Additional Information on
Manual Focus Nikkor Zoom lenses 35-70mm < Part I >

 

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During the mid-eighties, many camera manufacturers began to bundle entry level SLR with a compact zoom to replace the traditional method of supplying with a 50mm standard lense, hence 35-70mm zoom lenses with a moderate 62°~34°20' angle of view were often called "standard zooms". Although the zoom range falls short of everything, but such lens type was immensely popular those days as it replaces three popular fixed focal length lenses at 35mm, 50mm and 70mm. One of its main advantage offers is flexibility in picture framing. The angle of view increases and perspective becomes increasingly stretched out when zooming back from the standard 50mm focal length towards the 35mm end.

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As you zoom from the 50 mm setting to the 70mm extremity, you will notice that blurs, rather than compressed perspective, become increasingly conspicuous. Zooming capability thus permits optimal framing, plus the choice of elongated or compressed perspective to suit the subject.

Update: Comparing Autofocus (AF) Zoom Nikkor 35-70mm lens group

Credit: Karori Sunrise... Image courtesy of Mr. CY Leow <cyleow@paradise.net.nz>Image copyright © 2002 All rights reserved.

Although there was no indication Nikon decided this was aimed directly to replace the commercially very successful Zoom-Nikkor 43-86mm f/3.5 lens, but it many ways, it has proven later 35mm wideangle for a zoom lense is more practical for photographers than 43mm. However, despite 35-70mm zoom lenses were getting momentum in its popularity, the 43-86mm lens did held very well in its position within the Nikkor lens family until 1981before it was officially being discontinued. Over the years, in relation to MF Nikkor/Nikon zoom at/near these specific focal lengths, there were a Zoom-Nikkor 35-70 mm f/3.5, Zoom-Nikkor 35-70 mm f/3.5s MACRO, Nikon Series E 36-72mm f/3.5s, Ai-S Zoom-Nikkor 35-70mm f/3.3~4.5s being introduced by Nikon thus far. Each of these versions has varying degree of lens specifications, maximum aperture, design, construction and unfortunately, performance as well. Huh ? Well, below was a mail from John Owlett, Southampton which was sent to me quite a while ago, but I did tell him I may have to use the content in his mail for some explanation one day - of which I am doing right now, hehe ... (come to think of it, I am quite a lazy guy... anyway, John writes better English than me, ain't that reason alone is good enough?).

Original version of the 35-70mm f/3.5 Zoom-Nikkor (with 72mm filter attachment size)

3570old.jpg


Credit: Please contribute some high quality original images of this version (72mm attachment size) to this website.
This two-lens-groups design Nikkor wide to short tele zoom was first announced during Pre-Ai period at Photokina 1976. Although generally most users would believe this zoom was eventually released with only an Ai outfit and there wasn't a Non-Ai lense being produced thus far. Some collectors may have differing opinions relating to this comment but I really loved to see a Non-Ai version of this zoom lense surfaced to clear this long pending doubt. Next literally unresolved question that kept lingering in my mind was the contradictory reports which often claimed the Ai-S version of this zoom lense were still being sold until late in 1987 but I couldn't find any conclusive evidence as from the many official Nikon Sales Manuals over these years, they have only stated one version that remained in their production - the 62mm filter sized Ai Zoom-Nikkor 35-70mm f/3.5 MACRO version.

The 72mm attachment size version of the Zoom-Nikkor 35-70mm f/3.5 has not been mentioned at all in all these journals. However, as Nikon may practiced a different marketing strategies so, I don't entirely write off possibilities that they might have been sold this lense along with the MACRO version of this 35-70mm zoom. Some reference books even stated there was an Ai-S version of this lense which bears S/N from 821001 which started marketing in 1981. If you have such a version of this lense, please help to send me some images (appropriate credit will be given for such contributing effort). Thanks.

3570ai.jpg Those days, it was considered as an exciting addition to the wideangle Zoom-Nikkor lens lineup which comprised of only the earlier 43-86 and 28-45 zooms, the 35-70mm f/3.5 combines the wideangle, normal and medium telephoto capabilities in one unit to create a zoom lens that is equally at home in general photography, sports and press-journalism. The interesting technical highlight of this zoom lense was in its ability to successfully overcoming distortion problems that once prevented the development of sharp zoom lenses covering the focal length of this range, this Zoom-Nikkor delivers sharp, high quality images that are quite competitive with those of fixed focal length lenses. This version of the 35-70mm Nikkor zoom lens focuses down to 1 meter and accepts 72mm accessories which combines with its 10 elements in 9 groups design that contributes to its considerably heavy half-a-kilo (550g) weight.

