In article <31EA8E2B.72EE@ucla.edu>, birdy@ucla.edu says...

>There are many very fine 55 mm F2.8 and F3.5's available on the
>used market. the 55 mm F2.8 is a very fine lens; the only disadvantage
>is needing the extension tube to get to 1:1. The new autofocus Nikkors
>all go to 1:1 without tubes. If you need a bargin, look for an AI'd
>F3.5. I've seen good ones at camera shows go for about $100.

If the lens is to be used for general work, some near infinity, the 55mm
f3.5 can have enough field curvature to be a problem with distant subjects
at wider apertures - the 55mm f2.8 version does not have this problem.
Hope This Helps