Nikkor M 105mm F 3.5 as a macro?

[Gaston 012]

I am considering getting into Macro with a 4x5 camera. My limited understanding is that asymmetric lenses, inverted, can be used for this purpose. This one does not cover 4x5 at infinity but I will not be using it for that purpose. It ain't cheap so I am basically asking two questions:
1-Can it be used as a macro?
2-Is there something else out there cheaper for my purpose?
Thanks
Gaston

 

[B.S.Kumar]

I have the predecessor to this lens - Nikkor Q 105mm f/3.5. It is an excellent lens for 6x9. The Nikkor M series lenses are specified as being good for "close-up to infinity". So they are not exactly specialized macro lenses. An enlarging lens may be a better idea for macro work.

Kumar

 

[RalphLambrecht]

I have the predecessor to this lens - Nikkor Q 105mm f/3.5. It is an excellent lens for 6x9. The Nikkor M series lenses are specified as being good for "close-up to infinity". So they are not exactly specialized macro lenses. An enlarging lens may be a better idea for macro work.

Kumar

+1

 

[Dan Fromm]

Gaston, what range of magnifications do you plan to work at?

Any lens can be focused close up. All that's needed is extension. Lenses that aren't perfectly symmetrical and are designed to be used at magnifications < 1:1 should be reversed when shooting above 1:1.

I've had a 100/6.3 Luminar, have a 100/6.3 Neupolar also have and prefer a 4"/5.6 Enlarging Pro Raptar for closeup work on 2x3. It isn't quite as good as the Neupolar but is easier to use. Ain't many lenses better than the 100 Neupolar. All expensive to put to use -- none in shutter, if you get one you'll have to buy a shutter and an adapter -- and the Neupolar and Enlarging Pro Raptar are hard to find.

I also have a 105/5.6 Schneider Comparon (tessar type enlarging lens) in Copal Press #0. It isn't bad and because it is in a #0 it can be reversed by swapping the cells front-to-rear. Interestingly, Schneider claims it is better than the equivalent Componon for low-magnification. Printing up to 6x, taking from 1:6 to 6:1.

 

[DREW WILEY]

It's an uncommon lens, and for the typical asking price you can probably find something better suited to this application. I have this lens, but have never tried this for close-ups since I own both G-Claron and Fuji A lenses which handle 4x5 over a wide range of magnifications.

 

[Gaston 012]

Thanks to all, great advice.
My take is: I better read a bit more before investing, I have ordered a couple of books on Macro and we shall see.
Thanks
Gaston