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Nikkor 50/3.5 Rigid Leica Mount

one of the rarest of all Nikkors

This is the rigid version of the  50/3.5 collapsible for the Nikon One.   Apparently both lenses  share the same four element optical formula.   Many experienced Nikon collectors are not aware of this particular lens,  since the 50/3.5 Rigid is not listed in the Rotoloni Nikon Rangefinder book --  since  it was not made in Nikon RF mount.

The 50/3.5 Nikkor was one of the original lens options for the early 1950's Nicca  cameras, excellent Leica copies similar to the Leica III.  The 50/3.5 rigid  was also sold with Tower cameras, which were really Niccas with a Tower nameplate sold through the American Sears department stores.    Contrary to popular folklore, Nicca had nothing to do with Nikon, other than buying lenses from them.   In fact, Nicca is actually the great grand daddy to the Contax G2.   Nicca was bought out by Yashica, giving Yashica its first focal plane manufacturing facilities.   Yashica/Contax makes today's G2 and AX using Zeiss lenses.

Besides its unique appearance, the 50/3.5 Rigid's most interesting feature is close focusing to 18 inches,   though  rangefinder coupling ends at 3.5 feet.  Apparently this lens was  made only in chrome barrel Leica screw mount, with no black rigids or other mounts presently known.  Weighing in a 7 1/2 oz, it has a 34mm filter size.   Total length of lens from filter thread to back of mounting plate is 34mm, or roughly the same size as the faster 50/2 Nikkor.    The f/stops range from 3.5 to 22.  The focusing mount on this example is marked in feet since it was intended for the American market.   Interestingly, it sported  a "Nicca" lens cap, not a "Nikkor"  lens cap.

Randol Hooper estimates production at only 500 lenses, which translates to SIX times rarer than the fabled 50/1.1 Nikkor!!

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Revised: November 26, 2003 .  Copyright � 1998-2002  Stephen Gandy. All rights reserved.    This means you may NOT copy and re-use the text or the pictures in ANY other internet or printed publication of ANY kind.  Information in this document is subject to change without notice.  Other products and companies referred to herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or mark holders.