Nikon Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/3.5 Pre-AI

Nikon Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/3.5 Pre-AI

Introduction

The Nikon Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/3.5 P.C Auto Pre-AI, was the First Micro-Nikkor with

Multicoating on the lens elements, hence the C in the name. The first of the P.C version was made in 1973, and ended in 1975 to be replaced by the 55mm f/3.5 Pre-AI.

The first AI version was released in 1977.

Specifications

Lens Construction: 5 elements in 4 groups

Picture Angle: 43° (35mm)

Minimum focus distance: 0.241m/ 9 1/2

Filter Size: 52mm

Lens Hood: Screw-in HN-3

Size and weight: dia: 66,5mm Length: 55mm, 235g

Diaphragm: 6 bladed

Drawbacks

• 1:2 macro, need a M2 ring or a bellows to get 1:1 macro with this lens.
• Pre-AI, has to be converted to fit today's cameras

Verdict

The Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/3.5 Al seems to have a deeper sharpness then the Pre-AI version. The Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/3.5 P.C Pre-AI has a bit nicer color, and the OOF(out of focus) seems nicer than the AI version in my opinion. The Nikon Micro-Nikkor P.C Auto f/3.5 Pre-AI is my favorite Micro-Nikkor in the normal range for product shots. Sweet spot of the lens is from f/3.5 to f/11, it does not get really soft until f/22. The Infrared performance of the lens is rather good, it does however hot-spot around f/16, but you can hardly notice it un till f/22.