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The Story Behind OLJ Nikon RF Lens Hoods

Giving Legendary Lenses a New Life

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I have always believed that classic lenses were made to be used, not simply collected.

My journey with Leica cameras began in 2013, thanks to Japanese photographer Mr. Yoshiaki Kubota. Over the years, my interest expanded to include some of the most remarkable rangefinder lenses ever produced by Leica, Nikon and ZUNOW.

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Among them, the legendary Nikkor 5cm F1.1 holds a special place in my collection.

But as I continued collecting and using these lenses, I encountered a rather unusual problem.

The original lens hoods were sometimes becoming more precious than the lenses they were meant to protect.

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When a Lens Hood Becomes Too Valuable to Use

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The original Nikon rangefinder lens hoods are fascinating accessories in their own right.

Some were made from relatively fragile plastic, while others were produced in metal. Decades later, surviving examples in excellent condition have become increasingly difficult to find.

For the Nikkor 5cm F1.1 in particular, an original hood can command an extraordinary price.

Even when one is fortunate enough to acquire an original hood, using it regularly presents a dilemma.

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Why risk damaging an irreplaceable accessory simply to protect the lens?

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I found myself facing exactly that question.

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And yet, keeping these magnificent lenses locked away in a cabinet seemed even more regrettable.

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I wanted to use my lenses without worrying about damaging their valuable original accessories.

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The Beginning of Old Lens Junkies Lens Hoods

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The solution was straightforward.

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If I could not find a suitable lens hood, I would design one myself.

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My objective was never to reproduce Nikon's original hoods exactly.

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Instead, I wanted to create something that respected the appearance and character of classic rangefinder lenses while offering the practicality and durability expected of a modern accessory.

Solid brass was my preferred material.

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It has a reassuring weight, excellent durability, and develops a beautiful character with years of use.

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Black finishes complement the appearance of classic Nikon rangefinder equipment, while the possibility of natural brassing adds another dimension of enjoyment.

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Most importantly, I wanted these hoods to be practical accessories that photographers would actually use.

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From Concept to Production

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What began as a personal solution gradually developed into a series of OLJ lens hood projects.

Four Nikon rangefinder hood designs were developed and brought into production.

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OLJ Type 1

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Designed primarily for the W-Nikkor 3.5cm F1.8 S-mount and compatible classic lenses.

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OLJ Type 2

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Developed specifically for the legendary Nikkor-N 5cm F1.1, incorporating OLJ's original reversible hood design.

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OLJ Type 3

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A compact hood design for selected classic lenses using compatible 43mm mounting threads, including Nikkor rangefinder lenses.

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OLJ Type 5

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Designed for Nikon rangefinder lenses using the unusual 34.5mm filter thread, including the W-Nikkor 2.5cm F4 LTM.

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Each design was developed with the same philosophy: preserve the original equipment while making these classic lenses more enjoyable to use.

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The Patented OLJ Type 2

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Of all my Nikon lens hood projects, Type 2 represents a particularly important achievement.

The Nikkor-N 5cm F1.1 is one of Nikon's most celebrated rangefinder lenses, yet its original hood has become a rare and valuable collector's item.

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I wanted to give owners a practical alternative without compromising the character of this extraordinary lens.

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The resulting Type 2 design incorporates a reversible screw-in construction, allowing the hood to be mounted securely in either its working or reversed position.

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After development and examination, the design was granted a Japanese patent on March 14, 2025.

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For an independent project that began with a personal interest in classic lenses, this was an especially meaningful milestone.

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The Type 2 is limited to just 88 pieces worldwide, with 38 allocated to Japan and 50 to the rest of the world.

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Designed by a Photographer, for Photographers

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I am not interested in collecting lenses simply to display them.

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I use them.

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That distinction has guided the development of Old Lens Junkies from the very beginning.

Every lens hood project began with a practical question about equipment I personally own or use.

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How can I protect the lens?

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How can I retain its classic appearance?

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How can I make it more convenient to carry and photograph with?

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And how can I accomplish these things without modifying the original lens?

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The resulting products reflect my own preferences, experiences and appreciation for traditional mechanical design.

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Keeping Classic Lenses Alive

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Today, Old Lens Junkies continues to explore practical accessories for exceptional vintage lenses.

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The original Nikon rangefinder hood projects have led naturally to further work involving lens protection, filters and other accessories.

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But the philosophy has never changed.

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I believe that the real value of a great lens lies not only in its rarity, history or market price, but also in the photographs it can still produce.

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If an OLJ lens hood encourages someone to take a treasured Nikkor out of the cabinet and enjoy photographing with it again, then the project has achieved its purpose.

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Great old lenses deserve to see the light of day.

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Kenneth Min Zee

Founder, Old Lens Junkies

October 2026