this is a FIXED FOCUS LENS but has a distance scale, both in meters and feet up to 0.3m and 1 ft
Was usable only in Nikon cameras with the mirror lock-up function
It was produced from 1/1969 in Nikon F-mount, since 1978 it was produced in Nikon AI mount
Has six filters, built-in on a rotating turret wheel, L1A, Y48, Y52, 057, R60, XO
Was supplied with leatherette box, special 89mm screw cap, a special deep rear cap, and an external fisheye finder.
With a FoV of 220° this incredible lens was born for measurements and, scientific purposes in mind, it was first designed in 1969 as the SAP-Fisheye lens for the National Antarctic Expedition team to observe the whole sky and surrounding ground together
This lens has also a precious and deep meaning for the whole 360VR community. It was the base lens of the first Dan Slater’s spherecam take a closer look to see it in comparison with a Ricoh Theta. His work was a milestone for us early panoramic photographers in understanding how fisheyes work, and it’s the basic proof of concept of all multicamera or multilens oneshot 360° units.
Images and credits
Many of the images I use here are found on the web, on auction sites, etc. I always try to track down the authors, ask permission and give them proper credits. Sometimes It is not possible, due to more than 22 years of research, so, if you recognize your pictures please contact me, I’ll be more than happy to give proper credits or take it down if you prefer.
