With other manufacturers long having produced faster than f2.0 economy standard normal lenses the introduction of a f1.8 normal was long overdue when it finally arrived in 1978.
Version 1: The 50mm f1.8 was introduced as an
AI lens at the beginning of 1978 with production onset serial number 1760801. The first version had six elements in 5 groups, incorporates a highly evolved form of NIC, has a seven blade aperture mechanism, focuses to under 18 inches (45cm), and stops down to f16.
Version 2: (1979) Onset serial number 205001, as Version 1 but smallest stop is now f22 . ID ring inside the threaded filter rim is flat and no longer funnel shaped or canted at a 45 degree angle.
Version 3(E): (March 1979) (weight 4.8oz [136g]) All Black, highly plastic
AIS enabled lens initially produced for sale with Nikon EM. Closest focus 24 inches. Same optical formula but much cheaper construction and has an obviously less sophisticated version of NIC lens coating. Appearance highly similar to "E" Series 28mm f2.8 depicted below:
Version 4: (March 1980) Onset serial number 3135001 as Version 2 but has the precision camming mechanism to precisely control exposure through position control of the aperture coupling lever at the rear of the lens. This version was the beneficiary of some optimizing optical formula tweaking as well.
Version 5(E): (1981) Later more rugged evolution of Version 3(E) but now has silver grip mounting ring and weight has increased by 7/10oz (20g).
Version 6(N2000 F-301): (1985) Substantially similar to Version 5(E) but as shown below, color markings differ and has double diamond grip rows on aperture ring. Weight is now reduced to close to that of Version 3(E).
Version 7: Close focus version of this lens. Focuses to 45cm (18 in).
Version 8: (7.4oz[210g]) First autofocus version in this series. Has electrical contacts for camera interface electronics for full electronic control by camera of aperture mechanism as well as drill hole starts for prong for retro fit mounting on older non
AI manual Nikon camera types:
Version 9: (5.5oz[155g]) Virtually identical to Version 8 in function and operation but has received a noticeable set of aesthetic uplifts and is meaningfully less massive:
