My preset sample '62, compensating sample circa '68, non-compensating circa '70.
Filter size: 52mm
Close focus distance: 9.5 inches or 0.241 meters (1:2)
Aperture range: f/3.5 - f/32
Aperture blades: 6
Depth of field scale for f/5.6, f/11-32, plus IR focusing index.
Design: 5 elements in 4 groups
There are many different versions of this lens with the same optics and different mechanics.
The earliest is rare, a preset lens with a 7 bladed aperture which focuses to 1:1. There are two versions, an earlier one with an inset filter ring, and a later one with a raised filter ring. About 2300 were made, roughly evenly split between the two.
The next version has a fluted metal focusing ring and a compensating aperture (if you set it at f/5.6 and focus it down to 1:2 the aperture opens all the way up to compensate for the lost light) which is handy if you are not using a TTL meter as I do. The earlier version has a silver front ring and a ribbed aperture ring.
The later version has a black front ring and a scalloped aperture ring.
The next version has a diamond-patterned rubber focusing ring and a non-compensating aperture. Oddly they add the "P" designation. The Nippon Kogaku, Nikon, and C versions all basically look the same.
The K and AI versions just differ cosmetically.
Here are the versions together:
Here they are at full extension:
Here they are at f/5.6 at 1:2 magnification. Note the one with compensating aperture is not nearly as stopped down, since focusing that close is already losing about a stop of light. Also note the unusual shape of the aperture on the preset version:
Here's the 55mm f/3.5 compared with the newer 55mm f/2.8:
More information:
Ken Rockwell
Richard de Stoutz
Pindelski
MIR
Brochure
Another brochure
A second brochure
A third brochure
Sample photographs:
More photos from this lens
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