Nikon 28mm f/3.5 Nikkor-H Auto Pre-AI Manual Focus Lens - Used

Overview:

The Nikon 28mm f/3.5 is a quintessential manual-focus wide-angle lens from Nikon’s "Golden Era". Known for its all-metal construction and compact profile, it provides a 74° field of view on full-frame cameras, making it a favorite for street, travel, and landscape photography. Unlike modern plastic lenses, this vintage gem is built with chrome-plated brass or aluminum, offering a tactile, "tank-like" feel that is rare in contemporary optics.

Optical Performance & Character

• Sharpness: The lens is exceptionally sharp in the center, even when wide open at f/3.5. For peak edge-to-edge performance, experts from Photography Life recommend stopping down to f/11 due to field curvature.
• Infrared Specialist: It is highly regarded as one of the best vintage lenses for infrared photography, as it is completely free of hot spots at all apertures.
• Close Focus & Macro: Features a minimum focus distance of 0.3m (1ft), allowing for creative close-ups with smooth, non-swirly background bokeh. It is also an excellent choice for reverse-mounted macro work, capable of up to 9X magnification.
• Distortion Control: Geometric distortion is impressively low for its age, though a slight "mustache" or barrel distortion may be visible in technically demanding shots.

Handling & Compatibility

• Precise Focus: Features a generous 190-degree focus throw, providing a smooth and deliberate focusing experience that is ideal for both stills and controlled video pulls.
• Adaptability: While designed for the Nikon F-mount, it is easily adapted to modern mirrorless systems (Sony E, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X) via simple mechanical adapters, where features like focus peaking make it even easier to use.
• Filter Size: Standardized at 52mm, compatible with a wide range of affordable vintage and modern filters.

Condition:

• Well used-may exhibit "dings" or noticeable marks to finish
• There is a scratch on tghe glass