Nippon-Kogaku Nikkor-S.C 50mm f/1.5

Nippon-Kogaku Nikkor-S.C 50mm f/1.5

The Nikkor-S.C 50mm f/1.5 is an early postwar fast normal lens made in Leica screw mount. This profile covers the coupled LTM version and keeps engraving changes within one lens identity.

Optical qualities

Rendering

The seven-element design belongs to Nippon Kogaku's early high-speed rangefinder program. At full aperture it prioritizes speed and subject separation; contrast, flare and edge definition depend strongly on coating and optical condition. Stopping down improves uniformity.

Handling

The Leica screw-mount barrel is rangefinder coupled through its normal focusing range. Its close-focus extension reaches beyond the reliably coupled range, so near-distance work requires direct distance measurement or live view on an adapted digital camera.

History

Development and Launch

Nikon's historical account traces the optical design to wartime development completed around 1942. The postwar Leica-mount production lens followed in 1949 as part of Nippon Kogaku's first interchangeable rangefinder series.

Production Evolution

Early examples can lack aperture click stops and may stop down only to f/11. Coating, engraving and small barrel details changed during production without establishing a separate optical model here.

Special Editions/Variants

Leica screw-mount and Nikon rangefinder-mount versions exist. This entry is restricted to the factory Leica screw-mount lens.

Collector Notes

Confirm the NIKKOR-S.C 1:1.5 f=5cm engraving, the original LTM mount and smooth operation of the rangefinder cam. Haze, coating wear and stiff focusing can materially affect use.