Review of Nikon NIKKOR-SC Auto 1: 1.2 f = 55mm

According provided by Nikon NIKKOR-SC Auto 1: 1.2 f = 55mm lens many thanks to Andrey Golubenko.

Nikon NIKKOR-SC Auto 1: 1.2 f = 55mm

Nikon NIKKOR-SC Auto 1: 1.2 f = 55mm

In short

Nikon NIKKOR-SC Auto 1: 1.2 f = 55mm is an old super fast lens for film SLR cameras. Nowadays it can be used as a creative lens. At F / 1.2, the picture is crammed with spherical aberrations and coma, but at closed apertures this is a good fifty dollars (or about fifty dollars). Modern version Nikon Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.2 overall better than 55 / 1.2 SC from this review.

Important: Nikon NIKKOR-SC Auto 1: 1.2 f = 55mm from this review is Non-ai the lens. Without its alteration (the so-called AI-conversion), there will be problems when trying to install on certain CZK Nikon. Information on this issue, with an exact list of cameras that do not require alteration to install it, can be found in the section Pre-ai... How to use manual lenses on modern Nikon digital signal centers can be found in the section 'How to work with non-CPU lenses on modern Nikon central controllers'.

Nikon NIKKOR-SC Auto 1: 1.2 f = 55mm

Nikon NIKKOR-SC Auto 1: 1.2 f = 55mm

History

There were a lot of versions of Nikon Nikkor 55mm 1: 1.2:

  • Nippon Kogaku Japan Nikkor-S Auto 1: 1.2 f = 55mm, 1965-71. Optical design: 7 elements in 5 groups. The 'S' in the name stands for 'Septem', the seven lenses in the optical scheme of the lens. There were several modifications of this subversion, the differences mainly concerned the ring aperture and the number of screws that secured the mount.
  • Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1: 1.2 f = 55mm, 1971-72. The same as the previous version, but with an updated name.
  • Nikon Nikkor-SC Auto 1: 1.2 f = 55mm, 1972-74. Multilayer enlightenment has been added/improved.
  • Nikon Nikkor 55mm 1: 1.21974-77. The so-called version of 'K' or 'Nikon New'. Unlike the previous ones, the case design was greatly redone. Also, MDF has become equal to 50 cm, in contrast to 60 cm in previous versions. In addition, enlightenment has improved - it is used on the lens Super Iintegrated Coating (the so-called Nikon DIH).
  • Nikon Nikkor 55mm 1: 1.2, Ai Version, 1977-78. Differs from the previous ring aperture. The lens was not subsequently updated to Ai-s version. The 55 / 1.2 line itself was replaced by 50 / 1.2 Ai lenses and AI-s.

All class 55 / 1.2 lenses were built on the basis of the same optical design.

Modern analogues of this lens can be considered Nikon Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.2 (AI-S) (issued to this day, close in aperture ratio) and Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 58mm 1: 1.4G Nano Crystal Coat SWM Aspherical (close in focal length).

Nikon NIKKOR-SC Auto 1: 1.2 f = 55mm

Nikon NIKKOR-SC Auto 1: 1.2 f = 55mm

Main technical characteristics of Nikon NIKKOR-SC Auto 1: 1.2 f = 55mm:

Review Instance Name Near the front lens: Nikon NIKKOR-SC Auto 1: 1.2 f = 55mm 258040, on the housing: LENS MADE IN JAPAN
Basic properties
  • Cars - auto iris control
  • C (Coating) - special multi-illumination of optics
  • S (Septem) - seven lenses in the optical circuit
  • FX (for Nikon FX) - the lens is designed for full-size cameras
  • MF (Mannual Focus) - manual focus only
  • PRE AI (NON AI) - diaphragm control ring with “ears”
  • Non-g (Non gelded) - the presence of the aperture control ring
  • hard stop for infinity
  • metal case, stylish design
  • one of Nikkor's fastest SLR lenses
Front Filter Diameter 52 mm, metal thread for filters
Focal length 55 mm

Zoom ratio 1 X (this is a fixed lens, it does not have a zoom)
Designed by for film full-length and cropped cameras
Number of aperture blades 7 pieces, the petals are not rounded, on a covered diaphragm form a hole in the shape of a regular 7-gon square
Tags A scale with a focusing distance in meters and feet, a scale is plotted on the focus ring. The depth of field scale is made in the form of multi-colored stripes, the color of which corresponds to a certain value of the number F:

