One of only 359 ever made, this particular Nikon Nikkor-P 1200mm f/11 lens is probably one of the most pristine examples still around, and now it can be yours if you have a spare $6,000 burning a hole in your pocket. Up for sale on eBay by user nikon_and_wine, the lens is being describe as “nearly MINT” and the photos certainly seem to back this up showing no fungus and barely a speck of dust.
The listing reads… According to Photosynthesis, the serial number of this lens puts it being manufacturered between 1974 and 1977. It’s probably towards the early end of that range, making the condition of this lens very impressive. This Nikon 1200mm lens is in a close to new condition with no shortcomings.
The lens weighs a little over 3kg, about twice as heavy as the current model Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8VRII, surprisingly light for a lens so large, but then its maximum aperture is only f/11. With only 5 elements in 5 groups, it’s a very simple design, uncommon in a lens so long, which goes a long way toward explaining the relatively light weight. Despite this, with the focusing unit this lens still sits at 3 feet in length (922mm).
It’s not as beefy as some of the other big lenses we’ve shown you recently, like the Zeiss 1000mm f/5.6 or the monstrous Birns and Sawyer 1000mm f/4.5, but it’s still an impressive piece of glass.
Focal length: 1,200mmMaximum aperture: 1:11Lens construction: 5 elements in 5 groupsPicture angle: 2°Distance scale: Graduated both in meters and feet up to 43m or 139 ft (50m/150 ft with AU-1)Aperture scale: f/11- f/64 (IR focus shift: 8.9mm (turn ring left))Aperture diaphragm: ManualExposure Measurement: Stop-down methodAttachment size: 122mm (P=1.00)Lens Hood: Built-in telescopic typeFilter: 122mm screw-inDimension: 135mm dia x 732mm length (5-5/16 in. x 28-13/16 in.); 135mm dia x 922mm length (5-5/16 in. x 39-1/16 in.) with focusing unit; 135mm dia x 732mm length (5-5/16 in. x 28-13/16 in.) with AU-1Weight: 3.1kg (109.5 oz); 4.3kg (151.9 oz) with focusing unit; 5.5kg (194.3 oz) with AU-1Accessories: 135mm slip-on feather front cap (108 – 04 – 400), slip-on leather rear cap, focusing unit (108 – 00 – 600), wooden case (108 – 04 – 302). Note: this lens should be used with its own manual diaphragm (f/11-64) and the automatic diaphragm on the focussing mount should be set wide open (f/4.5) $950 list (1965); $950 list (1967)
The lens retailed for $950 when it was released. Adjusting for inflation, that works out to around $4863. At $5,750 + shipping, this listing’s price is a little higher than it would be new, although if you need that kind of focal length and quality glass, it’s probably one of the better deals available. So, if you’ve been after a super telephoto lens for your Nikon (or even for Canon, with an adapter), then what are you waiting for? Now’s your chance to own a rare piece of Nikon history, even if you do need a supernova going off in the background to light your scene. Anybody tempted? Do you already own one of these rare beauties? What do you love or hate about it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. [via Nikon Rumors]
