ArtraLab Nonikkor Nocty 50 mm image leak tips imminent launch for fast Nikon Z Mount full-frame prime lens with dangerously retro design

ArtraLabs's Nonikkor lenses obviously take a stab at imitating the fame of Nikon's retro Nikkor lenses from the camera maker's film SLR days. If a recent leak from Nikon Rumors is to be believed, ArtraLab is looking to expand its selection of Nonikkor lenses with a fast 50 mm option called the Nonikkor Nocty 50 mm f/1.2. 

Though there is no official announcement, outside of a single Instagram teaser, on the new nifty fifty just yet, the leaked images confirm a design that is eerily similar to some antique Nikkor lenses made from the mid 1960s to the early 1970s. In this case, the closest original Nikkor lens seems to be the Nikkor-H Auto 50 mm f/2 from 1964 to 1972 — down to the coloured aperture numbers painted on the lens barrel. The lens hood seen in ArtraLabs's Instagram teaser is also a nice touch for anyone shooting in bright lighting conditions. 

There's no indication of when ArtraLab will officially reveal all the details of the Nonikkor Nocty nifty fifty, but an early August launch seems likely, given the state of the unit seen in the leaked images. ArtraLab, however, confirmed in the comments on the aforementioned Instagram post that the Nonikkor Nocty 50 mm f/1.2 will be a full-frame lens, as opposed to some earlier Nonikkor lenses, which were designed for APS-C cameras using the Z Mount. 

Given that Nikon is still using both the Noct and Nikkor nameplates for its modern lenses, it might be a risky move for ArtraLab to continue designing lenses that so closely resemble Nikon's intellectual property. 

Check out the $382 ArtraLab Nonikkor-MC 35mm f/1.4 lens on Amazon.