NikonGear'23

Gear Talk => Lens Talk => Topic started by: Akira on September 11, 2018, 10:26:10

Title: Nikon Museum to exhibit prototype lenses
Post by: Akira on September 11, 2018, 10:26:10: Nikon Museum in Tokyo is going to hold a special exhibition of about 60 prototype lenses Nikon made from the 50s to the 80s along with the printed images taken with these lenses on Z7.

The news of Impress-Watch offers some images of the protptype lenses: from top to bottom, Reflex-Nikkor 1000mm/f11 "IF", Nikkor-D 15mm/f4 (F-mount lens requiring mirror-up like the 21/4.0), Fisheye Nikkor 6.2mm/f5.6, Noct Nikkor 58mm/f1.2, Zoom-Nikkor Auto 35-400mm/f4.5. (The last image is the IF Reflex on F2):

https://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/event/1142394.html

Sorry, the texts are all in Japanese. The exhibition will be held from October 2nd to December 27th.

Hope you drivel. :D
Title: Re: Nikon Museum to exhibit prototype lenses
Post by: richardHaw on September 11, 2018, 10:45:13: I will cover that :o :o :o

its already part of my schedule since last week ::)
Title: Re: Nikon Museum to exhibit prototype lenses
Post by: Akira on September 11, 2018, 10:54:00: I will at least visit there, this time!

I'm not sure if the 15/4 can be mounted on Z7, but you might able to use it in the closer range.
Title: Re: Nikon Museum to exhibit prototype lenses
Post by: MILLIREHM on September 11, 2018, 11:12:34: Quote from: Akira on September 11, 2018, 10:26:10
Nikon Museum in Tokyo is going to hold a special exhibition of about 60 prototype lenses Nikon made from the 50s to the 80s along with the printed images taken with these lenses on Z7.

The news of Impress-Watch offers some images of the protptype lenses: from top to bottom, Reflex-Nikkor 1000mm/f11 "IF", Nikkor-D 15mm/f4 (F-mount lens requiring mirror-up like the 21/4.0), Fisheye Nikkor 6.2mm/f5.6, Noct Nikkor 58mm/f1.2, Zoom-Nikkor Auto 35-200mm/f4.5. (The last image is the IF Reflex on F2):

https://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/event/1142394.html

Sorry, the texts are all in Japanese. The exhibition will be held from October 2nd to December 27th.

Hope you drivel. :D
Thanks for the link Akira
Title: Re: Nikon Museum to exhibit prototype lenses
Post by: Erik Lund on September 11, 2018, 11:25:46: Wow, what a treat ;) Looking forward to more! Thanks ;)
Title: Re: Nikon Museum to exhibit prototype lenses
Post by: Akira on September 11, 2018, 16:39:28: Wolfgang and Erik, you are welcome!
Title: Re: Nikon Museum to exhibit prototype lenses
Post by: Akira on September 11, 2018, 16:43:15: CORRECTION:

The zoom lens was not 35-200, but whopping 35-"400"! :o :o :o
Title: Re: Nikon Museum to exhibit prototype lenses
Post by: Birna Rørslett on September 11, 2018, 17:29:24: I like Nikkors. Period. So visiting such an exhibition would be a feast for sore eyes. As I'm locked up in commitments here in the high North, our Japanese friends have to provide us with their impressions and photos .. please.
Title: Re: Nikon Museum to exhibit prototype lenses
Post by: Akira on September 11, 2018, 18:31:40: Quote from: Birna Rørslett on September 11, 2018, 17:29:24
I like Nikkors. Period. So visiting such an exhibition would be a feast for sore eyes. As I'm locked up in commitments here in the high North, our Japanese friends have to provide us with their impressions and photos .. please.

This time, I'm seriously planning to visit the musium. And, if ever taking pictures of these lenses and/or the images shot with them is allowed, I would definitely do that and will post the results here, other than Rick's coverage.
Title: Re: Nikon Museum to exhibit prototype lenses
Post by: Birna Rørslett on September 11, 2018, 22:52:31: Thanks a bunch, Akira :D
Title: Re: Nikon Museum to exhibit prototype lenses
Post by: richardHaw on September 12, 2018, 02:18:16: i am kind of OK with the curator so he usually let me go on and do my business :o :o :o
Title: Re: Nikon Museum to exhibit prototype lenses
Post by: Dr Klaus Schmitt on September 12, 2018, 11:22:17: Wish I could see that. Arigato domo Akira! ;)
Title: Re: Nikon Museum to exhibit prototype lenses
Post by: Akira on September 12, 2018, 11:59:44: Quote from: richardHaw on September 12, 2018, 02:18:16
i am kind of OK with the curator so he usually let me go on and do my business :o :o :o

So far as the museum is concerned, it would be OK for anynone if it is OK for you?

