Nikon AI User Manual

Micro-Niklor
105mm

f/4

Nikon INSTRUCTION MANUAL

NOMENCLATURE

Reproduction ratio scale (lens only)

Reproduction ratio scale (lens + PN ring)

Focusing ring

Micro-Nikkor Lens

Aperture ring

CONTENTS

Foreword

Mounting the lens............................................

Focusing........................................................

Notes on focusing

Determining exposure..................................

Close-up tables

Depth-of-field tables

Features/specifications................................

.......................................................

Recommended focusing screens....

Reproduction ratio.................................

Focusing at predetermined ratio ... .... 8

Depth of field ........................................ .... 9

........................................

With built-in TTL metering

Without TTL metering

............................................

.....................................

....................

...........................

.... 4

.... 5

.... 6

__
__

.... 9

... .10

____
____

... .12

... .13

... .15

7
7

10
11

FOREWORD

The Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/4 is a special telephoto lens designed for
close-up photography at high reproduction ratios. It features the same
optical construction as the much-acclaimed Bellows-Nikkor 105mm
f/4, but with a special focusing helicoid that enables operation from

infinity (°o) to a reproduction ratio of 1 : 2 (half life-size) without the

need for any adapters. The lens offers “automatic maximum aperture
indexing” (Al) with suitably equipped cameras, via the meter cou
pling ridge provided. The ridge and the auto diaphragm function to
gether to permit full aperture exposure measurement; the lens is also
fitted with a meter coupling shoe to permit the same operation with
Nikon cameras which lack the Al facility. In terms of optical perform
ance, the Micro-Nikkor’s excellent flatness of field is a stand-out
feature, enabling virtually distortion-free images at all reproduction
ratios. The application of Nikon Integrated Coating (NIC) further en
hances performance by increasing image contrast, while reducing flare
and ghost, for outstanding color reproduction.
When the Micro-Nikkor 1 05mm is used with the special Auto Extension

Ring PN-11 or PN-1, focusing is further extended from 1 : 2 to 1 ; 1 for
full life-size reproduction.

To get the best results from your Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/4, read this

instruction manual carefully. Keep the manual handy for reference

until you have thoroughly familiarized yourself with the lens and its
operation. A few minutes of preparation will help you avoid costly
mistakes.

MOUNTING THE LENS

Position the lens in the camera’s bayonet
mount, aligning the mounting indexes on the
camera and the lens. Twist the lens counter
clockwise until it clicks into place.
To remove, depress the lens release button on
the camera and twist the lens clockwise.

Note: When mounting the lens on a camera with a
meter coupling lever (Al type), make sure that the
camera’s meter coupling lever is correctly positioned;
when mounting on a camera without this lever (non­Al type), conventional “manual” maximum aperture
indexing is required. In both cases, refer to the
camera's instruction manual.

FOCUSING

The fully automatic diaphragm of the Mlcro­Nikkor enables focusing with maximum image
brightness throughout the entire focusing range

of the lens. As the image is constantly viewed
at the maximum aperture setting (i.e., f/4),

the depth of field is minimized so that the

image snaps in and out of focus rapidly and
distinctly.
To focus, turn the focusing ring until the image

on the focusing screen appears sharp and crisp.

Via the special focusing helicoid, the Micro-

Nikkor operates continuously from infinity

(°°) to 0.47m (1.55 ft) for a reproduction

ratio of 1:2.
The distance scale on the focusing ring is
marked in both meters (white) and feet (yel
low). These figures indicate the distance from
the subject to the camera’s film plane.

Note: The exact position of the film plane is indicat
ed on all cameras for convenience when measuring.
On Nikon F/F2 cameras, the top edge of the serial
number is the exact position of the plane. On

other Nikon and Nikkormat cameras, the plane is

indicated by the symbol (-Q-)

Recommended Focusing Screens

Nineteen different interchangeable focusing
screens are available for F and F2 Nikon
cameras to suit any type of lens or picture

taking situation. Those which are recommend
ed for use with this Micro-Nikkor 105mmf/4

lens are listed below.

