A Nikon E Series 50mm f.fs is NOT a Real Nikkor 'Pancake' Lens....
I get it, ebayers want to sca. persuade as much as possible from mugs and they will always get away with it because mugs are not informed....
If you don't know what I'm referring to then move on or just in case you need to know, then it's like this:
Nikon used to sell a 'Pancake' Lens, it's only the street name not the official one, it's a Manual Focus 50mm f1.8 AIS, an all metal construction and with a serial starting with a '2' and has 'Nikkor' on the front.AKA:
Nikon 50mm f/1.8
AI-s Pancake-NIKKOR
1.5'/0.45m close-focus
(1980-1982 Japan)
There's a different country version but it's the number 2 you need to look out for. (*NOT 4)
The Real Deal.
An 'E' series 50mm f1.8 on Ebay described as such is a con, a blag, a lie because they know you might think it's a real one but rest assured the 'E' Version, whilst optically fine is plastic and more plastic, it is nothing whatsoever like the real thing at all, to handle or will last as long, some say the real thing is Nikons sharpest MF lens ever.
You could refer to it (E) as a Pancake Lens but we all know why it happens on ebay and why would you pay more for plastic thing then a real warm and smooth Nikkor 50mm, the 'E' Series don't even get the 'Nikkor' designation, I bought a 50mm f1.8 AF (V1) a couple of weeks ago for £40, like new with filter and Nikon Caps, I've just seen a 'E' MF version for £79!
The not so real deal.
Mine will be easier to use and last longer, tougher plastic, even if the AF messes up, I still have a very nice 50mm but it's mostly used MF anyway, I couldn't afford the AIS MF one I wanted so similar optics and better coating than the E, in a cheaper body, buying cheaper does sometimes come with some compromises but usually, from my own choices, it only involves aesthetics or feel and not the end result, if you can't find a real Nikkor 50mm for less than an overpriced E Version, you may as well give up.
As I've said before and will always say, Ebay is a junk shop and sifting throught it can be fun or an expensive over enthusiastic puke ball, your experience is down to you knowing what it is you are buying.
Rant over and out....