Nikon Ai Fisheye-Nikkor 8mm f2.8

The first Nikon fisheye with an automatic diaphram, and the first which does not require mirror lock-up. This permits accurate framing using the viewfinder, and TTL metering. The lens speed of f/2.8 is the fastest of fisheye Nikkors. This lens covers 180° with equidistant projection like the earlier 7.5mm f5.6 and 8mm f8 Nikkors.

Version Serial no Date Screws Engraving Notes
F 230011 < 230031 – 231285 > Feb70 - 1971 5- LMIJ Early version engraved "Nippon Kogaku Japan". Start serial no from F601 repair manual. Filter wheel contains: L1A, Y48, Y52, O56, R60
F 240001 < 240021 – 240976 > 1971 - 1977 5+ LMIJ Engraved "Nikon". Start serial number based on lenses seen.
Ai < 240709 – 241089 > 1977 - 5+ LMIJ Updated to Auto Indexing with no other changes. Unusual for an Ai lens it retains the old style "Auto" designation. The serial number is continuous (and overlapping) the pre-Ai version. Early lenses with thick rear lens protectors.
Ai < 241254 – 242448 > - Feb82 5+ MIJ Thin rear lens protectors. Filters changed to L1BC, Y48, Y52, O56, R60.

Version	Serial no	Date	Screws	Engraving	Notes
F	230011 < 230031 – 231285 >	Feb70 - 1971	5-	LMIJ	Early version engraved "Nippon Kogaku Japan". Start serial no from F601 repair manual. Filter wheel contains: L1A, Y48, Y52, O56, R60
F	240001 < 240021 – 240976 >	1971 - 1977	5+	LMIJ	Engraved "Nikon". Start serial number based on lenses seen.
Ai	< 240709 – 241089 >	1977 -	5+	LMIJ	Updated to Auto Indexing with no other changes. Unusual for an Ai lens it retains the old style "Auto" designation. The serial number is continuous (and overlapping) the pre-Ai version. Early lenses with thick rear lens protectors.
Ai	< 241254 – 242448 >	- Feb82	5+	MIJ	Thin rear lens protectors. Filters changed to L1BC, Y48, Y52, O56, R60.

Links

Review by Bjørn Rørslett

Collection by Richard de Stoutz