Notes:
You can get the large size image by clicking on the following photographs.

Dr. Koana and Ultra Micro Nikkor

Dr. Koana is father of Ultra Micro Nikkor. This great lens was not born if he was not. This exhibition showed the relation between Dr. Koana and Ultra Micro Nikkor.

Development of the Ultra Micro Nikkor

The First Ultra Micro Nikkor

The first Ultra Micro Nikkor, Micro Nikkor 105mm F2.8 was born in August 1962. As you know, Ultra Micro Nikkor is super high-resolution lens made by Nippon Kogaku. The new lens was called Micro Nikkor first. Afterwards, a word "Ultra" was added. Yes, Ultra Micro Nikkor was born.

Ultra Micro Nikkor 105mm F2.8 No. 182532
Showa 37 (1962)

Afterwards, a red painted "Ultra" word was added

There is no word of "Ultra" on a wooden box

Legend of the Ultra Micro Nikkor

Dr. Koana requested the lens which has over 1,000 lines/mm resolution as for the super-micro photographs to Nippon Kougaku. So Nippon Kougaku tries to make the super high resolution lens, which is based on the 40X object lens (may be the APO PLAN base) of a microscope. The Nippon Kougaku developed this lens as standard magnification is 1/25X under e-line monochromatic lighting (wavelength 546.1 nm). This lens was the first lens which has multi coating.

August 1964. And finally, a legendary super high-end lens, Ultra-Micro-Nikkor 29.5mm F1.2 was developed successfully. The MONSTER LENS which has 1,260 lines/mm resolution was born. This lens has nine elements in six groups. Distortion is -1.3%. It weighs only 800g. Of course, this lens was designed by Nippon Kogaku's genius photographic lens designer Mr. Zenji Wakimoto.

Ultra Micro Nikkor 29.5mm F1.2 No. 5403
Showa 39 (1964)

Dr. Koana tried to make the reduction copy of all the English novel pages into a small postage stamp size using Ultra Micro Nikkor 29.5mm F1.2 lens. It has 330 pages in the text. However, all pages have been reduced to a very small 12.5mm square photograph. Furthermore, he enlarged from this small size pictures to the original size by using a same lens. Dr. Koana enjoyed this lens well.

The English novel book he tries to make it small was "Lady Chatterley's Lover". He has the humor sense, because if he chooses Shakespeare, the story is not cool. He made this super micro photograph and read it under a microscope. This is a great hobby. Will you think so?

Super-Microphotograph of Lady Chatterley's Lover
was made by this camera equipment, Showa 39 (1964)

Super-Microphotograph of Lady Chatterley's Lover and Small Stamp
Showa 39 (1964)

Super-Microphotograph of Lady Chatterley's Lover
By Ultra Micro Nikkor 29.5mm F1.2, Showa 39 (1964)

Micro dot, Showa 39 (1964)
Made by Dr. Zyun Koana and Kazue Ishikawa

Ultra Micro Nikkor 29.5mm F1.2

In the exhibition, this beautiful lens was brilliant like the god. The brilliant lens, Ultra Micro Nikkor 29.5mm F1.2 was exhibited with a beautiful wooden box.

Legend of the Ultra Micro Nikkor 29.5mm F1.2 No. 5403
Showa 39 (1964)

The Most Beautiful Lens
Ultra Micro Nikkor 29.5mm F1.2 No. 5403

Specifications

Ultra Micro Nikkor 29.5mm F1.2

- Focal length :  29.5 mm
- Min. aperture :  F1.2
- Max. aperture :  F8
- Lens construction :  9 elements in 6 groups
- Standard magnification :  1/25X
- Picture angle :  3.8°
- Standard wavelength :  546 nm (e-line)
- Vignetting :  0% (at F1.2)
- Distortion :  -1.3%
- Aerial resolving power :  1,260 lines/mm
- Image field :  2 mm⌀
- Object size :  50 mm⌀
- Working distance :  810 mm
- Filter size :  d=40.5 mm p=0.5 mm
- Mount :  Leica L39 screw mount
- Length :  230 mm
- Diameter :  60 mm
- Weight:  ; 800 g
- Accessories:  Front and rear lens caps, wooden case

- Release date :  1964
- Price :
  1,040,000 Japanese YEN (1969)
  1,250,000 Japanese YEN (1974)
  1,250,000 Japanese YEN (1976)
  1,250,000 Japanese YEN (1977)

In 1969, Ultra Micro Nikkor 29.5mm F1.2 lens was sold for 1,040,000 Japanese YEN. A starting salary of a college (university) graduate office worker in 1969 was about 34,000 YEN.

Lens Structure of Ultra Micro Nikkor 29.5mm F1.2

This lens is well known to the lens enthusiast by using fluorite. The lens element of an L8 is fluorite. Ultra-Micro-Nikkor 29.5mm F1.2 has fluorite legend.

How was Ultra Micro Nikkor lens born

Instructions of the Ultra Micro Nikkor
March 10 Showa 40 (1965)

Photomask for IC

Prize of the Best Ten New Products in 1964

Ultra-Micro-Nikkor 29.5mm F1.2 was elected as the best ten new products in 1964 prize of Nikkan Kogyo Shinbun-sya (Nikkan Industrial newspaper) selection. This beautiful big commendation shield was exhibited in this exhibition for the first time.

Prize of the Best Ten New Products in 1964
Nikkan Kogyo Shinbun-sya, Ultra Micro Nikkor 29.5mm F1.2

Beautiful Big Commendation Shield
Nikon Corporation

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Shortcuts

Exhibition 1     Start as a Scientist
Exhibition 2     From the Microphotograph to the Super-Microphotograph
Exhibition 3     Dr. Koana and Ultra Micro Nikkor
Exhibition 4     Dr. Koana's Lens Collection
Exhibition 5     Special Friday Lecture for High School Students

Attention:
The photographs published in this website were permitted from the University of Tokyo by a special written application. Therefore, you are prohibited from re-using the photographs and articles. I wish to express my gratitude to your understanding. Thank you.