Nikon 135mm f/5.6 EL-Nikkor: old metal version

[ulf]

Finalized: Work in progress.

Last Update:

Note: Additional information or links about this lens are welcomed and will be incorporated into the first post as time permits.

 

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Nikon 135mm f/5.6 EL-Nikkor: old metal version

 

Manufacturer: Nikon

Manufacturer's lens designation: EL-NIKKOR 135mm f/5.6

Currently manufactured: No

 

Lens type: Enlarger lens for film up to 4" x 5" ( Ø160mm )

Design: 6 elements in 4 groups

Focal length: 135mm

Aperture range: f/5.6 – f/45, Manual, 8 blades

 

Format coverage: up to 4" x 5" ( Ø160mm ) at 0.2 x magnification

Recommended magnification range*: 0.1x – 0.5x.

Optimal magnification*: 0.2x

^{*Definitions reversed from normal enlarger definition, referring to the motif not the negative-plane}

 

Mount: M39 x 26tpi thread

Reverse mount: M6 x 0.5 thread, hidden under a cover ring outside the filter thread.

Helicoid: No

Flange focus distance: 90 mm

Front filter: 43 mm x 0.5 mm

 

Introduction year: pre 1960?

S/N of test object: 429624

 

Lens review (VIS), on the web:

Lens Manual on the web: http://www.savazzi.n...El-Nikkor_2.pdf

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Transmittance Summary

Definitions of the parameters below

• Range: The EL-Nikkor 135mm f/5.6: old metal version lens transmits 0-81% in an increasing slope from 320nm to 400nm.
  
• T_VISmax (%) = 84%
  
• T_400nm (%) = 81%
  
• T_365nm (%) = 65%
  This high percentage is an indicator for relatively acceptable exposure time under typical UV-pass filtration peaking around 360 nm or when using 365 nm UV-LED illumination.
  
• λ_{UV HMvis}(nm) = 350nm
  
• λ_{UV HM400} (nm) = 348nm
  
• λ_{UV Zero} (nm) = 320nm
  
• These three values indicate that the lens is working even for some limited upper UV-B photography with some filters and a few for this, suitable cameras.
  

Image of test object:

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Spectral Transmission Graphs

UV-NIR, EL-NIKKOR 135mm f/5.6, old metal version

The transmission measurement accuracy into the end of NIR range is less good due to limitations in the light source.

 

UV, EL-NIKKOR 135mm f/5.6, old metal version

 

UV-Log, EL-NIKKOR 135mm f/5.6, old metal version

Numerical Spectra Data available: Yes

 

General comments about the UV-reach:

tba

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Filters and how to use them on this lens:

The front filter thread is rather odd, but suitable adapter can be found at RafCamera:

https://www.ebay.com...amera?_bkw=34.5

 

It is also possible to use rear mounted filters, either in lens mount adapters for mirrorless cameras like Sony A-series etc, or placed directly in the camera.

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Handling and focussing:

This EL-Nikkor 135/5.6 must be used with a helicoid or macro bellows to set desired magnification. The lens's long FFD easily permits focus to infinity with careful sizing of the helicoid or bellows.

 

Flare and sun-stars:

TBD

 

Sharpness:

TBD

 

Lens distortion:

TBD

 

Chromatic Aberration / fringing in UV:

TBD

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Image samples:

UV:

image

Filter:

 

UV, Fringing:

image

Filter:

 

UV, Fringing 100%:

image

Filter:

 

VIS+NIR:

image

Filter:

 

NIR:

image

Filter: