How can I use a Nikkor mikro on a full frame DSLR to photograph 35 mm film and slides?

Question

I have a Nikon D800 and a Nikkor mikro 105 mm (old version, no VR) and I would like to scan 35 mm film and slides.

I see that film adaptors meant for macro lenses usually require 55-60 mm lenses, for example the Nikon ES-2 Film Digitizing Adapter Set works with a 40 mm macro lens if used on APS-C and with a 50-60 mm macro lens when used on full frame.

What can I do to use my equipment and still scan film/slides with minimal cropping? I'm not sure it can help, but I am able to 3D print adaptors if needed.

Answer 1

"Scanning" would typically involve using a scanner, not a DSLR.

The only thing you need is an extension tube of some sort to position the slide at a distance to where it fits w/in the lens' FOV.

Cheap extension tubes and couple of adapting rings to allow attaching the tubes in front of the lens will work. Or any multitude of DIY setups can work... it doesn't even have to be attached.

Answer 2

Assuming you are talking about something like this:

If your lens is really a macro lens (which means it can project things on the sensor at their actual physical size), then you can use it to project a 24x36mm slide/negative on your full-frame 24x36mm sensor.

Adapters were mostly meant for people with APS-C cameras on which the standard macro lens is a 6Omm one, and the lens-to-film distance is around 80mm. And as far as I can tell on my 100mm macro lens the lens-to-object distance for 1:1 projection on the sensor is around 150mm.

But you can also use these copiers with a standard lens:

• The copier can come with a built-in close-up lens (the one in the picture has one, the big ring at the end is a removable close-up lens))
• You can use macro extension rings to transform a regular lens into a macro one

Answer 3

The ES-2 used with the longest adaptor provided is still too short for the 105mm Nikkor micro, as stated by Nikon after all which didn't list it as compatible.

I 3D printed a 70 mm filter (not lens!) extension tube M62x0.75 to match the minimum distance with the film holder and it works perfectly.

The image here shows the idea, even if the actual extension tube I printed it was three times as long, the one in photo is a test but it's the only photo I have.