Reflex-NIKKOR 500mm f8

At the end of 1968 Nikon replaced the older 500/5 reflex lens with the 500/8 reflex. In exchange for over one stop in speed, the new lens is much smaller and lighter making it much handier in the field. The lens has a fixed tripod foot, but the mount can be rotated to allow landscape or portrait format. The lens stayed in production for over 20 years with no changes, except for some minor variations to the engraving and the addition of multicoating.

Version Serial no Date Screws Engraving Notes
F 501001 < 501035 – 504657 > Dec 68 - 1971 0 LMIJ Early series engraved "Nippon Kogaku Japan". Start serial number from F601 service manual.
F 510001 < 510814 – 521855 > 522806 1971 - Apr 74 0 LMIJ Around 1971 the engraving changed to "Nikon". Start serial number guessed based on lenses seen so far.
C 530001 < 530297 – 559717 > Apr 74 - 0 LMIJ Engraved with ".C" designation to indicate mulicoating. Start serial number from F601 service manual.
C < 560318 – 584669 > - Oct 83 0 MIJ In spite of the older styling this lens was manufactured well into the Ai era, and like Ai lenses the engraving on the focus ring was changed to "MADE IN JAPAN" in black.

Version	Serial no	Date	Engraving	Notes
F	501001 < 501035 – 504657 >	Dec 68 - 1971	LMIJ	Early series engraved "Nippon Kogaku Japan". Start serial number from F601 service manual.
F	510001 < 510814 – 521855 > 522806	1971 - Apr 74	LMIJ	Around 1971 the engraving changed to "Nikon". Start serial number guessed based on lenses seen so far.
C	530001 < 530297 – 559717 >	Apr 74 -	LMIJ	Engraved with ".C" designation to indicate mulicoating. Start serial number from F601 service manual.
C	< 560318 – 584669 >	- Oct 83	MIJ	In spite of the older styling this lens was manufactured well into the Ai era, and like Ai lenses the engraving on the focus ring was changed to "MADE IN JAPAN" in black.

Links

Collection of Richard de Stoutz

Review by Bjørn Rørslett