Nikkor-SC 5cm F1.5 in Leica mount, on the M Monochrom

BrianS · Joined: 03 Aug 2013 Posts: 92

I've wanted one of these for over 20 years, ever since reading "How the West was Won" in Popular Photography, the story about how David Douglas Duncan used Nikkor lenses to cover the Korean War. Only 300 or so of these were made in Leica mount, maybe another 400 or so in S-Mount.

Wide-Open on the M Monochrom at the Korean War Diarama at the Marine Museum in Quantico, Virginia. David Douglas Duncan is featured prominently in this section of the museum.

This lens is based on he pre-war 5cm F1.5 Sonnar, but is made to the Leica standard. Performance is equal to a pre-war Sonnar.

The wartime Sonnar is an improved formula, and features better edge-to-edge performance.

I did some background reading on this lens, and tested it against the Wartime Sonnar shown here. The Link to the article is below:

http://www.leicaplace.com/f2/nikkor-sc-5cm-f1-5-lens-brought-attention-japanese-camera-industry-185/

Attila · Expire: 2025-11-18

I never seen either lens or camera before , many thanks !!

Lightshow · Joined: 04 Nov 2011 Posts: 3666 Location: Calgary

Looks like a nice lens, I look forward to seeing more from it.

rbelyell · Expire: 2014-01-31

they say this is the lens that put japan and nikon on the professional level map. if you have a chance, i think we'd love to see how it performs in other situations. thanks for the post.
tony

LucisPictor · Expire: 2013-12-03

WOW!

A true classic gem on a modern gem!

BrianS · Joined: 03 Aug 2013 Posts: 92

Thankyou, all.

I will be uploading some more pictures with the Nikkor, shot with the M9. This lens equals my pre-war 5cm F1.5 Sonnars. I also need to compare it with the Canon 50/1.5 and Simlar 5cm F1.5. My Japanese super-speed collection.

casualcollector · Posted: Wed Aug 07, 2013 9:00 pm Post subject:

Adding the Canon and Simlar will make a fascinating comparison.

LucisPictor · Expire: 2013-12-03

What an amazing collection of fast rangefinder 50s!!!

BrianS · Joined: 03 Aug 2013 Posts: 92

The Simlar is different for other double Gauss designs, with a 1-3-2-1 configuration. I believe the Canon 85/1.5 is the same block diagram, I need to double check Neblette.