®= Excellent focusing
®= Acceptable focusing

The image is brilliant from edge to edge, but the
center area (range-finder, microprism or cross
hair) is dim. Focus on the surrounding matte
area.

0= Acceptable focusing

Slight vignetting (or moire phenomenon, in the
case of the microprism) affects the screen image.
The image on the film, however, shows no trace

of this.
□ = Not usable
B= With these lens-screen combinations the view

finder can be used only for focusing; exposure

measurement is not possible.

Reproduction Ratio
The reproduction ratio is the numerical expres
sion of the relationship between the image size

(to be recorded on the film) and the actual size
of the subject. For example, if the image on

the focusing screen is one-fifth the actual size

of the subject, the reproduction ratio is said to

be 1:5, and is indicated on the reproduction

ratio scale of the Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/4 by

the number “5’I

FOCUSING — continued

Focusing at Predetermined Ratio
Above the distance scale on the focusing ring
are two reproduction ratio scales inscribed in
orange. The inner scale, with figures from 1:10
to 1:2, represents the reproduction ratios ob

tained when the lens is used alone. The outer

scale figures (i.e., 1:2 to 1:1) represent the

ratios possible when the lens and, PN-1 or

PN-11 ring, are used together. Using either of
these scales, you can photograph at a pre
determined ratio without calculating the
distances required. To photograph at a repro
duction ratio of 1 : 5, for example, just turn
the focusing ring until the number “5” is
aligned with the distance scale index; then
aim at the subject and adjust your position

(close to, or farther away from, the subject)
until the image appears sharp and crisp on
the focusing screen.

Depth of Field
Depth of field refers to the zone of acceptable

i focus extending in front of and behind the

plane of sharpest focus. As this zone is excep

tionally shallow at high reproduction ratios,
previewing is desirable before shooting. To
preview, press the depth-of-field button on
the camera and the lens will close to the
preselected aperture to allow you to see how

much background and foreground is in focus.

Depth of field can also be observed by reading
the color-coded indicators inscribed on the
lens barrel. The pairs of colored lines on either
side of the white distance scale index line
correspond to f/numbers of the same color on
the aperture scale. At close distances, so little

is in focus that the depth-of-field tables on

pages 13 ~ 14 are more useful.

NOTES ON FOCUSING

Camera Shake; Close-up photography poses
several problems not encountered in general
photography. One of these is sensitivity to
vibration—the magnification of the image is so
high that even slight displacement during
shooting results in a blurred image. Therefore,
the use of a tripod is recommended at all

times, with shutter actuated via cable release.
In this respect, the convenient, 360° rotatable
tripod mounting collar on the PN ring will
prove useful.
Close Working Distances; At high reproduction
ratios encountered during close-up shooting,
depth of field decreases drastically. This con
dition can be partially compensated for by
stopping down the lens. But at very close
working distances, an extremely shallow depth
of field is inevitable. Careful placement of the
camera will be necessary to ensure that the

important surfaces of the subject are in the

same zone of sharpness.

DETERMINING EXPOSURE

Camera

Al
A1

Al

non-AI

*non-AI PN-1

non-Al

»With this combination, conventional “manual" maximum aperture
indexing is required.

Close-up attachment

PN-n

PN-1 Stop-down

Bellows, E2 and K rings
and close-up lenses

PN-11 Stop-down

Bellows, E2 and K rings
and close-up lenses

Exposure measurement
Full aperture

Stop-down

Full aperture
Stop-down

10

With Built-in TTL Metering
The Micro-Nikkor has a fully automatic dia
phragm with settings from f/4 to f/32. The
Micro-Nikkor couples fully to the thru-the­lens meter of any F/F2 Nikon Photomic or

other Nikon/Nikkormat cameras for full aper
ture exposure measurement over the entire
range of aperture settings. Note that when
this lens is used with non-AI cameras, con
ventional “manual” maximum aperture in
dexing is required.

