Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm f/1.4 (pre-AI) vs Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4

What actually differs

• Both open to f/1.4, so neither has a speed advantage.
• The Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm f/1.4 (pre-AI) is cheaper. Typical used value is $110 against $130, a gap of $20. Ranges: $60 to $220 versus $70 to $280.
• Both are 50mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
• The Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm f/1.4 (pre-AI) is the older design; production began around 1962 against 1972 for the Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4 (1962-1974 versus 1972-1980s).
• They use different mounts, Nikon F (pre-AI) and Olympus OM, so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
• Construction differs: 7 elements in 5 groups for the Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm f/1.4 (pre-AI), 7 elements in 6 groups for the Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4.

Which one to buy

On the catalog data the Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm f/1.4 (pre-AI) wins on the $20 lower typical price, and the Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4 gives up nothing measurable in return except its own rendering, described below. Condition and variant matter more than the spec sheet at these prices.

Minimum focus distance, weight, and measured sharpness are not in the catalog, so this comparison does not claim anything about them.