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One Filter, Three Possibilities — The Story Behind OLJ Project No. 10
OLJ LUX — A New Approach to Protecting Classic Lenses Sometimes, a new product begins with a very simple question. When we developed the OLJ Type 5 lens hood for classic Nikon rangefinder lenses, including the W-Nikkor.C 2.5cm F4 LTM and W-Nikkor 3.5cm F2.5 LTM, our primary objective was to create a beautiful, durable hood that would protect these remarkable vintage lenses for generations to come. Both lenses use a rather unusual 34.5mm filter thread. We initially considered

Kenneth Zee
4 days ago3 min read


The Legendary ZUNOW 5cm F1.1 Ping-Pong — A New Chapter Begins
From a 1950s Japanese optical masterpiece to a new photographic adventure Some lenses are made to take photographs. Others become legends. The ZUNOW 5cm F1.1 belongs to both worlds. Produced in Japan during the 1950s, the ZUNOW was among the fastest photographic lenses of its era. Its remarkable F1.1 maximum aperture, distinctive optical character, and rarity have made it one of the most fascinating lenses for collectors of vintage Japanese optics. For me, however, collecting

Kenneth Zee
Oct 123 min read


Leica Elmarit 28mm F2.8 Version One - The Leica 28mm I Almost Let Go
Some lenses enter a collection and immediately feel permanent. Others take a little longer to reveal themselves. My Leica Elmarit 28mm F2.8 Version 1 belongs firmly to the second group. I purchased this lens from Meteor Hong Kong on June 24, 2016, for HK$14,000. What makes that purchase particularly memorable to me is that Old Lens Junkies founder Yoshiaki Kubota was with me when I bought it. Many years later, however, I actually took the lens to MK Kamera in Hong Kong with t

Kenneth Zee
Sep 299 min read


Making the Nikkor 5cm F1.4 Look Grand
The Nikkor 5cm F1.4 is a beautifully compact classic rangefinder lens. Its small size is part of its charm, but sometimes I wanted it to have a little more presence when mounted on the camera. That is where the OLJ Type 3 and Type 2 hoods come in. By mounting the Type 3 hood on the Nikkor 5cm F1.4 and then adding the OLJ Type 2 hood, the lens takes on a completely different appearance. The lens itself does not change. Its optical performance remains exactly the same. What cha

Kenneth Zee
Sep 272 min read


ZUNOW 5cm F1.1 — Exploring Filter Thread Sizes and OLJ Lens Hood Compatibility
I do not own an original Zunow filter, but my Bell & Howell S L39 54.5mm C filters fit three of my four Zunow 5cm F1.1 lenses perfectly. The Bell & Howell filters have a 54.5 mm × 0.75 mm mounting thread, which strongly suggests those three lenses use the same size. If you have one of these Bell & Howell filters with damaged glass or a color you would never use, you can remove the glass and use the empty frame as an adapter. Its front thread is 55 mm. I attach a 55-to-62 mm

Kenneth Zee
Sep 241 min read


using filters on our type 2 lens hood
Recently, we received an inquiry regarding the use of a 67mm filter on our Type 2 lens hood. Our hood is fully compatible with any standard 67mm × 0.75 filter thread, and using a 67mm filter is perfectly acceptable. 67mm x 0.75mm thread filter on Type 2 lens hood However, we recommend mounting a 62mm × 0.75 filter directly onto your Nikon lens. This allows the filter to remain in place to protect the front element when the hood is reversed for storage — a feature incorporate

Kenneth Zee
Mar 21 min read


Honoring heritage - the Natural Brass Edition for Nikkor-N 5cm F/1.1
There is something deeply compelling about an object that reveals what it truly is. Crafted from solid brass and left in its natural state, this edition celebrates material honesty and vintage character. It does not rely on paint to define its identity. Instead, it allows the metal itself to speak — warm, dense, and unmistakably mechanical. Unlike painted finishes that remain unchanged, the Natural Brass Edition evolves. With time and use, the surface ages gracefully, develo

Kenneth Zee
Mar 11 min read


OLJ's Lens Hood type 2 is patented
We are pleased to confirm that OLJ’s Type 3 lens hood, specially designed for the legendary Nikkor 5cm F1.1 lens, was officially patented on March 14, 2025, and released to the public on March 25, 2025.The patent consists of four claims that define the design and function of the lens hood, which enables direct screw-in attachment to the lens. It is also fully reversible, allowing it to serve as a protective cover when the lens is not in use.

