Looking at the image potentials of a legacy lens with a stellar reputation for image quality and sharpness on an equally vintage CCD DSLR camera.
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The Micro-Nikkor 55mm 1:3.5 Ai, introduced in 1977, is one of the lenses from the Micro-Nikkor series in the early 1960s that has remained popular among photographers for both macro and general photography. The lens, a robust build that contributes to its longevity and reliability, is a compact all-metal and glass construction with 5 elements in 4 groups, has an aperture range from 1:3.5 to 1:22, a double-helicoid focusing system that allows focusing from infinity down to a reproduction ratio of 1:2, a body diameter of 66 mm, measures 90.5 mm fully extended, weighs 240 grams, and takes 52mm filters.
The lens, which came with a stellar reputation for exceptional image quality, sharpness, and flat-field characteristics, is part of a highly acknowledged trio of Micro-Nikkor lenses - the 55mm 1:3.5 Ai, and the 105mm 1:4 Ai introduced in 1977, and the 200mm 1:4.0 IF (Internal Focus), introduced in 1978, which was updated to the Ai-S specification in 1982. Though designated as a 'macro,' the lens is equally competent for both close-ups or used as a standard normal.
The lens is very adaptable and can be used even on cameras designed for the earlier non-AI lens mount, later models manual-focus Nikons that do not have a program or shutter-priority exposure automation, and on modern F-mount digital SLR camera bodies straight out of the box without the need for a lens adapter, with the caveat on vintage D80s and below, and D3xxx and D5xxx models which are not fitted with an aperture link arm.
On these models, the camera will not meter and the lens is usable only in fully manual mode. For cameras like the D7xxx and higher, light metering can be used in A and M modes, with the maximum aperture of the lens indexed manually.
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Nikon D200
The Nikon D200, introduced by Nikon in 2205, is a semi-professional workhorse that has remained high on the wish list of many photography enthusiasts, particularly as an affordable option for those looking for a solid DSLR experience. The camera comes with a 10.2 MP CCD sensor, a shutter speed range from 30 to 1/8,000 seconds, an ISO range from 100 to 1,600, a top LCD panel for display of operating parameters, a 2.5 inch 230,00 pixels rear LCD, 7 area AF, operates in Program, Shutter priority, Aperture priority, and Manual modes, and captures images in JPEG and (NEF) RAW.
The camera, built on a magnesium alloy body and designated as the intermediate between the entry-level D80 and the professional D2Hs and D2Xs, is the epitome of build quality and image performance, with user-friendly features that make it highly favorable for both new and experienced photographers looking for a reliable second body or an entry into digital photography.
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