Nikon NIKKOR-H Auto 85mm f/1.8 Non-AI Lens *USED*

SKU: NIK-NIKKOR-H-85MM-PRE-1
Used Good

Price:
Sale price$129.00

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In Stock

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  • Accidental damage protection (drops, spills, impact)
  • Mechanical & electrical failure coverage after manufacturer warranty
  • Parts and labor for all covered repairs
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440-934-1544
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Short description

This Nikon NIKKOR-H Auto 85mm f/1.8 Non-AI Lens is in good cosmetic condition and has been fully tested to ensure its manual focus helicoid and mechanical aperture linkage work properly. As a classic pre-AI portrait prime, this lens is highly regarded for its distinctive vintage rendering, solid all-metal construction, and the ""Nippon Kogaku"" heritage that defined Nikon's professional optics in the 1960s and 70s. The lens body shows signs of significant history, with moderate finish loss and scratching visible along the edges of the barrel and the scalloped focus ring. The non-AI lens mount also shows moderate scratching and finish loss from decades of mounting and unmounting, though it remains structurally sound and attaches securely to compatible cameras. Regarding the optics, there is a minor amount of internal dust present, which is common for a vintage lens of this age and will not have a noticeable impact on image quality or contrast. Most importantly, the aperture blades are in excellent condition—clean, snappy, and free of oil.

Quick Overview

  • Classic short-telephoto "Portrait" focal length
  • Bright f/1.8 maximum aperture for beautiful bokeh
  • Robust 6-element "H" (Hexagon) optical construction
  • Solid all-metal "Pre-AI" scalloped focus ring design
  • Excellent subject separation and 3D rendering
  • Nikon Integrated Coating (IC) for improved contrast
  • Manual focus with a smooth, damped tactile feel
  • Standard 52mm front filter thread for ease of use
  • Compatible with vintage Nikon F-series SLR bodies
  • Exceptional mechanical durability and longevity

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Product Description

The Nikon NIKKOR-H Auto 85mm f/1.8 is a legendary short-telephoto prime lens that holds a special place in the history of portrait photography. Released in the mid-1960s, the "H" in its name stands for "Hexa," indicating a sophisticated six-element optical design. This was Nikon's premier portrait lens for the F-mount system before the transition to the more common 85mm f/2 and later f/1.4 variants. It is widely celebrated for its "Sonnar-style" rendering, which combines a sharp central subject with a smooth, painterly background blur that digital-era lenses often struggle to replicate.

Technically, this lens is built with the "all-metal and glass" philosophy of the pre-AI era, featuring a robust scalloped focus ring and a deeply recessed front element. It offers a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture, making it an exceptional tool for low-light photography and tight headshots with a shallow depth of field. The "Auto" in the name refers to the automatic diaphragm, which allows the lens to stay wide open for bright focusing and only stops down to the selected aperture at the moment the shutter is released.

For the modern shooter, the NIKKOR-H 85mm f/1.8 is prized for its high contrast and remarkable resolution, even when used on high-megapixel mirrorless sensors via an adapter. Its 52mm filter thread matches many other classic NIKKOR primes, making it a convenient addition to a vintage kit. Despite being over 50 years old, the mechanical precision of the dampened focus throw provides a tactile experience that modern autofocus lenses cannot match. It remains a top choice for photographers seeking a classic "Nippon Kogaku" aesthetic with professional-grade sharpness and soul.

In The Box Nikon NIKKOR-H Auto 85mm f/1.8 Non-AI Lens, Lens Cap, Rear Lens Cap
Condition Used

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