The Legendary Nikon f Mount

The huge array of compatible F-mount lenses makes up the single largest scheme for flange-mount interchangeable photo lenses in history. Over 400 unique Nikkor lenses are congruent with this system. Additionally the F-mount has become quite popular in industrial and scientific applications, especially machine vision.

The Nikon F is one of just two camera lens mounts (the second is the Pentax K) which was not been deserted by their related manufacturers when autofocus was introduced, but rather expanded to meet new prerequisites in relation to aperture control,. metering, and autofocus.

The Nikon F of 1959 contained the original F-mount. Lens Type is a Bayonet with an xternal diameter 44mm diameter with a 3 Tabs and a 46.5mm flange

The Nikon F is a class of interchangeable camera lens mount engineered by Nikon for their SLR 35mm cameras. The mount for the Nikon F was first announced for the Nikon F SLR camera during 1959, it includes a bayonet three lug camera mount containing a 44mm throat encompassing a focal plane to flange distance of 46.5mm. Brands featuring F-mount camera lenses include Angénieux, Arsenal, Hartblei, Nikkor, Lensbaby, Kiev, Voigtländer, Schneider, Sigma, Tokina, Tamron, Vivitar, and Zeiss. F-mount interchangeable lens cameras include current versions from Horseman, Nikon, and Sinar. Many other manufacturers use the F-mount for non-photographic imaging purposes.

The F-mount has a significant degree of both backward and forward compatibility. Many current autofocus F-mount lenses can be used on the Nikon F, and the earliest manual-focus F-mount lenses of the 1960s and early 1970s can, with some modification, still be used to their fullest on all professional-class Nikon cameras. Incompatibilities do exist, however, and adventurous F-mount users should consult product documentation in order to avoid problems. For example, many electronic camera bodies cannot meter without a CPU enabled lens, the aperture of G designated lenses cannot be controlled without an electronic camera body, and non-AI lenses (manufactured prior to 1977) can cause mechanical damage to later model bodies unless they are modified to meet the AI specification.

The Nikon D7000 reveals a current F-mount layout, including aperture lever, CPU contacts, and mechanical AF connection.

A majority of Nikon F-mount camera lenses envelop the standard 36×24mm area identical to 135 film using the FX Nikon format, however Nikon lenses with the DX designation cover only the 24×16mm area of the DX Nikon format, while F-mount lenses for industrial use employ an array of coverage's. "DX" lenses may generate vignetting when mounted on film SLR cameras. Although, Nikon lenses created for film SLR cameras work just fine on Nikon DSLR cameras with a few limitations. Initially all Nikon camera lenses and bodies were fabricated in Japan. Although, since 1991, increasing numbers of higher-production-volume (mainly consumer camera lenses and bodies) has been moved to production locations in China and Thailand. 

Compatible Lenses

Nikkor Labels

Pre-autofocus

• Non-AI, Pre-AI or NAI — An unofficial label for Nikon's original F-mount in which a prong attached to the aperture ring of the lens supplied meter coupling. This setup was strictly manual: while the lenses' maximum aperture was conveyed to the camera's light meter when mounting the lens while the aperture ring was set at f/5.6, then at first moving the ring to the minimum and subsequent to the maximum aperture setting. Warning: Attaching a non-AI Nikkor lens to many newer Nikon camera bodies can seriously damage the camera. Non-AI Nikkor lenses are able be changed over to the AI specs; see AI'd below.

 
• U, B, T, Q, P, H, S, O, N, D — Appears right before or just after the "Nikkor" name on early version enses, indicating the number of optical elements in the layout. Short for Uns (1), Bini (2), Tres (3), Quatour (4), Pente (5), Hex (6), Septem (7), Octo (8), Novem (9), or Decem (10). May be combined — UD would mean eleven elements. The designation system was discontinued about 1976.

  AI - Manual focus lens featuring "Automatic Indexing" light meter connection, unveiled in 1977. Supplementing the pre-AI meter prong, also an AI lens adds a ridge to the aperture ring that programs the aperture setting in relation to the maximum aperture, plus includes a post on the mounting flange which encodes the maximum aperture value. Lenses designated Series AF, E, and AI-S, all incorporate the attributes of AI. AI - Aperture Indexing: AI-E 1979, AI-S 1982, and AI-P 1988 which includes an integrated CPU.

