* Item pictured for illustrative purposes only, actual item not pictured. See ‘Notes’ next to grade for included items.
Nikon 50mm f/1.4 NIKKOR-S Auto Non AI Nippon Kogaku Japan PAT Pend Manual Focus Lens, Chrome {52}
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All rental gear is between Excellent and Like New Minus condition
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Standard accessories included
Nikon's Pre-AI 50mm f/1.4, Nippon Kogaku chrome-barrel original
This NIKKOR-S Auto 50mm f/1.4 comes from the Patent Pending era of Nippon Kogaku Japan production, placing it in the late 1960s to early 1970s when Nikon was building the reputation that made the F-mount a standard. The chrome barrel finish marks it as an early-generation piece, and the Non-AI meter coupling reflects the pre-AI coupling system that predates Nikon's 1977 aperture indexing revision. It takes 52mm filters and operates entirely by manual focus.
For shooting, this lens mounts natively on Non-AI Nikon film bodies and can be used on AI and AI-S bodies with the aperture stopped down. On modern Nikon DSLRs and mirrorless bodies, an adapter brings it into service with manual exposure. At f/1.4, you get a fast 50mm for available-light work, and stopped down it covers a wide range of general shooting. The chrome-barrel version is also a collectible object for Nikon historians, a tangible piece of the Nippon Kogaku catalog before the company rebranded its camera division as Nikon.
Who It's For
Film photographers shooting Nikon F-mount bodies from the Non-AI era get native meter coupling and the period-correct aesthetic that matches their cameras. Collectors focused on Nippon Kogaku Japan production history will recognize the Patent Pending chrome barrel as an early production marker worth owning. Manual focus shooters on adapted mirrorless systems who want a fast 50mm f/1.4 for available-light documentary or portrait work will find the focal length and aperture well-suited to the task. Anyone drawn to shooting with legacy glass on modern bodies as a deliberate practice has a historically grounded starting point here.
Key Features
- 50mm focal length with f/1.4 maximum aperture
- Manual focus operation throughout the focal range
- Non-AI meter coupling pre-dating 1977 aperture indexing
- Nikon F mount (Non-AI specification)
- 52mm filter thread
- Chrome barrel finish from Nippon Kogaku Japan era
- Patent Pending production marking from late 1960s-early 1970s
- Usable on Non-AI, AI, and AI-S bodies with aperture control considerations
FAQ
- Will this Non-AI 50mm work on modern Nikon cameras?
- It mounts natively on Non-AI Nikon film bodies and can be used stopped-down on AI and AI-S bodies. On modern Nikon DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, you'll need an adapter and manual exposure control.
- What does the chrome barrel indicate about this lens?
- The chrome finish marks it as an early-generation NIKKOR-S, produced in the late 1960s to early 1970s during the Nippon Kogaku Japan era before the company rebranded its camera division as Nikon.
- What's the difference between Non-AI and AI coupling?
- Non-AI uses a meter coupling system that predates Nikon's 1977 aperture indexing revision (AI). Non-AI lenses require the aperture to be stopped down manually on AI and later bodies.
- What filter size does this lens take?
- 52mm filters thread directly onto the lens barrel.
- How fast is the maximum aperture?
- f/1.4, making it suitable for available-light shooting and shallow depth-of-field work.
- Is this lens fully manual or does it have autofocus?
- Entirely manual focus - there is no autofocus mechanism.
- Why is the "PAT Pend" marking significant?
- PAT Pend (Patent Pending) indicates production during Nippon Kogaku's Patent Pending era, roughly late 1960s to early 1970s, making this a documented piece of early Nikon lens catalog history.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Mount | Nikon F (Non-AI) |
| Filter Thread | 52mm |
| Finish | Chrome |
| AI Conversion | Non-AI |
| Manufacturer | Nippon Kogaku Japan |
| Patent Status | PAT Pend (Patent Pending era) |
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 | Standard / Normal |
| Max Focal Length | 50mm |
| Min Focal Length | 50mm |
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.
