Lens Speculation

[DrEntropy]

Saw an 80~200mm ∱2.8 selling as "parts/repair" for low dollars and ordered it. One of the first gen AF ones. A "push-pull" with the barrel immobile. Less that $100, so if nothing else it'll be a learning experience with early AF optics. Should be here by Wednesday.

 

[Basil]

Fingers crossed it’s repairable.

 

[GregW]

The auto focus may be maddeningly slow compared to other AF lenses you have.

 

[DrEntropy]

The auto focus may be maddeningly slow compared to other AF lenses you have.

I expect you're right. The 80~400 is shaft driven as well and "hunts" its arse off. But I'm considering them both a "means to an end" so-to-speak.

 

[Basil]

My 30+ year old 300mm f4 is painfully slow to focus as well, but when it's on the images are great.

 

[DrEntropy]

With the push-pull barrel, zoom and focus (in "M" mode) should be easier/quicker than depending on the shaft-driven AF, methinks. And since this one is the first gen of its ilk and no "limiter" on the auto focus range, makes Greg's thought on focus speed legit for certain. Having had a push-pull 70-210mm in the film days, hoping this lens will be similar in handling. Again, all depending on whether or not I can fix it.

Would "progress photos" as I go through the thing be of any interest?

 

[DrEntropy]

The speculation has resulted in some spare parts in mass formation. Impact damage on the breech with pieces of the plastic glued back on with some sort of pinkish glue. An element in the rear part of the barrel is dislodged and the retaining ring holding the group in front of it is impossible to unscrew. Went into it from both ends, just could not completely disassemble it to get to that loose element. A couple of the AF "brushes" were deformed beyond repair as well, looked like someone had been into it before me. Not much of a loss, less than $90 and got a chance to learn more about Nikon's early AF lens systems.

To quote Max Smart: "Missed it by THAT much."

 

[GregW]

Maybe it's piñata time.

 

[DrEntropy]

Maybe it's piñata time.

That'd result in a nice collection of small fasteners & maybe a nice loupe!

I have the parts and service manuals for it, but the parts are NLA and I've no inclination to spend more on another like it and attempt the "make one outta two" exercise. I'll find one of the D-Series in working order for reasonable money sometime in the future.

 

[DrEntropy]

The later two-ring version is a more likely choice if I spend real money on one. At this point it's a "nice-to-have" rather than anything "needed." Looking at what's available from Japanese folks, less likelihood of the mistreatment by "pool" photogs, IYSWIM.

 

[DrEntropy]

One of the NLA parts is this "brush" set, bent to heck when I opened the lens and another reason why my suspicion re: other hands had been in there before me.

Was fearful of trying to bend it back into shape thinking it would just snap into bits. Decided it was worth an attempt this afternoon. Close, but won't know until I go back into the lens, now mostly reassembled hodge-podge out of disgust. May try after more thought.

Bent:





Straightening attempt:

 

[Basil]

That looks like a tenuous repair! Fingers crossed

 

[DrEntropy]

That looks like a tenuous repair! Fingers crossed

That was about as far as I was willing to go with it. If it matches up with the ribbon circuit it may be enough to get good contact. May have to fuss with it a bit more tho. Waiting now for an ambition refill. It's fiddly work.

I've applied some acetone followed by light instrument oil to the stuck lens group retaining ring, if that comes loose I'll reassemble the thing and check the contacts on that focus circuit PC ribbon.

 

[DrEntropy]

Gave up. Threw in th' towel. All I accomplished was to scar the stuck ring when instead of loosening it, the wrench climbed out of the slot on one side and scraped the paint off. Still the ring didn't budge.

The newer two-ring AF-D version is on its way from Japan. Ostensibly clean, clear and functioning.

We'll see.

 

[Basil]

Gave up. Threw in th' towel. All I accomplished was to scar the stuck ring when instead of loosening it, the wrench climbed out of the slot on one side and scraped the paint off. Still the ring didn't budge.

The newer two-ring AF-D version is on its way from Japan. Ostensibly clean, clear and functioning.

We'll see.

Sorry to hear you didn’t have better luck.

 

[DrEntropy]

The 80~200 ∱2.8 arrived earlier than expected. The ad read: "EX+++ MINT!"

With a grain of salt, the package was opened. Packaged expertly, and the lens is in fact a thing of beauty. In spite of the fact it's a D-Series, shaft-drive focusing optic, it reacts fine for my purposes and the "nutgrinder" sound is perfectly acceptable.

First shot with it (naturally a cat), full frame:



Cropped in on her face:



This was a hand-held shot, no post other than to scale it down, rest of the info with Darktable:

 

[DrEntropy]

The "antique" lens and some of the packing material.

 

[Basil]

The 80~200 ∱2.8 arrived earlier than expected. The ad read: "EX+++ MINT!"

With a grain of salt, the package was opened. Packaged expertly, and the lens is in fact a thing of beauty. In spite of the fact it's a D-Series, shaft-drive focusing optic, it reacts fine for my purposes and the "nutgrinder" sound is perfectly acceptable.

First shot with it (naturally a cat), full frame:

View attachment 89212

Cropped in on her face:

View attachment 89213

This was a hand-held shot, no post other than to scale it down, rest of the info with Darktable:

View attachment 89214

Naturally a cat! Looks like you have a keeper (two keepers, the lens and the cat)