• AI'd — An unofficial description for Nikkor lenses partially converted (limited to the aperture ring ridge) or completely modified from a non-AI to AI. A procedure that's done by exchanging the aperture ring (at one time by using a kit obtained from Nikon, long-discontinued by Nikon) or by adapting the original part. A few independent camera technicians continue to provide such conversions

• AI-S - The descendant of AI, AI-S lenses added a pair of mechanical features necessary for both automatic and semi-automatic exposure functions of the Nikon F4, F501/N2020, F301/N2000 and FA cameras. First off, the AI-S lens aperture changes linearly in relationship to it's stop-down levers, furthermore this feature is denoted with a special indentation in the lens's mount.

  Secondly, AI-S lenses having a 135mm or longer focal length are signified by a unique rim on the lens's mount (employed by the F4, F501, and FA exclusively). When the CPU-facilitate AI-P and the AF lens was developed it signified that no later model cameras would need these features, even though the linear aperture manipulation of AI-S still has its advantages over the in-consistent controls of AI & pre-AI Nikkor lenses.

  Now the acronym AI-S is regularly used to identify manual focus Nikon lenses, even though all Nikkor autofocus lenses featuring aperture rings also encompass the AI-S specifications. Nikon unwrapped the AUTO INDEXING SHUTTER (AIS) lens In 1981 although no Nikon camera could make use of the AIS features until 1983 when the FA was introduced.

  AIS lenses resemble AI lenses, but their minimum f/stop is marked with orange lettering. The current collection of Nikon AF camera bodies does not distinguish between AI , AI'd, or AIS lenses by way of attributes or metering alternatives (the F4 did so, but it has long been discontinued). 

• Auto — Early designation specifying automatic diaphragm aperture is present. it does not mean auto focus or auto exposure.

• C — An early Nikkor label for a lens that's coated lens. This designation was eliminated after coating lenses became a standard practice.

Electromechanical

• AF- Nikkor's initial autofocus label, signifying that focus handled by a motor integral to the body of the camera. All the newer AF lenses, including AF-S and specifically G, are also D. Nikon no longer makes an effort to mark the D.

• AF-I - Autofocus-Internal. powered by a DC coreless motor. Employed high powered telephoto lenses only (300 mm f/2.8 thru 600mm f/4.0) beginning in 1992. Supplanted with AF-S in 1996. As of 1992 All AF-I lenses are either AF and AI-S

• AF-S - Autofocus lens featuring a Silent wave, coreless, integrated, focus motor (unwrapped in 1996). Basically an updated AF-I Autofocus-Silent sporting a "Silent Wave Motor" (ultrasonic) to focus near silently and fast. Some older bodies are unable use them to autofocus (N60, N8008). What distinguishes the Nikon F mount entry level D40, D40X, D60, D3000, D3100, D5000 and D5100 cameras from other Nikon DSLR cameras is the absense of an integrated on-board focusing motor. These cameras autofocus only using AF-S. All the newer AF lenses, including AF-S and specifically G, are also D. Nikon no longer makes an effort to mark the D

• AF-N Signifies the "New" edition of the AF lens. A switch from plastic focus rings on the early AF lens versions to the a new "inset rubber focus ring" (RIFR) is often marked with the AF-N label.

• E- Electromagnetic diaphragm. The aperture diaphragm integrated in an a Nikon E lens is digitally controlled by the camera, which is electromagnetically activated by a operation residing within the lens, instead of using the more traditional F-mount mechanical diaphragm connection. Presently this system is installed on only specified Perspective Control lenses, engineered with lay-outs which prevent a mechanical connection. This E attribute only functions on the Nikon D3, D3x, D3s, D300, and D700 camera bodies. PC-E lenses necessitate manual diaphragm procedures on other camera bodies. Not the same as Series E lenses.  

• VR - Vibration Reduction
  Normal mode Employs a moving optical assembly to minimize the effects of photographic camera shake. There are some VR lenses which also use Active Mode which provides for a panning mode by distinguish horizontal lens movement and reducing only vertical vibrations. Vibration Reduction (VR) is optimized specifically for each Nikon VR lens and allows handheld shooting by as much as 3 shutter speeds less than otherwise could be possible and assuring sensationally sharper images.
  VR II system
  Provides the equivalent of employing a 4 stops faster shutter speed This second generation VR is known as VR II, that was engineered to provide an additional 1-stop improvement over the initial VR, although lenses offering this function are still labeled simply "VR." This optical VR structure also adds stabilization to the viewfinder image allowing more accurate autofocus composing and framing to provide ideal low light shooting conditions without using a tripod.
   

