Nikon 13.5cm (135mm) f/3.5 Nikkor-Q.C (Red R) Nippon Kogaku Japan Lens for Rangefinder, Black/Chrome {43}

Nippon Kogaku's 135mm f/3.5 Nikkor-Q.C for Nikon S rangefinders.

The Nikkor-Q.C 135mm f/3.5 comes from the Nippon Kogaku Japan era, before the company adopted the Nikon name. The Red R designation marks an early generation of Nikkor lens coating, making this a piece of optical history in a functional package. The Q.C formula, Quadruple Corrected, reflects the engineering ambition of that period, and the black-and-chrome finish is period-correct for the Nikon S-mount rangefinder system.

At 135mm and f/3.5, this is a short telephoto built for rangefinder-coupled manual focus operation. The 43mm filter thread is an older standard, so sourcing filters requires some hunting, but the lens delivers the precision that Nippon Kogaku's early manufacturing reputation was built on. For anyone already invested in the Nikon S-mount system, this focal length fills a real gap, long enough for selective framing, fast enough for available light work with period film stocks.

Who It's For

Collectors drawn to early postwar Japanese optics will find the Red R coating designation and Nippon Kogaku branding historically significant on their own merits. Photographers actively shooting with Nikon S-mount rangefinder cameras get a rangefinder-coupled 135mm f/3.5 that integrates directly with their system. Film photographers working in street or documentary contexts benefit from the manual focus discipline and the focal length's reach. Those building a working Nikon S-mount kit will recognize the Q.C formula as a serious optical design from a foundational period in Nikkor history.

Key Features

• 135mm fixed focal length for rangefinder-coupled manual focus
• f/3.5 maximum aperture suited to available light film work
• Nikon S-mount compatibility with Nikon S-series rangefinder bodies
• Q.C (Quadruple Corrected) optical formula from Nippon Kogaku Japan era
• Red R designation marks early Nikkor coating generation
• 43mm filter thread requires period-appropriate sourcing
• Black/chrome finish period-correct for S-mount rangefinder system

FAQ

What mount does this Nikkor-Q.C use?

Nikon S-mount, the rangefinder system that predates Nikon's SLR lineup. It's a manual-focus, rangefinder-coupled design.

What does the Red R designation mean?

Red R marks an early generation of Nikkor lens coating, indicating this lens dates from the Nippon Kogaku Japan era before the company adopted the Nikon name.

What does Q.C stand for?

Quadruple Corrected - the optical formula Nippon Kogaku used for this design, reflecting the engineering priorities of that period.

What's the filter thread size?

43mm, an older standard that requires sourcing filters from specialty dealers or adapters.

Is this lens fast enough for available light work?

At f/3.5, it works with period film stocks in daylight and bright indoor conditions, though it's not a speed demon by modern standards.

What does the black-and-chrome finish tell you about this lens?

It's period-correct for the Nikon S-mount system - the finish matches the aesthetic of cameras it was designed for.