rwinch Loc: Walkersville, MD

Hello all,

If you look at my sig below, you will see that I have two very nice older D series AF Nikkor lenses. They utilize in-body camera focusing, and thus they have the small slotted focusing screw on their base to mate with the in-body focusing drive pin on the Nikon cameras.

I bought these used earlier this year, and they seem to work OK, however, I have always thought they were a bit "soft" focusing. I just tried a test whereby I used a small screwdriver to test for "play" in the lens focusing mechanism, and found (to my surprise) that it seemed more loose than I would have expected. Somewhere around 20-30 degrees of play was seem in both lenses.

So, the question is: Is this normal?

I suppose some amount of play is expected in the screw drive mechanism, and both lenses seem to have the same amount, but I can see if there is too much slop, this would effect focusing!

If someone on this forum has experience with this, please let me know. I have no problem sending to ex. KEH for repair, but I would like some idea if it is warranted prior to doing so.

Thanks in advance - and Happy Holidays!!

romanticf16 Loc: Commerce Twp, MI

Auto focus usually functions by moving thru the focus point, then back, same as if you focus manually. I'd do a test to see if it is a consistent front or back focus issue. The D90 may have the ability to adjust for this? My D300 does. Read your Manual for Focus-fine tuning and see if your camera has the adjustment in software.

rwinch Loc: Walkersville, MD

Thanks for the reply, but this question is in regard to the lenses, not the camera. BTW, the D90 does not have fine focus adjustment in camera.

If what you say is true, with regard to moving back and forth thru the focus, then I have to believe if the mechanism has too much slop, it would affect focus.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

Just a guess, but if BOTH lenses have the same "slop" I would guess that is normal. Also, what you feel is slop, may also be adjusting the focus internally, just using less force than a large adjustment amount. I'm not a lens designer, but perhaps the fine focus adjustment has less resistance than moving the whole mechanism. You might consider checking with Nikon Tech support and getting their opinion. I owned both those lenses, having recently sold the 35-70, and mine were both very good. They were on the front end of the switch to zooms are were not as good as the ones produced today. I have many other D series lenses, some of which I consider outstanding, such as the 180/2.8D which is still manufactured today!

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

The 80-200 that I had never indicated any slop in focusing. However, I did have reason to send it in to Nikon for repair, as the Auto/Manual selection ring cracked. Later, it stopped auto-focusing altogether. They completely replaced the auto-focusing mechanism and refurbed the lens for about $250.00. Might be something to think about. It was a fine lens. Some of my best shots came through that lens.

rwinch Loc: Walkersville, MD

I was thinking the same thing about the "slop", but they are both older lenses, and wear might cause this. Good idea about talking to Nikon Tech....hoping maybe one was on the forum!

rwinch Loc: Walkersville, MD

KEH has a much lower flat rate than what you said Nikon costs. I am thinking that if "slop" is an issue, it is simply worn bushings, as the lenses themselves seem almost pristine!

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Those lenses were built for professional use (read rough handling). I seriously doubt that if there is much wear in the focusing mechanism, the exterior would look pristine. I believe the play is normal, and if they were mine, and focusing properly, I would just use them and not be concerned about it.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

I just tried two of my D lenses, the 180/2.8 and the 105/2.8 Macro. Both exhibited a small amount of movement with just a little resistance. Since both continue to work perfectly -- I used the 180 a few nights ago -- I am unconcerned. I've got a fairly complete set of these, if you want me to try out more please contact me via direct e-mail. Cjc2photo@gmail.com. These were the professional lenses of their day and many still are! Stop worrying. Go out and shoot!

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

I suspect your thinking is correct. Never used KEH, but Nikon made it good as new. My point is simply that the lens is certainly worth the effort.

rwinch Loc: Walkersville, MD

"Go out and shoot!" - Yes Sir!! I will. Your description above seems to tell me mine may have more play (zoom vs. primes?). Note - I am not concerned, and I will continue to use them...just now plan to have them looked at!

rwinch Loc: Walkersville, MD

Thanks! I know they are worth the effort! Especially since the new comparible lenses costing $1500 - $2500 are way more effort!