The Nikon Bayonet Lens Mount

Several people have asked about the types of Nikon lens mounts found in their SLR cameras. The lenses come in six different versions: A-, C-, K-, N-, AI-S, AI-E, and AF-series mounts. Let's take a look at the key features:


Type of Mount
Introduced with
Identified by
Comments
A
F
  • an aperture-setting prong
  • the filter ring is chrome colored
Very first lens mount
C
  
  • The focusing ring is metal.
  • The filter ring is black
  • An aperture-setting prong
Similar to the "A" mount.
K
  
  • The focusing ring is rubberized.
Equipped with an aperture-setting prong.
N
(AI)
F2A Photomic and F2AS Photomic (1977)
  • The aperture setting prongs are cut-out rather than solid.
  • A coupling ring transmits the aperture information to the AI camera body.
  • AI stands for "Automatic Maximum Aperture Indexing".
  • Aperture-setting prongs retained for backwards compatibility.
AI-S
FA
(1982)
  • The semi-circular notch on the lens mount.
  • The minimum aperture value of the ADR (Aperture Direct Read-out) ring is colored orange.
  • AI-S stands for "Automatic Maximum Aperture Indexing - Shutter Priority"
  • Informs Nikon cameras with exposure modes involving mechanical automatic aperture control that a lens with a linear aperture mechanism is attached.
  • Linear aperture control means every millimeter movement of the aperture coupling lever corresponds to an equal amount of aperture stop-down.
AI-E
EM
  • Similar to the mount on AI-S lenses except that the aperture prong is omitted.
  • Introduced as less expensive lenses for a beginner's camera.
  • Lenses are typically single coated versus multi-coated.
AF
   Aperture prong is omitted.
  • Incorporates autofocusing mechanism.
  • Similar to AIS mount.
  • Since 1988, all AF lenses have been fitted with a broader focusing ring to improve manual focusing.
  • The new D-series transmits distance information from the lens to the camera body.
  • The distance information is used with the "3D-Matrix Metering" system and controls hyperfocal lens settings and automatic flash exposures.
  • Telephoto variations are the AF-I and AF-S mounts.

Types of Bayonet Mount on Nikon Cameras

    This is quick rundown on the types of lens mounts used with each type of body.  Since the Nikon system is so extensive, this list is not complete or exhaustive.  Use it with caution and double check the specifics for your camera/lens combination.
     
    • Non-AI camera:  F; F2 line except for the F2A and F2AS; Nikkormat FT, FTN, FT2; Nikkormat EL, EEV.
    • AI camera: F2A; F2AS; F3; Nikkormat FT3; FM, FM-2; FE. FE-2; EM; FG; FG-20
    • AIS camera: FA; N2000/F-301.
    • AF camera: F4; F5; N2020/F-501; N4004/F-401; N4004s/F401S; N5005/F401X; N6000/F601-M; N6006/F-601; N8008/F-801; N8008s/F801S; N90/F90; N90s/F90X.

For a description of Nikkor lenses, see:  http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/lenses.html

Optically Excellent Nikkor Lenses

Nikon makes some excellent and legendary lenses, with sharp resolution and high contrast.  These are some of the lenses that consistently rate high with users:

  • 20mm f2.8 AF-D   Solution for filters
  • 28mm f2.8 AIS
  • 35mm f1.4 AIS
  • 50mm f1.8 AF
  • 55mm f2.8 AIS Micro
  • 85mm f1.8 AF-D and 85mm f1.4 AF-D
  • 85mm f1.4 AIS
  • 105 f/2.0D AF-DC
  • 105mm f2.5 AIS (the later version with the metal focusing ring and  large rear element)
  • 180mm f2.8 AF-D ED-IF
  • 20-35mm f2.8 AF-D
  • 35-70mm f2.8 AF-D
  • 28-105mm f3.5-4.5 AF-D
  • 80-200mm f2.8 AF-D ED-IF

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