Nikon 25cm (250mm) f/4 Nikkor-Q (Marked in Feet Only) Nippon Kogaku Japan Manual Lens for Rangefinder {Series 9} with Tripod Foot (Requires Reflex Housing)

Nikon S-mount 250mm f/4 Nikkor-Q, Nippon Kogaku's telephoto for rangefinder systems

This 250mm f/4 prime from Nippon Kogaku Japan represents the kind of purpose-built telephoto engineering that defined Nikon's early optical reputation. The Nikon S rangefinder mount and manual focus operation place this lens squarely in the hands-on, deliberate shooting tradition. A tripod foot is included, which matters at this focal length and maximum aperture of f/4, steady support isn't optional when you're working at 250mm. The distance scale reads in feet only, so plan accordingly.

The Series 9 filter size reflects the era's filter standards, and sourcing those filters takes some hunting, but they exist. Note that using this lens on a SLR or DSLR requires a reflex housing, it is designed for rangefinder-mount bodies and won't couple to a reflex viewing system without one. For the right shooter, that's a known quantity, not an obstacle. Nippon Kogaku glass from this period has earned a dedicated following among collectors and film photographers who understand what they're getting into.

Who It's For

Film photographers shooting with Nikon S-mount rangefinder bodies will find this a natural fit for portrait or outdoor work where 250mm gives useful subject separation. Collectors focused on Nippon Kogaku Japan glass will recognize this as a historically significant piece of Nikon's early telephoto lineup. Photographers willing to work with a reflex housing on a SLR can access this focal length in a manual, deliberate shooting workflow. Anyone already familiar with Series 9 filter systems will have the least friction integrating it into an existing kit.

Key Features

• 250mm fixed focal length telephoto for rangefinder systems
• f/4 maximum aperture
• Manual focus operation
• Nikon S-mount design
• Series 9 filter size
• Integrated tripod foot for steady support
• Requires reflex housing for SLR/DSLR use
• Distance scale marked in feet only

FAQ

What mount does this 250mm use?

Nikon S rangefinder mount. This is a rangefinder-specific design, not an SLR mount - you'll need a reflex housing to use it on an SLR or DSLR.

Why does this lens include a tripod foot?

At 250mm with an f/4 aperture, you're working with a narrower field of view and less light gathering. The tripod foot provides a stable attachment point for the lens itself rather than relying only on the camera body, which matters for steady composition and exposure at this focal length.

What filter size does it take?

Series 9 filters. These are harder to source than modern screw-in sizes, but they're still available if you know where to look. Factor in filter cost before committing to this lens.

Is the distance scale in meters or feet?

Feet only. There's no metric scale, so you'll be estimating or converting distances if you're used to working in meters.

Can I use this on my DSLR?

Not directly. The S-mount is rangefinder-specific and won't couple to a reflex body's viewing system without a reflex housing adapter. With a reflex housing, it becomes viable, but that's an additional piece of equipment you'll need to source separately.

What kind of focus system does it have?

Manual focus only. There's no autofocus. You'll be estimating distance against the distance scale or using rangefinder coupling on a compatible body.

Who made this lens?

Nippon Kogaku Japan. This is early Nikon optical engineering from the rangefinder era, before the company shifted focus to SLR systems.