Patw28 Loc: PORT JERVIS, NY

When mounted on a Nikon D700, the EXIF data always indicates that the aperture was at a full stop closed down from that indicated on the exposure ring ! ? ?

If I set the aperture ring to f5.6, the camera indicates the shot was made at f8, etc.

Got a second one and same result.(Should I keep doing the same thing, expecting different results? ;)

With constant lighting, I took the same shot with two other Nikon zooms, set at the same 85mm focal length, A-mode, f8. They both selected the same shutter speed that the Rokinon selected, confirming that the Rokinon shot was taken at f8, not f5.6, as set on the aperture ring.

Looks like the registration is off on the aperture ring but it's hard to believe they would go to market with such a blatant fault. Is this a case of "trouble between the headset" ?



With this lens the aperture can only be set manually by the aperture ring.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Does it have to be programmed? I bought an aftermarket AF confirm chip (what you have on that lens from the factory) and it had to be told what is what...you know; min aperture, max aperture and focus point for the AF.


And my directions said to open up the manual aperture; then adjust the aperture in camera then change the manual to match the camera aperture, then take the shot.

Patw28 Loc: PORT JERVIS, NY

Good thought but with this lens you cannot set the aperture with the camera. With this lens mounted, the only way to set the aperture is by rotating the aperture ring. The lens mount has a cutout that engages a tab on the camera body as it is rotated, telling the camera where it is setting the aperture. (Think AIS)

There are no contacts on the lens to communicate any data to the camera.

The instruction sheet simply states to set everything to manual mode and proceed. It does add that on a Nikon body in the A mode, the shutter speed will automatically track the aperture setting for a constant EV. That makes sense as the lens has communicated the aperture to the camera by engaging that tab on the camera mounting plate as the ring is rotated. I suspect that the registration on that cutout is out of registration. But I find that hard to accept as such a gross lapse in QC.

I did try setting the ring to either f22 or f1.4 before mounting the lens but made no difference (of course).

I'll contact Rokinon and see what I can glean from them. I really hope I can resolve this as otherwise the lens is just great for low light work.

Thanks for the thought!

mikeysaling Loc: essex uk

There are two versions of this lens 1. chipped for nikon cams and works fine from the camera in A S and M modes for exposure also the green focus confirmation shows in viewfinder (ie works just like a nikon lens in manual focus). 2. non chipped version has a nikon mount but no communication - this must be the one the OP has. I'd swap it for the chipped version - a few dollars more but not much.

Patw28 Loc: PORT JERVIS, NY

Terrific! You're right about my version being non- chipped. I'm off to get the chipped version. Why are they so secretive about it? I sent missives to two different sources at Rokinon with no acknowledgement -- no they were respectful and courteous queries.

Thanks for the info. Got a source?

mikeysaling Loc: essex uk

hi - i'm in the uk and i made exactly the same mistake - bought the non chipped version (mine is a samyang but its the same lens) had no problem changing it though. I think the answer is that with a non chipped version the mount can be easily changed by the supplier so many versions are available ie canon nikon panny you name it. The only chipped version i heard of is nikon which has to be manufactured as such - there maybe a canon chipped version but i'm not sure. You will see on your version the mount is very easily changed - gives the supplier a potentially bigger market. Hope this has helped.

Patw28 Loc: PORT JERVIS, NY

Yes, it's already helped in giving me a target.
Big question: do you see the problem of its shooting at one stop closed down from what the aperture ring is indicating?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Almost makes you want to go back to P&S, doesn't it?

Patw28 Loc: PORT JERVIS, NY

I'm beginning to appreciate ,"Ignorance is bliss" more and more!

mikeysaling Loc: essex uk

no problem with aperture recording correctly - works just like a nicon lens in manual focus mode.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

It is interesting that the chipped version is currently only offered for Nikon mount. Anyone know if Samyang has plans to expand chipped version to other major brands?

Patw28 Loc: PORT JERVIS, NY

Talked with a tech from Rokinon today. He was very matter of fact that my lens without the chip would not work on the Nikon D700. He assured me that the retailer would credit it return towards the purchase of a lens that will work on the D700.

I'll contact Amazon tomorrow.

Thanks for the help!