3.7  Brief Field Report:  Nikkor 120 mm Superwide SW f8.0

The Nikkor SW series for large format represents a range of lenses issued by Nikon which have gained less attention

than their smaller 35mm offerings.   The SW series was available as:

65mm       f4.0 (the brightest wide-angle lens on the market)

75mm       f4.5

90mm       f8.0

120mm     f8.0

150mm     f8.0  offering 105 degrees.  

Like the Nikkor W series which featured in Kramer's article in Modern Photo 08/1980 p54, the series featured high sharpness

due to new optical glass materials.  Coverage enabled a nominal 60 degrees.  Kramer rated these lenses substantially well

ahead of older vintage lenses such as the Voigtlander Heliar design.  The Nikkors were seen as offering a 'hard wiry image'

compared to the Symmars, but slightly less contrasty than the sironar.   Overall, optical properties of the Schneider, Nikon

and Fuji designs were closely matched with no particular brand leagues ahead. 

From the Lens Vade Mecum

History of Lens:  This is a modern Tessar type compact lens.

Maximum Aperture:        f/8.0

Shutter:                           Copal 0 shutter

Camera:                           Charten-like Japanese Whole Plate camera.

Lens Board:                    Custom for the camera.

Filter Threads:                77 mm

Weight:                            585 g (21.5 oz)
Minimum Aperture:        f64
Covering Power:            105-106 degrees
Lens Coating:                 Nikon Integrated Coating
Image Circle Diameter:  312 mm*  at f22
Flange Focal Distance: 130.7 mm
Shutter Speed Range:   1/500 - 1 sec, B, T
Lens Board Mounting:   M32.5x0.5

Summary of Visual Characteristics: Covers the whole plate format and allows for some movements. 

In this particular case, the mechanical vignetting arose from the substantial front rise required to obtain

the desired perspective. Without movements, no mechanical vignetting exists.

Recommended Application: General photography, landscape

The Nikkor SW 120mm f8 lens compares favourably against competing lenses such as the Super Symmar XL 110mm or the Apo-Symmar L.  Although the Super Symmar XL offers a smaller front filter mount of 67mm, it remains a heavy lens due to its construction at 40 grams heavier than the Nikkor 120mm SW with both Schneider options being more expensive alternatives.

Other Nikkor and Topcor lenses: (require 259mm image circle):

Acknowledgements to Diane Maher for supplying details & lens data

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Comments, revisions and suggestions welcome.