Nikon AI conversion

[Thwyllo]

why not mail to Stuttgart?

Tell me more??!!

 

[ic-racer]

You _do_ need to AI-convert the lens for the prosumer FM2, FE2, and FM3a as the body's aperture follower-tab does not flip down on those cameras. If you try to mount a non-AI lens, it will likely damage the plastic aperture follower-tab, and may even jam the lens on the mount. The older F3, F4, FM, and FE all had metal, flip-down follower-tabs, so can directly mount a non-AI lens (as long as you remember to flip the tap down!). The F5 and F6 did not come with flip down tabs, but Nikon reportedly offered a modification to install a one, though I personally have never seen such a modded body in the flesh.

Oh, I didn’t realize that they got rid of the flip up lever on those. I found it a very nice feature on the F3 and FM.

 

[MartinCrabtree]

Actually that's one of the better ones I've seen...thank you.

You're welcome. If I could understand it I figure everyone else should as well.

 

[Chan Tran]

Oh, I didn’t realize that they got rid of the flip up lever on those. I found it a very nice feature on the F3 and FM.

The brought it back with the Nikon Df.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

Tell me more??!!

I'll have my non AI lenses converted by Fototechnik Hoffnann in Suttgart http://www.fotoreparatur-hoffmann.de they came recommended by https://nikonclassics-michalke.de

 

[RalphLambrecht]

After going to my local photo dealer (Foto LAmbertine) in Cologne, who has fantastic customer service, by the way, I've decided to let them send it to Nikon for the AI conversion. Nikon apparently still does it and quoted $150. My question now is: What can I expect from Nikon for that price? Still a milled aperture ring, or a proper aperture ring replacement, which otherwise is no longer available? Did anyone here had Nikon do it, and what did you get?

 

[ic-racer]

Ralph let us know which lenses and what they send back.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

Ralph let us know which lenses and what they send back.

I will post the result.

 

[grant.goodes]

After going to my local photo dealer (Foto LAmbertine) in Cologne, who has fantastic customer service, by the way, I've decided to let them send it to Nikon for the AI conversion. Nikon apparently still does it and quoted $150. My question now is: What can I expect from Nikon for that price? Still a milled aperture ring, or a proper aperture ring replacement, which otherwise is no longer available? Did anyone here had Nikon do it, and what did you get?

Wow, that is super surprising! At least in Canada, Nikon Service won't touch even moderately old lenses with a 10ft pole. I asked about getting my 2005 copy of the 28/1.4D lens repaired and they informed me that it was no longer supported (the infamous A/M control ring had cracked, and I even had the replacement part, so all I wanted was for them to install it). If this is your non-AI 105/2.5, I would be curious to see what they do for you.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

I don't think that would work. When prices got low enough and there were different Nikkors to choose from, I just got both. When using a pre-AI lens with a Nikkormat FT3, I just flip up the AI tab. Using an AI lens with a prong on a Nikkormat FT2 is no problem. In the past, John White did some conversions for me. I have enough different Nikon film cameras that I don't think I would bother getting any more Nikkors converted. My 28/2 Nikkor is a 'K' model but I have used it in stop-down meteting mode with a Nikkormat FT3 successfully.

The metering in my FT3 is erratic. I think it's the exposure circuits or slider potentiometer. Any suggestions?

 

[skahde]

Wow, that is super surprising! At least in Canada, Nikon Service won't touch even moderately old lenses with a 10ft pole. I asked about getting my 2005 copy of the 28/1.4D lens repaired and they informed me that it was no longer supported (the infamous A/M control ring had cracked, and I even had the replacement part, so all I wanted was for them to install it). If this is your non-AI 105/2.5, I would be curious to see what they do for you.

In Germany Nikon has a central facility at their main address, Nikon GmbH, Tiefenbroicher Weg 25, Düsseldorf but also use a number of subsidiaries to provide a service-network. Some of the subsidiaries are in business for many decades and may have the parts and knowledgable staff to provide service for older gear. But providing this service is at the descretion of the actual facility.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

I will post the result.

I called and sked. The reply was:no more conversion rings available." So, Nikon too takes off theexisting aperture ring and mills it down. that was to be expected, but at least I trust, they have enough experience not to mess up thelens. My other milling srvice wasn't too sure that the screws of the aperture ring can be taken out without problems. God forbid.