Nikon Series E 50mm f/1.8 AI-S Pancake Lens – Manual Focus, VGC with Caps

Description

The Nikon Lens Series E 50mm f/1.8 is an ultra-compact pancake prime lens produced by Nikon in Japan. Renowned for its incredibly lightweight profile and sharp optical output, this standard prime features an AI-S native Nikon F mount, making it directly compatible with a vast range of manual and autofocus 35mm film SLRs as well as digital DSLRs. Features a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture for low-light versatility and shallow depth of field, single-layer coating for high contrast, aperture detents from f/1.8 to f/22, and distance scale markings in feet and meters. Serial number 1514870 indicates the refined early-1980s black-ring variant. Complete with front and rear lens caps.

Condition

Overall Condition: Very Good

Cosmetically in exceptionally clean, well-preserved condition with minimal surface wear on the outer plastic and metal barrel rings. Focus helicoid turns smoothly and evenly across the full focus range. Aperture selector clicks sharply into place at all f-stops; aperture blades are clean, snappy, and free from oil residue. Optical glass is clear and bright with rich coating reflections, free from fungus, haze, or severe scratches; minor internal dust specks are present as standard for vintage optics. Serial number 1514870. Fully tested and operational.

Included

• Nikon Lens Series E 50mm f/1.8 AI-S Prime Lens (Serial No. 1514870)
• Front Snap-On Lens Cap
• Rear Lens Mount Cap

Key Features

• Ultra-compact "pancake" design adding virtually no bulk to camera bodies
• Fast f/1.8 maximum aperture for pleasing background bokeh and low-light shooting
• Native AI-S coupling system allowing automatic aperture control on compatible Nikon film and digital SLRs
• Simple 6-element in 5-groups optical construction delivering outstanding edge-to-edge sharpness
• Standard 52mm front filter thread size
• Ideal manual focus choice for street photography, travel, and mirrorless adaptation

Collector's Notes

Introduced alongside compact cameras like the Nikon EM and FG, the 50mm f/1.8 Series E pancake lens became a favorite among film photographers for its combination of featherlight portability and stellar optical performance. Offering sharpness that easily rivals standard Nikkor primes, this compact lens is widely regarded as one of the best value manual-focus lenses in the entire Nikon F system.

Keywords

Nikon Series E 50mm f1.8, Nikon Pancake Lens, Vintage Nikon Prime, AIS Nikon 50mm, 50mm f1.8 Series E, Tested Nikon Lens, Compact F Mount Lens