105mm F4 MICRO AIS (52) MANUAL FOCUS TELEPHOTO LENS

" By the mid of the seventies, the Nikkor lens family have FOUR specialized lenses that offered close focus capability and among them, only the short focal length 55mm f/3.5 Micro-Nikkor-P Auto lens was considered as true working macro lens; while both the Bellows-Nikkor-P 105mm f/4.0 and Bellows-Nikkor-Q 135 mm f/4.0 Preset was more specific for bellow attachment use becuase it has no focusing mechanism and Medical-Nikkor was far too tedious to setup and use for general assignments. So, in an attempt to satisfy photographers request who were looking for a working telephoto lens which provides similar close focusing capability and performance as the proven Micro-Nikkor-P 55mm f/3.5 Auto, Nikon released the Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/4.0 in November, 1975. It was the first Tele-Macro Nikkor lens which provides a comfortable working distance while its longer focal length also ensure a more natural perspective in relation to close up details for nature, indoor studio shootings and/or situations where artificial illumination such as close-up flash photography is required. Reproduction ratio of 1:2 at its closest focusing distance at 0.47m (1.55 ft) making it a good lens for covering a wide varieties of photographic applications.

Together with the revised design of the Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/3.5 introduced around this same Pre-Ai period, this lens was born with a modern Nikkor lens appearance where rubber-covered focusing ring and a diamond-ridged aperture ring was used. The minimum aperture of the lens can be stopped down to f/32, an important element in handling high magnification works and for extended range of depth of field control in many other photographic applications. Similarly, it has excellent colored indicators for depth of field engraved in scales, numeric and with various reproduction ratios settings when the lens is used singularly or when the the dedicated Auto Ring PN-1 is used together. The overall built quality is top rated but it was in the optical aspect that the lens truly shines as a classic.

This version of the lens was practically given a direct update with an Ai lens coupling system in 1977. Both versions have similar design and optical composition. The PN-1 was also updated as an Ai-Spec and renamed as PN-11. In fact, many of these Non-Ai lenses have been modified with Ai and it is rather hard to differentiate them unless you are well verse with their rear mount or perhaps using the serial number (Those with S/N that began with 174011 onwards ar Non-Ai version while the Ai lens is started from 186956) is still by far the most reliable way to distinguish the changes. Anyway, unless you want to use this as a bargaining tool for reduction of price, but since there are not significantly affect compatibility with most Nikon SLRs that introduced at later stage, it is still safe to use these lenses even if they have been converted into an Ai lens specification. "

Focal length: 105mm
Maximum aperture: 1:4.0
Lens construction: 5 elements in 3 groups
Aperture Scale: f/4.0 ~ f/32 aperture-direct-readout scale is not provided
Picture angle: 23¡ã 20'
Diaphragm: Fully automatic
Lens Coating: Multicoated with NIC
Distance Scale: Graduated in meters and feet from 0.47m (1.55 ft) to infinity); infrared index is provided.
Exposure Measurement: via full aperture method; meter coupling prong provided
Meter coupling prong: Integrated (fully open exposure metering)
Attachment size: 52mm (P=0.75mm)
Filters: 52mm Screw-in
Lens Mount: Nikon bayonet mount
Weight: 500g
Dimensions: 74.5mm dia. x 104 (157)*mm long (overall); 96 (149)* mm extension from flange
Attachment size: 52mm (P = 0.75)
Front lens cap: Snap-on
Lens hood: Built-in; External HS-8 recommended
Lens case: CL-33S; No. 62. With PN-1: CL-35A; No. 63

Not much description after reading the top portion i quoted from MIR site. But note a few key points: " The overall built quality is top rated but it was in the optical aspect that the lens truly shines as a classic." and " Lens Coating: Multicoated with NIC " Just this 2 points tell how good this lens is. Frankly speaking for serious macro work (unless you are using as a portrait lens too) most shots will be taken stopped down, thus F2.8 or F4 doesnt really matter. But the 105F4 has its own unique characteristic as well. Wide open expect no less than very good sharpness and contrast. One thing i like over the F2.8 is the built in hood. Strangely as well, the F4 is larger in size than F2.8 version.

Image taken with this lens: