Nikon AF Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8D Lens

Introduction

The Nikon AF Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8D is a high-quality macro lens designed for Nikon DSLR cameras. It offers exceptional performance for close-up photography, portraiture, and general applications. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your lens to achieve optimal results.

Key Features

• Close-Range Correction (CRC) System: Ensures high resolution and superior performance across all focusing distances, from infinity to close-ups.
• Nikon Super Integrated Coating: Minimizes flare and ghosting, providing excellent color balance and reproduction, especially beneficial for lenses with multiple elements.
• Continuous Focusing: Achieves life-size (1:1) reproduction ratio, allowing focus on subjects as close as 8.75 inches (22 cm) from the sensor plane.
• Compact Design: Nikon's most compact Micro-NIKKOR lens, suitable for various photographic tasks including portrait and copy work.
• Fast Aperture (f/2.8D): Excellent for low-light conditions and achieving shallow depth of field.
• D-type Information: Relays subject-to-camera distance information to compatible Nikon camera bodies, enabling advanced features like 3D Matrix Metering and 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash.
• Compatible Formats: Supports FX, DX, and 35mm film cameras.

Setup and Installation

1. Attaching the Lens: Align the mounting index on the lens with the corresponding mark on your Nikon DSLR camera body. Rotate the lens clockwise until it clicks into place.
2. Focus Mode Selection: The lens features an A-M (Automatic-Manual) switch. Set it to 'A' for autofocus or 'M' for manual focus. For cameras without a built-in autofocus motor (e.g., D40, D60, D3000, D5000 series), autofocus will not be supported, and the lens must be used in manual focus mode.
3. Aperture Ring Setting: For automatic exposure control on most modern Nikon DSLR cameras, ensure the aperture ring on the lens is set to its minimum aperture (f/32) and locked in place using the small switch provided on the lens. Failure to do so may result in an error message or incorrect exposure.

Image: The Nikon AF Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8D Lens, showcasing its compact design and control rings.

Operating the Lens

• Autofocus (AF): When the A-M switch is set to 'A' and used with a compatible camera body, the lens will autofocus. The focus speed may vary, especially when transitioning from extreme close-up to infinity.
• Manual Focus (MF): For precise control, particularly in macro photography, set the A-M switch to 'M'. Rotate the focus ring to achieve sharp focus. The focus ring operates smoothly for fine adjustments.
• Macro Photography: This lens excels at macro work, offering a 1:1 reproduction ratio. Be aware that at very close focusing distances, the front of the lens will be very near the subject (approximately 90.4 mm working distance), which may affect lighting.
• Close-Range Correction (CRC): The CRC system automatically adjusts lens elements as you focus, ensuring consistent image quality from close-up to infinity.
• Distance Scale: The lens features a distance scale in feet and meters, providing a visual reference for your focusing distance.

Maintenance

• Cleaning: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to clean the lens barrel. For lens elements, use a lens brush to remove dust, followed by a lens cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth. Avoid touching the glass surfaces with your fingers.
• Storage: When not in use, attach the front and rear lens caps to protect the lens elements. Store the lens in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Handling: Avoid dropping or subjecting the lens to strong impacts, as this can damage the internal optical and mechanical components.

Troubleshooting

• Autofocus Not Working: Ensure the A-M switch on the lens is set to 'A'. Verify that your camera body has a built-in autofocus motor; models like the D40, D60, D3000, and D5000 series do not support autofocus with this lens.
• Exposure Errors: Check that the aperture ring on the lens is locked at its minimum aperture (f/32) for automatic exposure control on your camera.
• Slow Focusing: The lens may exhibit slower focusing when transitioning between extreme close-up and distant subjects. This is normal for macro lenses. For critical macro shots, manual focus is often preferred.

Specifications

What's in the Box

Upon opening the product packaging, you should find the following items:

• Nikon AF FX Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8D Fixed Zoom Lens
• LC-62 Snap-on Front Lens Cap
• LF-4 Rear Lens Cap