Nikon Nikkor 135mm f/3.5 Ai - Nikon F Mount

The Nikkor 135mm f/3.5 Ai is a compact medium telephoto lens featuring a four-element optical design. Known for its portable dimensions and built-in retractable lens hood, it provides a flattering perspective for portraiture and remains sharp even at wide apertures. Its relatively simple construction contributes to high contrast and reliable performance on both film and digital Nikon F-mount bodies. When inspecting a used example, the mechanical focus action should be smooth and consistent across the range. The built-in hood can sometimes become loose or rattle, so check for a firm friction fit. SDS technicians verify the aperture blades are free from oil contamination and that the glass elements show no signs of internal haze or fungal growth common in older manual focus optics.