Nippon-Kogaku Nikkor-Q.C 50mm f/3.5 (Rigid)

Nippon-Kogaku Nikkor-Q.C 50mm f/3.5 (Rigid)

The rigid Nikkor-Q.C 50mm f/3.5 is a mechanically distinct Leica screw-mount standard lens with an extended close-focus range and a fixed barrel.

Optical qualities

Rendering

Its four-element, three-group formula retains the compact Tessar-family character of the earlier lens. Results vary with condition, but clean examples generally favor strong central contrast and simple tonal rendering over modern edge uniformity at full aperture.

Handling

The lens is rangefinder coupled through the normal focusing range. A tactile transition marks the closer uncoupled range, which extends to about 0.46 m and requires scale focusing, measurement or live view. The rigid barrel and twelve-blade iris distinguish it from the collapsible version.

History

Development and Launch

Nippon Kogaku introduced the rigid barrel as a later development of its long-running 5cm f/3.5 rangefinder lens. Surviving coupled Leica screw-mount examples are documented from the early 1950s.

Production Evolution

The later construction moved the iris relative to the earlier collapsible layout, extended the aperture range to f/22 and added the dedicated close-focus sector.

Special Editions/Variants

This entry covers the rigid factory LTM lens. The collapsible Nikkor-Q.C 50mm f/3.5 remains a separate mechanical profile.

Collector Notes

Verify the fixed barrel, red or otherwise differentiated near-distance scale and correct rangefinder operation above the uncoupled close-focus sector. Inspect the fine filter thread, iris and helicoid carefully.