NikonGear'23
Gear Talk => What the Nerds Do => Topic started by: Bjørn Rørslett on June 13, 2015, 12:32:07
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[First posted 16 June 2014 - 22:37 on FZ]
Except of the original article follows;
Just a short notice to announce I once again can take orders for CPU prints for virtually any lens in Nikon 'F' mount. These prints can be tailored to match specifications of the host lens, even providing the exact focal and aperture range of zoom lenses to the EXIF data. (This feature is not available with any other third-party CPU print as far as I'm aware of).
The hardware is displayed below. This is the ultimate means of making your favourite 'F' mount lens that more functional. After CPU modification you will get a lens that can be used with any 'F' mount camera to give full metering capability. Also extension tubes, bellows devices, preset lenses, etc. can be modified in this manner. The modified lens can be programmed to operate in 'P' or 'G' mode and will keep metering accuracy in either mode (unlike some other products left unnamed).
(http://www.fotozones.com/live/uploads/monthly_06_2014/post-15-0-88470200-1402957652.jpg)
I provide CPU layouts optimised for a wide variety of host lenses. Some will require the short 5-pin contact block, others can or should use the longer type (7-11 pin block). I can negotiate sales of the blocks (original factory spare parts). Shoot me a PM. USCamera.com is a good source of long blocks. Do look into the contact assemblies say for the 12-24 Nikkor, as this is the better kind in quality terms.
I have seen *many* modified lenses with quite roughly positioned fixing screws (not my own or Erik's, of course). Thus I'm considering to offer template jigs to allow precision drilling. You will need separate jigs for short and long blocks as their fixing holes are not identically located. Again, contact me for details.
Prices are tentative slashed 15-20% compared to earlier years. Exact prices depend on order size etc.
The batch run referred to soon was sold out. However, in order to give the opportunity to more people to upgrade their old F-mount lenses, I intend to set up a poll in order to verify there is sufficient interest for a new production run. Within the scope of NG, Erik Lund can assist in making the conversion if you don't fancy yourself being or becoming a certified NG nerd !
Please cast your vote(s) in the Poll above.
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Great to see this call for interest. Perhaps there should be another choice in the poll: I have already chipped all my manual focus lenses with custom chips, but if I acquire another one (or more) I would definitely want a custom chip for it.
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That's voting for Alternative 1.
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Done!
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Hi Bjorn!
Recently I got repro nikkor 85/1.0 lens.
Can you, please, find the chip for this lens?
Cheers
Andrew
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Fortunately, this lens indeed can be CPU-enabled, as the EXIf specification allows f/1.0.
The CPU has to be "G" type in this case, as there is no mechanical linkage. Set your camera to M mode, dial in the aperture you want (f/1 to f/8), meter the scene, then stop down the lens to the set aperture. Not as simple as with ordinary lenses, but entirely doable and you do get perfect metering.
Not certain if I have a CPU available at present - almost all my inventory is sold out by now, but will have a look for it.
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Based upon this informal poll, I see there is some interest in providing a fresh set of chips. When I get my head over water and the site runs smoothly with demanding minute-to-minute attention, I'll sit down and look into the costs of starting a new production run. The run must be of sufficient size so as to distribute evenly the overhead costs.
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I am happort to report back that there is sufficient interest in a new batch of CPU chips, and thus have initialised the process one more time. Delivery will probably start over the summer.
No firm price set at present, but I believe the CPU parts supplied by me can see a further cut in price. On the other hand, the pricing on Nikon spare parts continue to increase. Thus, the final price reduction might not be entirely what I had hoped for. But I do my best.
The CPU chips will be programmed to mimic the host lens as closely as possible in focal length(s) and aperture range. The EXIF specification allows providing a lens aperture to within 1/12 stop, although most EXIF read-out software round this to the nearest 1/6 stop and the camera itself might go one step further by using 1/3 or even 1/2 stop. Thus a lens can be programmed to for example 100 mm f/1.5, but the camera might show f/1.4 or f/1.6 on the display. The data read out by EXIFTool or similar will most likely show f/1.5. All of this stems from the adaptations of the aperture scale to be "human" instead of strictly mathematical precise. Thus, we all think of f/5.6 as obtained by multiplying f/1.4 by four, but the real value should be rounded to f/5.7 since f/1.4 really is f/1.414... Hence software read-outs might be f/5.6 or f/5.7 depending on how rounding is handled, whilst a camera will display f/5.6. Both representations are "correct" seen in the appropriate context.
