Nikon 55mm f/1.2
The Nikon 55mm f/1.2 Ai is a fast standard prime lens for the Nikon F bayonet mount, built in the Ai (Aperture Indexing) generation that Nikon introduced in 1977. Designed for low-light shooting and shallow depth of field on 35mm SLR bodies, it sits in the classic manual-focus standard category alongside Nikon's slower 50mm primes.
Evidence in the UK auction market is thin: our records show a single hammer result of £110 in November 2025, and that figure is the only data point underpinning current value estimates. As of 2026 that sale price is what a tidy copy sells for at saleroom level (wholesale, before commission), but with so few comparables the realistic range a 55mm f/1.2 Ai is worth can move materially with condition, glass clarity and originality.
Variants
Select a variant to filter the sales history below.
| Variant | Years | Edition | Sales | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ai | — | — | 1 | £110 – £110 |
| Nikkor Ai | — | — | 6 | £162 – £287 |
| Nikkor CRT M39 | — | — | 3 | £600 – £700 |
| Nikkor K | — | — | 0 | — |
| Nikkor S F | — | — | 1 | £220 – £220 |
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
Prices updated: June 2026
| Date | Price | Source | Variant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2026 | £220 | 🇬🇧 ebay | Nikkor S F | |
Title: **SUPERFAST** Nikon Nikkor S Auto 55mm f1.2 PRE-AI MF lens, caps, EXC+++ Location: Brighton, United Kingdom |
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| Jun 2026 | £183 | 🇬🇧 ebay | Nikkor Ai | |
Title: Nikon Nikkor 55mm f1.2 AI lens F Mount
Description:
Photos are shot with Nikon ai to Sony nex e mount converter on a Sony a7rII. This nifty 50 (well 55) is a super fast lens and has a razor sharp depth of field and a strong bokeh used wide open. The lens shade does encroach a tiny tiny amount to the vignetting when wide open but from f2 onwards no issue. Location: Preston, United Kingdom |
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| Dec 2025 | £180 | 🇬🇧 ebay | Nikkor Ai | |
Title: Read! [N-Mint!] Nikon Ai Nikkor 55mm F/1.2 MF Standard Prime Lens From JAPAN 179
Description:
Tiny scuffs from normal use. ■ Functional No problem in the shooting. There is no balsam separation. Location: Tokyo, Japan |
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| Nov 2025 | £110 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | Ai | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 187) Title: A Nikon Nikkor 55mm f/1.2 Ai Lens
Description:
A Nikon Nikkor 55mm f/1.2 Ai Lens, serial no 407616, barrel G, paint scratch to front edge, elements G-VG, with rear cap |
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| Jul 2025 | £214 | 🇬🇧 Chiswick Auctions | Nikkor Ai | |
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Auction: Photographica (Lot 289) Title: FAST Nikon Nikkor-SC 55mm f1.2 Ai Lens.
Description:
FAST Nikon Nikkor-SC 55mm f1.2 Ai Lens. #290565. Signs of light use, slight internal dust etc. |
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| Jun 2025 | £225 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | Nikkor Ai | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 38) Title: A Nikon Nikkor-SC Auto f/1.2 55mm Ai Lens
Description:
black, serial number 300506, barrel G, optics G, very light dust, with caps and case. |
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| Nov 2023 | £162 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | Nikkor Ai | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 110) Title: A Nikon Ai Nikkor f/1.2 55mm Lens
Description:
Nikon F mount, black, serial no. 377308, body, VG, elements, VG, a few light marks to the perimeter of rear element |
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| Nov 2021 | EUR 700 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | Nikkor CRT M39 | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 39 (Lot AI_39_39825) Title: Nikkor-O 1.2/55mm
Description:
Rare early version macro lens specially made for industrial use to record faint cathode-screen traces (CRT) and optimised for the limited magnification range 1:4.4-1:5.5, known for its specific bokeh, M39 mount, in near mint condition, good optics, with enlarging lens retaining ring Estimate: EUR 1,400 - EUR 1,600 |
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| Jun 2020 | EUR 700 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | Nikkor CRT M39 | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 36 (Lot AI_36_38172) Title: Nikkor-O 1.2/55mm
Description:
rare lens specially made for industrial use to record faint cathode-screen traces, optimised for the limited magnification range 1:4.4-1:5.5, M39 - mount, late version marked 'Nikon', in near-mint condition, with clean optics, both caps Estimate: EUR 1,400 - EUR 1,600 |
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| Nov 2008 | EUR 600 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | Nikkor CRT M39 | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 14 (Lot AI_14_17477) Title: Nikon Nikkor-O 1.2/55mm
Description:
The CRT-NIKKOR 55 f /1.2 is for use with an oscilloscope. “CRT” is the abbreviation for 'Cathode Ray Tube' and this lens is specially designed for use with ray tubes. Produced in early to mid 1970’s. The lens is corrected to render phosphorus colours and is at its best at f/4 and f/5.6 (red engraved 'M = 1/5') rare industrial Nikkor lens with special screw mount. The fast lens is in mint condition. Estimate: EUR 1,000 - EUR 1,200 |
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| Nov 2003 | EUR 287 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | Nikkor Ai | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 4 (Lot AI_4_23114) Title: Nikon 55/1,2 Nikkor
Description:
AI, neuwertig mit Filter, Sonnenblende HS-3, Deckeln Estimate: EUR 3,693,660 - EUR 4 |
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a Nikon 55mm f/1.2 Ai sell for at UK auction?
The single recorded UK auction hammer in our data is £110 from November 2025, so that is the only confirmed price point we can cite.
What is a Nikon 55mm f/1.2 Ai worth today?
Based on one 2025 sale, a clean copy is worth around £110 at hammer in the UK auction market today, though one data point is not a reliable median.
Is the 55mm f/1.2 Ai a good value fast standard?
At a recent hammer price of £110 it offers strong value for an f/1.2 manual prime, but condition of the glass and aperture blades drives most of the price variation.
What mount does the Nikon 55mm f/1.2 Ai use?
It uses the Nikon F bayonet with Ai aperture indexing, the standard Nikon manual-focus mount from 1977 onwards.