Other technical highlight includes a useful Zoom coverage ranging from 62° wideangle to 34° 20' moderate telephoto. It uses separate zoom and focusing rings for independent control. It has a larger 72mm filter attachment size where it was supplied with a 72mm screw in front lens cap and hard lens case. Photographic uses include photojournalism, sports, travel, backpacking, environmental portraiture, annual report work, scenic, candids of people, weddings, electronic flash shooting, group shots, full-length as well as head-and shoulders portraits in the studio or on location, and zoom blurs. An interesting feature of this general purpose zoom lense is, it provides a continuous zooming at the same focus. Overall, it is a good substitute for wideangle and/or standard lense whenever large aperture for shooting low available light is not necessary

Specifications:

Focal length/Aperture
: 35 -70mm f/3.5 Lens construction: 10 elements in 9 groups
Picture angle: 62° - 34°20' Diaphragm: Automatic

3570mmF2A.jpg
Aperture scale: f/3.5 ~ f/22 on both standard and aperture-direct-readout scale
Exposure measurement: Via full aperture method; meter coupling ridge provided for Ai cameras and meter coupling shoe for non-Ai cameras
Distance scale: Graduated in meters and feet from 1m (3.5 ft) to infinity (oo)
Attachment size: 72mm (P = 0.75); Weight: 550g
Dimensions: 75mm dia. x 101mm long (overall); 92.5mm extension from flange
Front lens cap: Screw-in;


Lens hood: Slip-on (HK-4)
Credit: "Jeff" <TimeBalance3@att.net> for rectifying a mistake made
Lens case: CL-32S; No. 62
Note: Serial Numbers for this Ai-version Zoom-Nikkor lense may have been started with 760701


<<< --- Download a file on its Optical Construction in PDF format (68k)

Zoom-Nikkor
35-70mm f/3.5s MACRO (with 62mm filter attachment size)

Nikon3570.jpg
The next upgrade of this popular Nikkor zoom occurred in 1981. Other than employing a similar optical construction in 10 elements in 9 groups, weighs lighter at 510g and has a smaller filter attachment size at 62mm instead of 72mm, which leads many users regard the next version with MACRO/close focus capability as an update but the new lense has an entirely different optical arrangement of lens composition as well as in its overall performance, in particularly with its close focus capability that excels the predecessor. Thus, I would rather refer this zoom lense as an new designed 35-70 zoom rather than just a update.

Credit: Picture contributed by Mr "Bill Green" <bill@classic-cameras.com> website: classic-cameras.com. Image copyright © 2003 All rights reserved.

The built-in macrofocus capability which allows it to be focused down to 1.1 ft. (0.35m), at this range, the lense provides 1:4 reproduction at 70mm setting. A tiny button locates at the lens barrel allow locking in the macrofocus "M" setting. This version can easily be distinguished from the earlier version via a striking orange-colored engraved stripe to indicate the close-up range. Although both versions of the 35-70 employed a similar dual rings design and have same number of lens elements, but the macro version has a different displacement of the lens elements during the change between wide-angle and telephoto settings.

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Obviously this lense was a fruit of the research by computer simulations, the movement of the zooming system was reduced by dividing the rear lens group into two separate subgroups, one which moves and one which doesn't. Further, macro photography is possible at the 70mm end at the short film to-subject distance of 35cm which permits more natural perspective than using 35mm setting. Despite embodies a more complex design, Nikon optical engineers still be able to retain a constant f/3.5 speed throughout the focal length range.
Technical Specifications:

Focal length/Aperture
: 35 -70mm f/3.5s
Lens construction: 10 elements in 9 groups Picture angle: 62° - 34°20' Diaphragm: Automatic
Aperture scale: f/3.5 ~ f/22 on both standard and aperture-direct-readout scale (note: at f/4.0 only a click stop is provided).


3570macro1.jpg



Attachment size: 62mm (P = 0.75); Weight: 520g
Dimensions: 66.5mm dia. x 105mm long (overall); 96.5mm extension from flange; Filters:62mm front screw-in; Front lens cap: Screw-in Lens hood: HN-22 screw-in type; Lens case: CL-33S hard leatherette; No. 62 soft pouch or CP-9 Plastic; Usable Teleconverter(s):
TC-200 | TC-201 | TC-14A
Focusing and zooming control: via two separate rings
Exposure measurement
: Via full aperture method; meter coupling ridge provided for Ai cameras and meter coupling shoe for non-Ai cameras
Distance scale: Graduated in meters and feet from 0.7m (2.5 ft) to infinity (oo); In macro focusing mode (at 70mm), down to 0.35m (1.1 ft).
Macro operation: operate at 70mm and press for a Macro button to change to macro setting
Reproduction Ratio: 1:4 life-size at 0.35m (1.1 ft) 70mm focal length
Focal Length markings: 35, 50mm (white) and 70mm (orange)
Note: Starting serial numbers for this Ai-S version Zoom-Nikkor lense was unknown.
Credit: An excellently captured image of this lense was contributed by a seasoned Ebay seller Mr JOE "Cronos" <southtexasphoto@prodigy.net>. Image copyright © 2003 All rights reserved.

