Nikon Rangefinder 50/3.5 Micro Nikkor (original) (raw)

For copy stand use, the lens is first locked in collapsed position. The diaphragm collar base slips over the edge of the Micro's chrome rim, lining up with the four spaces in the knurling, as shown above. After the base is mounted, you screw in the top portion, adjusting it so the f/stops on the collar correspond with the f/stops on the aperture ring. To see how this works on a copy stand, visit the PA Copy Stand profile. Micro collar courtesy of Bob Knowles.

The original 1956 Micro Nikkor was made in two mounts, Nikon and Leica 39mm screw mount -- both rangefinder coupled. The Leica mount looks much different with its own black helical focusing mount and chrome collapsible barrel. Robert Rotoloni's "Nikon Rangefinder" book estimates 1500 Micro Nikkors produced in both mounts. I think about 300 were made Leica mount based upon my experience. Although the Leica mount is rarer, the Nikon mount usually sells for more due to much higher collector demand. Interestingly, Rotoloni says the same optical formula was reused in the famous F mount Micro Nikkor in 1960.

Strangely, the 50mm f/3.5 Nikkor Rangefinder Micro is MUCH rarer than production numbers would seem to indicate. About 3,300 total 50/1.1 Nikkors were made, about 1500 total 50mm f/3.5 Micro Rangefinder Nikkors. Yet, I've personally encountered about 10 50/1.1's for every Micro I've found. I suspect the majority of special purpose Micro Nikkors were sold to military and industrial buyers, and never survived their experience. Or, perhaps somewhere Nikon has a warehouse with about 1000 new Micro Nikkors. hmmm.

Revised: September 12, 2017 . Copyright � 1998-2002 Stephen Gandy. All rights reserved. This means you may NOT copy and re-use the text or the pictures in ANY other internet or printed publication of ANY kind. Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Other products and companies referred to herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or mark holders.