Nikkor Series-E lenses

As a low-budget camera the Nikon EM (economy model) was put on the market in 1979 until 1984. The EM is a semi-automatic SLR with an aperture-priority program. It takes all Nikkors, but specific lenses were produced for this camera: the Series-E Nikkors. Many Nikon photographers were looking rather suspicious at this camera and lenses, but unfounded. Both camera and lenses are not designed and made for professional use, but image quality is Nikon-alike. Some lenses are even used by competitors as a standard. In many tests they were standing comparison.

For collectors these lenses are interesting to collect as there are only 8 different lenses, but produced in a relatively large quantity, so easy to find at the second hand market. Despite their image these lenses are not bad at all. All prime lenses exist in two versions: an all black version and a later (1981) version with a chrome ring halfway the lens body.

See for a matrix of the lenses below here.

Nikkor 2.8/28mm.

It easy to determine the Series-E lenses as 'Series E' is engraved on all lenses

Introduced in November 1979 in AI-version, this lens is the model for the AF-Nikkors with the same specifications. Its construction consists of 5 individual elements and therefore has almost no flare. An excellent performer! Above the second version.

Nikkor 2.5/35mm.

This is an unique lens with its maximum aperture and focal length. This lens, introduced early 1980 is an excellent reporter´s lens.

Nikkor 1.8/50mm.

This standard lens, introduced in December 1978, has an undeserved reputation, as the very first version didn´t had all elements coated. Later versions are multi-coated and serve as model for the present available AF-Nikkor-D.

Nikkor 2.8/100mm.

Again an unique lens with specifications that are unknown in other Nikkor series. Introduced in March 1980 this is a very nice portrait lens.

Nikkor 2.8/135mm.

Nearly all photographers had next to a standard and a wide-angle lens this lens in their bag. This lens, introduced in March 1981, is an underestimated lens; very good for portraits.

Zoom-Nikkor 3.5/36-72mm.

This - again - unique lens looks like the early but favorite Zoom-Nikkor 43-86mm. It is a sturdy zoom lens with very nice optical performance, presented in October 1981.

Zoom-Nikkor 4/70-210mm.

Many publicists and lens testers used this lens in the early 1980´s as THE standard. The contemporary Vivitar Series I tried to compete but failed. The AF-Zoom-Nikkor introduced years later is a version of this great performer. This is the only Series-E lens with a 62mm. filter size. All other lenses mentioned here have a 52 mm. filter size.

Zoom-Nikkor 3.5/75-150mm.

This zoom range is unique again, as it doesn´t exist in the ´normal´ Nikkor series. It is a strong metal bodied zoom lens of great performance.

All lenses mentioned before can be used on nearly all Nikon SLR cameras. All lenses have the AI-coupling ring but no prong.