Nikon 35mm f/2.8 Pre-AI

The Nikon 35mm f/2.8 Pre-AI manual lens.
Some people also refer Pre-AI to Non-AI.
Since it is Pre-AI, the lens is quite old.
This mount was introduced in 1959 and was replaced by AI lenses in 1977.
So as of time of writing, this lens is around 32 to 50 years old.

The amazing thing is that even in 1959, Nikon was able to manufacture sharp lenses that are still “usable” up till now.
Usable in image quality, not 100% usable on the camera since it is Pre-AI and the lens would need to be modified to AI mount to fit the newer Nikon cameras.

Image Quality
Image quality of the lens is sharp. Stopping down a stop or two would have yield very sharp images.
Even with the aperture wide open, i would say the images are relatively sharp.
CA is present in f/2.8, little in f/4 and nonexistent in f/5.6.
Lens will flare if pointed directly into strong light source at any aperture.
If not, flaring is quite controlled under most normal lighting conditions.
This may be due to lack of hood.

Build Quality
Build quality is the same as most manual focus lenses produced by Nikon.
Heavy, solid, full metal construction which can take a beating and last a lifetime.
Even after all these years, the focus ring is still smooth.
Aperture ring snaps in with a click.
Aperture blades are without oil.
Glass is multicoated. I wonder how long will a multi-coated lens last.
The coating is still intact after all these years.

Conclusion
Recommendations for this lens would be to get it if you want a sharp and cheap manual focus 35mm lens.
This lens has very good performance for the price.
Get the newer AI mount which you will be able to mount on your camera without modifications.
Image quality should be similar for both Pre-AI and AI.
If want AF, get the 35mm f/2 AF-D.
It seems like a good lens and I may be inclined to purchase one in the near future.