Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 2.8/105mm Soft Focus *

Nippon Kogaku began the research and development into soft focus in early 1960, only one year after the introduction of the Nikon F. The result was a special soft-focus Nikkor-S 2.8/105mm. This experimental lens was designed by Teruyoshi Tsunashima, who was the leading designer responsible for the research concerning the soft-focus effect and bokeh. Only three examples of this remarkable lens were produced in 1966, with the serial numbers 281051, 281052, 281053. The lens's serial number is a combination of the lens parameters, followed by a sequential number: the offered lens' number 281052 can be decoded as aperture 2.8, focal length 105mm, and the 2nd example made. The Soft-Focus Nikkor-S 2.8/105mm was an advanced optical construction using aspherical surfaces to achieve the soft-focus effect. It was designed to preserve the soft rendering even stepped down to f.5.6. Unfortunately, because of the high production cost of the aspherical lenses and the diminishing advantage over the soft effect filters, the production and further development of a dedicated soft-focus lens were cancelled. This is the first time this special lens is offered in a public sale. It is a unique opportunity for a serious collector to buy this interesting piece of photographic history and the rarest Nikon lens ever made.