Budget Super Macro: Nikon 35-70 Macro Hack

Like many photographers I know, I'm a budget-oriented guy. At the moment, I don't have a full-time job and simply can't afford fancy lenses and accessories for my cameras. After reading about and testing a similar hack with a Canon 35-80 lens (Read about it here), I started to wonder if Nikon had any lenses that would have a similar effect sans the front element. So I took apart my own (and only) Nikon lens to find out. Turns out it does! Now, I have tried to recreate what I did in the photos below. Hopefully these will help my budget Nikon friends make their own cheap macro! I attempted to make a video, but I was extremely tired and it definitely shows in the video.

This is an AF Nikkor 35-70mm f/3.3-4.5 lens. It's an older model auto focus lens which can usually be had for around $40-70 USD on eBay. Mine was $20 attached to an old film camera, so keep that in mind when shopping.

Here's what you'll need:

1 flathead screwdriver. The smaller, the better.

1 jeweler's screwdriver, Phillips head.

1 pair of pliers. 

My lens has a chip broken off the filter ring. Hopefully yours does not.

Step 1: pry off the plastic ring with the lens info. This may take a little work with the flathead screwdriver, but eventually it will pop off. Try not to lose it like I did.

This photo shows the "AF Nikkor" ring.

Step 2: remove the 3 screws and metal ring. Make sure to put the screws in a safe place.

This photo shows the lens after the plastic ring has been pried off. There should be a small metal ring underneath the 3 screws, but mine was lost.

Step 3: Gently pull on the filter ring using the pliers. There are 2 notches holding it in place, so try squeezing the bottom a little when pulling.

This photo shows the lens after the filter thread and screws have been removed.

Step 4: Using your thumb and forefinger, turn the front element clockwise until it separates from the lens.

And voila! Your very own cheap macro!

As with the Canon 35-80 hack, focus is achieved by moving the lens forward or back. It should come into focus at about 2 inches from the subject. Here are some quick examples shot with my lens:

Nikon symbol on my aunt's zoom lens.

The GM symbol on a car key.

Defiant brand logo on a door lock.

An eyeball. Thanks to my friend Justin Price for sitting still long enough to get this shot.

And finally, one of my favorites: a tiny bug on a Japanese Andromeda leaf.