Nippon-Kogaku W-Nikkor.C 3.5cm f/3.5

Nippon Kogaku W-Nikkor.C 3.5cm f/3.5

The Nippon Kogaku W-Nikkor.C 3.5cm f/3.5 is a Japanese wide-angle rangefinder lens documented in Leica screw-mount form. It was made by Nippon Kogaku, later Nikon, during the postwar rangefinder period and belongs to the early W-Nikkor wide-angle family. KEH documents the Leica screw-mount version as “Nikon 3.5cm (35mm) f/3.5 W-Nikkor.C Nippon Kogaku Japan Lens for M39 Screw Mount,” with a 34mm filter size [1].

This lens should be kept separate from the later and faster W-Nikkor.C 3.5cm f/2.5. MIR notes that the W-Nikkor.C 1:3.5 f=3.5cm had several stages of early development and modification, while the 3.5cm f/2.5 had a more straightforward later background [2]. The f/3.5 version is also separate from the W-Nikkor.C 2.8cm f/3.5, which is a different 28mm lens.

This entry covers Leica L39 / LTM / M39 screw-mount examples of the W-Nikkor.C 3.5cm f/3.5. It should not be merged with Nikon S-mount examples unless the lens is physically in Leica screw mount. The included Leica M adapter in seller listings should be recorded as an accessory only, not as part of the lens model.

Optical qualities

Rendering

The W-Nikkor.C 3.5cm f/3.5 is a compact early Japanese rangefinder wide-angle with classic rendering. It is slower than the better-known W-Nikkor.C 3.5cm f/2.5, but it belongs to the earlier 35mm Nikkor rangefinder line and has collector appeal because Leica screw-mount examples are relatively scarce. MIR specifically notes that M39 screw-mount examples with “Made in Occupied Japan” or Nippon Kogaku Tokyo markings are scarce [2].

Sharpness

No reliable modern bench test was used for this entry. As an early 35mm f/3.5 rangefinder lens, performance should be judged copy by copy. Optical condition, haze, cleaning marks, coating wear, rangefinder calibration and adapter accuracy can strongly affect practical sharpness.

Contrast and color

Contrast is likely condition-dependent. Early postwar coated lenses may perform well when clean, but older coatings and small front elements can be sensitive to flare. A hood is useful for practical use, especially on film or digital bodies in strong light.

Distortion and vignetting

No verified distortion or vignetting measurements were found for the Leica screw-mount version. As a compact 35mm wide-angle, it should be described conservatively rather than given modern performance claims.

Bokeh and transitions

As a 35mm f/3.5 lens, shallow depth of field is not its main purpose. Its appeal is compactness, early Nikon rangefinder history, Leica screw-mount compatibility and vintage wide-angle rendering rather than dramatic background blur.

Handling

The lens is intended for rangefinder use and is documented in M39 Leica screw mount [1]. It can be used on Leica screw-mount bodies directly and on Leica M bodies with an L39-to-M adapter. A 35mm external finder may be useful on bodies without 35mm framelines.

Digital use

The lens can be used on Leica M digital bodies with a suitable L39-to-M adapter and on mirrorless cameras with suitable adapters. It is uncoded and has no six-bit identification. Edge performance, flare and color behavior should be evaluated copy by copy on digital sensors.

History

Development and Launch

The W-Nikkor.C 3.5cm f/3.5 belongs to the earliest Nikon rangefinder wide-angle lens family. MIR describes the 3.5cm f/3.5 as an early lens that went through several stages of improvement and modification during the postwar period [2]. Leica screw-mount examples were produced for compatibility with Leica-thread cameras and Japanese Leica-copy bodies.

Production Evolution

Public documentation is incomplete. MIR notes that W-Nikkor.C 1:3.5 f=3.5cm examples in M39 screw mount with MIOJ or Nippon Kogaku Tokyo markings are scarce [2]. KEH confirms at least one black/chrome M39 Leica screw-mount version with 34mm filter size [1]. Because the lens exists across rangefinder mounts and marking styles, the exact front-ring engraving, mount and serial number should be recorded when visible.

Special Editions/Variants

No commemorative factory special edition is documented. Collector-relevant variants include Nippon Kogaku Tokyo engraving, Nippon Kogaku Japan engraving, MIOJ markings, chrome or black/chrome finish, and Leica screw-mount versus Nikon S-mount versions.

Collector Notes

Collectors should verify the W-Nikkor.C engraving, 3.5cm f/3.5 marking, Nippon Kogaku Tokyo or Japan wording, Leica L39 / M39 screw mount, rangefinder coupling, serial number and included accessories. Important condition checks include haze, fungus, cleaning marks, coating wear, aperture operation, focusing smoothness and damaged screw threads. Do not connect listings for the 3.5cm f/2.5 or 2.8cm f/3.5 to this entry.

Special editions

No confirmed factory commemorative special edition is currently documented.

Known collector-relevant variants and related versions include:

• Nippon Kogaku W-Nikkor.C 3.5cm f/3.5 Leica screw-mount examples, this entry.
• Nippon Kogaku Tokyo W-Nikkor 3.5cm f/3.5 examples, same lens family when 35mm f/3.5 and Leica screw mount are confirmed.
• MIOJ / Made in Occupied Japan marked examples, collector-relevant where verified.
• Black/chrome and chrome/silver finish examples, finish should be recorded from the exact copy.
• Examples sold with L39-to-M adapter, accessory only.
• W-Nikkor.C 3.5cm f/2.5, related but faster and separate entry.
• W-Nikkor.C 2.8cm f/3.5, related but different focal length and separate entry.
• Nikon S-mount W-Nikkor.C 3.5cm f/3.5 examples, related but separate mount context unless physically Leica screw mount.

Sources

• [1] KEH. Nikon 3.5cm (35mm) f/3.5 W-Nikkor.C Nippon Kogaku Japan Lens for M39 Screw Mount Black/Chrome {34}. https://www.keh.com/shop/nikon-35mm-3-5cm-f-3-5-w-nikkor-c-black-chrome-npk-japan-lens-for-leica-screw-mount-34-684300.html
• [2] MIR. Nikon RF W-Nikkor 3.5cm wide-angle lenses. https://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/RF-Nikkor/RF35mm/index.htm
• [3] KEH. Nikon 3.5cm (35mm) f/3.5 W-Nikkor Nippon Kogaku Japan Lens for M39 Screw Mount Black/Chrome {34}. https://www.keh.com/shop/35-f3-5-in-cm-w-nikkor-blk-chr-34-npk-japan-lens-1.html
• [4] Richard Haw. Repair: W-Nikkor.C 3.5cm f/3.5. https://richardhaw.com/2017/04/02/repair-w-nikkor-3-5cm-f3-5/