Introduction Lenses which bear the Micro-Nikkor name tag is synonymous with a special series of optic categorized by Nikon which are designed to deliver outstanding close focusing performance with excellent image sharpness and exceptional flatness of field. The first lens in the Nikkor lens system that used the Micro-Nikkor began from the rangefinder days during the '50. Today, the lens series has evolved into many forms with different focal lengths, with zoom, perspective control and mostly equipped with latest optical design, seamless integration with electronic as well as mechanical excellence where Nikon can provide for photographers with their Nikon. The prefix macr- or macro- means "large" or "long." while the prefix micr- or micro- means "small" or "tiny." Examples: macroeconomics -- the study of economic systems (in broad or overview basis) and microeconomics--the study of a specific transaction or market. For other things such as apply in the metric system, micro means "millionth," so a microliter is a millionth of a liter. - englishplus.com- In photographic term, it may be a little bit different, where generally in an acceptable term, we would use magnification range when reaches macro state as to define subject image recorded on film is in same or larger than actual size (1:1 life-size). Most of the photographic term or optic usually bear the word MACRO, but generally, it has become a universal term to relate a particular lens, for an instance, has close focus capability even if it does not reach the true state of 1:1 or beyond. So, what is the word MICRO that associates with Nikon's famous, uniquely optical group series which named Micro-Nikkor ? In a way, until the second series of 35mm autofocus Micro-Nikkor series which started with the AF Nikkor 55mmf/2.8 introduced in 1986 none of the Micro-Nikkor lenses prior to 55/2.8 were capable of delivery 1:1 reproduction ratio without any accessories to aid. The story of adoption "Micro" on the Nikkor was featured in an article written by SATO, Haruo for “NIKKOR Club Quarterly” magazine 2004; it explained Nikon has the opinion true macro at those days was only delivered by high magnification Nikon microscopes but the S-mount Nikon cameras has a compromised optical design short of reaching true state of macro range of 1:1, as during those days of rangefinder system, Nikon had also developed and marketed enlargement optical systems such as microscopes etc. where those high performance optical products can deliver true state of reaching macro range, further there were some division in adoption of a proper trade name for 35mm products, which eventually leads to Nikon had to separate the 35mm optical products from professional equipment division; so, possibly that was how the name, Micro-Nikkor was used. Regardless, the first optical lens capable of providing close range photography in the Nikon rangefinder system was the Micro-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=5cm, which was introduced to the market in 1956. Note: Nikon did produced series of high performance, for industrial usage series of Micro-Nikkor, Ultra-Micro-Nikkor and Macro-Nikkor lens line in different focal lengths. Others such as Repro-Nikkor, CRT-Nikkor lenses were also available. In particularly another two Micro-NIKKOR lenses, Nippon Kogaku Japan Micro-NIKKOR 7mm f/5; Micro-NIKKOR 1:5.6 f=150mm provides extremely high magnification ratio from 1/5X~1/30X will be discussed at next chapter.

Basic information on Nippon Kogaku Japan / Nikon S-mount rangefinder series Micro-NIKKOR.C 1:3.5 f=5cm
Year introduced: October, 1956, discontinued: approx. mid '60 (3rd draft 06/06/2011)

In 1956, introduction of a Micro-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=5cm in the Nikkor lens system was seen as a surprise to many observers in the photo community. Firstly, the lens emerged as a new breed of lens type with so-so range of close focus capability as well as using a different trade name within the expanding Nikkor lens group; next, it has moderate lens speed which was against the market moving trend of going the direction of fast speed, especially it fell in the standard lens focal length. But Nikon first attempt to offer a working lens for close-up photography eventually had proved to be a success. It has, hence developed into a standalone optical series which has photographers worldwide enjoying the fun and marvel world of close-up photography. Credit: Mr. Serhiy® who operates an EBAY Store with the unique trade name of SP314@ebay. Image(s) copyright © 2008. All rights reserved. Please respect the visual property of the contributing photographer.

