Konica Minolta has long been a leading company in photo imaging business covering wide range of imaging from input to output. In addition, we have provided inspiring products and services by fusing our unique technologies.
In camera business, we have expanded picture-taking opportunities by developing innovative technologies such as the world’s first autofocus cameras. In 1962, our camera, well-accepted for its high reliability, boarded on the US’s first manned spaceship “Friendship 7.” Also, ever since introduction of the world’s first body-integral autofocus SLR camera, Maxxum/Dynax series, in 1985, SLR cameras have become more popular among picture-takers, and we have succeeded in selling 16 million units of interchangeable lenses since then.
However, in today’s era of digital cameras, where image sensor technologies such as CCD is indispensable, it became difficult to timely provide competitive products even with our top optical, mechanical and electronics technologies.
In photo business, represented by the silver-halide photography such as color film and color paper, we have produced Japan’s first photographic paper in 1903, and Japan’s first color film in 1940, thus pioneering joy of photography for more than a century. In 1984, we introduced the world’s first compact washless photofinishing system known as a minilab system. The minilabs contributed to the expansion of worldwide photographic market by making photos closer to consumers and amazingly shortening delivery time.
However, traditional silver-halide photographic market is shrinking astonishingly by the surge of the worldwide digitization. In such a changing world, profits for camera and photo businesses worsened in recent years, and it became necessary to drastically reform business structure for the further growth of Konica Minolta. Ever since we decided and announced restructuring guidelines of our businesses on November 4, 2005, we have been considering practical and detailed plan, and we would like to announce our decision made today as follows:
აგერ ბატონო ა! ზოგ ზოგიერთებს არ ჯეროდათ ინებეთ ტორტი
The world’s first macro lens equipped with the VR system
TOKYO - Nikon Corporation has launched the AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED, the world’s first macro lens equipped with Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM) and Vibration Reduction (VR) systems.
The new lens offers a host of Nikon's advanced optical features and technologies such as Nano Crystal Coat, Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass and Internal Focusing (IF) . The AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED is engineered for use with both Nikon DX format digital and 35mm film SLR cameras.
Importantly, the lens has been specifically developed to meet user demand for a 105mm macro lens equipped with SWM, IF and VR features.
The SWM ensures fast and quiet auto-focusing and the ability to switch rapidly between autofocus and manual operation. The IF system offers a non-rotating front lens element that makes it easy to fit and use circular polarising filters.
With the enhanced VR system (VRII), photographers can capture sharp images at shutter speeds approximately 4 stops* slower [at near infinity to 3m (1/30x reproduction ratio)] than would otherwise be possible. The negative effects of camera shake are greatly amplified in close-up photography and can affect image sharpness greatly. The incorporation of Nikon VR technology in a Micro-Nikkor lens for the first time expands versatility by providing the benefits of VR-assisted sharpness and improving hand-held close-up photography. In addition, the VRII offers a stable viewfinder image for easy frame composition even at high magnification shooting.
The AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED also features proven Nikon optical technologies such as the Nano Crystal Coat, which drastically reduces flare, and one ED glass element that minimises chromatic aberration to provide higher resolution and high-contrast images.
In summary, the AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED ensures high-quality and high-performance for all photographers — from amateurs to professionals.
* Under Nikon measurement conditions.
Sales release schedule Nikon Corporation will launch the AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED worldwide from April 2006.
Note Specifications, design, product name, standard accessories, and release schedule may differ by country or area.
Major Features The world’s first macro lens offering reproduction ratios of up to 1:1 and featuring the Nikon Vibration Reduction System (VRII) allows high-quality hand-held macro shooting. The VRII function minimizes camera shake by offering the equivalent of a shutter speed 4 stops* faster at near infinity to 3m (1/30x reproduction ratio) shooting. The Silent Wave Motor (SWM) enables fast and quiet autofocusing, and quick switching between autofocus and manual operation. Nikon ED glass element minimizes chromatic aberration. Outstanding Nikkor optical performance makes it suitable for photography with both Nikon digital and 35mm film SLR cameras. Nikon Nano Crystal Coat further ensures superior optical performance by virtually eliminating internal lens element reflections. The Internal Focus (IF) design provides a constant lens length and eliminates rotation of the front lens element, facilitating the use of circular polarizing filters and the Nikon Close-up Speedlight Commander Kit R1C1 and Nikon Close-up Speedligjt Remote Kit R1. 1:1 of maximum reproduction ratio and up to 31cm closest focusing distance Up to 154mm working distance (at near 1:1) Two focus modes are available — M/A and M The nine-blade rounded diaphragm opening makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural. ø62mm filter attachment size
105mm (Picture angle, when used with Nikon DX format digital SLRs is equivalent to a 157.5mm on a 35mm format SLR) Minimum aperture F32 Maximum aperture F2.8 Lens construction 14 Elements in 12 Groups (with 1 ED glass element and 1 Nano Crystal Coat-deposited lens element) Angle of view 23° 20' (15° 20' with Nikon DX format) Number of diaphragm blades 9pcs Filter size 62mm Lens hood Bayonet hood Dimensions Diameter 83mm (3.3”)X Length 116mm (4.5”) Weight 720g /25.4oz Optional accessories
• 62mm screw-in filters • AF-S teleconverters TC-14E, II/17E, II/20E, II (Picture angle, when used with Nikon DX format digital SLRs is equivalent to a 157.5mm on a 35mm format SLR)
Included accessories • 62mm snap-on front lens cap LC-62 • Rear lens cap LF-1 • Bayonet hood HB-38 • Flexible lens pouch CL-1020