Nikkor Question

BobBill · Feb 12, 2017

I have a few of these form over the years. Recently bought a TC-200 tele extender. I am able to use with the few Nikkors I own...save one...the 50mm F2 Auto H seems not to like, cannot use aperture ring...thought the TC-200 and TC-201 worked with all Nikkors...thanks.

Karl K · Feb 12, 2017

The early 50mm f/2.0 Nikkor-H has a rather large overhanging f/stop ring which is probably snuggling up against your TC-200, preventing the aperture ring from moving easily. You can grind down the excess plastic quite easily, but before you do so, kindly make sure that what I am describing is actually the source of your problem. I have an early 50/2.0 Nikkor-H and I had a similar problem mounting it on a Nikon Digital body. Before I ground it down, I protected the rear glass with one of those cheap push-on white plastic Nikon rear caps.

BobBill · Feb 12, 2017

Karl K said:
The early 50mm f/2.0 Nikkor-H has a rather large overhanging f/stop ring which is probably snuggling up against your TC-200, preventing the aperture ring from moving easily. You can grind down the excess plastic quite easily, but before you do so, kindly make sure that what I am describing is actually the source of your problem. I have an early 50/2.0 Nikkor-H and I had a similar problem mounting it on a Nikon Digital body. Before I ground it down, I protected the rear glass with one of those cheap push-on white plastic Nikon rear caps.

Thanks, Karl...Might be something else...the 2.0 50 does not sit flat in the @x and sometimes hard to remove...sits sort on slant, and cannot figure out what it is that holds it up on one side...which does not happed with any of the other Nikkors, AI or not...should make no different...seems to me. I co not see any plastic...the F ring is hat sits agatins the flange and it is metal.

fstop · Feb 12, 2017

Get 100mm or another 50. they are cheap these days. I wouldn't devalue a vintage lens because it does not play well with the tele converter.

John Koehrer · Feb 12, 2017

It's slanted because the aperture ring hasn't been cut like the newer lenses.
It can be AI'd pretty inexpensively.

BobBill · Feb 13, 2017

not to worry...just puzzling...the 1.8 and other lenses fit fine...so will use the others...but

RalphLambrecht · Feb 13, 2017

John Koehrer said:
It's slanted because the aperture ring hasn't been cut like the newer lenses.
It can be AI'd pretty inexpensively.

there is a very reliable source in Michigan who does that

BobBill · Feb 13, 2017

Ralph...can you describe what I should be seeing. I compared to a 50 and 85 I have and cannot see the differences in that rear ring...I am dim.

ronnies · Feb 13, 2017

The lenses that fit will have a step in the back of the aperture ring which engages with a tab on the teleconverter. The non AI lenses do not have this step and so the tab on the converter will not allow them to sit properly.

Ronnie

BobBill · Feb 13, 2017

ronnies said:
The lenses that fit will have a step in the back of the aperture ring which engages with a tab on the teleconverter. The non AI lenses do not have this step and so the tab on the converter will not allow them to sit properly.

Ronnie

Ronnie, I saw a tab and will inspect closer...interesting. I looked up the TC200 before buying it and all the sites I reviewed said the thing would handle all Nikkors...not a biggie for me; only the F2 balks, but still...

Thanks.

RichardJack · Feb 13, 2017

Why use a TC200 on a 50mm? Buy yourself a clean 105mm f2.5 AIs. TC lenses usually work best with focal lengths over 100mm, if you could fit it I can't imagine you getting good results. The TC-200 is not the best of Nikon's TC's. Even though less magnification, the TC-14a and TC-14b are much better converters (as is the TC-300 with long lenses).

BobBill · Feb 13, 2017

Richard, Thanks, and yes, you are correct. I was just sort of testing the idea...the intent was to use only with telephoto lenses...at low cost for a singular project. I really have no experience with teleconverters.

narsuitus · Feb 16, 2017

BobBill said:
...thought the TC-200 and TC-201 worked with all Nikkors...

The TC-200 was designed to work with AI lenses up to 200mm in focal length. It also works with the Nikon 500mm mirror lens.