The main reason that has contributed to its wide acceptance and popularity that followed was mainly centered on exceptional optical quality the lens offers. This had been further fueled by many marketing literature, reviews as well as words of mouth which had photographers began in believing Nikon has a tiny marvel lens. The emphasis was mainly focused on fine line resolution where claimed to provides the level of fine line resolution beyond where most prevailing film-types can match to offer. In a more defining way, camerarepair.com has an old article which featured on the RF Micro-Nikkor, " ...At the time that it was introduced it was simply the sharpest 35mm rangefinder lens bar none. At a resolving power of 200-300 lines/mm (some have been measured in excess of 300 lines/mm at the critical F5.6 aperture) no lens available to the public was sharper at that time. It was as sharp or sharper than any film available at the time....".     Originally, it was acknowledged birth of Micro-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=5cm was inspired based on a original design of German Schneider Kreuznach's Xenotar 80mm f/2.8; modified by Nikon engineers which had resulted in the Micro-Nikkor 50/3.5 with a 5 elements in 4 groups optical formula as well as ability to focusing down to minimum distance of 1.5 ft, and housed in a collapsible lens design. Is Nikon the first to offer this ? Errr ,,,,actually, NO. at least I know Contax Zeiss Opton has an equivalent collapsible type,Tessar 50/3.5 MACRO which was introduced earlier than the Nikon, probably in 1954.   As a mark of respect, Nikon optical designers, Mr. Azuma and Mr. Wakimoto were jointly first developed the optical formula for this lovely Nikkor lens breed which was first used in the S-Mount version Micro-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=5cm; Later, with Mr. Wakimoto redesigned based on the RF version and extended the focal length by 5mm (from 50mm->55mm) which gave rise to the F-mount version. <<<--- the first 20 years after the first Micro-Nikkor was introduced with sequence of evolved forms with the new 55mm focal length for F-mount reflex system but the 5E/4E optical formula was largely still remained. . Personally, I feel there were some kind of confusion which were quoted in some reading references which relate to maximum reproduction ratio of 1:12 Micro-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=5cm provides; in a general equation of calculating reproduction ratio is based on size-on-film over actual-size, a typical Ai-Nikkor 50/1.8 @45cm would then delivers approx. 1/6.84 (= 0.146) at 45 cm, then how would the Micro-Nikkor be delivering 1:12 as maximum R-ratio ? Obviously, there were some mistakes here and there or print typo error, an acceptable ratio is 1:2. Here is a good source by Riccardo Polini for a good understanding how R ratio is calculated. Until I get hold of a manual of the lens or someone can provide me a more convincing figure, I have set aside the unconfirmed maximum R-Ratio provides by Micro-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=5cm for the time being, sorry folks. UPDATE: A NHS member, Mr. Michael Wescott Loder (website) <E-mail: MWL2@psu.edu> was referring to an article he wrote that appeared in the Journal in issue #NHS-89; he said " .. the article pretty much covers all the TRUE specs for the 50mm f3.5 Micro-Nikkor in 'S' mount. Mounted directly on a camera in extended position, the closest focus is 3 feet, the same as any other normal Nikkor. That would be a ratio of 1:24. Mounted on the SA close-up bellows unit and you have two choices. Extended, the range is 1:1 to 1:5, the same as any other normal. Collapsed, the range is from [beyond] infinity to approximately 1:2. It is computed for optimum sharpness at the 1:12 reproduction ratio, which was the reduction most often used for microfilming at that time. But you have to put it on either a SA or PA copy unit to get that reduction. The first Micro-Nikkors for the Nikon F were also computed for this reduction. The later ones are not, and are also not as good for close-up work. NK got an extremely sharp lens by going with a five-element, semi-symmetrical design instead of a simpler Tessar optic like everyone else was using at that time. I hope this helps ..." - WES LODER -