Data communication

• AI-P or P —
  AI - Manual focus lens featuring "Automatic Indexing" light meter connection, unveiled in 1977. Supplementing the pre-AI meter prong, also an AI lens adds a ridge to the aperture ring that programs the aperture setting in relation to the maximum aperture, plus includes a post on the mounting flange which encodes the maximum aperture value. Lenses designated Series AF, E, and AI-S, all incorporate the attributes of AI. AI - Aperture Indexing: AI-E 1979, AI-S 1982, and AI-P 1988 which includes an integrated CPU. 
  
  AI-P - An AI lens variation (1988) that was "chipped" to relay information detail to the camera.

• CPU — Central Processing Unit. The lens contains electrical links for digital interaction with the camera. Every AF and AI-P lens is CPU . Some consumer grade Nikon cameras will not function without CPU lenses for metering procedures. This designation is shown in specifications although not lens names. 

• D — Distance. denoted after the  f-number. It signifies the lens has the capacity to use Nikon's 3D Matrix Metering on camera bodies where it is supported. The lens relays focus distance details, which is integrated into the camera exposure computations. Not to be mistaken for earlier lenses labeled "Nikkor-D" denoting a lens with10-elements (refer to the pre-autofocus description). (1992) Informs the camera's meter the relative distance from your subject. This assists somewhat for exposure flash metering. Furthermore, employing a D-type Nikon lens also takes full advantage of the capability of Nikon's Creative Lighting System while employing express Nikon flash units such as the Nikon SB-400, SB-600, SB-800 or any of the Wireless close-up Speedlights. All the newer AF lenses, including AF-S and specifically G, are also D. Nikon no longer makes an effort to mark the D

• G — labeled after the f-number.
  A G-lens contains no aperture ring, therefore aperture may only be electronically controlled by the camera and only autofocus camera bodies featuring function dials have the capacity to control G lenses. Older model autofocus bodies will function with G lenses but in program and shutter priority modes. G lenses have the same attributes as D lenses except a few later model G lenses contain a gasket surrounding the mounting flange. The G-type Nikkor lenses provide simpler, virtually error-free operation as there is no requirement to set the aperture to minimum. These lenses are designed for exclusive use with Nikon DSLR models. All the newer AF lenses, including AF-S and specifically G, are also D. Nikon no longer makes an effort to mark the D

Optical design

• CRC — Close-Range Correction is another Nikon extremely significant focusing break-through, as it allows advanced image perfection at close focusing range and expands the focusing distance. Using CRC, the elements become arranged in a "floating element" configuration whereby each lens group relocates as an individual unit to accomplish focusing. This ensures exceptional lens operation even when photographing at close range. The CRC system is employed in fisheye, Micro, wide angle, plus other selected medium telephoto Nikon lenses.

• DC — Nikon Defocus Control
  AF DC-Nikon lenses include proprietary Nikon image Defocus Control engineering. This permits photographers to manipulate the amount of spherical aberration occurring the foreground or in the background by simply rotating the DC ring on the lens. Doing this creates a circle of out-of-focus bokeh which is perfect for portrait photography. There's no other lenses on the planet that provide this special technique for capturing unique portraits

ED — (Extra-low Dispersion)
a necessary element of the Nikon telephoto lens Nikon engineered Extra-low Dispersion optical glass to facilitate the manufacture of lenses that provide superior color correction and sharpness by diminishing chromatic aberrations. Simply put, chromatic aberration becomes a form of color and image dispersal that happens when varying wavelength light rays go through optical glass.

Correcting this issue for telephoto lenses in the past required unique optical elements that provide anomalous dispersion distinctiveness, in particular calcium fluoride crystals. Conversely, fluorite cracks easily and is susceptible to variations in temperature which can have a negative affect on focusing by varying the lens refractive pointers.

So Nikon conceived ED glass, which provides all the advantages, but none of the shortcomings of calcium fluorite-derived glass. As a consequence to this innovation, Nikon created a number of forms of ED glass appropriate for a variety of lenses. They dispense stunning crispness and contrast even wide open. In this way, the Nikon ED lenses epitomize Nikon’s dominance in lens originality and accomplishment.

S-ED - Super ED glass -a substantial new substance that is more durable than mainstream fluorite lenses and provides step-above optical behaviors with incomparable uniformity even at wide apertures. Super ED Glass is also more resilient to quick temperature fluctuations.

• GN — Guide Number. Assists in flash exposure on cameras without automatic flash metering. The flash's guide number is set on the lens, and the aperture is accordingly coupled to the lens's focus ring for correct exposure.

