Nikon Nikkor 28mm f/2.8 Ai - Nikon F Mount

The Nikkor 28mm f/2.8 Ai is a manual focus wide-angle lens renowned for its mechanical precision and optical quality. This Ai version features the Aperture Indexing tab for compatibility with a wide range of Nikon film and digital bodies. It is built with a rugged all-metal barrel and provides a tactile focusing experience. While the later Ai-S version is famous for its close-focus capability, the Ai remains a highly capable and sharp performer for landscape and general photography. Potential buyers should check the manual focus ring for consistent resistance across the entire range. Uneven tension can indicate a dry helical or a past impact. The aperture ring should click cleanly at every stop. SDS inspections focus on the condition of the glass, checking for cleaning marks on the front element and ensuring the internal optics are free from fungus. Verify that the aperture blades are free of oil, which is a common age-related issue.