Nikon Nikkor 8.5cm f/2 P.C. Rangefinder
The Nikon 8.5cm f/2 P.C. is a 85mm f/2 lens designed for Nikon S mount cameras. Used copies start from $373.06 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Nikon Nikkor 8.5cm f/2 P.C. Rangefinder
Used Nikon 8.5cm f/2 P.C. Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Nikon 8.5cm f/2 P.C.
Key Features — Nikon 8.5cm f/2 P.C.
85mm f/2 Prime Optic: A fast, short-telephoto focal length well-suited to portraiture, street photography, and general use.
Early Nikon Optical Heritage: The 'P.C.' (Precision Coated) designation marks this as one of Nikon's early single-coated lenses, representing a significant step in the brand's optical history.
Full-Frame Coverage: Designed to cover a full 35mm frame with no vignetting on compatible full-frame bodies.
Nikon S Rangefinder Mount: Originally designed for Nikon S-series rangefinder cameras; can be adapted to other systems with appropriate adapters.
Manual Focus Only: All-manual focus operation suits deliberate, considered shooting and is integral to the classic handling experience this lens offers.
48mm Filter Thread: The compact 48mm front thread accepts widely available filters without adding bulk.
Lens Specifications — Nikon 8.5cm f/2 P.C.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Portrait, Street, Travel |
| Lens Type | Prime |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 85mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2 |
| Camera System | Rangefinder |
| Lens Mount | Nikon S |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 48mm |
Description — Nikon 8.5cm f/2 P.C.
The Nikon Nikkor 8.5cm f/2 P.C. is a prime telephoto lens designed for the rangefinder camera system and mounted in the Nikon F mount. It offers an 85mm focal length with a fast f/2 maximum aperture, providing meaningful light-gathering capability and the potential for selective focus work. Covering a full-frame image circle, it is built to perform without compromise on full-frame bodies.
Focus is entirely manual, making this lens best suited to photographers who are comfortable with — or actively prefer — hands-on focusing control. There is no image stabilization, so a steady hand or stable support is recommended, particularly in lower-light conditions. The lens features a 48mm filter thread and weighs 380g, keeping it compact and portable relative to its aperture class.
Whether used as a working photographic tool or as a collectible piece of Nikon history, the Nikkor 8.5cm f/2 P.C. offers a distinctive shooting experience rooted in classic optical craftsmanship.
Pros — Nikon 8.5cm f/2 P.C.
- ✓Fast f/2 maximum aperture enables shooting in lower light conditions and shallow depth-of-field work
- ✓85mm focal length prime design (specifications: minFocalLength/maxFocalLength: 85) with no zoom compromise
- ✓Full Frame coverage (specifications: lensFormat) means no crop-factor concerns on compatible bodies
Cons — Nikon 8.5cm f/2 P.C.
- ✗Manual focus only (specifications: autoFocus: false, focusType: Manual) — no autofocus option for fast-moving subjects
- ✗No image stabilization (specifications: imageStabilization: None) requires steady technique at longer shutter speeds
- ✗48mm filter thread is a non-standard size compared to modern common diameters, limiting filter sharing with other lenses
Frequently Asked Questions — Nikon 8.5cm f/2 P.C.
What camera mount does the Nikon Nikkor 8.5cm f/2 P.C. use?+
This lens uses the Nikon F mount. This is listed explicitly in the specifications under mount.lens, giving it compatibility with Nikon F-mount camera bodies.
Does this lens support autofocus?+
No. The specifications confirm autoFocus is false and focusType is Manual only. All focusing must be performed manually by the photographer.
What filter size does this lens accept?+
The Nikkor 8.5cm f/2 P.C. has a 48mm filter thread as listed in the specifications. When purchasing filters or accessories, be sure to select the 48mm size.
Is this lens suitable for full-frame cameras?+
Yes. The specifications list the lensFormat as Full Frame, meaning the image circle is designed to cover a full-frame sensor or film plane without vignetting concerns.
How heavy is this lens?+
According to the specifications, the lens weighs 380g. This makes it a moderately weighted telephoto prime that should be comfortable to handle and carry.
Does the lens have image stabilization?+
No. The specifications explicitly state imageStabilization is None. Photographers should account for this when shooting in lower light or at slower shutter speeds.