* Item pictured for illustrative purposes only, actual item not pictured. See ‘Notes’ next to grade for included items.
Nikon 35mm f/1.4 NIKKOR-N Auto Non AI Manual Focus Lens {52}
We're sorry - this item is temporarily unavailable.
Want to be notified when it comes back in stock? Add it to your wishlist and we'll email you as soon it's available.
Consider one of the options below or call us at 1-800-342-5534 to speak with our KEH Gear Experts about a perfect alternative.
-
KEH Certified™ pre-owned gear, expertly inspected†
-
All rental gear is between Excellent and Like New Minus condition
-
Standard accessories included
Nikon's pre-AI 35mm f/1.4, fast prime from the film era
The NIKKOR-N Auto 35mm f/1.4 is a pre-AI manual focus lens built for Nikon's original F mount. At f/1.4, it gives you serious low-light capability in a 35mm field of view that works equally well for available-light reportage and close environmental portraiture. The Non-AI coupling means it predates Nikon's 1977 aperture-indexing update, so it fits original F, F2, and Photomic bodies natively without modification.
On modern Nikon bodies, a Non-AI lens requires either a body with a folding AI tab (certain F3, FM, FE variants) or a camera that meters with stopped-down mode. Many photographers run these on mirrorless bodies via F-mount adapters, where stop-down metering is a non-issue and the 35mm focal length gives an useful angle of view on full-frame sensors. The 52mm filter thread is a classic Nikon size that shares step-rings and filters across decades of NIKKOR glass.
Vintage NIKKOR glass built to this specification has a well-documented optical character distinct from modern coatings and correction priorities. For photographers who want that specific rendering at f/1.4 on a 35mm prime, this lens is the direct source.
Who It's For
Film photographers shooting with Nikon F or F2 bodies get a native, full-functionality fit with no modifications required. Mirrorless shooters adapting vintage F-mount glass to Sony E, Nikon Z, or Leica L bodies can use this lens with stop-down metering and gain the f/1.4 aperture for low-light street and documentary work. Collectors focused on pre-AI NIKKOR optics will recognize this as an early chapter in Nikon's fast-prime lineage. Portrait photographers drawn to the rendering characteristics of older NIKKOR coatings at wide apertures have a specific reason to seek this focal length and speed combination.
Key Features
- 35mm prime with f/1.4 maximum aperture for low-light work
- Non-AI manual focus coupling for pre-1977 Nikon F mount bodies
- 52mm filter thread compatible with decades of accessories
- Fixed focal length optimized for reportage and environmental portraiture
- Vintage NIKKOR optical rendering distinct from modern lens designs
FAQ
- Will this lens work on my modern Nikon DSLR?
- Only if your body has a folding AI tab (certain F3, FM, FE variants) or supports stopped-down metering mode. Many photographers instead use F-mount adapters on mirrorless bodies, where stopped-down metering eliminates the metering limitation entirely.
- What's the difference between Non-AI and AI coupling?
- Non-AI lenses predate Nikon's 1977 aperture-indexing standard and lack the coupling prong that later AI lenses have. Non-AI lenses fit original F, F2, and Photomic bodies natively but require workarounds or specific body compatibility on post-1977 cameras.
- Can I use modern filters on this lens?
- Yes. The 52mm filter thread is standard and compatible with any modern 52mm filter - that size was common across Nikon's film-era lineup, so step-rings and filters are widely available.
- Is this lens autofocus?
- No. It's a full manual focus lens, which is typical for pre-AI Nikon glass from this era.
- What body was this lens originally designed for?
- The Non-AI coupling was built for Nikon's original F mount bodies - the F, F2, and Photomic models - before the 1977 AI standard update.
- What angle of view does 35mm give on a full-frame mirrorless body?
- 35mm is a true 35mm focal length on full-frame sensors, giving you that classic reportage-to-environmental-portrait perspective without crop or magnification.
- Why do photographers still use pre-AI lenses if there are compatibility issues?
- The optical character of vintage NIKKOR glass at f/1.4 - distinct coatings and correction priorities - is sought after for its specific rendering. For photographers who want that look from a 35mm prime, this is the direct source.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 35mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Mount | Nikon F (Non-AI) |
| AF System | No |
| Filter Thread | 52mm |
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 | 52mm |
| Focus Type | Manual focus (only) |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F Non-Ai |
| Lens Type | Wide-Angle |
| Max Focal Length | 35mm |
| Min Focal Length | 35mm |
Learn what to expect from each condition, cosmetically. Images are representative of each grade and may not show the exact item you receive. All equipment is guaranteed to work as intended, unless otherwise noted. We also occasionally offer items that fall .
Exceptions
- New
- New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
- Like New
- Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
- As Is
- Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.
Like New Minus
Like New Minus
Barely used with virtually no traces of wear. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight use. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent Plus
Excellent Plus
Lightly used with limited signs of wear. Exceptionally nice but may have slight wear on finish visible. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent
Excellent
Noticeably used with average signs of wear. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of blemishes and/or minimal dings. Lens glass may have average dust and zoom/focus ring tension may have slight looseness or tightness overall, but will not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Bargain
Bargain
Frequently used with above-average wear. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Lens glass may have small scratches, dust, and blemishes, and zoom/focus ring tension may have moderate looseness or tightness overall, but should not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Ugly
Ugly
Heavily used with extensive visible wear. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in the finish, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or heavy/cloudy haze which could affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. Not covered under KEH warranty.
