Nikon lens for Copy Work ??? Which one?

Hello.

 

Years ago I worked as a professional photographer and we used a

Nikon lens for copy work that was distortion free. I *think* it was

a 85mm. I am trying to locate such a lens for my own, but forget

what the name of this lens is and what to search for.

 

Any help/advice?

 

thanks.

The 60mm/F2.8D-AF Micro Nikkor is well suited for copy work.

I seem to remember the inside portion of the lens having a rectangle shape. is that correct?

This web site lists all the Nikkors, with picture links to most.

 

http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/lenses.html

 

Maybe this will spark a recollection.

 

Good luck...

Does this look like it?

 

<p>

<center><img src="http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/a5535p.jpg"></center>

<I>I seem to remember the inside portion of the lens having a rectangle shape. is that

correct?</I><P> Early versions of the 55mm f/3.5 Micro-Nikkor (pre AI or AI-S) had a

rectangular "frame" across the rear opening. I'm sure it was there to cut down on flare.

newer versions like the 55mm f/2.8 AI-S or 60mm f/2.8D AF Nikkor solved the problem

through improved optical design.

The 55mm f/2.8 AIS Micro also has the rectangular rear lens element frame. The front element is quite deeply recessed, to shield it from flare.<p>The 60mm AF Micro has a planar rear element which is basically unprotected. You've got to be really careful with this one.<p>I've used both the 55 f/2.8 AIS and 60mm f/2.8 AF for copy work. Both are extremely sharp and distortion free. I'm now using the 60 exclusively, as it focuses to 1:1 on its own without an extension tube, and under the hot lights of a copy stand, it's focus point doesn't shift. With the AIS lens, the warmed grease would allow the helicoid to start spinning out of focus on its own, while the lens is pointed down.

I recently used the 55/2.8 AIS for a copy work project with good results, but didn't have to worry about focus shift because I was photographing large artwork & hung it on a wall with the camera on a tripod. The lens is very sharp and has a nice flat field with very little distortion.

When I shot Leicas, I used both the 135mm Hektor for ease of use on a bellows, or the 50mm Focotar enlarging lens for good definition of the final image. When I went to Nikon, I liked the 60mm Micro Nikkor for its convenience, minimal distortion, and resolution when copying formats of 8 1/2" X 11" down to, and including, reproduction ratios of 1:1. For other macro (i.e. nature) I prefer the 105mm or longer.

 

How long ago did you use this 85mm(?) copy lens? Was this for 35mm format? Perhaps it was an enlarging lens, or a special process lens.

I often use the 50/1.8 AF-D for this purpose. No distortion, and extremely sharp across its

whole field, especially on a digital body. I also used to have the 60/2.8 but found that for

medium-to-large flat artwork, the 50/1.8 worked better for me.

you know, it must have been a wider angle lens than an 85mm.

because we used it on a copy stand, and there is no way an 85mm would have worked for the items we photographed. surely it must have been around the 50mm range. thanks for all the input!

I used the 55mm lens for copy work for hundreds of photos at the National Archives. It served very well, and I had no difficulty with its moving on me. The lights were turned on only when you were taking the picture, but were shut off otherwise. Another photographer used the 60mm for his copy work. We both found the flat field of these lenses advantageous.

Thanks everyone! I found it!

Ai-S 55/2.8 Micro

I knew you all would be able to help me!

Now if I can just change my user name on this darn profile!

Seems to be an un-editable field. sigh.