Nikon's classic portrait tele — the manual-focus Nikkor-H Auto 85mm f/1.8 for the F mount.
The Nikkor-H Auto 85mm f/1.8 is a fast short-telephoto portrait lens for the Nikon F system, introduced in the mid-1960s. The H code marks its element count, and the 85mm focal length with a bright f/1.8 aperture made it a classic portrait choice for the early F system, giving flattering perspective and subject separation.
This is a manual-focus Nikon F lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.8 and a fixed 85mm focal length, using an automatic diaphragm for full-aperture viewing. It is a fast short-telephoto operating with normal reflex viewing. Only the verified focal, aperture and mount are stated; element counts, filter thread and weight are omitted to avoid error.
The 85mm focal length gives a natural portrait perspective, and the f/1.8 aperture produces smooth background separation with pleasant out-of-focus rendering. Wide open it is gently soft, sharpening as it stops down, a look many portrait photographers value. It suits head-and-shoulders portraits, low-light candids and general short-tele use.
On the used market the Nikkor-H 85mm f/1.8 is a collectible classic portrait lens, moderately priced for a fast short-tele. Inspect the elements for haze, fungus and separation, check coatings for marks, confirm the automatic diaphragm operates, and test focus damping. It adapts well to mirrorless where the 85mm f/1.8 remains a favoured portrait focal length.