Making the Nikkor 5cm F1.4 Look Grand

Kenneth Zee

Sep 27

2 min read

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 changes is the proportion of the complete setup.

The compact 5cm F1.4 suddenly becomes longer, more substantial, and visually more imposing. To my eye, it gives this small classic Nikkor a much grander appearance while still preserving its vintage Nikon character.

This combination is one of the things I enjoy about the OLJ hood system.

A lens hood does not always have to be only a practical accessory. It can also become part of the visual character of the lens and camera.

With the Nikkor 5cm F1.4, you can enjoy several different looks.

Use the lens by itself for its original compact appearance.

Add the Type 3 hood for a more substantial profile.

Or combine the Type 3 with the OLJ Type 2 hood when you want the lens to have a much larger and more dramatic presence.

There is no right or wrong way to use it.

It is simply another way to enjoy a beautiful old lens.

At Old Lens Junkies, I have always believed that rare and exceptional lenses should be used, not hidden away.

Part of the pleasure comes from the images they produce, but part of it also comes from the way they feel, look, and become part of the camera in your hands.

The Nikkor 5cm F1.4 with the OLJ Type 3 and Type 2 combination is a perfect example.

Small lens.

Bigger presence.

Make it grand.