  • green - F / 4
  • pink - F / 8
  • yellow - F / 11
  • blue - F / 16

There is a mark in the form of a red dot for working in the infrared spectrum

Diaphragm from f / 1.2 to f / 16. There are marks on the iris control ring for values ​​1.2, 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16. The ring rotates with clicks. Between a pair of numbers F / 1.2 and F / 2, you can set one additional position equal to the value 1: 1.4, between the other pairs of numbers there are no intermediate values.
MDF 0.6 m, maximum magnification ratio 1: 9
The weight 420 g
Optical design 7 elements in 5 groups without special elements. Below is a diagram for the previous Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1: 1.2 f = 55mm lens, which is not fundamentally different from Nikon NIKKOR-SC Auto 1: 1.2 f = 55mm

Optical design Nikon 55mm F1.2 SCThere were at least three variants of this optical scheme with different values ​​of the distances between FH H 'F'. The dependence of the Nikon Nikkor-S Auto scheme on the serial number is described here.

Lens hood HN-6 or HS-3
Manufacturer country LENS MADE IN JAPAN (Japan)
Period October 1972 to December 1974, later replaced by the 'K' version Nikon Nikkor 55mm 1: 1.2.
Price About 300 dollars per second option

You can look at the prices of modern fast lenses for Nikon at this link.

Nikon NIKKOR-SC Auto 1: 1.2 f = 55mm is very well assembled, with a beautiful chrome insert ring, between the aperture control ring and the focus ring. The focus ring is metal, rotates approximately 180 degrees. The focus ring is large enough in diameter, which makes focusing comfortable.

Nikon NIKKOR-SC Auto 1: 1.2 f = 55mm

Nikon NIKKOR-SC Auto 1: 1.2 f = 55mm

Sample Photos

I used a lens on the camera Nikon D90. Nikon NIKKOR-SC Auto 1: 1.2 f = 55mm should not work with this camera, because it cannot be installed without additional alteration. On the Nikon D90 I just didn't turn the lens completely in the mount. In this position, the automatic aperture does not work, and the aperture ring is locked at a certain value, while you can somehow take pictures. Initially, I planned to take test shots on a Canon camera using a Nikon F to Canon EOS adapter, but at the last moment it turned out that I had lost my adapter somewhere.

The photos in the gallery below are shown without processing, the conversion of the source RAW files by the original Nikon ViewNX-i utility without making additional adjustments. When closing to F / 2, sharpness and contrast come back to normal, it is a pity that only a 7-blade aperture makes itself felt.

Download source files in format JPEG can by this link (140 files in the '.JPG' format, 900 MB).

Nikon NIKKOR-SC Auto 1: 1.2 f = 55mm

Nikon NIKKOR-SC Auto 1: 1.2 f = 55mm

Unfortunately, Nikon does not have a modern line of autofocus lenses with F / 1.2. Autofocus lenses for SLR cameras are only available with F / 1.4.

All Nikon 50-58 / 1.4 / 1.2 autofocus lenses

  1. Nikon 50mm 1: 1.4 AF Nikkor (first version, MK I) - the lens was produced only in Japan from 1986 to 1991
  2. Nikon 50mm 1: 1.4 AF Nikkor (second version, MK II, also known as the 'N', or the 'NEW' version) - the lens was only available in Japan from 1991 to 1995
  3. Nikon 50mm 1: 1.4D AF Nikkor (third version, MKIIIbetter known as 'D'-version) - the lens is available from 1995 to this day. There are two subversions that are no different.
  4. Nikon 50mm 1: 1.4G AF-S Nikkor SWM (fourth version, MKIVbetter known as 'G' version) - the lens is only available in China from 2008 to this day.
  5. Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 58mm 1: 1.4G Nano Crystal Coat SWM Aspherical (version better known as'58/1.4') - the lens is only available in Japan from 2013 to this day.
  6. Nikon Nikkor Z 58mm 1: 0.95 S Noct - The lens is available from 2019 to this day. Premium Lens for Mirrorless Cameras Nikon Z... It does not have automatic focus, but has a record aperture. Complex optical design with 17 elements in 10 groups, with 4 ED elements and 3 aspherical elements.
  7. Nikon Nikkor Z 50 / 1.2 S - The lens has been produced from 2020 to the present day. Professional S-line lens for mirrorless cameras Nikon Z... Complex optical design with 17 elements in 15 groups, with 2 ED elements and 3 aspherical elements

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Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

Add a comment: NE

 

 

