Nikon Nikkor-M 300mm f/9

Nikon Nikkor-M 300mm f/9 is the compact 8×10 normal Nikkor — the M series at 8×10 normal focal length, particularly favored by 8×10 backpacking landscape photographers who need 300mm coverage without the bulk of the W 300.

Key features

• Mount: Copal 1 shutter (1s to 1/400, X-sync at all speeds)
• Focal length: 300mm
• Maximum aperture: f/9
• Image circle: ~325mm at f/22 — covers 8×10 with limited movements
• Optical formula: 4-element Tessar-derived (compact design)
• Multi-coating standard
• Compact — much smaller than W 300

Use case + rendering

The 300 M is the field-camera 8×10 normal Nikkor — among the smallest 300mm 8×10-coverage lenses available. Trades the W 300's large image circle (420mm) for a compact size that fits typical 8×10 field-camera bellows. Sharp at f/22; corners benefit from stopping down further.

Compatible cameras

• 8×10 view cameras (particularly field-camera 8×10s)
• 4×5 + 5×7 view cameras for long-tele use

Related lenses

• Nikon Nikkor-M 200mm f/8 — wider M sibling
• Nikon Nikkor-M 450mm f/9 — longer M sibling
• Nikon Nikkor-W 300mm f/5.6 — full-size W alternative