One of the most usual feature of S-mount rangefinder Micro-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=5cm was its collapsible design. Meaning, at extended position the lens works exactly like a standard 50mm lens, works from 3 feet onwards to infinity; whereas when it is collapsed inward, the mechanism handles the close focusing range from 3 feet to minimum focusing of 1.5 ft. The action can be still regarded as seamless, except there is another step that you have to perform in lens handling for close focus because once the lens collapses, the aperture control ring is deeply recessed inward and partially hidden. The solution provided by Nikon was via an adapter which doubles as a shade but its main purpose was to provide full aperture control. When mount it on at the front of the fully collapsed lens, the ring has an easy maneuver over aperture settings again. Strictly speaking, the attachment should be part of the Micro-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=5cm as a dedicated matched accessory because close focus is the primary feature of a Micro-Nikkor. <<<-- Aperture Control Collar for Micro-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=5cm at close distance aperture settings. When it is hook-on the front section of the lens, often it may misled viewer it could be an unidentified black finish Nikkor lens or simply a chrome finish RF lens with a funny kind of lens hood. The collar is made up of two parts device. The Nikon S-Mount rangefinder version of the Micro-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=5cm has only known to be only available in chrome finish only. Except for the M39 Leica version which has a black rim at the barrel (see bottom section for pictures). Collapsible design used on the was not the first of its kind, even within the Nikkor lens system (Nikkor-H.C 1:2 f=5cm, 1948). The two segment lens design probably had another advantage in keeping the Micro-Nikkor retains its compactness. The lens stopped down to f/22 for maximum depth of field control as at close focus, depth of field is often a priority. It is a very well made Nikkor lens, solid and provides exceptional image resolution performance, but despite all the good things you can find with the lens, due to limitation on parallax correction with rangefinder camera, it is also not entirely a very friendly lens for close up photography. Probably Nikon also aware of the restriction in its applications, hence the lens can also be working in conjunction with a Nikon Bellow Focusing Unit, or act as an excellent optic with the Nikon Repro Copy Outfit due to its exceptional flatness of field characteristic; in a way, use of Nikon Reflex Housing would greatly resolve focusing at high magnification. The maximum reproduction ratio achieves with Micro-Nikkor + Bellow combination would reach 1:1.5 (re-edited based Wes Loder's furnished info); while Micro-Nikkor + Nikon Repro Copy (Model S and P) combination would provide the highest R-Ratio of 1: 1. Note: technically, a normal 5cm Nikkor can also be adapted to a Bellow Unit, via adapter ring in reverse position, the maximum reproduction ratio may also theoretically reach a maximum of 1:2.2 but normal standard Nikkor lenses are not specifically corrected like a Micro-Nikkor for flatness of field and small apertures are usable only, besides it is pretty awkward to use.

Some of the earlier production units may still bear Micro-Nikkor.C 1:3.5 f=5cm, but majority are just printed as Micro-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=5cm on the lens data at the front ring. Version history is less important, as for most Nikon enthusiasts, a Micro-Nikkor is still a Micro-Nikkor. The lens for Nikon bayonet mount version has a smaller accessory size than the standard 43mm; instead (Series VI 41.3mm) and 34.5mm for Snap-On, screw in types are used. But the Leica Threaded Mount (LTM/LSM) version also shares the same accessory size with the Nikon S-mount version. The earlier versions has a solid, fully concealed black plastic lens case, later supplies usually has a replacement model in transparent-type, also plastic bubble case but can see through like a display box.

---

M39 Leica Threaded/Screw Mount (LTM/LSM) version of Nikon Micro-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=5cm

The M39 Leica mount version of Micro-Nikkor 50mm f/3.5 has a slightly different appearance from Nikon's own version due to use of both black and chrome finishes. The front portion of the lens is still a chrome finish aperture ring, the central section is a black focusing ring, it has a reasonably wide diameter to provide for a good grip, while the base section consists of focusing information as well as the depth of filed scales while an infra index is also provided.

Frankly, I thought Nikon has done a very good job with the Leica version than on their own. The black and chrome combination balances very well in presentation. In particularly, I like the clean, simple but well defined layouts and illustrations. Perhaps the inclusion of few base section rings makes the entire dimension of the lens looks larger. Like many of the Nikkor LSM lenses, it should weighs heavier than the S-Mount model but I don't have any actual data for comparison. The optical composition used was identical. <<<-- This was mailed to me sometime ago by a visitor. It was in Japanese, "Nikon Class Room" kind of translation in its header. Interesting is, the LEICA mount version was also listed along with the S-mount Nikkor version, meaning Nikon was still very much living inder the shadow of the German Icon during the mid '50.

