I see in this thread that it has been four years already since I got my Mamiya-Sekor. It was one of my first few lenses and took a back seat as I collected and fell in love with others. I had decided to sell it and took it out this past weekend to get ready for sale. I decided to try it on the NEX first. Big mistake. Now I have one less lens for sale. In general it is probably a mistake to use a lens just prior to putting up for sale, but this one really impressed me. Seems even better on the NEX.


PostPosted: Tue Mar 18, 2014 11:47 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I wouldn't call it a mistake I would call it wisdom...saves you from having to buy the lens again. Very Happy Will you be posting up a set taken with this lens and camera?


PostPosted: Wed Mar 19, 2014 1:00 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

mo wrote:
I wouldn't call it a mistake I would call it wisdom...saves you from having to buy the lens again. Very Happy Will you be posting up a set taken with this lens and camera?


Well, now I suppose I should. Need to give the lens a proper go this weekend. The pictures I took were just to test wide open - weather and light were poor, but thought lens did very well.


PostPosted: Wed Mar 19, 2014 3:10 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Oh yes - rather well indeed Exclamation
OH


PostPosted: Wed Mar 19, 2014 5:34 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I can't quite tell from this distance but how sharp are those rain drops? Wink taking photos after the rain can be a lot of fun.


PostPosted: Wed Mar 19, 2014 5:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

mo wrote:
I can't quite tell from this distance but how sharp are those rain drops? Wink taking photos after the rain can be a lot of fun.




PostPosted: Wed Mar 19, 2014 5:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

just invade anyone missed this, its rather interesting:

forum.mflenses.com/hidden-true-tomioka-chinon-55-1-4-t65047.html

I've become rather excited about this lens from all the lovely comments and photos everyone has added in and I'm on the lookout for one locally.


PostPosted: Wed Mar 19, 2014 9:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Very Happy There are some nice details in the rain drop....what a great lens.


PostPosted: Thu Mar 20, 2014 2:25 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Went out in the yard again late today and took some more WO for MO.







PostPosted: Thu Mar 20, 2014 2:31 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

[quote="woodrim"]Went out in the yard again late today and took some more WO for MO.

Wo for Mo........
Way to go!
OH Very Happy