Quote from: Dr Klaus Schmitt on September 12, 2018, 11:22:17
Wish I could see that. Arigato domo Akira! ;)

Doh-itashimashite, Klaus!
Title: Re: Nikon Museum to exhibit prototype lenses
Post by: richardHaw on September 12, 2018, 16:19:47: depends. he is familiar with me anyway and he lets me touch the items occasionally which is forbidden :o :o :o
he used to be very strict but he has been seeing me for years now, we even went out for dinner once. having common friends also helps ::)
Title: Re: Nikon Museum to exhibit prototype lenses
Post by: Wally on September 12, 2018, 17:56:56: I had no issues taking pictures at the museum in February 2017 (after obviously politely asking the staff for permission)
Title: Re: Nikon Museum to exhibit prototype lenses
Post by: Roland Vink on September 21, 2018, 11:43:35: That 35-400 zoom is crazy! I guess Nikon were pleased with their ground-breaking 50-300 zoom and wanted to extend it a bit further in both directions :o

Last month a number of prototype Nikkors appeared on Yahoo Japan Auctions. The seller cancelled before the listing completed. A collector saved some pictures and sent them to me.

One of the lenses offered is a Nikkor-S 105/2.8 soft focus lens: http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/F105mm/105_28_Soft.html
The same lens is mentioned here: https://imaging.nikon.com/history/story/0051/index.htm
(http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/F105mm/281052%20a.jpg)

The same lens is shown at the front of the lens group photo in the original post. The Nikon article says only one lens still exists so it must be the same lens ... surely this lens would be owned by Nikon, so how was it possible to be listed on Yahoo in the first place?

Here is another prototype, a very early 135/2: http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/F135mm/135_2_proto.html
(http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/F135mm/170103%20a.jpg)
I have a few more which I hope to post soon :)
Title: Re: Nikon Museum to exhibit prototype lenses
Post by: Erik Lund on September 21, 2018, 11:58:43: Very nicely made these prototypes, I guess that they are more like pre production units, trial run series, they look mostly like they are finished lenses from a short production run,,,

Thanks for posting!
Title: Re: Nikon Museum to exhibit prototype lenses
Post by: MILLIREHM on September 21, 2018, 13:31:54: The prototypes are looking great - thanks Roland for the links

I remember much later when Canon introduced its 35-350 mm as the worlds first 10x zoom

And: A 135 mm f/2 with a tripod collar - cool
Title: Re: Nikon Museum to exhibit prototype lenses
Post by: pluton on September 21, 2018, 19:40:23: Yeah... the tripod collar on the 135/2 is very nice.
Title: Re: Nikon Museum to exhibit prototype lenses
Post by: Akira on September 21, 2018, 21:21:51: Thank you, Roland, for the intriguing images of the protopypes.

I wish all 105mm Micro Nikkors had tripod collars...
Title: Re: Nikon Museum to exhibit prototype lenses
Post by: MILLIREHM on September 21, 2018, 22:32:45: Quote from: Akira on September 21, 2018, 21:21:51
Thank you, Roland, for the intriguing images of the protopypes.

I wish all 105mm Micro Nikkors had tripod collars...
Understandable wish
Mr. Burzynsky built collars for the MF 105 mm f/2,8 Micro BTW
Title: Re: Nikon Museum to exhibit prototype lenses
Post by: Roland Vink on September 21, 2018, 23:01:57: Next prototype: Nikkor-N 25mm 1:3.5 http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/F24mm/25_35_proto.html
(http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/F24mm/194112%20a.jpg)
Title: Re: Nikon Museum to exhibit prototype lenses
Post by: Roland Vink on September 21, 2018, 23:04:33: Quote from: Akira on September 21, 2018, 21:21:51
Thank you, Roland, for the intriguing images of the protopypes.