So far, I have not came across a specific Contax Bayonet Mount model as close focusing may magnify the difference in close focus between the two bayonet mount systems, so I am equally curious to know how it looks like. Well, as Contax has a Tessar 50mm f/3.5 MACRO in their lens system while the Leica had a small vacuum in equivalent offer, probably that was why Nikon seemed to focus more on Leica than on countering the Contax, hehe.. Anyway, joke asides, if anyone out there has a Contax bayonet mount version, do consider sending some pictures here for update.

---

Technical Specifications for Nippon Kogagu Japan's Micro-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=5cm

Lens Type: 50mm standard focal length in collapsible lens design with close focusing mechanism
Lens Mount: Nikon S-Mount for RF Nikon. LEICA M39 Screw Mount, no info on Contax Bayonet mount model
Focal Length: 50mm (5cm);
Maximum / Minimum Aperture range: f/3.5 ~ f/22
Diaphragm: Manual; Optical Construction: 5 elements 4 groups

Focusing range: dual range, 3ft ~oo extended position; 1.5ft~3ft (45-91cm) at collapsed position Picture Angle: 46° (26° x 39° ) Filter Attachment Size: 34.5mm (Series VI), applicable to LEICA M39 models <<<--- This particular lens has a "C" at its lens data. Later models had eliminate the description as all Nikkor lenses produced at later stage were coated.

Lens Hood: Nil;
Primary Dedicated Accessory: Auxiliary aperture control device, usable only at collapsible position, may double as a lens hood when mounted
Optical Finder: optional. As most Nikon RF cameras has built-in bright line frame for normal distance focusing/picture composition (see Nikon Optical Finders)
Weight (lens only): approx. 144g/5.1oz for S-mount model; Leica SM / Contax bayonet mount models: No info
Standard/Optional Accessories: front/rear caps, black plastic lens case (early series / plastic bubble case for later models
Other Information: Quantity Approx. 1,500 units. S/N started from 52300 Ref: Robert Rotoloni An Illustrated History on Nikon Rangefinder camera.

Suggestive links on the web on Micro-Nikkor 5cm 1:3.5: Camera Repair has a very good article on the lens as well as touching on technical aspect; SATO, Haruo article on early development of the Micro-Nikkor lenses at Nikon.

A rough guide on how the rangefinder Micro-Nikkor 5cm/3.5 had evolved from here:- The first F-mount, redesigned Micro-Nikkor has an extended 5mm focal length as Micro-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=5.5cm, it has a preset aperture ring and appeared in 1961; In 1966/7, then Nikon dropped the preset ring design, replaced it with a new design which has a meter coupling prong and chrome lens barrel (with later stage modified with a scalloped focusing ring) in an all new version of Micro-Nikkor-P Auto 55mm f/3.5 and it was introduced between 1966~67; the appearance was changed again to a more closer modern design with diamond-pattern focusing ring in 1975, the Micro-Nikkor-P.C 55mm f/3.5 was the last of Pre-Ai version; (but the first Micro-Nikkor @ 105mm Micro-Nikkor 105mmm f/4 appeared during this period); the Ai version of Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/3.5 was then introduced in 1977~78 and it was the last of 55/3.5-series with the classic 5E/4G design. The year also witnessed the first Micro-Nikkor @ 200mm focal length being introduced, Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4) . The next Micro-Nikkor was an Ai-S Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8 which offered a larger aperture of f/2.8, and with dedicated accessory PK-13 it provides 1:1 (it introduction was followed with both the Micro-Nikkor 104/4s & Micro-Nikkor 105/2.8s Ai-S in 1984). The first AF Micro-Nikkor 55/2.8s offered 1:1 directly without any accessory was eventually brought to the photo community in 1986, but was soon replaced with an all new AF Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8s with another 5mm increase of focal length in 1989; the lens was then added with distance chip as Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D in 1993 (together, the short-lived 105/2.8s of 1990 was also being replaced with an eventual AF Micro-Nikkor 105/2.8D with distance information chip version in 1992). The Micro-Nikkor @200mm has a new replacement model, AF Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4S IF-ED, and it was the best 200mm micro-nikkkor introduced so far with Internal focus and use of ED glass in a Micro-Nikkor for the first time. Late '90 saw two new breed of Micro-Nikkor lenses added to the family: The first AF Zoom Micro-Nikkor 70-180mm F/ 4.5~5.6D (1997) & the first PC 85mm Micro-Nikkor f/2.8D was introduced later in 1999.... <<<--- Another latest inclusion into the Micro-Nikkor lens family, PC-E Micro-NIKKOR 45mm f/2.8D ED, Err ...z