• IF —  Internal Focusing
  The ability to have a lens focus while it's size remains unchanged. Nikon’s IF engineering allows that to happen. All internal optical travel is contained within the inside of the non-extension lens container. Internal focusing provides a more lightweight and compact assembly along with a shorter focusing space. Furthermore, a lighter and smaller lens focusing group is used to guarantee quicker focusing. The IF function is employed in a majority of Nikon telephoto and selected Nikon zooms. The lens has the ability tp focus with a very slight movement of a small number of internal elements in place of having to move the entire lens assembly in and out. Which leads to the front of the lens no longer rotating while focusing, allowing for easy use of polarizing and graduated filters. Filter attachment does not rotate during focusing and zooming 

• Micro — Micro lenses are capable of high reproduction ratios, typically 1:2 or 1:1, for macro photography.

• N — Indicates the Nano Crystal Coat, a relatively new type of lens coating that originated in Nikon's semiconductor division. Lenses with this coating feature the logo of an "N" inside an elongated hexagon on the name plate.

• PC — Perspective Control. Lens features shift movements (and also tilt movements on some models) to control perspective and depth-of-field. Newer PC lenses are designated PC-E (see electromechanical designation E above). Not to be confused with early lenses marked "Nikkor-P·C" meaning a 5-element coated lens (see pre-autofocus designations above).

• Reflex — Designates a catadioptric (mirror) lens.

• UV — Lenses designed for imaging ultraviolet light.

Alternate product lines

• DX — Lens designed for the smaller Nikon DX format. Vignetting may occur if used on a 135 film or Nikon FX format camera in full-frame mode, although some DX lenses cover the full 135 frame at longer focal lengths.

• IX — Lenses designed for use with the now-defunct Pronea APS SLR. These are all autofocus zoom lenses. They are not compatible with cameras outside of the Pronea system.

• Series E — A line of lower-cost lenses manufactured during the 1980s for Nikon's amateur SLRs. They sacrificed some construction quality and employed simpler optical designs. All were specified as AI-S, but not branded Nikkor, instead carrying the text "Nikon lens Series E."

Esoteric

• Bellows — Lens designed exclusively for use on a bellows unit, primarily for macro photography. Also called short mount.

• Medical — Nikkor designation for a macro lens with a built-in ring light strobe system, designed for clinical and scientific applications.

• Noct — "Night." Specialty low-light lens designed for maximum sharpness at the widest aperture setting. Includes only the 58mm f/1.2 Noct-Nikkor.

• OP — Orthographic Projection. Fisheye lens that produces a larger central image, with the peripheral areas more compressed than a "normal" fisheye lens.

Glossary

Nikon Digital Interchangeable Lens Camera Knowledge Base

Nikon 35mm Film Camera Knowledge Base

If photography is either a profession or a hobby, take a look at the Nikon film cameras. The Nikon 35mm film cameras are really good for the probe photographer for a number of reasons. The foremost argument is that photography becomes a quite expensive venture, while anyone who routinely practices photography will quickly let you know. Most Nikon SLR film cameras are not overly expensive for a photographer just starting out. The number two reason is that, although Nikon SLR film cameras are inexpensive, they still deliver very high quality, especially for their price bracket, and give you the benefits in certain photography aspects. Reason number three is that, although these cameras employ film, their photos can still rival or exceed the digital picture quality, and are better suited for those just starting out in photography.

Nikkor Lens Knowledge Base

Zeiss ZF Lens Knowledge Base

Zeiss ZF and lenses are manual-focus designs with Nikon AI-S type aperture indexing. They are manufactured by Cosina to Zeiss specifications. Some lenses are also available in special ZF-I and ZF-IR versions. ZF-I lenses have mechanical locks for focus and aperture, and additional environmental sealing, for industrial applications. ZF-IR lenses are designed for infrared imaging, with coatings that transmit wavelengths up to 1100nm, and focus scales marked for infrared.

• Distagon T* 18 mm f/3.5 ZF
• Distagon T* 25 mm f/2.8 ZF (and ZF-I, ZF-IR)
• Distagon T* 28 mm f/2.0 ZF (and ZF-I)
• Distagon T* 35 mm f/2.0 ZF (and ZF-I)
• Makro-Planar T* 50 mm f/2.0 ZF
• Makro-Planar T* 100 mm f/2.0 ZF
• Planar T* 50 mm f/1.4 ZF
• Planar T* 85 mm f/1.4 ZF (and ZF-IR)

Voigtländer Lens Knowledge Base

Cosina Co., Ltd (a small Japanese optics firm who also makes lenses with the Zeiss-brand). Cosina began manufacturing cameras and lenses rebranded as Voigtländer in back in 1999, when the new M39 mount and lenses were introduced. Since then Cosina has manufactured an immense variety of Voigtlanders lenses for the Leica M mount, Leica S rangefinder mount. M39x26,Nikon and SL Voigtländer mount. SL lenses are all manual-focus designs, while the Nikon AI-S designs feature aperture indexing. These lenses were discontinued when the Zeiss ZF lenses were introduced..

