Value in an Ultra Micro Nikkor lens?

[altim]

I found a 28mm/1.8 for sale here, and I'm thinking of getting it (don't tell the missus). After doing some research it is rather tempting to pick it up. After all, who wouldn't want one of the highest resolution lenses ever produced? Besides, I still have Nikon bodies that need lenses

The thing is, I can't find any reference for the value of this thing online. There are a bunch of them on ebay for $3k+, but I think that is obviously very overpriced. Anyone know the true market value for these things?

 

[altim]

It does, but Nikon doesn't guarantee the specs of the lens outside of an area in the middle of the image. It is pretty much a collector's piece, I don't think anybody would carry this lens with them for instance.

 

[CD55]

I just saw this auction for 6 28mm f/1.8 at Shopgoodwill.com for $4,568. Somebody got one heck of a deal.

http://www.shopgoodwill.com/auctions/Six-Ultra-Micro-Nikkor-118-f28mm-M110-Lenses-8080138.html

 

[j-dogg]

I just saw this auction for 6 28mm f/1.8 at Shopgoodwill.com for $4,568. Somebody got one heck of a deal.

http://www.shopgoodwill.com/auctions/Six-Ultra-Micro-Nikkor-118-f28mm-M110-Lenses-8080138.html

5 of them will be on eBay this week. I'm calling it.

 

[Dan Fromm]

Does it have a large enough image circle to even cover a 35mm frame? The Ultra Micro Nikkors were super wicked sharp, and best of all, distortionless. However they were only optimized for a small, well defined image area, for light at specific wavelengths, and for a given distance (I don't think they have focusing rings).

Used at the magnifications recommended, Ultra Micro Nikkors cover4"x5".

 

[Pgeobc]

What about that short working distance? 100mm lenses are barely acceptable; 50mm are bad enough, but...

 

[semi-ambivalent]

Weren't these made for printing circuits? Being distortion-free is a big plus optically but how valuable is that photographing non-rectilinear subject matter? Additionally, is there any film available today that can out-resolve these lenses? If not, then what's the point (and I love 28mm with 135)?

These would be a major coup for a collector.