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 manufacturing dedicated 34.5mm protective filters. However,

adding a filter directly to these compact wide-angle lenses could introduce additional vignetting, particularly when shooting at wider apertures.

That made us reconsider our approach.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Why Not Protect the Lens Through the Hood?

Our OLJ Type 5 hood already incorporates two filter-mounting possibilities:

• A 37mm filter can be installed inside the hood.

• A 60mm filter can be attached to its outer rim

Instead of attaching another accessory directly to the vintage lens, why not use the hood itself as the foundation for a protective filter?

This became the starting point for OLJ Project No. 10.

We began exploring a specially designed E60 protective filter that would attach directly to the outer rim of our Type 5 hood.

But then another idea emerged.

From E60 to 62mm — An Unexpected Opportunity

What if we incorporated a 62mm front thread into the E60 protective filter itself?

Rather than combining a conventional E60 filter with a separate step-up ring, we could develop a single integrated protective filter with an E60 rear mounting thread and a 62mm front thread.

This would provide more than simple lens protection.

First, it could protect valuable classic Nikon lenses when used with our Type 5 hood.

Second, it could potentially serve as a protective filter for Leica lenses with E60 filter threads.

And third, the 62mm front thread could make it possible to attach our OLJ Type 2 lens hood to compatible Leica E60 lenses.

Suddenly, one simple protective filter offered three different possibilities.

Connecting Two OLJ Products

What makes this project particularly interesting is the relationship between our existing products.

The OLJ Type 5 hood was developed for compact classic Nikon wide-angle lenses.

The OLJ Type 2 hood was originally developed for the legendary Nikkor-N 5cm F1.1.

These are very different lenses, with different requirements.

Yet through a carefully designed protective filter, we may be able to create a practical connection between the two accessories.

Of course, mechanical clearance and possible vignetting will need to be evaluated carefully. Not every lens and hood combination can be expected to perform identically.

More Than Just Another Filter

At Old Lens Junkies, our philosophy has never been simply to manufacture accessories.

We enjoy exploring ways to preserve classic photographic equipment while making it more practical and enjoyable to use today.

Project No. 10 represents that philosophy.

What began as a protective solution for the Type 5 hood has developed into a versatile concept that may benefit both Nikon and Leica enthusiasts.

The proposed OLJ LUX filter will feature high-quality clear optical glass, broadband anti-reflective coating, water- and oil-repellent treatment, and a precision-machined metal frame.

The final design will emphasize durability, optical quality, and a classic appearance.

Project No. 10 is currently under development. Final specifications and compatibility will be confirmed through prototype testing.

Sometimes, the most interesting ideas come not from creating something entirely new, but from discovering new possibilities in something we have already created.

Old Lens Junkies — Embracing the Timeless Charm of Vintage Lenses!