Vintage manual focus portrait lens for Nikon F-mount cameras.
The Nikon Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 Non-Ai (also called pre-Ai) is an early Nikon F-mount portrait lens from the 1960s–1970s, produced before Nikon introduced the Ai indexing system in 1977. It uses the original Nikon F lens coupling system and requires AI-conversion or a compatible older body for metering. The 85mm f/1.8 formula was well-regarded for portrait work.
85mm focal length, f/1.8 maximum aperture, Non-Ai (pre-Ai) Nikon F mount, manual focus, standard rabbit-ear aperture coupling.
The Non-Ai Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 delivers good portrait-telephoto performance with a smooth rendering characteristic of this formula. Using it on modern Nikon DSLRs requires either a meter-coupling modification (AI-conversion) or accepting the absence of metering — most modern Nikon bodies can physically mount Non-Ai lenses but will not meter. Compatible without modification on older non-Ai Nikon film bodies.
Verify compatibility with your specific Nikon body — Non-Ai lenses can damage the Ai follower tab on some Nikon bodies without AI-conversion. Inspect for fungus, haze, and coating condition. Check aperture blades for oil. Test focus helicoid smoothness.