OLJ LUX 54.5mm — Specialty Lens Filters for ZUNOW 5cm F1.1
Coming Soon — Under Development
Preserving a Legendary Japanese Lens
The legendary ZUNOW 5cm F1.1 was produced in limited quantities during the 1950s, with its main commercial history generally associated with 1953–1957.
Its development and sales history can be broadly summarized as follows:
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1953: Introduction of the ZUNOW 5cm F1.1.
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1954: Commercial sales were underway.
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1955: Improved Type II versions appeared.
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1956–1957: The lens continued to be advertised and sold.
Today, surviving examples are highly prized by collectors and photographers.
One unusual characteristic of the ZUNOW 5cm F1.1 is its uncommon filter thread specification. Research conducted by Old Lens Junkies has identified examples with both 54.5mm and 55mm front threads.
Because these two specifications are not interchangeable, careful attention to compatibility is essential.
OLJ LUX 54.5mm — Designed for ZUNOW
The OLJ LUX 54.5mm filter series is being developed specifically for ZUNOW 5cm F1.1 lenses equipped with a 54.5mm filter thread.
Our objective is to provide high-quality modern filters that protect these rare lenses while respecting their original mechanical design and classic appearance.
The planned range includes:
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54.5mm Protective Filter: High-transmission optical glass with anti-reflective coating for everyday lens protection.
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54.5mm ND16 Filter: A 4-stop neutral density filter intended to allow wider-aperture photography under bright lighting conditions.
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Both filters are being designed with precision-machined metal frames and carefully selected optical glass.
54.5mm-to-62mm Step-Up Ring
In addition to the dedicated filters, OLJ is developing a 54.5mm-to-62mm step-up ring.
This accessory is intended to allow compatible ZUNOW lenses to use commonly available 62mm filters.
It may also provide a means of mounting the OLJ Type 2 lens hood system, originally developed for the Nikkor-N 5cm F1.1.
Mechanical compatibility, filter clearance, and potential vignetting will be evaluated during development.
Expanding the OLJ LUX Filter Family
A companion 62mm OLJ LUX filter is also planned.
Together, these products are intended to offer greater flexibility for owners of rare classic lenses without requiring permanent modifications to the original equipment.
Development Status
OLJ LUX 54.5mm is currently under development.
Final specifications, compatibility, availability, and pricing will be announced following prototype evaluation.
Please note that ZUNOW 5cm F1.1 lenses may have either 54.5mm or 55mm front threads.
Owners should confirm their individual lens specifications before ordering.
At Old Lens Junkies, we believe that preserving vintage photographic equipment means more than keeping it on a shelf. It means finding thoughtful ways to keep these remarkable lenses in use for future generations.
Discover the Story Behind OLJ LUX
The OLJ LUX filter series began when I could no longer find a suitable 54.5mm filter for the legendary ZUNOW 5cm F1.1.
Discover how this simple problem gradually inspired the development of specialized filters and photographic accessories, eventually leading to OLJ Project No. 10.
Old Lens Junkies — Embracing the Timeless Charm of Vintage Lenses!
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