Site Extensions: Industrial usage of some of the specialized, high performance series of NIKKOR lenses:- (Site development in progress)

Micro-NIKKOR:- Nippon Kogaku Japan Micro-NIKKOR 7mm f/5 Type I / Type II; Micro-NIKKOR 1:5.6 f=150mm Ultra-Micro-NIKKOR:- Nippon Kogaku Japan Ultra-Micro-NIKKOR 1:1.8 f=28mm (1965); Ultra-Micro-NIKKOR 1:1.8 f=28mm M=1/10X / M=1/10X e / M=1/10X h / M=1/10X ew / M=1/10X hw, Nikon Ultra-Micro-NIKKOR 1:1.7 f=28mm M=1/10Xg, Nippon Kogaku Japan 1:1.2 f=29.5mm (1964); Nikon Ultra-Micro-NIKKOR 1:1.2 f= 30mm, M=1/25X (1969), Nippon Kogaku Japan Ultra-Micro-NIKKOR 1:2 f=55mm M=1/4X / M=1/4X h (1965), Nippon Kogaku Japan Ultra-Micro-NIKKOR 1:1.8 f=50mm M=1/5X h (1969), Nippon Kogaku Japan Ultra-Micro-NIKKOR 1:1.8 f=50mm M=1/5X e (1969), M=1/5X h, Nippon Kogaku Japan 1:2.8 f=105mm (1962), Nippon Kogaku Japan Ultra-Micro-NIKKOR 1:2.8 f=125mm M=1/25X (1965), Nippon Kogaku Japan Ultra-Micro-NIKKOR 1:4 f=135mm M=1/25X (1965), Micro-Nikkor 1:5.6 f=150mm (1960); Nippon Kogaku Japan Ultra-Micro-NIKKOR 1:4 f=155mm, Nippon Kogaku Japan Ultra-Micro-NIKKOR 1:4 f=165mm M=1/10X (1970), Nippon Kogaku Japan Ultra-Micro-NIKKOR 1:1.0 f=225mm (1969), Nippon Kogaku Japan Ultra-Micro-NIKKOR 1:1.0 f=250mm (1968); Nippon Kogaku Japan Ultra-Micro-NIKKOR 1:1.4 f=300mm (1969); Macro-NIKKOR: - Macro-Nikkor 1:2.8 f=19mm (white-lined R-Ratio 15X~40X) , Macro-Nikkor 1:4.5 f=35mm (blue-lined R-Ratio 8X~20X), Macro-Nikkor 1:4.5 f=65mm (yellow-lined R-Ratio 3.5X~10X) , Macro-Nikkor 1:6.3 f=120mm (red-lined R-Ratio 1.2X~4X); OTHERS:- CRT NIKKOR-O, TV-NIKKOR, COM-NIKKOR, Printing-NIKKOR, Ortho-NIKKOR, Fax-NIKKOR / Process-NIKKOR, Repro-NIKKOR, Regno-NIKKOR

previous | NEXT | 1/7 Micro-NIKKOR 70mm f/5 (1:5 f=7cm) / Micro-NIKKOR 150mm f/5.6 (1:5.6 f=150mm)
& Macro-NIKKOR Series :- 19/2.8, 35mm f/4.5, 65mm/4.5, 120mm f/6.3

Index Page: Nippon Kogaku K.K. S-Mount rangefinder version Micro-NIKKOR.C 1:3.5 f=5cm (50mm f/3.5)
Page 1:- Micro-NIKKOR 70mm f/5 / Micro-NIKKOR 150mm/5.6 / Macro-NIKKOR Series :- 19/2.8, 35mm f/4.5, 65mm/4.5, 120mm f/6.3
Page 2:- Ultra-Micro-NIKKOR Series -28mm focal length models
Page 3:- Ultra-Micro-NIKKOR Series - 29.5/30mm, 50 & 55mm focal length models
Page 4:- Ultra-Micro-NIKKOR Series -105, 125, 135mm & 150mm focal length models
Page 5:- Ultra-Micro-NIKKOR Series -155, 165, 225, 250 & 300mm focal length models
Page 6:- General information on other special purpose NIKKOR lenses for industrial. technical and science applications

Nikon RF 50mm lens group (relative: Various 50mm in reflex F-Mount versions)
Nikkor-Q.C 1:3.5 f=5cm | Nikkor-H 1:2 f=5cm Type 1 / Type II / Type III | Type IV | Nikkor-S.C 1:1.5 f=5cm | Nikkor-S 1:1.4 f=5cm Type I / Type II / Type III | Type IV | Olympic | Nikkor-N 1:1.1 f=5cm internal / external

Nikon RF-Nikkor lenses:- Main Index Page

W-Nikkor-O 1:4 f=2.1cm | W-Nikkor.C 1:4 f=2.5cm | W-Nikkor.C 1:3.5 f= 2.8cm | W-Nikkor.C 3.5cm lens Group (3.5/2.5/1.8) | Stereo-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=3.5cm | 5cm (50mm) lens group | RF Micro-Nikkor 1:3.5 f=5cm (in progress) | Nikkor-P.C 1:2 f=8.5cm lens group / Nikkor-S.C 1:1.5 f=8.5cm lens group | Nikkor-P.C 1:2.5 f=10.5cm lens group / Nikkor-T 1:4 f=10.5cm | Nikkor-Q.C 13.5cm lens group: 135/4, 135/3.5 Early / Last Version, 135/4 Bellow lens | Nikkor-H 1:2.5 f=18cm | Nikkor-Q 1:4 f=25cm | Nikkor-T 1:4.5 f=35cm | Nikkor-T.C 1:5 f=50cm | Reflex-Nikkor 100cm f/6.3

System Accessories for Nikon Rangefinder cameras
Optical Finders (4 parts):- Fixed Focal length Finders (index page): 2.1cm, 2.5cm, 2.8cm, 3.5cm, 35cm Stereo, 5cm, 8.5cm, 10.5cm, 13.5cm | Variframe / Varifocal / Sport-frames | Nikon Reflex Housing

Nikon S36/S72/S250 Motor Drives / S36 Manual | light meters | Nikon RF Flash/Speedlights | Close-up photography / Repro Copy Outfit / Nikon Bellow Focusing Device (in progress) | Cases/Compartments | Lens & body caps, Lens Hoods/shades, Original Price Lists | packaging/boxes

Instruction Manuals

RELATIVE:- Nikon Rangefinder (RF) Models | Pictorial History of Nikon
A small visual library on Nikon Ultra-Micro-Nikkor lenses
Manual Focus Nikkor lenses | Autofocus Nikkor lenses

Related info:- Leica/Leitz | Contax/Carl Zeiss | Seiki Kogaku (Canon)

| Message Board | lenses | Message Board | RF cameras

Nikon Auto Focus Nikkor lenses:- Main Index Page
Nikon Manual Focus Nikkor lenses:- Main Index Page

Nikon F | Nikon F2 | Nikon F3 | Nikon F4 | Nikon F5 | Nikon F6 | Nikkormat / Nikomat | Nikon FM | Nikon FE/ FA | Nikon EM/FG/FG20 | Nikon Digital SLRs | Nikon - Other models

| Back | Main Index Page of Pictorial History of Nikon SLRs

about this photographic web site

Home - Photography in Malaysia

Credit:- Special thanks to all the contributors of images and content which made up the basis of the site. Note:certain content and images appeared in this site were either scanned from official marketing leaflets, brochures, sales manuals or publications published by Nikon over the years and/or contribution from surfers who claimed originality of their work for educational purposes. The creator of the site will not be responsible for may discrepancies arise from such dispute except rectifying them after verification."Nikon", "Nikkormat", "Nippon Kogaku KK" & "Nikkor" are registered trade name of Nikon Corporation Inc., Japan. Site made with an Apple G5 IMac.