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Nikon 5cm (50mm) f/2 Nikkor-H.C Nippon Kogaku Japan Lens for Rangefinder, Black/Chrome {40.5}
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$63.00
Nikon 50mm f/2 Nikkor-H.C: Nippon Kogaku's rangefinder standard prime.
The Nikkor-H.C 5cm f/2 is one of the foundational lenses in Nikon's lineage, built by Nippon Kogaku Japan for the Nikon S-mount rangefinder system. The H.C designation tells you the optics are coated, which matters when you're shooting against the light or in situations where flare would otherwise flatten contrast. At f/2, you have enough light-gathering to work in dim conditions without pushing into the softness that plagues faster vintage glass.
The black and chrome finish places this lens in a specific era of Japanese optical manufacturing, when fit and finish were treated as part of the product's integrity. The 40.5mm filter thread keeps the front element small and the overall package compact, consistent with the rangefinder philosophy of carrying a usable kit without bulk.
For anyone shooting on a Nikon S-mount rangefinder body, this is the natural standard focal length to pair with it. Optically it represents the kind of work Nippon Kogaku was producing at a time when the company was establishing its international reputation, and that pedigree makes it worth seeking out on its own terms.
Who It's For
Collectors focused on Nikon's rangefinder-era history will find the Nippon Kogaku Japan provenance and H.C coating designation meaningful markers of where this lens sits in the catalog. Film photographers shooting with an S-mount rangefinder body get a native 50mm f/2 that pairs correctly with the system without adaptation. Documentary and street photographers drawn to rangefinder shooting will appreciate the compact form factor that the 40.5mm filter thread signals. Anyone restoring or completing a period-correct Nikon S-mount kit needs exactly this lens.
Key Features
- 50mm focal length optimized for Nikon S-mount rangefinder system
- f/2 maximum aperture for low-light performance
- H.C multi-element coated optics reduce flare and improve contrast
- Nippon Kogaku Japan construction with period black and chrome finish
- 40.5mm filter thread keeps package compact
- Classic vintage prime with established optical pedigree
FAQ
- What does the H.C designation mean on this Nikkor lens?
- H.C indicates the optics are coated, which reduces flare and improves contrast when shooting against the light or in high-contrast situations.
- Is this lens compatible with modern Nikon digital cameras?
- No. This lens is built for Nikon S-mount, the rangefinder system Nippon Kogaku produced. It will not mount on current Nikon F-mount digital bodies.
- What's the practical aperture advantage of f/2 on a rangefinder lens?
- f/2 gives you enough light-gathering to work in dim conditions without the optical softness that plagues faster vintage glass.
- Who manufactured this lens?
- Nippon Kogaku Japan built it. The black and chrome finish reflects the manufacturing standards of that era.
- What filter size does this lens take?
- 40.5mm filters fit this lens, keeping the front element and overall package compact.
- What focal length is this for rangefinder work?
- 50mm is the natural standard prime for Nikon S-mount rangefinder bodies, equivalent to a normal human field of view.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2 |
| Mount | Nikon S (Rangefinder) |
| Filter Thread | 40.5mm |
| Finish | Black/Chrome |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Nikon |
|---|---|
| Filter Size | 40.5mm (.5 pitch) |
| Focus Type | Manual focus (only) |
| Lens Mount | Nikon S |
| Lens Type | Standard / Normal |
| Max Focal Length | 50mm |
| Min Focal Length | 50mm |
