Nikon Nikkor-QD·C Auto 15mm f/5.6 Pre-AI Ultra-Wide Lens — Serial No. 321555
CHF 1800.00
The front barrel engraving reads NIKKOR-QD·C Auto 1:5.6 f=15mm 321555, identifying this individual example by its serial number 321555 — a significant data point for Nikon historians attempting to trace production batches and approximate manufacture dates within the roughly 1973–1977 window. The lens mounts via the Nikon F bayonet in its original pre-AI configuration and has not been AI-converted, preserving its collector integrity.
The integrated front lens hood — a fixed petal/crown form machined directly into the barrel — is a defining hallmark of this design. Because the front element protrudes so dramatically, no conventional screw-in filter can be mounted; instead, a rear gelatin filter turret is incorporated into the back of the barrel. On this example, both filter position labels are present and legible: O56 (orange, for orthochromatic correction or contrast in black-and-white work) and R60 (red, for stronger contrast effects), confirming the filter mechanism is intact — a detail frequently missing on surviving examples. The focus scale reads in metres (1.5, 3, ∞), and the aperture range extends from f/5.6 to f/22. The knurled rubber focus grip and diamond-pattern aperture ring are characteristic of Nippon Kogaku's refined tactile design language of the period.
Cosmetically the lens presents in VG+ condition: light handling wear to the enamel finish, fully intact petal hood, and clean markings throughout. Optically the lens appears clear in all available views, though buyers are advised to verify internal element condition on a bench prior to purchase. This lens is fully usable on modern Nikon F-mount bodies via stop-down metering; AI conversion is possible but would reduce its collector value.
Material: Aluminium alloy barrel, black enamel finish, knurled rubber focus grip, integrated metal petal lens hood
Condition notes
The lens presents in overall Very Good Plus (VG+) condition. The black enamel on the barrel shows light handling wear consistent with regular use, but no deep chips or gouges are visible. The integrated petal hood appears intact and undamaged — a critical detail on this model, as the hood is non-removable and notoriously fragile. The focus ring rotates smoothly as indicated by the position markings (1.5 m, 3 m, ∞), and the aperture ring carries clean, fully legible markings. The rear gelatin filter turret is visible and shows the two filter position labels O56 (orange) and R60 (red), both present and legible — confirming the filter mechanism is intact. No fungus, separation, or heavy haze is apparent in available views, though a full internal bench inspection is recommended before final optical grading. The front engraving reads NIKKOR-QD·C Auto 1:5.6 f=15mm 321555, consistent with Nippon Kogaku's barrel engraving conventions of the pre-AI period. The lens has not been AI-converted and retains its original pre-AI coupling ridge.