Nikkor pre-AI to AI conversions in Europe?

cmo

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• Dec 18, 2009

• #1

Converting old Nikkors to AI is actually not rocket science, but Nikon's service asks for 75 Euros to do it. Of course, they do it right and not with a nail file. But this price goes beyond the value of most of these lenses.

Is there a camera garage in Europe that does good conversion jobs at a reasonable price?

 

Steve Smith

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• Dec 18, 2009

• #2

I used to do it myself. Not with a file but by supergluing a small piece of something on the aperture ring to move the meter link.

As you say, it's not rocket science to work it out but you need to be aware that the link mechanism doesn't tell the camera what the aperture is but lets it know how many stops away from wide open it is set to.

I expect you know this but I thought I would mention it any way.

And to actually answer your question, no, I don't know of anyone who does this!


Steve.

 

Rol_Lei Nut

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• Dec 19, 2009

• #3

Steve Smith said:

I used to do it myself. Not with a file but by supergluing a small piece of something on the aperture ring to move the meter link.

Click to expand...

Depends on the lens model. Some work by adding something, others need material ground away....

 

John Koehrer

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• Dec 20, 2009

• #4

Yes, the finger on the body will rub the edge of the aperture ring, That's why a section of ring was removed.I'm surprised you can get a non-AI lens on a camera with the new meter coupling because the back of the aperture ring interferes with movement of the meter coupling finger.

 

film_man

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• Dec 22, 2009

• #5

Fixation UK might do it. Or you can ask Grays of Westminster in London, they specialise in old Nikon stuff so they might now someone.

JUst to say, 75 euros is pretty much what I'd expect to pay for a shop to do it though. I haven't so far found a shop, in the UK, that will touch anything for less than £60/hour, camera related or not.

 

OP

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cmo

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• Dec 22, 2009

• #6

In the USA this shop was recommended to me, $25 or $35 is okay:

http://www.aiconversions.com/PricesAndShipping.htm

But, of course, shipping back and forth adds so much to their prices that it does not make much sense to send lenses from Europe.