Kiron MC7 2x Teleconverter

Don't laugh :-I

I picked up this teleconverter at W.B. Hunt's Photo & Video (Melrose, MA) for $20. I suppose that the "MC7" means multi- coated 7-element construction. Mechanical construction is Nikon's AI type. I'd thought of many uses:

• First, I had wanted to buy a 2x teleconverter for my Nikkor AF-Zoom 80- 200mm f/2.8, and preferably a Nikkor TC-201 or TC-200. But I was concerned about the lack of a tripod socket of the lens: the camera shake might be too sever to be of any use for a 2X TC, any brand. So, I just assumed I've wasted one roll of good film, I get this one for a feasibility study.
• Second, just in case (or occasionally?) I want a 400mm lens, and only need a 4"x6" print made from a ISO 400 film? At 4"x6" size, I think any crappy lens worked splendidly. And with a fast film in a sunny day, I can handhold it.
• Third, how about using it to get a larger magnification for macro works? A Nikkor micro lens gives me 1:1 magnification. With 2x TC, I can get a 2:1 magnification!

So far, I've concluded that this TC, or any other 2x teleconverter for that matter, does not work well with Nikon's legendary AF-Zoom 80-200mm f/2.8 lens (without tripod collar), due to excessive camera shake for cameras (unfortunately all Nikon's N-series) without a mirror lock-up feature. I was not able to observe the optical quality extensively. Overall impression: soft and not as sharp as it could be (but may be due to camera shake).

I've recently tried it with micro works, and used it with Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8 AIS + PK13 ring. I am anxiously waiting for the results to come back. (I used the TC as the one closest to the body: body - 2xTC - PK-13 - 55/2.8 Micro. I think this is the arrangement to minimize the magnification by the TC, and I could get 2:1 magnification.)

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