Want to Buy WTB 55mm f3.5 Nikkor Macro

ColdEye · Jul 22, 2011

I'd like to purchase a 55/3.5 macro nikkor. Cosmetics doesnt matter, as long as it is in working condition. I hope it's cheap. Shoot me a PM if you have one.

wildbill · Jul 22, 2011

probably the sharpest lens I own, and it's not for sale.

ColdEye · Jul 22, 2011

Yes that's what i have seen from the samples in the net and in print. Tho I am after the Macro capability (the uber sharpness is a very good bonus)

Vaughn · Jul 22, 2011

Any big difference between the 3.5 and the 2.8 (the 2.8's we have are marked as Micro-Nikkor 55mm, not "Macro" Nikkor)

Bob-D659 · Jul 22, 2011

Optically, both are excellent, the 2.8 has a reputation for getting oily aperture blades.

You might have a hard time getting one here, most people who get one keep them "until death do us part".

KEH have quite a few at the moment.

Vaughn · Jul 22, 2011

Actually I have a 55/3.5 -- I thought it was another 2.8. BUT...even though it is beautiful (looks like new except for a fingerprint of the inside glass), it will not meter on the cameras (so it might be modified for slide copier it was pulled off of). The back where it attaches to the body is slightly different than the 55/2.8 Nikon lens.

The aperature does close down properly when the shutter is fired.

I suppose it can be used with an external meter, but I do not know how much to compensate for "bellow factor" -- or if one even has to (my experience is with ones that can meter thru the lens, and LF cameras where I can measure the bellows draw)

Vaughn

Bob-D659 · Jul 22, 2011

If you haven't see this web site, enjoy.

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/micronikkor/index.htm

Bob-D659 · Jul 22, 2011

This will help with exposure compensation.

Dead Link Removed

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/micronikkor/55mmmicro1.htm

Also some useful info here near the bottom of the page.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/55f35ai.htm

brucemuir · Jul 23, 2011

Vaughn said:
Any big difference between the 3.5 and the 2.8 (the 2.8's we have are marked as Micro-Nikkor 55mm, not "Macro" Nikkor)

The later 2.8 version has an "improved" optical formula reported to be better than the 3.5's at longer distances and infinity while still retaining it's excellent performance in the close up range.

j-dogg · Jul 23, 2011

I have this lens too, paid 40 bucks for mine. Absolutely flawless copy. I use it with an adapter on my EOS 5d as well as natively on my Nikkormat. Fantastic lens.

mgb74 · Jul 23, 2011

I have one here. Near mint in box. However, as I recall, it's focus is stiff. I'll check and get back to you.

John Koehrer · Jul 23, 2011

Nikon's term for these was always "micro". Regarding stiff focus, they all start out that way and will loosen up, it's got two helicals, one fine thread and one very coarse. When the lube thickens a bit they can get very tight.
When I was working in the trade we got one that had sat for so long it needed a strap wrench to move the focusing ring. Cleaned it out, relubed it and all was good.

mgb74 · Jul 23, 2011

John Koehrer said:
Nikon's term for these was always "micro". Regarding stiff focus, they all start out that way and will loosen up, it's got two helicals, one fine thread and one very coarse. When the lube thickens a bit they can get very tight.
When I was working in the trade we got one that had sat for so long it needed a strap wrench to move the focusing ring. Cleaned it out, relubed it and all was good.

So I can call the stiffness a feature, instead of a defect?

Who would you recommend to clean and relube?

Jack Fisher · Jul 24, 2011

Sent email with offer

John Koehrer · Jul 25, 2011

It is a feature =@) the barrel won't rotate easily. I'd think KEH would do as well as anyone, the lens isn't that hard to work on.
Right now I've got two here a 3.5 and a 2.8 both are stiffer than any other lens I've got.
If you use the lens a lot it will loosen without spending the extra $$$. I have a friend who used a 3.5 for several years as his only lens and it could be focused by rolling the barrel with one finger. Talk about loose.

L Gebhardt · Aug 3, 2011

Email sent, if you are still interested.

ColdEye · Aug 3, 2011

Have bought one already from Jack Fisher. Sorry for the late update.

Want to Buy WTB 55mm f3.5 Nikkor Macro

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