Pixiq

Simon Stafford, offers a step-by-step guide to using the tilt and shift lens movements with Nikkor PC-E lenses. All text and pictures by the author.

The key to using the range of Nikkor PC-E lenses is to understand that the tilt movement influences focus, while the shift movement controls subject perspective.

Currently there are three lenses in the range, all focus manually; they are the PC-E 24mm f/3.5, PC-E 45mm f/2.8, and PC-E 85mm f/2.8. The 45mm and 85mm lenses are also designated as Micro-Nikkor lenses since they focus down to a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:2 (half life-size).

Assuming the lens is in its standard factory configuration the two movements (tilt and shift) operate in opposite orientations to each other; it is possible to have the lens modified to have the movements work in the same orientation, which can be helpful in some shooting situations.

Whenever you prepare to shoot with any one of these specialist lenses, start by setting the camera to manual exposure mode and manual focus mode.

Next, make sure that both lens movements are re-set to their neutral positions; it is only in this condition that you can rely on the camera’s TTL metering. Point the camera at the subject and adjust the exposure settings accordingly; generally you will want to decide on a specific aperture value to provide the required depth of field, so adjust the shutter speed and/or ISO sensitivity accordingly. 

For shift movements to control subject perspective: set the camera on a tripod and ensure it is level; a small twin-axis spirit level that mounts in the accessory shoe of the camera is the best accessory for this task (some camera models, such as the Nikon D3-series, D700, D300s, and D7000 have a single-axis ‘virtual horizon’ display but this only indicates lateral alignment of the camera).   

• Loosen the shift control locking-knob and then turn the shift control knob to move the lens off its central axis and frame the subject as required. As a general rule of thumb try to avoid going to the extreme end of the shift movement if you want to reduce the effect of vignetting.
• Once the subject has been framed, make any fine adjustments to the composition (checking the camera is still perfectly level).
• Finally, on any compatible camera, apart from the D3-series, or D300-series models that control the lens aperture automatically on release of the shutter, it is necessary to close the lens aperture down manually, so press the aperture stop-down button.

Now you are ready to shoot!

For tilt movements to control alignment of the plane of focus: set the camera on a tripod and if you want to avoid any converging, or diverging vertical lines in the composition ensure the camera is level (having the lens modified so that the shift movement operates in the same plane as the tilt movement can be very useful in this situation); alternatively, of course, you may wish to angle the camera up or down, depending on how you wish to render the subject. Once you have decided on the composition lock the tripod head. The lens aperture is held at its maximum value, so press the aperture stop-down button to close the lens to the selected shooting aperture; if this renders the optical viewfinder too dark select a wide aperture but remember the observed depth-of-field will be different. The Live View feature available on some Nikon D-SLR cameras is tremendously useful with the PC-E lenses, especially when using the tilt movement, as you can enlarge the view on the monitor screen, to check focus critically, even when shooting at small aperture values.  

• Using the focus ring, focus on the closest element in the scene you wish to render as sharp. Next, loosen the tilt control locking-knob and then turn the tilt control knob until the element in the scene furthest from the camera that you wish to render as sharp, is in focus (this action will almost invariably throw the closest element out of focus – ignore this for now). Lock the tilt movement.
• If the furthest element cannot be brought into focus by tilting, you are probably trying to tilt from a camera position that is too low, so raise the camera position and begin again. You will often find that tilting from a low camera position will affect the composition, so be prepared to adjust this after applying a tit movement.
• Next, using the focus ring, re-focus on the closest element. The furthest element will probably be thrown out of focus but ignore this for now.
• Do not alter the focus ring position. Unlock the tilt movement and reduce the amount of tilt to bring the furthest element back into focus again. Lock the tilt movement.
• Using the focus ring, fine tune focus, followed by making any final adjustment to the composition if necessary. 
• Check the lens is set to the required shooting aperture.
• Finally, stop the lens down by pressing the aperture stop-down button (this not necessary on the D3-series, D700 and D300-series cameras, which control the aperture of PC-E lenses automatically). 

Now you are ready to shoot!