In article , str2@columbia.edu says... [...]

> I am a fourth year medical student at Columbia, and I am about to
>graduate and start a surgical residency. I'm interested in purchasing
>equipment that will let me photograph pre-operative, intra-operative, >and post-operative shots of patients. [rest of long post deleted]

I would consider a term of use for the equipment much shorter than
several decades (!), and would start with an N6006, N70, N8008, or
N90 body, an SB27 flash (which allows placing the light on either
the left or right side of the lens [I think it will flip both
ways...], and a bit above it on both vertical and horizontal photos without having to use a cumbersome flash bracket), a 60mm f2.8
Micro-Nikkor, and maybe a TC201 converter (no AF, or P, S, and Matrix
metering with the converter, though it will give you more front space,
when needed, for [flash] close-up photos). You don't say what the smallest field size is that you need to photograph. If it is about 4"x6", you might consider a 28-70mm or 35-70mm f3.3-4.5 AF Nikkor, and possibly add a Nikkor "4T" achromat for an occasional somewhat closer
view. I would use a Hoya or Nikkor UV filter on the lens for protection
- it is easier and cheaper to replace than a lens! I would also
consider buying most of the above used, to save money - though the
warranty period on new equipment may be useful to you if you do not
have the time (or knowledge) to check out used gear.
Hope This Helps