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Most users would not disagree with me if I quote this superbly crafted Nikkor zoom lense was easily the best MF Nikkor performer offered at the 35-70mm range. Along with the Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/4.0s that was introduced later in August, 1981 both lenses have enjoyed rave reviews as the premium quality MF Nikkor zoom lenses to covers useful zoom range from 35mm -200mm.

Credit: Another view of this lense was contributed by Mr JOE "Cronos" <southtexasphoto@prodigy.net>. Image copyright © 2003 All rights reserved. Please respect the visual property of the photographer. Appropriate written permission from the creator is always encouraged if intend to use it for other commercial purpose.

However, the ever changing market place at the time has cornered Nikon with an embarrassing position as most other camera manufacturers (as well as third party lens makers) were already started offering many cheap, affordable versions of zoom lenses with equally practical zoom range to question Nikon's call for justification to ask such a high premium over their two zooms. The fast speed MF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200 f/2.8s ED that was being introduced a year later in December, 1982 may has a better reason to command a higher premium but undeniably both of the zoom lenses have been excessively priced in comparison to make Nikon faced a tough task to provide an affordable zoom lense for entry level 35mm SLR users.

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| Previous | NEXT | The next section covers versions of MF Zoom-Nikkor 35-70mm f/3.3~4.5s and MF Zoom-Nikkor 35-70mm f/3.5~4.8s 1/2

Nikkor MF Zoom Lenses: | Main Index Page |

25~50mm | 28~45mm | 28-50mm | 28~85mm | 35~70mm | 36~72mm E | 35~85mm | 35~105mm | 35~135mm | 35~200mm | 43~86mm | 50~135mm | 50~300mm | 70~210mm E | 75~150mm E | 80~200mm | 85~250mm | 100~300mm | 180~600mm | 200~400mm | 200~600mm | 360~1200mm | 1200~1700mm

Credit: A good combination of a new Nikon FM3A SLR camera with the Zoom-Nikkor 37-70mm lense can take you go places without the hassle of bring too many primes in your camera bag. Image courtesy of Mr. Tom TEH <z0808642@hkstar.com>.Image copyright © 2003 All rights reserved.

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Micro-Nikkor Lenses - 50mm~55mm -60mm 85mm -105mm 200mm Micro-Zoom 70-180mm
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Dedicated Lenses for Nikon F3AF: AF 80mm f/2.8 | AF 200mm f/3.5 EDIF
Depth of Field Control (DC): 105mm 135mm
Medical Nikkor: 120mm 200mm
Reflex-Nikkor Lenses - 500mm 1000mm 2000mm
Others: Noct Nikkor | OP-Nikkor | UV Nikkor 55mm 105mm | Focusing Units | Bellows-Nikkor 105mm 135mm
Nikon Series E Lenses: 28mm35mm50mm100mm135mm | E-Series Zoom lenses: 36~72mm75~150mm70~210mm


MF Zoom-Nikkor Lenses: 25~50mm | 28~45mm | 28~50mm | 28~85mm | 35~70mm | 36~72mm E | 35~85mm | 35~105mm | 35~135mm | 35~200mm | 43~86mm | 50~135mm | 50~300mm | 70~210mm E | 75~150mm E | 80~200mm | 85~250mm | 100~300mm | 180~600mm | 200~400mm | 200~600mm | 360~1200mm | 1200~1700mm

Tele-Converters: TC-1 | TC-2 | TC-200 | TC-201 | TC-300 | TC-301 | TC-14 | TC-14A | TC-14B | TC-14C | TC-14E | TC-16 | TC-16A | TC-20E

Recommended links to understand more technical details related to the Nikkor F-mount and production Serial Number:
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-153.html by: my friend, Rick Oleson
http://www.zi.ku.dk/personal/lhhansen/photo/fmount.htm by: Hansen, Lars Holst
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/nikonfmount/lens2.htm
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html

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Credit: MCLau®, who has helped to rewrite some of the content appeared this site. Chuck Hester® who has been helping me all along with the development of all these Nikon websites; Lars Holst Hansen, 'Hawkeye' who shares the same passion I have; Ms Rissa, Sales manager from Nikon Corporation Malaysia for granting permission to use some of the official content; Ted Wengelaar, Holland who has helped to provide many useful input relating to older Nikkor lenses; Some of the references on production serial numbers used in this site were extracted from Roland Vink's website; Hiura Shinsaku from Nikomat Club Japan. Lastly, to all the good people who has contributed their own expeience, resources or kind enough granted permission to use their images of their respective optic in this site. It is also a site to remember a long lost friend on the Net. Note:certain content and images appeared in this site were either scanned from official marketing leaflets & brochures published by Nikon and/or contribution from surfers who claimed originality of their work for educational purposes. The creator of the site will not be responsible for may discrepancies arise from such dispute except rectifying them after verification. "Nikon", "Nikkormat", "Nippon Kokagu KK" & "Nikkor" are registered tradename of Nikon Corporation Inc., Japan. Site made with an Apple IMac.