There's something about Nikon equipment, you pick it up and you're instantly aware of the seminal images of our lifetime,captured by this wonderful, cherished equipment. Never is this more apparent than when looking at a Pro level period piece of kit such as this.
A very late, 1980 example of Nikon's ultimate fast wide, the classic 24mm F2 Nikkor AI. AI meaning it is compatible with any Nikon SLR and DSLR ever made. I have been testing it gently on my D7000 with excellent results.
Nikkor offered a 24/2 since the launch of the AI mount, although due to high retail costs, the numbers sold have been minute by Nikon standards, one offered here being the final AI version. The serial number dates this particular lens to 1980, making it one of the very last AI examples, making it even more desirable to the Nikon connoisseur.
Like many enthusiasts, I have a deep love for the manual Nikkors, the beauty of their design and quality of their build are surpassed only by the staggering images they produce. These lenses really are legendary and in terms of digital compatible lenses are amongst the very best you can find. Leica are arguably superior in outright terms, but given that they command three to ten times the price of the equivalent Nikkor for and extra 5% which is out of reach for all but the most elite photographer, I'll take the more flexible and thankfully more economic Nikon system every time!
Contemporary to the seminal Nikon FM2, F3 and F4 SLRs, this lovely lens is AI F Mount, so compatible with all Nikon SLRs and DSLRs made since 1959 and the ideal companion to any of the excellent Nikon bodies currently for sale in my OTHER AUCTIONS It will also happily work with all current Nikon DSLRs. I have had great fun with identical lenses mounted on my D300 and D7000, which offer all metering options with this lens. With adapters, it is equally impressive mounted on a Canon DSLR or Micro four thirds body, like my Panasonic G1, while adapters are also available for the Sony NEX, Samsung NX and Nikon 1 systems.
The particular lens is in stunning near mint condition, the vast, wide open front glass is perfectly clear, with no marks of any kind. Internally, there is no dust that I can make out holding the lens up to daylight. Optically, cosmetically and mechanically, this lens is truly exceptional. The focus and aperture rings move as smoothly as you would hope from a Nikon lens and remain light and constant, while the barrel is almost completely unmarked. The optics bear that gorgeous Nikkor NIC multicoating which shimmers green, blue and magenta in the light, possibly the prettiest in all photography.
The 24mm f2 was Nikkor's widest, fastest lens in the wide range and as a result was very expensive when new and is now a much rarer find than the more common 24/2.8, 28mm or 35mm. Traditionally, the 24mm is regarded as a wide angle lens, but it lends itself to much, much more, the extra speed and legendary sharpness of the F2 version makes it the ideal partner for many kinds of photography, from a simple group snap or sweeping landscape to an all encompassing interior. I have adored my time with this lens and if It was not so damned minty, I would keep it in a heartbeat, but as things are, It is frankly just too good for me!
The lens will be supplied as pictured, with original Nikon caps, ready for you to get to work immediately!
