* Item pictured for illustrative purposes only, actual item not pictured. See ‘Notes’ next to grade for included items.
Nikon 5.5cm (55mm) f/3.5 Micro-NIKKOR Preset Nippon Kogaku Japan, PAT Pend Manual Focus Lens {52}
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All rental gear is between Excellent and Like New Minus condition
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Standard accessories included
Early Micro-NIKKOR 55mm f/3.5, Preset Focus, Patent-Pending Optics
Before Nikon standardized aperture rings with click-stops, this 55mm f/3.5 Micro-NIKKOR carried the "PAT Pend" marking that identifies it as an early Nippon Kogaku production run. The preset manual focus design requires setting your working aperture on one ring, then racking the second ring wide open to focus and back down to shoot, a two-step method that predates the automatic diaphragm mechanisms found on later Nikkor glass.
At a fixed 55mm focal length and maximum aperture of f/3.5, this lens was built for close-focus macro work, the original purpose behind the Micro-NIKKOR line. The moderate telephoto length keeps working distance reasonable for tabletop subjects and flat-art reproduction, while the f/3.5 maximum aperture reflects the optical priorities of its era: flatness of field and edge-to-edge resolution over speed in dim light.
Collectors and shooters who appreciate mechanical, all-manual operation will find the preset system a deliberate way to work, one that forces you to think through exposure and focus as separate, sequential decisions than a single autofocus press. Nippon Kogaku branding on the barrel places this among the earliest Nikon-badged optics before the company's international rebrand, making it a lens with as much historical interest as optical use.
Who It's For
Macro and close-up shooters who want a fixed 55mm focal length purpose-built for flat, even reproduction of small subjects will get the most direct use out of this lens. Film photographers running fully mechanical bodies benefit from the preset aperture system, which needs no electronic coupling and functions identically today as it did at manufacture. Collectors of Nikon optical history will appreciate the Nippon Kogaku Japan branding and "PAT Pend" marking, both signs of an early Micro-NIKKOR variant predating later automatic-diaphragm revisions. Photographers who prefer deliberate, manual workflow over autofocus convenience find the two-ring preset operation a hands-on way to control exposure and focus independently.
Key Features
- 55mm fixed focal length for macro and close-focus work
- f/3.5 maximum aperture prioritizes edge-to-edge flatness of field
- Preset manual focus system with two-ring control
- Nippon Kogaku Japan branding identifies early production
- PAT Pend markings on barrel from original development run
- All-manual operation with no autofocus or automatic diaphragm
FAQ
- What does "PAT Pend" mean on this lens?
- It marks the lens as an early Nippon Kogaku production run, made before the company adopted the Nikon brand internationally. The patent-pending marking identifies it as part of the original Micro-NIKKOR development.
- How does the preset focus system work?
- You set your working aperture on one ring, then open the second ring wide to focus, then stop it back down to your preset aperture to shoot. It's a two-step manual process that predates automatic diaphragms.
- What's the practical focal length and maximum aperture?
- Fixed 55mm focal length at f/3.5 maximum aperture, designed for close-focus macro and flat-art reproduction work.
- Why would I choose this over a modern 55mm macro lens?
- If you shoot manually anyway, the preset system forces deliberate thinking about focus and exposure as separate decisions. It's also historically significant as an early Nikon-branded optic from the Nippon Kogaku era.
- Is this lens fast enough for low-light work?
- At f/3.5, no. The aperture reflects the optical priorities of its era: flatness of field and edge-to-edge resolution over speed in dim light.
- What kind of subjects is this lens built for?
- Close-focus macro work-the original purpose of the Micro-NIKKOR line. The 55mm length keeps working distance reasonable for tabletop subjects and flat-art reproduction.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 55mm |
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Nikon |
|---|---|
| Filter Size | 52mm |
| Focus Type | Manual focus (only) |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F Coupling Unspecified |
| Lens Type | Standard / Normal |
| Max Focal Length | 55mm |
| Min Focal Length | 55mm |
Learn what to expect from each condition, cosmetically. Images are representative of each grade and may not show the exact item you receive. All equipment is guaranteed to work as intended, unless otherwise noted. We also occasionally offer items that fall .
Exceptions
- New
- New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
- Like New
- Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
- As Is
- Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.
Like New Minus
Like New Minus
Barely used with virtually no traces of wear. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight use. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent Plus
Excellent Plus
Lightly used with limited signs of wear. Exceptionally nice but may have slight wear on finish visible. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent
Excellent
Noticeably used with average signs of wear. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of blemishes and/or minimal dings. Lens glass may have average dust and zoom/focus ring tension may have slight looseness or tightness overall, but will not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Bargain
Bargain
Frequently used with above-average wear. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Lens glass may have small scratches, dust, and blemishes, and zoom/focus ring tension may have moderate looseness or tightness overall, but should not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Ugly
Ugly
Heavily used with extensive visible wear. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in the finish, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or heavy/cloudy haze which could affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. Not covered under KEH warranty.