Angénieux

• 28-70 mm f/2.6 AF
• 35-70 mm f/2.5-3.3
• 70-210 mm f/3.5
• 180 mm f/2.3 DEM APO
• 200 mm f/2.8 DEM ED

Schneider Kreuznach Lens Knowledge Base

Schneider-Kreuznach, well known for its optical photography lens manufacturing, has signed on with Micro Four Thirds. They believe this standard offers a great promise. The options for digital compact cameras becomes simplified and offers a tremendous opportunity for the camera industry overall, along with for lens manufacturers. They are intensively at work on a compatible array of lenses. There’s no more information available on what the initial Schneider-Kreuznach labeled Micro Four Thirds lenses might consist of, or when they'll be announced.

Sigma Lens Knowledge Base

Sigma offers a number of less expensive alternatives, and they do not equate to lower quality and image features. At times getting the Sigma is well worth the money, particullarly a Sigma with the EX designation. EX lenses have a propensity to encompass great build and image features. Sigma is also reknown for it's standard primes such as the 30mm and 50mm lenses. In certain focal lengths like in the 100-500mm series, Sigma has an illustrious collection featuring affordable prices and engineering not found in Canon or Nikon lenses. Nearly all Sigma lenses are manufactured in mounts for Nikon, Canon, Minolta/Sony, Pentax and of course Sigma.

Tamron Lens Knowledge Base

Tamron Co., Ltd. (株式会社タムロン ,Kabushiki-gaisha Tamuron?) (TYO: 7740) a Japanese company that manufactures photographic lenses, optical components and commercial/industrial-use optics. Sony is a major shareholder in the company and the two companies have worked together on a number of Sony-brand lenses for the Sony α series of digital SLR cameras. Tamron makes lens to fit Canon DSLR Cameras, Nikon DSLR Cameras, Olympus DSLR Cameras, Pentax DSLR Cameras, and Sony DSLR Cameras. Tamron manufactures digital lenses for SLR cameras such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, Minolta, Olympus, etc. The company specializes on lens production only. These lenses are very popular among professional photographers

Tokina Lens Knowledge Base

Tokina was founded by a group of Nikon engineers who left Nikon to concentrate on the development of high-quality zoom lenses, which were rare at the time. Originally an OEM manufacturer only, in the early 1970s they began selling lenses under their own Tokina brand.  Kenko Co., Ltd. (株式会社ケンコー ,Kabushiki-gaisha Kenkō?) a Japanese manufacturer and trading company of photographic accessories, especially known for its filters has been producing conversion lenses since the 1960s now produces camera lenses under the Tokina brand name.  Tokina's glass is made by Hoya Corporation, the world's largest producer of optical glass

Compatible Cameras

• All single-lens reflex cameras made by Nikon

• All Fujifilm SLRs based on Nikon bodies, including:
  • FinePix S1 Pro
  • FinePix S2 Pro
  • FinePix S3 Pro
  • FinePix S5 Pro

• Kodak SLRs based on Nikon bodies, including:
  • Kodak DCS-100
  • Kodak DCS-200
  • Kodak DCS 315 / 330
  • Kodak DCS-410
  • Kodak DCS-420
  • Kodak DCS-460
  • Kodak NC2000 / NC2000e
  • Kodak DCS 620 / 620x
  • Kodak DCS 660 / 660M
  • Kodak DCS 720x
  • Kodak DCS 760
  • Kodak DCS Pro 14n
  • Kodak DCS Pro 14nx
  • Kodak DCS Pro SLR/n

• Medium-format systems
  • Horseman DigiWide camera
  • Sinar "m" system (using 35mm Mirror Module)

• Video cameras
  • Red One digital video camera (using Red F Mount)
  • Camera-like "adapters"
    • Redrock M2
    • Letus Extreme
    • Shoot35 SGpro
    • P+S Technik Mini35
    • Movietube
  • Kiev 19M
  • Ricoh Singlex (a.k.a. Sears SLII)

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