This adapter is only half finished but it works. I started with a spinner and then did a static when the parts arrived. The principles from the spinner taught me enough that this just clicked.

The parts are:

1) Nikon Macro tube
2) Nikon Lens
3) Nikon F3 Type D focus screen
4) (to be added later), 52mm reverse coupler, Step-up ring

Tools:

1) Art foam
2) Box cutter
3) Lens pen

It took 10 minutes to build. Okay 15 if you add the time to clean the focus screen.

Youtube results
http://www.youtube.com/v/_MUa0r5G2cY

Details of the struggle:
http://yousillyman.blogspot.com

The camcorder was a single CCD "budget" camcorder. This won't win any awards or have a hope of being good enough for amateur film. But anyone looking to add shallow DOF to their already "bad film making" can look to this! :-)

Looks like you've done alot of research there, nice results!

Thanks Wayne! It was a good learning experience. I'm thinking of this as a "cheap" way to learn the limitations of a basic 35mm adaptor. Someday when I get serious (and my wallet is less lean) I'll be ready to go with an HDV camera and a commercial adapter.