Nikon W Nikkor C 2.8cm 28mm f/3.5 Rangefinder Lens
The Nikon 2.8cm 28mm f/3.5 is a lens from Nikon. Used copies start from $499.99 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Nikon W Nikkor C 2.8cm 28mm f/3.5 Rangefinder Lens
Used Nikon 2.8cm 28mm f/3.5 Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Nikon 2.8cm 28mm f/3.5
Key Features — Nikon 2.8cm 28mm f/3.5
28mm f/3.5 Wide-Angle: A moderately wide field of view suited to street, landscape, and documentary photography on 35mm film.
Rangefinder-Era Optics: Manufactured in the 1950s, this lens reflects early Nikon optical engineering and carries genuine mid-century character.
Nikon S Mount (Contax RF): Originally designed for the Nikon S-series rangefinder system, not the Nikon F SLR mount. Requires an adapter for use on F-mount or modern Nikon bodies.
Manual Focus Design: Fully manual focus operation encourages a deliberate shooting approach favored in both film and adapted mirrorless workflows.
35mm Film Format: Designed specifically for 35mm film, making it a natural pairing with period-appropriate or modern 35mm film cameras.
Compact Build: The lens is notably compact and light for a wide-angle optic, adding minimal bulk to any kit.
Lens Specifications — Nikon 2.8cm 28mm f/3.5
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Street, Landscape, Architecture |
| Lens Mount | Nikon S |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
Description — Nikon 2.8cm 28mm f/3.5
The Nikon W Nikkor C 2.8cm 28mm f/3.5 is a manual focus wide-angle lens with a rangefinder heritage, manufactured during the 1950–1959 era. Built for the 35mm film format, it carries a Nikon F mount and a maximum aperture of f/3.5. Its mechanical shutter compatibility and straightforward optical design reflect the engineering priorities of its time.
Weighing between 180g and 200g, the lens is compact enough for everyday use without adding significant bulk. Flash compatibility is listed as none, keeping the shooting experience purely optical. Whether you're a collector drawn to its mid-century provenance or a film photographer seeking vintage Nikon glass, the W Nikkor C offers a direct link to the early decades of Nikon lens manufacturing — all through the enduring Nikon F mount.
Pros — Nikon 2.8cm 28mm f/3.5
- ✓Nikon F mount offers broad compatibility across a wide range of Nikon camera bodies
- ✓Compact weight of 180–200g makes it easy to carry for extended shoots
- ✓Manual focus design gives the photographer full control over focusing
Cons — Nikon 2.8cm 28mm f/3.5
- ✗Maximum aperture of f/3.5 is relatively modest for a wide-angle lens, limiting low-light performance
- ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus capability for faster-paced shooting situations
- ✗No flash compatibility listed, limiting use in flash-assisted shooting setups
Videos — Nikon 2.8cm 28mm f/3.5
Nikon (Nippon Kogaku) Rangefinder 28mm f3.5 Lens Overview — Andrew Smith