From the Microphotograph to the Super-Microphotograph

Dr. Koana was working in earnest after the World War II. He focused to his research that was more industrial technology than a traditional academic research. In particular, his study proceeded from the microphotograph to the super microphotograph.

Display of the Exhibition

History of the Super-Microphotograph

Test Chart and Equipment for the Super-Microphotograph

The Super-Microphotograph Made by Dr. Koana
From Showa 27 (1952) to Showa 39 (1964)

The Super-Microphotograph November 1955
Takekurabe, a Japanese novella written by Ichiyo Higuchi

Micro-Nikkor Origin

The following paper is a description of the prototype R-Nikkor 50mm F3.5 lens. "R" means reproduction. This lens was designed by Nippon Kogaku's genius engineer Mr. Hideo Azuma and Mr. Zenji Wakimoto according to the Dr. Koana's request. Hideo Azuma was a schoolmate of Zyun Koana. And, Zenji Wakimoto had studied under Professor Koana at the University of Tokyo. Wakimoto joined Nippon Kogaku, got into an optical engineer.

Time passed and a wonderful day came. Azuma and Wakimoto designed an R-Nikkor 50mm F3.5 lens, and Dr. Koana evaluated it technically. Because the character of "R" of reproduction will be mistaken easily for R of Roentgen camera, so it corrected to "Micro". Yes, this lens is Micro-Nikkor origin, Micro Nikkor 5cm F3.5.

Introduction of a prototype R-Nikkor 50mm F3.5
Nippon Kogaku, April Showa 31 (1956)

Microphotograph by the prototype R-Nikkor 50mm F3.5 Lens
Journal of the Optical Society of America, Showa 31 (1956)

I want to introduce this wonderful lens to you. The Nikon Kenkyukai Tokyo specially investigated the Micro Nikkor lenses in May 2009. Please see the photograph of the beautiful Micro Nikkor 5cm F3.5 lenses. The left lens is Leica L39 mount, and the right lens is Nikon S mount.

Micro Nikkor 50mm F3.5(L) and Micro Nikkor 50mm F3.5(S)
From Nikon Kenkyukai Tokyo Meeting, May 2009

Kanji Character selection for Resolving Power Verification
May 2 Showa 37 (1962)

How to make the Microphoto Image, February Showa 38 (1963)

Japanese Lens is the boast to the World
Weekly Asahi Magazine, February 21 Showa 39 (1964)

Japanese Lens is the boast to the World
Dr. Koana's Manuscript

The Microphotograph, Dr. Koana's Manuscript
October 1 Showa 41 (1966)

Nikon Museum 2024

This was 15 years after the Zyun Koana exhibition was held in the summer of 2009. Nikon's headquarters has moved from Shinagawa back to its birthplace, Nishi-ohi Tokyo. The new Nikon Museum opened on October 12, 2024. Amazingly, Prototype R-NIKKOR·C 5cm F3.5 lens was on display.

Nikon Headquarters, Nishi-Ohi Tokyo

Prototypes, Nikon Museum

Development of Micro Photo Lens

In March 1951, the Micro-File-NIKKOR 6.3cm F5.6 micro format (32mm X 45mm) lens was developed. After this major lens type change, a prototype 5cm F3.5 35mm format, as well as prototype 6.3cm F4 and 70mm F5 micro format were developed. The high-resolution 5cm F3.5 became the model that represented NIKKOR lenses.

Micro Photo Lens

R-NIKKOR·C 5cm F3.5   No. 523003   1954

Next Page Articles

→ Next    Chapter 3     Dr. Koana and Ultra Micro Nikkor

Shortcuts

Chapter 0      Top Page
Chapter 1      Start as a Scientist
Chapter 2      Super-Microphotograph
Chapter 3      Dr. Koana and Ultra Micro Nikkor
Chapter 4      Dr. Koana's Lens Collection
Chapter 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.