Nikon 20mm f/3.5 NIKKOR-UD Auto Non AI Manual Focus Lens Review

The Nikon 20mm f/3.5 NIKKOR-UD Auto is a vintage manual focus wide-angle lens from the pre-AI era, designed for older Nikon F-mount film cameras. At 20mm, it offers a classic ultra-wide field of view suited to landscape, architecture, and environmental portraiture. The UD (Ultra-High Dispersion) glass designation suggests Nikon's intent to control chromatic aberration, a priority in wide-angle designs of that period.

As a Non-AI lens, it lacks the metering ridge introduced in 1977, meaning it won't meter on most modern Nikon DSLRs without modification or an AI conversion. It will mount on cameras that support stop-down metering or can be used with full manual exposure control. Build quality follows Nikon's reputation from the era, with all-metal construction, though optical coatings and contrast will lag behind contemporary designs. This is a lens for collectors, film shooters with compatible bodies, or digital users willing to adapt and work entirely manually. At this price point, condition matters significantly, bargain and excellent grades reflect wear and optical clarity that can vary widely.