When close-up attachments such as a PN ring

or bellows are used, the exposure measure

ment method is shown in the table on the left.

When the lens is mounted in the reverse posi
tion, the stop-down method should be used.
See the instruction manual supplied with your
camera or Photomic viewfinder for details.

Caution; When the stop-down method is used at
smaii apertures, a finder eyecup should be attached
to the eyepiece to ensure complete exclusion of

stray light.

Without TTL Metering
At close ranges (reproduction ratios greater
than 1:10), the amount of light reaching the
film decreases as the lens-to-film distance in
creases. When non-TTL measurement is used
for this range, the result is underexposed
photographs unless compensation has been
made for this decrease. (When the Micro-

Nikkor 105mm f/4 lens is used with the Pho­tomic or Nikon/Nikkormat TTL meter it is
not necessary to make compensations, since
the meter is designed to give an accurate
reading of the amount of light reaching the

film.)

The table at right gives the exposure factors

(compensation values) with exposure increase

in f/stops for non-TTL exposure measurement

at reproduction ratios greater than 1:10.

Reproduction

ratio

1/10
1/8
1/6
1/4 1.5
1/2

1/1.8 2.3
1/1.6
1/1,4
1/1.2
1/1

Exposure

factor

1,2

1.2 0.3

1.3

2.1 1.1

2.4 1.3

2.7

3.1 1.6

3.6 1,9

Exposure

increase

in f/stops

0.2

0.4

0.6

1.2

1.4

Insert this table into the memo holder at the back of
your camera for easy reference.

11

CLOSE-UP TABLES

Photographic Ranges with Other Close-up Attachments

Close-up attachment

E2 Ring I/7.5-1/1-6

K Ring Set
PN Ring 1/5.7-1/3.7

Bellows PB-4, PB-5

Close-Up Lens No. 0 I/I3.4-I/1.7

Close-Up Lens No. 1
Oose-Up Lens No. 1

Repro-Copy Outfit
PF-2, PF-3

j Close-up attachment

]E2Ring

. K Ring Set

PN Ring

Bellows PB-4, PB-5

Close-Up Lens No. 0

Close-Up Lens No. 1

Close-Up Lens No. 2

Repro-Copy Outfit

PF-2, PF-3

* The first values are for the K1 ring used alone and the second ones for all five

rings used together.

** The figures shown here represent the ranges obtained with the subject on the

1 2 baseplate, using the lens without any close-up attachment.

