William Royer Loc: Kansas

This question concerns the originally for-Japan-only version of this Pancake lens — the version with close focus to 0.45 and Serial numbers beginning in 2……
I’ve been looking at these for quite a while, and would like to obtain one for frequent use on my FM2n.
Obviously I’m hoping for one with truly ‘Mint’ condition optics and mechanical functions. But, I also understand that these are 40 year old lenses. And, I’ve seen some with, for example, apparently dried lubricant which affects the smoothness of focusing, or heard that some can have oil on the shutter blades. Then, there is the other normal potential faults usually specifically addressed in eBay listings on these lenses: fungi, haze, separations, dust, scratches.
So, my questions are: (1) if I receive one that seems to have a smaller issue that a good technician could repair: Can someone recommend a place/person that can do a high quality CLA on a pancake Nikon ais lens? And, (2) For those who own or have dealt with this version of these Nikon ‘Pancake’ lens, do they have a good reputation for reliability and hardiness? Or, do they have a reputation for being troublesome, with a lot of problems and/or being difficult to repair?
Fwiw, I live in a small town in western Kansas with no dealer within 250 miles,, but can take or send it elsewhere. (I’ve ‘heard’ that B&H or KEH might do such work for a fee? Have also ‘heard’ that these are fairly simple lenses to work on, but do not want to try it myself at this stage.)
Thank you in advance for any suggestions.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Check with Tempe Camera Repair in Tempe, AZ.

yorkiebyte Loc: Scottsdale, AZ/Bandon by the Sea, OR

Yes....

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

"shutter blades"? You mean iris blades.

BebuLamar

deleted!

uhaas2009

I bought a 35-70 2.8 nikon lens from Japan/china don’t remember what country. This lens disappeared for some reason from American market. This lens is known to build up haze and mold. I had to learn that some items are made just to last not forever

Scout505 Loc: Dallas/ Fort Worth Texas

I have the Nikon Series E 50mm f1.8 lens...bought it about 6 years ago to to use with my D7000 that I have setup with a Micro Focus screen. Great combo one of my favorite MF lens...I also use it with an Adapter on a couple of Fuji x bodies works great...

Alphabravo2020

If you get one from a high rated, high volume eBay seller from Japan you won't be disappointed. These sellers take great pride in accurately describing the lens condition and air shipping the lenses. I paid a premium for the mintiest mints and they have plenty of minty 50mm pancakes to choose from.

I have 5 of the 50mm pancake lenses, all domestic, all 40+ years old, that I got cheap (sub $30 ea) from a certain online auction site. They were all in good/fine condition except one which I took the opportunity to rebuild using YT videos and a special set of Japanese screw drivers and helicoid grease you must have.

There is no reason why a 40 year old lens should have any issues you describe unless it has been abused.

pendennis

As others have mentioned, there are a couple now on eBay, from the same Japanese dealer for $152.34+29.00 shipping+ applicable sales tax. You'd be under $200 OTD.

I've been dealing with Japanese dealers for a long time, and I've never had a problem with them. They ship quickly, are accurate in the descriptions, and usually underrate their merchandise. Depending on shipping mode, I've had lenses and cameras within three days of payment, but that's usually via FEDEX or DHL. Even using Japanese Postal, it rarely takes more than a week.

Here's a link:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/134061197981?hash=item1f36ab8a9d:g:80AAAOSwyVJhdmgs&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAA8PtCr%2Bo6WiNWhZsa6bZeL3GVnmCuRheqsc7MRbiyuTZyZFWpONS4LhGldtAYwHW0zAyGrsbFIUOwr9eQx0UQLufeJbxD0hruY6VLoNrLejAD6EUu3MOB%2BiZORoYjfmNbp3TCLVdAg0Et7e3DoUW2KQjqsowUAw2zjMrC%2B3pQDESwaTncr4d%2BnPiSKnYG4JlD1ALDmf8SmvdhVUQw3ceIcgekaQW2Ck7K2p8ntzxmQmaHg4YS6tnrrqloHL4Jikdio9%2FvUxOtY33LV4AXO7qFF1IZ1sULtJt3xrAs6TsExD25B6oSLVgBWv7p3Ncst9kdZA%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR-TI9NfyYA

BebuLamar

Is this lens sharper than the normal 50mm f/1.8 AI-S or 50mm f/1.4 AI-S?

Alphabravo2020

It is basically the same lens.

BebuLamar

I prefer the regular lenses for both look and functional. The pancake is too small for the FM series. They look OK on the EM though.

William Royer Loc: Kansas

Thank you for your thoughts and the reference to that lens. If the one I’m Offering on now doesn’t work out, I’ll look further into this one.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

William first thank you for your service to our country... It is truly appreciated!
As for a Nikon 50mm f1.8? I've been very pleased with Nikon's E-Series optics...
Especially the AI-S 100mm f/2.8 E-Series Nikon which along with other Nikon E-Series optic i.e. AI-S 135mm f/2.8 E-Series Nikon both of which I use for shooting product. In this scenario I use the PK-12 Extension Ring since it allows the precise framing my clients are requesting. btw, these E-Series optic have Nikon's NIC treatment although a lens hood is a good option if you key light is near to the optic's center-line.

Note: E-Series 100mm f/2.8 is feather light (half the weight of the far more expensive 105mm f/2.5) which it matches in contrast, acuity and color rendering. This makes it ideal for not only for studio work but also for location assignments.

Albeit the entire E-Series is rather fragile since they use an aluminum alloy not brass like the AI-S and AI Nikkors.
To this end I've had to return several that had been abused but advertised as Excellent ++++ or Mint. Be absolutely certain you can return the item before you purchase. And if you do find an exceptional sample please treat it gently and you will grow to appreciate what it bring to the image equation.

Hope this helps William...
All the best on your photographic journey