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

---

Introduction

January 2008

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

Included accessories: ?

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

Diaphragm: 6 bladed

Price from: $ Discontinued

Price paid: $24 USD

Manufacturers web site: www.nikon.com

Positives

• Sharpness wide open. You've got to love Nikon's Micro-nikkor's.
• Price, on the second hand market this lens sells quite cheap.
• DOF/IR marking
• Infinity focus.

Drawbacks

• 1:2 macro, you 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(except Nikon D40 and D60)

Verdict

The Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/3.5 AI 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.

Features
Performance
IR Performance
Build
Value

Alternatives

Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D. From $459.95 USD

Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED Price from: $529.95 USD

Sigma AF 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro. From $299.00 USD

Zeiss MF Macro 50mm f/2 ZF Makro-Planar T*. From $1,033.00 USD

Sigma AF 70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro. From $499.00 USD

Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro. From $459.95 USD (rebate available)

*Prices are subject to change. Listed price is from July 26, 2009

Sample Pictures

Images have been imported to photoshop CS3 through Capture NX 2 thus leaving the original image settings as shot, I. E white balance, sharpening, etc .etc. Full resolution sample images are in RGB color mode. Check out my copyright page for information about usage of these images.