Converting AF lenses to Ai lenses?

ChristopherCoy · Feb 27, 2021

I've got the Nikon 105 2.8 AF-D, and the Nikon 24mm 2.8 AF-D, (also the 50mm 1.8G which I guess I'll be switching for the AF-D version soon.)

I know I can use these lenses in manual focus mode on the F2, but there are no meter coupling ears on these lenses. I'm pretty sure they can be added but not sure if this is something that I can do, or if 3rd party repair places can do, or if they have to be sent off to Nikon?

Can anyone shed some light on how it's done, if it's worth it, and who may do them? I'd like to have a set of lenses that can be used to their full potential across all of my cameras.

Horatio · Feb 27, 2021

You should be able to add the “ears” if the lenses have manual aperture rings. I’ve read somewhere they are tapped for the screws. Where to find the ears is the question. You should be able to meter by stopping down the lens with the DOF preview button.

ChristopherCoy · Feb 27, 2021

Horatio said:
You should be able to meter by stopping down the lens with the DOF preview button.

OMG I didn't even think of that.

Chan Tran · Feb 27, 2021

Or you can buy a DP-11 or DP-12 for your F2. By the way your tittle should say converting AF lenses ulto Pre-AI lenses. The AF lenses you mentioned would work perfectly with an AI camera like the F2A, F2AS or FM, FE etc...

Nitroplait · Feb 27, 2021

As said, those AF-D lenses are already Ai. If your F2 is pre-Ai, then you need the prongs added. Most aperture rings are ready with markings but needs to be drilled and prongs added. I don’t know if this is still a Nikon service, but no harm in asking.

CMoore · Feb 27, 2021

ChristopherCoy said:
I've got the Nikon 105 2.8 AF-D, and the Nikon 24mm 2.8 AF-D, (also the 50mm 1.8G which I guess I'll be switching for the AF-D version soon.)

I know I can use these lenses in manual focus mode on the F2, but there are no meter coupling ears on these lenses. I'm pretty sure they can be added but not sure if this is something that I can do, or if 3rd party repair places can do, or if they have to be sent off to Nikon?

Can anyone shed some light on how it's done, if it's worth it, and who may do them? I'd like to have a set of lenses that can be used to their full potential across all of my cameras.

Maybe shoot an Email to John White...... see if he deals with this scenario.?
Good Luck
http://www.aiconversions.com/

ChristopherCoy · Feb 27, 2021

Horatio said:
You should be able to add the “ears” if the lenses have manual aperture rings. I’ve read somewhere they are tapped for the screws. Where to find the ears is the question. You should be able to meter by stopping down the lens with the DOF preview button.

Just found this.

BradS · Feb 27, 2021

^^^ Huh. Interesting. I learn something new everyday. Thanks!

ChristopherCoy · Feb 27, 2021

BradS said:
^^^ Huh. Interesting. I learn something new everyday. Thanks!

Here's where I found it.
https://radojuva.com/en/2020/01/nikon-rabbit-ear/

I also found this
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-Mete...Nikkor-non-AI-lenses-repair-part/193095108249

The only question is whether or not adding a generic prong will work across all of my cameras. It seems that some of the lenses may have used ears with different radiuses.

BradS · Feb 27, 2021

ChristopherCoy said:
Here's where I found it.
https://radojuva.com/en/2020/01/nikon-rabbit-ear/

I also found this
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-Mete...Nikkor-non-AI-lenses-repair-part/193095108249

The only question is whether or not adding a generic prong will work across all of my cameras. It seems that some of the lenses may have used ears with different radiuses.

The radius of the ears doesn't matter. In fact, some pre-AI lenses had triangular ears.
The radius of the base of the replacement part thingy should probably be pretty close to the radius of the place where it is to be mounted on the lens though.

ChristopherCoy · Feb 27, 2021

BradS said:
The radius of the ears doesn't matter. In fact, some pre-AI lenses had triangular ears.
The radius of the base of the replacement part thingy should probably be pretty close to the radius of the place where it is to be mounted on the lens though.

Ah. Well then if my D lenses have the taps, then maybe I'll just order me some ears.

bdial · Feb 27, 2021

I just looked at one of my AF D lenses, the holes look to me to be too small for the coupling ear screws. As the link implies, I suspect they are there for precisely locating the coupling and would need to be drilled and tapped. Drilling the ring with it on the lens is probably possible, but it would be better to remove it first, then you will need to find a teeny-tiny tap, though it’s probably a cataloged Nikon special tool.
But it’s cool that Nikon apparently built these to accommodate the mod.

ChristopherCoy · Feb 27, 2021

That ring is plastic? Would it really have to be drilled first? Or could the screws just be driven in?

bdial · Feb 27, 2021

The ring on mine doesn’t look to be plastic, but it’s possible. either way the holes will need drilled to be the proper size for the screws. If the ring is plastic, it’s probably a pretty tough material, and the screws are pretty small, probably not strong enough to enlarge the holes on their own.

Nitroplait · Feb 28, 2021

Nobody read my early post it appears. Yes, you need to drill.

ChristopherCoy · Feb 28, 2021

Nitroplait said:
Nobody read my early post it appears. Yes, you need to drill.

I read it. But when it comes to things like drilling, there are people who drill pilot holes for screws and then there are people who don't I fall into the latter category, usually choosing to let the screw make it's own hole.

grain elevator · Feb 28, 2021

That's less of a people question than a materials and screw types question. If you need to ask, you probably need to drill and tap.

RalphLambrecht · Feb 28, 2021

ChristopherCoy said:
I've got the Nikon 105 2.8 AF-D, and the Nikon 24mm 2.8 AF-D, (also the 50mm 1.8G which I guess I'll be switching for the AF-D version soon.)

I know I can use these lenses in manual focus mode on the F2, but there are no meter coupling ears on these lenses. I'm pretty sure they can be added but not sure if this is something that I can do, or if 3rd party repair places can do, or if they have to be sent off to Nikon?

Can anyone shed some light on how it's done, if it's worth it, and who may do them? I'd like to have a set of lenses that can be used to their full potential across all of my cameras.

There is a guy in Michigan who does a very professional job doing these conversions.Unfortunately, I don't have his name or contact details handy but can try to find them.

ChristopherCoy · Feb 28, 2021

RalphLambrecht said:
There is a guy in Michigan who does a very professional job doing these conversions.Unfortunately, I don't have his name or contact details handy but can try to find them.

Thanks Ralph, I sent him an email yesterday. Just waiting on a reply now.

Converting AF lenses to Ai lenses?

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency