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Rent NowNikon 55mm f/3.5 Micro-NIKKOR AI’D Nippon Kogaku Japan Lens
The Nikon 55mm f/3.5 Micro-NIKKOR is widely regarded as one of the sharpest lenses ever produced for 35mm photography. This specific Nippon Kogaku version carries the heritage of Japanese precision optics, offering a legendary standard of resolution that remains consistent from infinity all the way down to extreme close-ups. Whether you are capturing distant landscapes or microscopic details, this manual focus prime delivers the clinical clarity that made the Micro-NIKKOR line a staple in scientific and professional kits.
Condition Note: This is an AI’D (Aperture Indexing converted) manual focus lens, making it compatible with a wider range of modern and vintage Nikon bodies. It includes both front and rear caps. Please note that there are two fungus spores inside the front element. While these may not significantly impact image quality at wider apertures, they are present and should be noted by collectors and users alike.
Legendary Macro Performance
Unmatched Sharpness: The 55mm f/3.5 is celebrated for its ability to maintain high edge-to-edge resolution at every focusing distance. It is a “flat-field” lens, meaning it avoids the field curvature common in other lenses, making it perfect for document copying and macro work.
Extended Helical Range: The lens barrel features an extra-long extension range, allowing you to focus from infinity down to 9.5 inches, producing a 1:2 (half-life size) image natively.
1:1 Magnification: When paired with an M-series extension ring, this lens enters a second focusing range to achieve true 1:1 life-size magnification on the film or sensor plane.
Superior Optical Build
Deeply Recessed Optics: The lens elements are set deep within the metal mount. This physical design acts as a built-in lens hood, effectively shielding the glass from stray light and preventing flare without the need for additional accessories.
Hard-Coated Surfaces: All glass-to-air surfaces feature Nippon Kogaku’s durable hard-coating to improve light transmission and maintain high contrast in challenging lighting environments.
All-Metal Construction: Built in an era of “no-compromise” engineering, the lens features a scalloped metal focus ring and a rugged chassis designed to last for generations.
Professional Compatibility
AI’D Conversion: The aperture ring has been modified to the AI (Aperture Indexing) standard, allowing the lens to couple correctly with the light meters of more modern Nikon SLR and DSLR cameras.
Versatile Focal Length: On a full-frame camera, it serves as a razor-sharp “standard” 55mm prime. On DX-format sensors, it becomes an effective 82.5mm lens, a perfect focal length for flattering, high-detail portraiture.
Technical Specifications
Focal Length: 55mm
Aperture Range: f/3.5 to f/32
Lens Mount: Nikon F (AI’D)
Filter Size: 52mm
Focusing: Manual Only
