A vintage lens that combines speed, character, and Nikon’s optical craftsmanship.
The NIKKOR-S.C Auto 50mm f/1.4 Non-Ai is a beloved lens among vintage photography enthusiasts. Introduced in the early 1970s, it represents an era when Nikon was pushing boundaries in optical performance and build quality. In this article, we explore the features, real-world performance, and image samples taken with this legendary lens.
✨ Key Specifications
- Focal Length: 50mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
- Minimum Aperture: f/16
- Mount Type: Nikon F (Non-Ai)
- Focus: Manual
- Coating: S.C. (Spectra Coating)
- Construction: 7 elements in 5 groups
- Filter Size: 52mm
🔍 Build Quality & Handling
This lens is made entirely of metal and glass, giving it a robust, high-end feel. The focus ring is buttery smooth with a long throw, making precise manual focusing a pleasure, especially for video or still-life shooting.
It feels like a precision instrument. Just holding it makes you want to shoot.
🖼️ Image Quality & Optical Character
Wide open at f/1.4, the lens delivers soft, dreamy images with noticeable vignetting and some spherical aberration — as noted by Ken Rockwell, this is part of the vintage charm. Stopped down to f/2.8 or f/4, the lens sharpens dramatically across the frame.
The color rendering is warm, slightly yellowish, adding a nostalgic touch to your photographs. The 6-blade aperture creates hexagonal bokeh highlights, which can be either pleasing or distracting depending on the background.
📸 Sample Use Case
I paired this lens with a Sony α7IV using a Nikon F to E-mount adapter. Despite its age, the lens performed admirably in street and portrait photography. The shallow depth of field at f/1.4 makes subjects pop against creamy backgrounds.
🔄 Compatibility & Adapter Notes
This is a Non-Ai lens, so care must be taken if mounting on modern Nikon DSLRs. Many mirrorless systems (Sony, Fujifilm, Canon R) support it via adapters like the K&F Concept Nikon F to Sony E Adapter.
When adapting vintage lenses, use focus peaking and magnification assist for the best results.
🛍 Available for Sale
This exact lens is currently available on our eBay store. Don’t miss the chance to own this charming piece of Nikon’s history!
[On Sale] ‐ [Near MINT] Nikon NIKKOR-S.C SC Auto 50mm f1.4 Non-Ai MF Lens From JPN #006
🔚 Final Thoughts
The Nikon NIKKOR-S.C Auto 50mm f/1.4 Non-Ai is not for pixel peepers — it’s for those who appreciate character, build, and the analog soul of photography. It’s perfect for anyone looking to experiment with vintage glass or add some film-era flavor to their digital shooting.
If you’re curious about classic lenses, this one is a must-try.