Reproduction

1/18.1-1/1.1

I/2.4-1.8

t/6-4- 1/1.4

l/3.2-l/1,l

I/6-1/2

Reproduction

1/7.5-1/1.6

1/I8.I-1/1.1

I/5.7-1/3.7

1/2.4-1.8

1/13.4-1/1.7

1/6.4-1/1.4

1/3.2-1/I.1

i/6-1/2

Lens in normal position

Subject field
is.O X 27.0

3.8 X 5.7

43.4x 65.2

2.5 X 3.8
1 3.7 X 20.6-

8.8x 13.3

Mx2!o

32.3 x 48.4

4.0 X 6.0

15.4 X 23.1 ■

3.4 X 5.2

7.7 X f 1.6

2.7 X 4.0

14.4 X 21.6='

4.8 X 7-2

Lens in normal position

Subject field

7.1 X 10.5

1.5 X 2.2

17.i X 25.7

1.0 X 1.5

5.4 X 8.1“

3.5 X 5-2

2.3 X 3.5

0.55 X 0.79
1^7 X 19.1

1.6 X 2.4

6.1 x9.1-

1.4 X 2.0

3.0 X 4.6

1.1 X 1.6 '

5.7 X 8.5

1.9 X 2,8

Focused

distance

IOi-44.1

212-41.9

260-202

50.8-45.3 I/3.8-1.6

1S6-42.9

82.7-39.7

49.1-3S-4

85.3-41.9

Focused

distance

39-8 -17.4

83.3-16.5

102-79.4

20.0-17.8

61.5-16-9

32.6-15.6

19.3-14.0

33.5 16.5

Reproduction

Reproduction

1/3.8-I.6

Lens in reverse position

Subject field

9.2 X 13.8
1-5 X 2.2

Len in reverse position

Subject field

3.6 X S.4-

0.58 X 0.88

Focused
distance

63.9-44.3

Focused

distance

25.1-17.4

DEPTH-OF-FIELD TABLES

Focused

distance

0.47 0.469-0.471

0.50

0.55

0.6

0.7 0.697-0.703

0.8 0.795-0.805

1

1.2 1.19-1.21

1.5

2 1.96-2.0 4

3

7

oo

4

0.499-0.501 0.499-0.501 0.498-0.502 0.497-0.503

0.549-0.552 0.548-0.552 0.547-0.553 0.546-0.554 0.544-0.556 0.542-0.559 0.538-0.563 1/2 .90

0.598-0.602 0.597-0.603 0.596-0.604

0.992-1.01 0.990-1.01 0.98 4-1.02

1.48-1.5 2

2.91-3.1 0

6.48-7.6 2

82.9-«> 66.4-«

5

0.469-0.471 0.468-0.472 0.468-0.472

0.696-0.704

0.794-0.806

1.18-1.2 2

1.47-1.5 3

1.95-2.0 5 1.92-2.09 1.8 9-2.12 1.85-2.18 1.80-2.26 1.72-2.40

2.88-3.1 3

6.36-7.7 9

8 11 16

0.694-0.707

0.791-0.810

1.17-1.2 3

1.46-1.5 4

2.82-3.2 1

6:03-8.3 6

41.6-00

Depth of field

22

0.467-0.473 0.466-0.474

0.496-0.504

0.595-0.606

0.691-0.709 0.687-0.713 0.683-0.719 0.675-0.727 1/4.45

0.787-0.813

0.978-1.02

1.17-1.2 4

1.44-1.5 6

2.76-3.3 0 2.66-3.45 2.55-3.66 2.39-4.08 1/26.5

5.73-9.0 2

30.3-« 20.9-« 15.2-«

0.592-0.608 0.589-0.612

0.782-0.819 0.775-0.827 0.765-0.840 1/5.45

0.968-1.03 0.9 57-1.05

1.15-1.2 5

1.42-1.5 9 1.39-1.63 1.35-1.70 1/12.2

5.30-10.4 4.87-12.7

0.494-0.506

1.13-1.2 8

0.464-0.477

0.492-0.509

0.584-0.617

0.939-1.07

1.11-1.3 1 1/9.33

4.28-20.6

10.5-« 1 /«

Reproduction
ratio

32

1/1.98

1/2.35

1/3.43

1/7.40

1/17.0

1/64.7

(m)

13

DEPTH-OF-FIELD TABLES — continued

Focused
distance

1.55 r6-9/16”-l’6-5/8’’

1.75

2 1'11-7/8’'-2' 1/16"

2.5 2'S-13/16”-2'6-l/8"

3 2'11-H/l6'’-3']/4’' 2'11-5/8"-3’5/16'' 2’1 l-7/l6"-3'l/2" 2'1l-1/4"-3'll/16"

4

5 4'11-l/8”-5'7/8” 4’10-3/4’'-5'l-l/4"

7

10

20

-

r8-15/16"-1'9"

3'll-7/16”-4’!/2"

6'10-3/16”-7'1-7/8"

9-8-I/8”- 10’4"

18'8”-21’6”

272'-«

4

5.6 n

1’6-l/2’’-r6-5/8"

l'8-7/8”-r9-]/16”

ri1-7/8”-2’I/16"

2'5-3/4”-2’6-3/16"

3'1M/4"-4'll/l6" 3'10-15/16" 4’M/16"

6'9-7/16"-7'2-5/8"

9’6-n/16”-l0’6”