Comments: 25, on the topic: Review of Nikon NIKKOR-SC Auto 1: 1.2 f = 55mm

  • Victor

    There is also from this series Nikon 58mm f / 1.2 Noct-NIKKOR, the issue price is about $ 2000 http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/58.htm
    I'm also very sorry that Nikon has few petals on the diaphragm and in almost all lenses stupid nuts ((

    • Reader

      58 is a completely different story, Mudatsky 58 / 1.4 is extradited for the modernization of this masterpiece

      • Igor_K

        58 \ 1,4 - certainly very far from ideal, especially for its cost, the focusing speed is simply amazing, I think that on a screwdriver, it would be faster. There is only one “but”. When I, out of a dozen frames shot on Topcor RE Auto 5,8cm f1,4, with grief in half choose 1 with conditionally accurate focusing, I often think that that plastic "mandula" for 1400 bucks "in the eyes" sc.ko hits, even against the light, even in the dark! And his color rendition is quite suitable, and “strokes” the skin. Would this "geek" cost 500 bucks, well ... 700, then the body would definitely strengthen, and MDF would not be so annoying, and the focusing speed would be quite suitable for creativity. Hence the conclusion: the price is a very important optical characteristic, and the marketers from Nikon are greedy, soulless assholes, and the lens, accordingly, is fucking! In which I completely agree with you.

        • demaio

          You are absolutely right about 58 / 1.4, Igor. I would buy it with pleasure bucks for 700. Instead, I shoot on the manual Nikkor 50mm f / 1.2 AI-S and love him very much. I use the confirmation of focus on the three-section rangefinder of my D610 and am glad as an elephant. The percentage of critical defect in focus is exactly less than 5%. In this gallery, examples of photos from him: https://500px.com/demaio/galleries/nikkor-50mm-f-1-2-ai-s

  • NE

    Sorry for the maybe stupid question. Why this “bracket” on the skirt?

    • KalekseyG

      Communication with the carcass, conveys the value of the diaphragm set on the lens

    • Arkady Shapoval

      These are the so-called Nikon hare ears, they were needed for cameras from 1959 to 1977 and served to control the diaphragm (such a grip with a camera rheostat).

      • NE

        Cool. Thank you for the answers friends

  • scif

    what prevents Nikon from releasing an autofocus lens with the same aperture? price? bayonet design (there is already an old 1,2)….

    • Reader

      Nowhere to push the contact group of the microprocessor, Kenon could, there is a different type of contact

      • scif

        I think that it is possible to upgrade the contact group so that it is compatible with modern bayonets, and there is a lot to shove the motor and electronics, just the diameter of the case will have to be made a little larger. by the way, I noticed that Nikon's lenses have a different number of contacts), for example, afs micro 105 2.8 vr - 10 contacts, 85 1,8g - 8 28-105 3,5-4,5d - 6

        • Oleg

          it is unfortunate that Nikon engineers do not know about this

          • Reader

            Everyone knows everything, our craftsmen glue a dandelion at 50 / 1.2, and a Japanese engineer cannot :(

            • KalekseyG

              Chot, I strongly doubt that at 1.4 it does not fit without a rapist, and at 1.2, the rear lens occupies the entire territory. Nowhere to put the chip

        • Arkady Shapoval

          I have a note on this - https://radojuva.com/2016/02/cpu-contact-nikon-number/

          • Oleg

            In your opinion, Arkady, what is the reason for the lack of optics with an aperture of 1.2 for Nikon, all the same in its mount?

            • Oleg

              In the sense of autofocus optics

            • Arkady Shapoval

              No idea. I think that the fact that there is no where to put the contact group of the microprocessor can be solved, the same Canon placed it almost in the air at its 1.2, while it covers the rear lens at the 85 / 1.2. Most likely the position is as follows - 1.4 with a head is enough, the meaning of 1/3 of a stop does not play a special role, and there are other lenses for the drawing.

    • lynx

      Because nobody needs it. In the digital age, this line has long been outdated both optically and morally.
      Under modern matrices, glass needs to be recalculated, plus the entire launch of production from scratch. The issue of profitability, when there are enough glasses on the market.

      • anonym

        And then why did Canon get sick?

        • lynx

          is it 10 years ago?
          for nepoymi indistinct pathos.

          • Arkady Shapoval

            For pathos they have 50/1.0 USM :) and cinema manual 50 T / 1,3

            • lynx

              and there are video cameras. uhosh!

  • hk

    So on the Internet they say that Nikon does not have AF 1,2 lenses, since the bayonet hole is small, and the Canon one is one centimeter larger - so they calmly do it.

  • Yaroslav

    Yes, this is amazing glass!

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