There are so many ways of modifying a lens and some of this depends on the parts one has available for the modding project. Thus it might not be necessary to get the original Nikon replacements. If you buy contact blocks from sources such as USCamera.com (ask for the one for 12-24 DX, not those for the 18-55 kit lenes) or from eBay sellers, be aware of the distinction between various block models as not every host lens can deal with them. It is best to contact me directly by PM to discuss details.
I will add a separate thread in which the actual modifications and any questions about these can be dealt with.
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Bjørn, have you ever heard about Victor Lushnikov's Nikkor's lens CPUs for manual lens?
It was developed by Victor some years ago and we called it "dandelion" in Russia. CPU is programmable from camera and have compact "unibody" form-factor.
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I'm only too well acquainted with the Dandelions and their somewhat rough reputation. If I had found them acceptable, I hadn't embarked on my own CPU development project.
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Ok, i understand. You are doing right and useful job Bjørn!
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Bjorn -
I assume you are still working on getting the chips made for sale?
I'd probably buy 4-6 of them myself for my:
20/2.8AIS
16/3.5 AI (a tough one due to the machining)
105/2.5 AIS
135/2 AIS
135/3.5 AIS
400/5.6 ED AI
- John
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I probably have the first units available for delivery over the summer. A notice to that effect will be posted.
As you correctly surmised, the 16 is not the easiest one, mainly due to the need to machine off a lot of metal from the rear lens cell container. A handful of modified 16/3.5 lenses bear witness that CPU conversion *is* possible, though.
In common with the 15/3.5, the 16/3.5 is very sensitive to the correct specification of the exit pupil parameters in order to deliver reliable metering. You should of course only set aperture directly on the lens since this is an AI not AIS.
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I have a first set of CPUs ready for sale now. Anyone interested, please contact me either here or by PM.
I hold the opinion that any modification project should be shown and discussed here on NG. In that manner, broader insights can be obtained and any problems solved by the member community at large.
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Hi,
I have plans to acquire a couple more MF lenses, and perhaps some extension rings.
Regards
Ole
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Just bring them on. I have the parts you need :D
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Hi Bjørn,
I would be interested in CPU's for the following lenses:
16/2.8 AI-s
28/2.0 AI-s
105/2.5 AI-s
Thanks
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All are relatively easy modifications.
I'm back in Oslo in a few days' time and will start looking at incoming orders then.
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All are relatively easy modifications.
I'm back in Oslo in a few days' time and will start looking at incoming orders then.
Then next week I'll start pestering you with my order for specific lenses. So far the list is:
16/3.5 - gotta try to put one on at least one of my copies. Need to find a wrecked 16/3.5 AI that I can use for spare parts.
20/2.8
105/2.5 AIS
135/2 AIS
135/3.5 AIS
300/4.5 ED AI
400/5.6 ED AI
I will finalize it next week in a PM to you.
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I have calculated the new prices of CPUs. The price is for a CPU unit customised and programmed to a specific host lens. You get a warranty of the chip for 5 years, subject to it being properly installed and replacement stock availability.
For NG Supporters, it'll be USD 35,- each. Payment by Paypal only, no personal cheques will be accepted.
For non-NG Supporters, it is USD 55,- if you wish to become an NG Supporter (USD 20,- is then transferred to NG as part of the deal) and any additional CPU is priced as for NG Supporters. Alternatively, USD 56,- if you prefer not to enter our support community.
Shipping USD 5,- world wide for CPUs. You can combine more CPU items in one shipment and pay only shipping for one of them. In the case of ordering other hardware, shipping expense is set per case so just ask beforehand. Items are shipped by air mail. If you require registered post with tracking, this will be USD 50,- (Norwegian Mail pricing applies).
As to mounting hardware, I recommend you source this from eBay sellers or USCamera.com, or get wrecked cheapo kit zooms. I can supply original Nikon contact blocks, silver pins, or mounting screws, but these parts are pretty expensive and back order delays will occur if I haven't them in stock. I sell then on a net cost basis meaning you get the hardware for the exact same price I pay Nikon myself.
Any questions of how to implement the CPU can be asked and answered here on NG, either by me or other experienced 'chippers'.
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Hi Bjørn,
Are you planning to do another batch?
I'd like to chip:
28 2.0 AI
50 1.2 AIS
50 1.4 AI
105 2.5 AI
Thanks,
Bjørn
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I have new stock available.
28/2 and 105/2.5 are easy, 50/1.4 is doable, and the 50/1.2 is a challenge even for Dr. Lens.
