28mm (2.8cm) f3.5 Nikkor for Rangefinder{/HEADING}
Introduced in September of 1952, this was only the second wide angle lens intended for the Nikon Rangefinder body series. (Though Braczko argues that it is actually the first since it is his opinion that the 3.5cm is the standard view for a 35mm Rangefinder, we will go with Nikon's "W" designation on the front of the lens as determining what a wide angle lens is. The how of this is more of an historical evolutionary discussion of the impact of SLRs on the dominant domains of Rangefinder cameras.)
Though 10,276 of these lenses were produced (7,884 in Nikon BM; 2,392 in Leica SM) over its production lifetime, it was the recognized professional workhorse and, as a consequence, very few actually survive its era. Even far fewer survive in any kind of good condition.
Three physical embodiments (with subordinate fine structures) of this lens were produced over its production life:
Type I: All chrome plated brass construction with a black "face". Early heavy 5oz construction. (with two BLACK exceptions as noted by Rotoloni) 5oz (145gm); Serial numbers 346001 to 349148
Ia. "Decreasing spacing diaphragm scale"
Ib. "Uniform spacing diaphragm scale"
Type II: All black with chrome mounting ring and chrome outer filter ring. Later "aluminum substituted" construction, much lighter, but less rugged, at 3.5 oz. (All known production is with uniform aperture marking spacing) ; Serial numbers 721001 to 714763
Type III: Leica SM version, chrome plated brass construction similar to earlier "chrome" Nikon rangefinder lens construction. Weight approximately 4oz.
