Nikon Micro-NIKKOR-P auto 1:3.5 f=55mm 66143

[johnnywalker]

I just bought this lens, attached to an FM2, on Ebay. As usual, I'm trying to find out about the lens after I buy it rather than be a wimp and do the research ahead of time (it was really the camera I was after). The info I can find confuses me no end. Apparently there were a lot of versions made (some were optimized for copy work it seems) and I'd like to know the particulars of this one.
Any ideas of where to go to find out, or can someone here give me the lowdown on it?
Thanks,

 

[Tom Hicks]

it's one of the sharpest nikkor macro lens Nikon ever made, period.

 

[Jim Jones]

I agree with Tom. I usually keep a faster 50mm lens on my Nikon, but tests have shown the 55mm f/3.5 to be sharper. I don't know of any variations in the Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/3.5 from about 1964 to 1979 except minor mechanical changes, and the addition of multicoating in 1970. There were a few earlier versions with different names. The redesigned f/2.8 version appeared in 1979. Although designed primarily for macro work, the classic f/3.5 is fine for distant subjects.

 

[Curt]

Oh sure you lucky braggart, it's about the finest sharpest lens made and you didn't know? I'm glad you got the camera you wanted and it appears that you go one of the best lenses possible to boot. Good going, sometimes good things do happen.

Christmas comes early to you, must have been a very good boy this year!

regards,
Curt

ps I've got a 55 micro nikkor on an F3hp and it's the cat's meow.

 

[johnnywalker]

Actually I did know it was supposed to be a reasonable lens, mainly from reading David Bebbington's thread regarding his grease problem. When I started to delve into it later (after I bought it) I found some were optimised for copy work, and according to one guru, they are not AI or AIS lenses - which I don't see how could be true, and it looks like an AI(S) lens to me. Anyway, I just found a good description of the micro Nikkors at this site:

http://www.naturfotograf.com/lens_spec.html

The camera and lens I bought is here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=110066912289&rd=1&rd=1

I didn't really expect to get it and don't know if it was an especially good deal or not, but I'm very happy to have a second mechanical Nikon. If the price I paid (US155) is the going rate, I'm surprised how much 35mm film cameras have dropped in the last few years, even though it's a common topic.

 

[Curt]

I took a look and that looks like a really nice setup there. Isn't it fun to get such good deals on equipment we still hold in high estimation?

Curt

 

[johnnywalker]

It is indeed! I'm looking forward to getting it (them). Hopefully they'll be waiting at home when I get back from my trip to the very frozen north in a week. I guess I should warn my wife they'll be coming, just in case they show up before I do .

 

[Tom Hicks]

here's a shot with one , lens by it self at min focus distance at f 5.6 if I remember correctly.

 

[resummerfield]

From the serial number, it was probably made around ’71 or ’72, and thus not originally AI. The AI conversion was made using factory parts (note the holes in the prong). It is a great lens—I also have one. Great price, too!

 

[Richard Kelham]

The serial number would point to a date of construction c1970-1, which makes it the same style as mine but a year or so older. From the look of the back end I would imagine it has been officially converted to AI-spec by Nikon themselves – this service was available in the late '70s.

It's a great lens for studio work though I wouldn't use it for landscapes! There's a full (or at least fuller than the one you quoted) description of the various changes in Braczko's The Nikon Handbook. Recommended bedtime reading.


Richard

 

[ehparis]

A bit of the history of the lens starts here on the mir.com site:

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/preAI70/micro55mm.htm

 

[eric]

Its a good thing you got the newer lens and not the older non-ai lens. The non-ai lens will not fit the FM camera. My older 55mm Micro will only work on my older F2.

 

[johnnywalker]

The camera and lens arrived today, and they both seem in great shape. I'm anxious for some daylight to take some pictures with them. Both are pretty straightforward, except for the flash. Anyone know offhand what level of flash automation the FM2 and AI(S) lenses support? TTL? A? or just Manual? I have SB-28 and a SB-50DX flashes. I don't have manuals for anything except the SB-50, and it doesn't mention the FM2.

Apparently it supports the A and M modes. I'm not sure how A differs from TTL, but have ordered the manual so that should tell me.

 

[Peter Black]

Manual for FM2n and FM2 at the link below. Have fun!

Nikon FM2(n) - Instruction Manual Index Page

 

[John Koehrer]

Johnnywalker,
The Nikon flash units don't provide ttl operation on this camera,
The small contact in the hotshoe is for a readylight in the viewfinder.
You can use any standard flash with it auto operation would be dependent on the flash.
Oh yeah, watch the synch speed when you use flash. The flash doesn't set it for you.

 

[harveyje]

I purchased the non-AI version new as my first extra lens (prior to tele or wide) and am very happy with and still use it for general as well as macro photography. There should be an auto extension tube with it which allows focussing down to 1:1 with auto diaphragm and TTL exposure determination with the built-in meter, although with the tube it will require stop-down metering.