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Bjørn, I have some pre chipped Nikkor lenses, not sure how to define that. ;)
In order of focal length:
55mm f 2.8 Micro #281115 (minimum aperture f32)
105mm f2.5 #677139 (converted to AI by filing a gap on the periphery of the mount) (minimum aperture f32)
180mm f2.8 #376338 (minimum aperture f32)
300mm f 2.8 #605808 (minimum aperture f22)
In order of usage:
55mm f2.8 Micro (one of my most used lenses)
300mm f2.8
105mm f2.5
180mm f2.8
Do any of these lenses present any particular challenge to add chips?
Will any of these lenses benefit more from chipping than others?
I am trying to prioritise, I can't afford to chip them all at once, maybe even not all of them at all. After all they take good images as they are, I see it mostly as a convenience thing and I can manage the inconvenience. They are mainly used on D300s and D200, (inc. IR and UV variants) I am planning a D3 later this year.
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All of these are quite easy to modify.
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Thank you for that Bjørn.
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Bjørn,
How do I go about ordering the chips?
I'll skip the 50 1.2 for now, but would like to try the 28/2, 50/1.4 & 105/2.5.
Thanks,
Bjørn
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Send me a PM
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If you were going to chip a PK-13 extension tube, how would the chip be programmed? Would it still be programmed as a 55mm f/3.5?
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Depends on how you intend to use the PK-13.
For the 55/3.5 as a host lens, effective aperture would be f/5.3. Thus, I would have set the CPU to f/5.3 and 55 mm focal length.
(Edit: the correct effective aperture is f/5.3 not f/5 at M=0.5. Blame my failing memory and being stubborn enough not to check a figure by recalculating it !!)
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Is the Medical Nikkor 120mm doable?
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Yes, but the internal linkage coupling focusing and aperture must be "broken" so these operate independently. Then, as the lens has no normal means of communicating aperture to/from the camera, one must use a "G" chip.
I have done a few of these over the years and recommend the first step of undoing the linkage be conducted by a qualified Nikon repair shop, as this is seated deep into the lens casing.
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Yes, but the internal linkage coupling focusing and aperture must be "broken" so these operate independently. Then, as the lens has no normal means of communicating aperture to/from the camera, one must use a "G" chip.
I have done a few of these over the years and recommend the first step of undoing the linkage be conducted by a qualified Nikon repair shop, as this is seated deep into the lens casing.
Very nice, I have been searching for a 120 repair manual after reading a post of yours about the mods you did to your lens just too see how involved it was, never found it though. Can you recommend a shop over here in the USA by any chance?
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How do I go about getting you paid for that G chip?
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Abroad at present, but can deal with this in a weeks' time. A 'G' chip programmed for the 120 with mounting hardware and shipping will cost around 75 USD, payable through Paypal.
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Abroad at present, but can deal with this in a weeks' time. A 'G' chip programmed for the 120 with mounting hardware and shipping will cost around 75 USD, payable through Paypal.
OK, I will get in touch next week.
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Would chipping the Voightländer 180 be a good idea?
/Johan
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Certainly. I have delivered several CPU kits for this lens.
Be advised, however, that the Voigtländer APO-Lanthars are built in a manner unlike most other lenses and therefore modifying them calls for expertise. This is because they really have replaceable rear ends to fit various camera brands and this in turn adds a lot of extra bits and pieces inside (for reversing the direction of the aperture ring etc.).
Our 'Dr. Lens', Erik Lund, will do this for you. Send him a PM and inform me of the outcome so I can send him the required parts.
Good luck with your lens. It is a small and neat yet powerful lens.
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Bjorn,
Do you have a chip for the 50mm f1.8 E lens?
Sometimes when using it with auto-ISO the camera will miss the exposure by a big margin
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I have, but modifying this lens is a little tricky due to the required internal trimming. Erik Lund will do it for you (for a fee) if you ask him, though.
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The fee is 100€ for the uncomplicated lenses.
200€ for complicated lenses.
500€ for the impossible lenses...
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I assume the fee for 'impossible' lenses takes the longer work hours into consideration ??
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Yes :) It reflect the non-commercial approach to chipping.
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Over the years, quite a few of these 'impossible' projects have been duly documented here and elsewhere.
