When I researched the
production numbers of Nikon and Canon equipment, I came across an official
Nikon internet site http://www.nikon.com/news/2011/1017_65millon_01.htm. At one point they state: “NIKKOR has always
been ahead of the times. The OP Fisheye-Nikkor 10mm f/5.6 fisheye lens for SLR
cameras, released in 1968, was the world's first lens to incorporate aspherical
lens elements.” Apparently they aren’t
aware of the fact that the Leica 50mm Noctilux f/1.2 is also referred to as the
first production lens incorporating aspheric elements. Leitz introduced that lens at the Photokina
in Cologne in 1966.
Interestingly enough several
years ago Pentax made the same claim as Nikon.
I contacted Pentax at that time to point out their mistake. They answered that their claim was not a
mistake because they were referring to lenses for SLR cameras. The fact that they failed to make that
distinction apparently didn’t matter. I
will attempt to get an answer from Nikon on this matter, although I am sure they'll have the same excuse as Pentax did.
Here are the production
numbers and manufacturing years for the 50/1.2 Noctilux:
#2176701 to #2176900 - 200
made in 1966
#2247651 to #2247900 - 250 made
in 1967
#2254401 to #2255400 - 1000 made
in 1968
#2556551 to #2557550 - 1000
made in 1973
TOTAL ASSIGNED SERIAL
NUMBERS 1966-1973 - 2,450
Even if Nikon were trying the 'Pentax' excuse, their wording is definitely misleading.
ReplyDeleteNikon did say that the lens was for SLR cameras. Just saying.
ReplyDeleteYes, they did, and then went on to say that it was the first lens to incorporate aspherical lens elements. That statement is false.
ReplyDelete