Problem with Nikkor 50mm f/1.2

[migelrev]

I recently purchased a 50mm f/1.2 for use on my D200, and have run into a problem I'd be grateful for opinions on: When I move the aperture-ring from 1.2 to 1.4 in the ordinary way, there is no corresponding change in the display, which still shows 1.2. In order to make it show 1.4, I have to move the ring harder to the right, and, so to speak, wedge it into the left hand corner of the 1.4-stop. There is no play in the ring itself at this stop (or at any of the others). I have tested the lens on a D300, and met with the same problem there, actually to a higher degree.

Is this a known problem? Is it related to the lens itself, or to combining the lens with a digital SLR? I have the option of returning it, but won't bother doing so if I'm likely to experience the same problem with another sample.

Thanks!

[Attila]

Welcome!

I had this lens , but unfortunately I don't remember for this problem. I hope somebody have it and able to help to you soon.

[horvlas]

Then do it yourself. Put the lens on the body. Are there on the lens 1.2 nad 1.4 stop too? Surprising... So. Set the f1.4, and move the aperture setting arm on the body with a clip. When the display changes to 1.4, it should be a little move only, now you have to fatten the lens noch by this thickness. Eg. glue something to it.

[Esox lucius]

I have the lens, I can test it today when I get to the studio.

[migelrev]

horvlas: Thank you for the input. I'm afraid, though, that I'm not technically proficient enough to risk attempting what you suggest.

Esox lucius: Thanks, that would be great. I look forward to hearing what you find out.

[Esox lucius]

Hi,

The D3 has presets to store focal length and aperture for 10 non-CPU lenses. So, I've programmed the 50/1.2 into the menu first.

My lens changes changes aperture with an exact click sound and the metering display reacts correspondingly in all metering modes A/S/M/P, indicating correct aperture f/1.2 - f/1.4 - f/2 etc. On the aperture setting scale f/1.2 and f/2 are printed in numbers, f/1.4 is not printed on it but there is an exact click-stop for aperture f/1.4. Tested on a D3 (D70 and D40 were available as well, but this lens does not meter with them).

http://photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html#50fast

I now have a sample that is manufactured for the Japanese market after it was discontinued elsewhere, Ai-S (9-bladed) and serial 403xxx. I did own one Ai version (7-bladed) early serial. It had seen a lot of use and the aperture setting did not "click" mechanically as nice into place as my new does. I do however remember it displaying correct aperture on the D3.

I can't say for sure without having tried yours what is the problem, the fact that D300 metering only recognizes full stop changes (?) or is the lens defective (?)

[migelrev]

Thanks for the response, everyone! Since my last message, I've had occasion to test the lens on two D700's, and found it to behave in the way described on both of them. So I'm inclined to think that the issue relates to the lens, rather than my camera. However, I've come to the conclusion that it doesn't represent enough of a practical problem to justify returning the lens, especially with the fairly significant extra shipping costs this would involve.

[Esox lucius]

Have a serviceman check it out. A cost-estimate is about 35 EUR over here, probably less than return shipping costs you would pay. Test it on a D3 in a photo store, if it differs from mine in behavior then it is a fault with the lens.