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Thanks guys
Considering the little use I give to the lens, and that it costed me 70 dollars, plus about $50 for shipping and import fees, in this case I would have to send it to Europe, buy the chip, pay for the install ... this does not look very cost effective
Instead I'll like to try my luck, a dremel and a bit of patience does magic, but if I mess it up, I can just buy another one ... I see a few on amazon in the same price range, in the process I may have some fun and learn something new
I have an unused 18-55 zoom from where I might be able to take some parts , like the contacts , I'm guessing here, assuming those parts can be taken , I can take a look later today
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The CPU modification can never be anything else than a "cottage industry". As with any manual labour process, it is by definition going to be expensive. However, one modifies a lens not for getting the lowest price, but to reap the advantages of having a lens fully compatible with any F-mount camera. Look for features supported by Ai-P lenses in the manual for any current camera.
When one deals with loads of manual lenses, one quickly learns to appreciate the improved support. And the EXIF information will be automatically correct too.
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Hi Bjørn!
I would love to have my 300mm f/2.8 Nikkor to be chipped, so I can take advantage of trap focusing.
My copy is the 3rd generation I believe, and I think the rear mount would have to be machined to fit in a dandelion chip or anything that does the job.
May I please have a quote? I can take the mount off and mail it if needed, no way it's possible for me to do it myself, I have 0 experience. Looking to get the job done end of this year, after my final exams :)
Thanks!
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Is there any chance for this to be revived? 😀
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At present, not very likely. The production and subsequent sales took a lot of my time and drained financial resources. Concomitantly Nikon spare parts saw a massive price hike (contact block parts).
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Well if you do change your mind Birna, I have a number of lenses that would really love to be chipped............. ;D
And don't be afraid to charge what the parts are really costing you - you should not under any circumstances end up out of pocket because in times gone by you have really helped a great many of us to extract better performance and flexibility from our older lenses and accessories. Possibly with the recent arrival of the Z6 & Z7 and the FTZ adapter it will continue to make good sense to chip our older lenses. Just my 0.02c worth.
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ill keep an eye for them...if i found a cheap supplier i will let you know :o :o :o
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+1 I also have a few lenses to chip.
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ill keep an eye for them...if i found a cheap supplier i will let you know :o :o :o
Thanks Richard. There are hardly any supplier that can be found here in the Philippines. Hopefully you have better luck and connections.
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I can order the contact block parts directly from Nikon. Apart from the increased price, and sometimes a bit of waiting for the delivery, no issues.
The dedicated CPU prints, however, will require a new production run with all the overhead that entails.
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Keeping my fingers crossed and hope for good news.
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I've been out of photography for a while, but now I'm back in the loop I find that chipping some of my lenses has become a priority for me.
I've managed to suppress that new-joiner syndrome of providing a life history, and I'll cut to the chase.
I wonder if it would be too much to ask Bjorn/Birna to share some of the technical details of their past work with some forum members if it is not in their plans to continue to produce what sounds like it was a great range of products. I'm referring particularly to the route they took and the methods they used to create and program the chips and the circuits.
I should add that I have no commercial interest - everything I do is hobby or volunteering and both of these leave me well out of pocket.
Sad to be late to the party, but glad to join the clan !
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Yes that would be great to hear from B, I have only heard parts of the story over the years, I believe it was never disclosed to protect the intellectual property and not to 'offend' Nikon ;)
Also Nikon has never acknowledged that it even works for all of their MF lenses even though they have a few AI-P lenses that does exactly the same thing!
It is possible to find some of the Nikon CPU enigma among other tidbits if you google for instance:
Reverse engineering Nikon CPU
Among other things the clue to the history behind Dandelion CPU's and LensId list for Nikon lenses pop up ;)
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One walks on a tight rope vs a big company such as Nikon. They are aware of what I have done, but tolerate this as long as it is a minute niche activity of the 'cottage' kind. Their interest is of course to sell new lenses, not having old ones recycled without any direct profit to the company. Arguably a short-sighted perspective on the situation, but that's how it is.
Relationships built over many years mean I can order factory parts and spares. Unfortunately the last years have seen a significant price hike on parts and that in combination with all the hassle of helping people to implement their CPU modifications - and solve issues when they do something stupid - plus the declining market for bespoke and seemingly expensive solutions made me decide to drop the CPU project once inventory ran out.
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The chipped lenses will for sure survive for a very long time and remain sought after items.
A huge thank you for your work making chipping F-mount lenses of all sorts possible!
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A huge thank you for your work making chipping F-mount lenses of all sorts possible!
Same from me. :)
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And from me also. Your PCBs simply work.
My experience with Dandelion chips however has been fraught. I cannot be 100% sure, but the AF in one of my D200 bodies ceased working after having a lens with a Dandelion chip mounted on it.
Same from me. :)
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A huge thank you for your work making chipping F-mount lenses of all sorts possible!
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