18’3"-22'2” 17’7"-23'3" I6'10"-24'10"

194'-« 136’-*

1'6-1/2”-l'6-5/8" l’6-i/2"-r6-n/16"

l'8-7/8"-1'9-l/16"

l'Il-13/16”-2'I/8"

2'5-5/8"-2'6-5/16" 2'5-9/16"-2'6-7/16" 2'5-5/t6"-2’6-5/8"

4']0-1/4"-5'M 3/I6" 4'9-11/l6"-5'2-1/2" 4'8-11/16"-5'3-3/4" 4'7-9/l6"-S'S-S/16"

6'8-7/l6"-7'3-7/8” 6'7-3/l6”-7'5-7/l6"

9’4-9/16"-l0'9" 9'2"-ir0” 8'10-1/16"-n'7" 8'5-l 1/16"-12'3" 7’iM/4"-l3’8"

14

1'8-13/16"-l'9-l/8"

n l-3/4"-2' 3/16"

3'i0-9/16"-4'l-7/16"

99'4”-«

Depth of field '

1'6-7/16"-1'6-n/16"

r8-3/4”-r9-3/16"

n I-5/8"-2'S/16"

2'10-15/16"-3'I-1/I6'

3'10"-4'2-3/16"

6’5-1/4"-7'8-3/l6"

IS'8"-27'H"

68'6"-»

16

22

r6-3/8"-l'6-3/4" 1'6-5/16"-l'6-13/16"

1'8-ll/16"- 1'9-1/4" l'8-9/16"-l’9-7/16" 1/2.72

ri1-l/2"-2'7/16" 1'1I-5/l6"-2'n/16"

2'5-l/8"-2'6-7/8" 2'4-3/4"-2'7-3/8" I/S.07

2'10-5/8"-3'M /2"

3'9-1/4" 4'3-1/16"

6'3" 7'll-3/4" 5'll-S/8"-8'6-3/8" 1/18.3

I4'6"-32'9" 12'n"-46’7"

SO'O"—

Reproduction

32

2'I0"-3’2-1/4" 1/6.57

3'8-3/16"-4'4-l 1/16" 1/9.52

4'S-l3/16"-5'8-l/8" 1/12.4

34'7"—

1/2.01

1/3.53

1/27.0

1/56.1

1/»

FEATURES/SPECIFICATIONS

Focal length: 105mm
Maximum aperture: f/4
Lens construction: 5 elements in 3 groups
Picture angle: 23°20'
Distance scale: Graduated in meters and feet
from 0.47m (1.55 ft) to infinity (°°)
Aperture scale: f/4 ~ f/32
Diaphragm: Fully automatic
Reproduction ratios: Scales provided; 1:10
to 1 : 2 for lens only; 1 : 2 to 1 : 1 for lens plus
PN-1 orPN-11 ring
Exposure measurement: Via full-aperture
method; meter coupling ridge provided for
Al cameras and meter coupling shoe for non­A1 cameras
Lens hood: Slip-out type built into front of
lens

Tripod mounting: Via socket in tripod mount

ing collar of PN ring; collar rotatable to per
mit vertical and horizontal format picture
taking; click-stops provided at each 90° of
rotation; collar locking screw provided

Attachment size; 52mm (P = 0.75)
Mount; Nikon F mount
Dimensions; 74.5mm0 x 104mm long (over
all); 96mm extention from flange

Weight; 500g
Accessories included; 52mm snap-on front

lens cap; rear lens cap LF-1

Optional accessories; 52mm screw-in filters;

flexible lens pouch No. 55; hard lens case

CL-33A, plastic lens case CP-2; flexible lens

pouch No. 56 (with PN ring attached); hard
lens case CL-35A (with PN ring attached)

15

No reproduction in any form of this booklet,
in whole or in part (except for brief quotation in
critical articles or reviews), may be made without
written authorization from the publishers.

jUikoti)

NIPPON KOGAKU K.K.

Printed in Japan (77.10.C) &-3