Nikkor 55mm f/1.2 versions?

[analog.universe]

Hey all,

So I've been poking around ebay in search of fast glass, and I see there are a few different versions of this Nikon lens, and they all seem to sell for roughly the same price. There is the "S", the "S C", "type V" etc.. I'm going to be using an adapter to mount it to a Canon, so AI or not doesn't matter to me. I was just curious if anyone has experience with these lenses, and could possibly recommend a particular iteration? My whole intent here is fast and affordable, I'm not expecting razor sharp or distortion free or anything.

So any suggestions? or possibly any other old school 1.2 lenses I should be considering? It looks like I can obtain one of these Nikkor's for like US$250-300.

Thanks!

 

[Derrel]

The Nikkor S-Auto is the first. Intro 1965. This has a blueish lens coating color,and would be pre-Ai. In late 1972 the S.C. version was intro'd, and this lens has a red lens coating color, and is noted as being sharper than the older S model, even wide-open. In MID-1976, the "new" rubber-coated rings and the "new Nikkor" dress was premiered. MFD was made closer, at 1.7 feet, and the optical design was changed from the earlier models. In 1977, the lens was updated to Ai, beginning at serial # 400001. This lens was never made in Ai-S mount. NASA's Apollo and Skylab also had special 55mm f/1.2 models made, for use with space gloves on, plus a rare UV-Nikkor model. These bear NASA engraving on them. Info from Peter Braczko's The Complete Nikon System.

 

[analog.universe]

Thanks for that!