I wish all 105mm Micro Nikkors had tripod collars...
My 105/4 micro does ... when attached to my PN-11 :o
Title: Re: Nikon Museum to exhibit prototype lenses
Post by: Akira on September 21, 2018, 23:17:59: Quote from: Roland Vink on September 21, 2018, 23:01:57
Next prototype: Nikkor-N 25mm 1:3.5 http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/F24mm/25_35_proto.html

I'm rather intrigued by the blue rear cap!

Quote from: Roland Vink on September 21, 2018, 23:04:33
My 105/4 micro does ... when attached to my PN-11 :o

I have two of them. The dedicated Arca-Swiss RRS plate is a must-have. 8)
Title: Re: Nikon Museum to exhibit prototype lenses
Post by: Akira on September 21, 2018, 23:19:25: Quote from: MILLIREHM on September 21, 2018, 22:32:45
Understandable wish
Mr. Burzynsky built collars for the MF 105 mm f/2,8 Micro BTW

I wonder how he found the space to attach the collar? The silver ring and the little gab between the ring and the focus ring seems to be the only possible space...

Sorry that Mr. Burzynsky had to stop producing excellent items...
Title: Re: Nikon Museum to exhibit prototype lenses
Post by: Akira on September 21, 2018, 23:26:37: Quote from: Roland Vink on September 21, 2018, 11:43:35
Last month a number of prototype Nikkors appeared on Yahoo Japan Auctions. The seller cancelled before the listing completed. A collector saved some pictures and sent them to me.

The same lens is shown at the front of the lens group photo in the original post. The Nikon article says only one lens still exists so it must be the same lens ... surely this lens would be owned by Nikon, so how was it possible to be listed on Yahoo in the first place?

Groups of Nikon frauds are lurking about in Yahoo Japan Auctions. I stay away from YJA. Stealing the images may be the best way to utilize it, though. :D
Title: Re: Nikon Museum to exhibit prototype lenses
Post by: MILLIREHM on September 22, 2018, 10:41:17: Quote from: Akira on September 21, 2018, 23:19:25

Sorry that Mr. Burzynsky had to stop producing excellent items...

Maybe he is still producing, and probably he is still selling.
His items are no more available via Isarfoto though because they were both heading in different directions philosophy-wise, and Isarfoto has closed now

And: Nikon PN11 is a fine item, yes!
Title: Re: Nikon Museum to exhibit prototype lenses
Post by: Akira on September 22, 2018, 16:38:41: Quote from: MILLIREHM on September 22, 2018, 10:41:17
Maybe he is still producing, and probably he is still selling.

And: Nikon PN11 is a fine item, yes!

That's good to know. I think his design is excellent, not only that unique ballhead, but also tripod collars.
Title: Re: Nikon Museum to exhibit prototype lenses
Post by: MILLIREHM on September 23, 2018, 15:33:55: Quote from: Akira on September 22, 2018, 16:38:41
That's good to know. I think his design is excellent, not only that unique ballhead, but also tripod collars.
Yes it is, very creative and practicable, he has high quality and usability standards. I have got a lot of items from him, his ballhead, adapted Sachtler fluid heads monopod heads, his superior leveling adapter, special arca type clamps and plates, special screws and much more
He is not present in Internet does speak German and too much of English and he is more than old enough that he could completely retire.
Title: Re: Nikon Museum to exhibit prototype lenses
Post by: Akira on September 23, 2018, 15:43:43: Quote from: MILLIREHM on September 23, 2018, 15:33:55
Yes it is, very creative and practicable, he has high quality and usability standards. I have got a lot of items from him, his ballhead, adapted Sachtler fluid heads monopod heads, his superior leveling adapter, special arca type clamps and plates, special screws and much more
He is not present in Internet does speak German and too much of English and he is more than old enough that he could completely retire.

Doesn't he have any successors or disciples?
Title: Re: Nikon Museum to exhibit prototype lenses
Post by: MILLIREHM on September 23, 2018, 15:52:41: Quote from: Akira on September 23, 2018, 15:43:43
Doesn't he have any successors or disciples?
not that i know of - so i hope he himself can stay active for a long period of time, havent called him for a while.
Title: Re: Nikon Museum to exhibit prototype lenses
Post by: Akira on September 23, 2018, 16:01:24: Quote from: MILLIREHM on September 23, 2018, 15:52:41
not that i know of - so i hope he himself can stay active for a long period of time, havent called him for a while.

I hope so.