Nikon 135mm f2.8 conversion to AI

[daleeman]

Hi,
I have a very clean Nikor 135mm lens and it is pre AI mount. Is there a cheap way to have it or do it myself changed over to an AI mount?

Thank you four your insights
Lee

 

[daleeman]

I just answered my own question. I finally weeded out the guy who will do this for a very reasonable fee. Mr. John White will convert over these older lenses and I will give him a try.
http://www.aiconversions.com/index.html

Hope others will find this helpful.

 

[dentkimterry]

I've used John's service before. He does a nice job, especially for the price.

Terry

 

[daleeman]

Thank Terry,
I used to use that lens a lot when I had my Nikon F a 1963 model third hand after 2 newspaper photographers wore it out. It made great portraits.

 

[Hops]

I've done my own. Use a soldering iron to heat and soften the thread-lock on the bayonet screws, remove the bayonet, remove the ring and file down the ridge. It's aluminum, so doesn't take too long. The position of the AI ridge depends on the aperture of the lens, so just compare it to another lens with the same.

 

[rulnacco]

You *can* do your own, certainly! But John White does do great work--he AIed a 28/2.0 for me--and his prices are very reasonable, his service is pretty quick, and he's got loads of experience. I think it's worth the peace of mind to let him do it rather than having a go yourself!

 

[j-dogg]

I got some pre-AI glass I need converted, 50 1.4 and a Vivitar Series 1 70-210 f3.5, now two questions I have, can he convert 3rd-party glass? And will I still be able to use it on pre-AI cameras? These are my two favorite lenses so much I use them with an adapter on my Canon DSLR, the background rendering / bokeh on the pre-AI 50mm f1.4 is astonishing and the Series 1 is tack sharp.

 

[daleeman]

Hi,
Not certain about the 3rd party lenses. You may wish to contact John yourself.
http://www.aiconversions.com/index.html

I'll report back after I get the lens back
Lee