Kenneth Zee
May 11, 20251 min read


Limited edition : Baked Matt Black Paint Finish OLJ Lens Hood
We are please to announce that we will produce limited number of matte black paint OLJ lens hood this year. Inventory should be...

Kenneth Zee
Jul 29, 20241 min read


OLJ Type 2 — From Patent Application to Granted Japanese Patent
The story behind the patented reversible lens hood for the legendary Nikkor-N 5cm F1.1. At Old Lens Junkies, our passion goes beyond collecting rare vintage lenses. We believe that exceptional photographic equipment deserves equally exceptional accessories — thoughtfully designed to preserve, protect, and enhance its usability. The legendary Nikkor-N 5cm F1.1 inspired us to develop something different: a precision-crafted, reversible lens hood that combines traditional crafts

Kenneth Zee
Sep 18, 20232 min read


Conducting Inspection of Initial Batch of Painted OLJ Hoods
On July 10, 2023, Masaya Toji and I conducted a visit to Abe Tosou Company Limited in Tokyo, Japan, with the purpose of assessing the...

Kenneth Zee
Sep 9, 20231 min read


Exploring the OLJ Type 2 Lens Hood on the Leica Noctilux-M 50mm F0.95 ASPH
At Old Lens Junkies, we enjoy exploring new possibilities for our original lens hood designs, particularly when they can complement other legendary photographic lenses. The OLJ Type 2 was originally developed for the remarkable Nikkor-N 5cm F1.1. However, we were curious to see how its distinctive brass construction and classic appearance would complement another extraordinary lens — the Leica Noctilux-M 50mm F0.95 ASPH. An Interesting Experiment Using an E60-to-62mm step-up

Kenneth Zee
Sep 7, 20232 min read


ZUNOW 5cm F1.1 — The Mystery of the 54.5mm and 55mm Filter Threads
A Small Difference with an Interesting History When we first explored accessories for the legendary ZUNOW 5cm F1.1 in 2023, we believed that the earlier versions generally used a 55mm filter thread, while later examples used 54.5mm. Further research has shown that the story is considerably more complicated. Through examining surviving ZUNOW lenses, comparing serial numbers, and studying their mechanical differences, Old Lens Junkies has discovered that filter thread diameter

Kenneth Zee
Sep 5, 20233 min read


OLJ Type 2 — Patented Reversible Lens Hood for Nikkor-N 5cm F1.1
The OLJ Type 2 lens hood was developed specifically for the legendary Nikkor-N 5cm F1.1, combining classic craftsmanship with an innovative, patented design. Precision-crafted from solid brass and finished in elegant black paint, the Type 2 weighs approximately 198.73 grams, compared with just 23.523 grams for the original plastic Nikon hood. Its substantial construction reflects our commitment to durability, quality, and the preservation of exceptional vintage photographic e

Kenneth Zee
Sep 1, 20231 min read


"Expanding Horizons: More OLJ Hoods Soon to Embrace a Variety of Leica Lenses"
1) Our OLJ original lens hoods are compatible with many vintage Leica lenses. We hope to have them available soon. Summaron-M 28mm...

Kenneth Zee
Aug 28, 20231 min read


"Explore Our Collection of OLJ Lens Hoods Designed for the Following Nikkor Lenses"
Nikkor Lenses with Leica Thread Mount (39mm Screw) Wides Angle Lens W=Nikkor 2.5cm F4 - filter diameter = 34.5mm, OLJ Type 5...

Kenneth Zee
Aug 28, 20232 min read
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