Take 3D photos the old school way with this super rare Stereo-NIKKOR lens and Nikon S2 Rangefinder combo.
Been wanting to have a go at making fun 3D photos on film? Sure, you can look around for one of those simple stereo cameras. Or, you can check out this rare ebay find that will do just that with an extra cool factor: a Stereo-NIKKOR 3.5 cm f/3.5 lens paired with a Nikon S2 Rangefinder camera.
Exactly how rare is this Stereo-NIKKOR lens? According to the ebay seller musicdungeon, this lens comes with an interesting backstory of political protest and urban legend. In the 1950s, stereoscopic photography was going through a rapid decline after a brief renewed interest in the amateur and hobbyist market. Leica, Canon, and Zeiss have introduced stereo cameras to the public at the height of the stereoscopic photography resurgence. Nikon, of course, followed suit with a pro-level, state-of-the art stereo lens.
Thus, the Stereo-NIKKOR 3.5 cm f/3.5 lens was introduced in December 1956. The beautiful lens created two 17 x 24 cm images on a normal slide frame. The slight shift in perspective produces a 3D image when viewed using a dedicated Stereo Slide Viewer. However, Nikon was too late in the game as there was almost no market left for stereoscopic photography at the time. In 1961, Nikon stopped making these lenses and ended up with a total of only 170 units.
Here’s where the listing’s story takes a rather drastic turn with the legend part. In vehement protest to the Japanese government taxing their inventory, Nikon supposedly destroyed 28 of these precious Stereo-NIKKOR lenses before tax officials instead of paying for it. This brought down the number of these lenses to only 142.
You can be one of the lucky owners of these super rare lenses if you have around US $14,999.95 ready at this very moment. You’re actually saving 25% at this price, as it was originally listed at US $19,999.95. Head to this ebay listing if you’re ready to get your hands on this rare pair and start making old school 3D photos.