Nikon Lens Parts Availability?

[snegron]

I have a Nikkor 50mm 1.4 AIS manual focus lens and I am trying to get a new prong (some call it rabbit ears, the little metal "U" shape thing located on top of the lens aperture dial that moves the meter lever on Nikon meter prisms). When I place the lens on my Nikon F, the prong gets stuck making it very difficult to remove the lens. It appears as though this prong closed up a bit. I have tried prying it open with a screwdriver, but it won't budge. I never thought that tiny little prong was made so tough. Anyone know where I can purchase a Nikon prong so I can replace this one?

 

[BrianShaw]

I have never seen those parts sold separately. But I haven't seen everything htere is to see, either. Have you called your nearest Nikon authorized repair shop?

Or, if it really is too tight, how about using a narrow file to open up the slot??

 

[bdial]

Theoretically one of these should be easy to obtain from a repair person, or perhaps off an otherwise trashed lens. The more recent cameras don't use them, so they are extraneous for many, possibly most Nikon users.

 

[Richard Wasserman]

You might try Pacific Rim Camera, they have a lot of Nikon parts. I bought a couple AI conversion kits from them, so they may be able to help you. Their email is: staff@pacificrimcamera.com Good luck!

Richard Wasserman

 

[resummerfield]

Call Pete Smith at FOTOCAMERA REPAIR in Lake Worth, Florida--561-433-8434. In the past, he has sold me small parts for Nikon.

 

[snegron]

Theoretically one of these should be easy to obtain from a repair person, or perhaps off an otherwise trashed lens. The more recent cameras don't use them, so they are extraneous for many, possibly most Nikon users.

Not too many repair people in my area. Finding one on an old lens is a bit of a problem as well. Since the prong was used mostly for older camera/lens compatibility, newer cameras don't need them. I have seen many lenses, sadly many AIS lenses, that have had the prongs bent out of shape. I have been searching for an old lens with a prong, hopefully a cheap one, so I can remove the prong.

 

[snegron]

You might try Pacific Rim Camera, they have a lot of Nikon parts. I bought a couple AI conversion kits from them, so they may be able to help you. Their email is: staff@pacificrimcamera.com Good luck!

Richard Wasserman

That was the first place I checked! No luck though.

 

[snegron]

Call Pete Smith at FOTOCAMERA REPAIR in Lake Worth, Florida--561-433-8434. In the past, he has sold me small parts for Nikon.

Thanks for the info! I will contact him tomorrow.

 

[snegron]

I have never seen those parts sold separately. But I haven't seen everything htere is to see, either. Have you called your nearest Nikon authorized repair shop?

Or, if it really is too tight, how about using a narrow file to open up the slot??

I have been considering filing it down (the "U" shape has closed in a bit). My concern is that if the filing is not smooth enough, it might damage the meter coupling lever in the metered prism of my FTN.

 

[Mick Fagan]

I have one. It was attached (still is) to the aperture ring of an early 35 f2 Nikkor which I had Ai'd many years ago.

The prong is in near new condition.

If you wish to pay postage, it's yours.

Mick.