Nikon Teleconverters by Narsuitus, on Flickr

BobBill · Feb 16, 2017

narsuitus said:
The TC-200 was designed to work with AI lenses up to 200mm in focal length. It also works with the Nikon 500mm mirror lens.

Nikon Teleconverters by Narsuitus, on Flickr

Narsuitus...I know all the sites say it will do...even non AI...my one old F2H does not fit...and I have not figured out why as yet...but to be honest, since last post, have not looked...I have 1.8 50mm that works and as above, will likely only use converter to do one job...when real spring hits and weather is more stable here in MN. Thank...your TC-200 is like mine...but diff serial number...I must also confess to having to moving to digital from medium format folders due to chemical allergy...and why I bought the TC 200 for the one assignment and have to get out and get act together...film is easy. Digital is more convenient but hard to get head around it all...Been doing film so long, was second nature...no meters, no rangefinder, just f and speed for light.

YOu got me going, will gave to pull lens out and look at what does not like it...thanks again.

narsuitus · Feb 16, 2017

BobBill said:
...I have 1.8 50mm that works and as above, will likely only use converter to do one job...

If you only need to use the converter on a 50 for one job, why not just use it on the 50mm f/1.8 and not worry about the 50mm f/2?

Just for your information, in the 50s, 60s, and 70s, Nikon made about 6 different versions of the Nikkor 50mm f/2. Only the last version was AI. Therefore, you probably have one of the earlier versions that is just not compatible with the TC-200.

I had a pre-AI 180mm f/2.8 that I had Nikon convert to AI so I could use it with my TC-200. Since Nikon no longer converts old lenses to AI, you would have to find someone who could do the job. However, as others have said, since you can buy a used 105mm f/2.5 Nikkor for around $100, why bother.

On the other hand, if your 50 has already been converted to AI, then someone probably did not do a very good job.

BobBill · Feb 16, 2017

Of course. Actually, had decided to use a 100mm Nikkor I have...need the reach...and the 50s are really too small...i was just a bit miffed the stuff I read was not quite true. Fortunately, not a big problem to get around. Am guessing I will play with it but only with the long lens...and rarely at that! Your assistance is much appreciated, seriously.

John_Nikon_F · Feb 17, 2017

The TC-200, 201, 300, 301 do not work with pre-AI lenses at all, according to Nikon. A 50/2 H, unless it has been AI'd, is a pre-AI lens. The only Nikon teleconverter that will work with it unmodified is a TC-1. Some pre-AI lenses have a thin enough aperture ring that they will, surprisingly, work with AI bodies and teleconverters, etc, without damage. But, the 50/2 H is not one of them, at least the lenses with the scalloped aperture ring.

The one on the left is an unmodified H. The one on the right is a factory AI'd HC version. Click on the image to see it full-size. Note how the aperture ring on the HC has a ridge and that the ring doesn't have a "skirt" that extends down as far as the one on the H. The one on the left will only work with a TC-1. The one on the right will work on the TC-1, TC-200, TC-201, and the TC-14A. If your lens is like the one on the left and has the scalloped aperture ring, you can probably find an AI ring. It'll be hard to find, but they are out there. Lenses between serial number 742111 and 785010 that have the retaining ring between the aperture ring and the lens mount use the #3 ring. 785011 and higher use the #2 ring.

Hope this helps.

-J

BobBill · Feb 17, 2017

John, Yes it helps, makes perfect sense, subtle, and I thank you.

Lens was one of a few I used with the Nikon F. Was a keeper, but I slipped into using 60006s and set it aside. Very good.

You gets a beer or Armagnac I end up driving northwest...I drive to CA every couple years...thanks again.

John_Nikon_F · Feb 17, 2017

Bob,

Glad I could help. If your lens is a clean example, keep your eyes peeled on the 'bay for a beater that has the AI ring and is in the correct serial number range. Get it, then have your local repair shop swap the rings for you. Then, you can use the lens with your F, 6006, and whatever other Nikon you use.

-J

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