Taking apart the Micro-Nikkor-P 55mm f/3.5 Auto!!!

[richardHaw]

http://richardhaw.com/2017/01/18/repair-micro-nikkor-p-55mm-f3-5-auto/

Taking apart the Micro-Nikkor-P 55mm f/3.5 Auto!!!

Should've made this earlier since it's my favourite lens but nobody was requesting until last month

[Bruno Schroder]

I have right now an early version in my hand, not converted, which I'm considering milling because I can't find the AI conversion ring. You just gave me the right information to remove the ring.

Thanks for the write up, Richard.

[richardHaw]

I have right now an early version in my hand, not converted, which I'm considering milling because I can't find the AI conversion ring. You just gave me the right information to remove the ring.

Thanks for the write up, Richard.

thanks, Bruno! Be careful not to remove too much material from the aperture ring 

[rupert76]

Hy guys, I'm tryng to understand how to use a Nikkor P auto 55mm f 3.5 on D700. Ive tried to mount with the M2 ring and without but the photos I took came out just black and i cannot control aperture. Thelittle display on top just indicarte me f 0.
Besides I was wondering if mounting without the M2 ring could damage the lens insert ring on the body cause it was a little hard. (I've mounted others lenses after that and they seem to function correctly).
I read something about a AI version or a non Ai version that shoul be converted to be mounted and functioning. But there is some extra ring I could use to just have my version functioning?

Thanks a lot.
Roberto.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Can you provide a picture of the rear end of lens and the M2 ring? It is possible either item needs an AI modification before they will safely mount on your camera.

The top display on the camera should indicate F-- not F0. EXIF will show this value though, unless you set up an entry in the non-CPU table for your camera.

Using a PK-11, PK-12, or PK-13 ring instead of the M2 will at least partially solve your issue.

[richardHaw]

the M-rings will damage the aperture coupling tab of modern Nikon cameras

I tried to mount the M-ring to my D750 and it just won't allow it.

what you want is the PK-13 ring 

[Akira]

My M2 ring doesn't interfere with the Ai tab of either D7000 or D750.  It has a light baffle with square opening in the camera-side mount, but there is no problem attaching to the camera.

I only use my M2 with the CRT-Nikkor/BR-15 combo, and removed the aperture coupling linkage.

[rupert76]

Hy.

Well, I could insert the lens with the M2 ring and without. It seemed harsh to do but I don't know if the M and M2 ring have the same end.
I got a little scared to the idea of have damaged the indeing ring of the camera.
What do U hink?
And wuld by easier one of these rings you advice me or an adaptation?

Thanks again.
Roberto

[Bjørn Rørslett]

The lens does need to be AI modified. You definitively risk to to damage your camera, even if you think the lens mounts properly. It does not.

The extension ring might be OK, but all communication lens - camera is interrupted. Thus replace it with a PK-13. Otherwise there will not be any transfer of actual aperture setting.

[rupert76]

Hy Bjorn,

Sorry for the ignorance, I'm not sure I understood. So first thing I replace the M2 ring with PK-13. This is enough to use the lens or I will need anyway the AI modification?

And.....  how can I check if I damaged the indexing ring of my D700? When I mounted and then dismounted I just heard a little strange click in the final part when you free the lens from the body. I tried the same on a D300 but didn't heard the same. It was more fluid.
Anyway I have two Nikkor lenses and they seem to work fine.

Thanks

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Don't take further chance of mounting that lens directly to any modern Nikon camera.

The "snapping" sound indicates the AI follower lug of the camera mount has been forcibly pushed inwards and is returning to its former position when the lens finally is removed. Over time, the lug can jam or break.

With any of the PK-rings (PK-11., 12, 13) between the 55 Micro and camera, you are safe, but infinity of course is lost. However, no metering as there is no aperture linkage through the rings to the camera unless the lens itself is AI-modified.

Any lens made 1977 or later is already AI (or AIS). Thus we are talking about a quite small subset of old lenses made prior to this change of aperture linkage and indexing.

[rupert76]

OK. learned my lesson jejeje
thanks

[Akira]

With any of the PK-rings (PK-11., 12, 13) between the 55 Micro and camera, you are safe, but infinity of course is lost.

The non-Ai Micro (or any) Nikkor interfere with the Ai tab on the PK rings, doesn't it?

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Perhaps, depends on minute variation in these layouts. Still, better to have the lens chafing on an extension ring than the camera mount

Getting the Micro 55 AI-modified is still the critical issue, though.

[David H. Hartman]

I have had no problem with mounting a genuine Nikon M or M2 tube on a Nikon FM/FE family camera, F5, D2H, D300s or D800. The tubes I own all have a bevel that that clears the plastic meter coupling lever on the camera. I can't say for other Camera models. I can't be sure some M or M2 rings don't lack the bevel that allows safe use.

To test take it slow. Check for contact between the tube and meter coupling lever. Don't lock the tube in place if in doubt. If a couple of sheets of 20 lb. copy paper can slide between the tube and lever without resistance things should be safe. YMMV!

The meter coupling in a PK series tube can be removed. It rides on a dry race of ball bearings. You go into the tube from the front. I don't remember any more. Once the meter coupling is removed the tube should accept a pre-AI Nikkor. The tube will offer Auto Aperture but require stop down metering if available.

With the meter coupling removed a PK-11 tube should be safe for AF and AF-D Nikkors. It may be safe for AF-S Nikkors also. AF-S VR lenses have many more contracts so I don't know. Don't damage the lens contacts. Check with care.

Hope this helps,

Dave Hartman