28mm (2.8cm) f3.5
Type One: First introduced with the original "F" in 1959, the 2.8cm f3.5 production started in March of 1960. The earliest version had shallow fine ribbing on the aperture ring, NK lens data on the textured chrome front ring, textured chrome grip ring and a deeply knurled black focus grip ring scaled either in feet (USA market) or in meters (Japan and certain other foreign markets). Onset SN301XXX
Certain other sought after collectible early variations comprise the red "R" rather than a red line marking the infrared focus shift on the depth of field marking scale and the PATS. PEND. notation on the back side of the textured chrome mounting grip ring.
Type Two: As Type One but finely knurled aperture ring changed to one with deep grooves. Final SN625611
Type Three: As Type Two but front ring changed from textured chrome to black paint.
Type Four: As Type Three but the "H" (for six elements) on the front ring followed by a dot "C" signifying "NIC" for Nikon's multi-coating lens schemes. SNs 850001 thru 898367
Type Five: Significant changes in lens formulation, mechanics and cosmetics. Front lens element diameter significantly reduced. Rear element diameter significantly increased. Minimum f stop goes from 16 to 22. Knurled and ribbed focus grip ring goes to the RIFR scheme. Bolt heads securing rear seating mount surface goes from 5 to 3.
SNs 195531 thru 301010
Type Six: Onset of "AI" meter coupling. Onset SN 1760201
Type Seven: Onset of "AIS" meter coupling and mechanical design. Onset SN 2100001. Production terminated March 1981.
