NikonGear'23

Gear Talk => Lens Talk => Topic started by: Zang on June 05, 2025, 03:24:38

Title: Solder-Free Mod for Nikon TC-16A Compatibility with Modern Cameras
Post by: Zang on June 05, 2025, 03:24:38
Hi all,

I've come across several articles online about modifying the TC-16A to work with modern cameras. All these methods involve soldering a wire to bridge contact 3 to the (nonexistent) contact 6. Personally, I find soldering to be less than ideal, and reinstalling the connector with a soldered wire can be quite a hassle.

Instead, I tried performing the modification using just a thin piece of copper foil—and it works perfectly. The process is also incredibly quick and easy. The foil was cut to the desired shape, placed on top of the flex cable, no soldering was involved.

Cheers,
Zang
Title: Re: Solder-Free Mod for Nikon TC-16A Compatibility with Modern Cameras
Post by: Thomas Stellwag on June 05, 2025, 09:15:05
thanks or sharing
Title: Re: Solder-Free Mod for Nikon TC-16A Compatibility with Modern Cameras
Post by: golunvolo on June 05, 2025, 15:33:51
Looks lie a smart and elegant solution. Is the foil fixed in place? I´m thinking on long term
Title: Re: Solder-Free Mod for Nikon TC-16A Compatibility with Modern Cameras
Post by: Zang on June 05, 2025, 16:02:21
thanks or sharing

You are very welcome, Thomas!

Cheers,
Zang
Title: Re: Solder-Free Mod for Nikon TC-16A Compatibility with Modern Cameras
Post by: Zang on June 05, 2025, 16:03:25
Looks lie a smart and elegant solution. Is the foil fixed in place? I´m thinking on long term

Yes, it was. I use paper-thin double tape in the places, where electrical connection is not required. Also, the plastic assembly is very tight and it presses the foil firmly down to the flex cable.

Cheers,
Zang
Title: Re: Solder-Free Mod for Nikon TC-16A Compatibility with Modern Cameras
Post by: Zang on June 05, 2025, 16:17:06
Let me explain a bit more. On the screenshot below:

(1) - This is the 'bridge'

(2) - This plastic part of the casing will press the tip of the foil down to the flex cable after assembling.

(3) - The tip of the foil was bent to ensure firm connection.

(4) and (5) - Glue or (super thin) double side tape can be safely applied in these areas.
Title: Re: Solder-Free Mod for Nikon TC-16A Compatibility with Modern Cameras
Post by: golunvolo on June 05, 2025, 22:51:39
Thank you for the explanation. It looks so neat.
Title: Re: Solder-Free Mod for Nikon TC-16A Compatibility with Modern Cameras
Post by: Erik Lund on June 06, 2025, 11:05:37
Very nice solution! Thank you
Title: Re: Solder-Free Mod for Nikon TC-16A Compatibility with Modern Cameras
Post by: Hugh_3170 on June 06, 2025, 15:54:39
Zang, you can get copper strip with adhesive backing, which would make the modification easier to assemble.
Title: Re: Solder-Free Mod for Nikon TC-16A Compatibility with Modern Cameras
Post by: Zang on June 07, 2025, 19:14:50
Thank you for the explanation. It looks so neat.

Thanks @golunvolo!

Very nice solution! Thank you

Np, thanks Erik!

Zang, you can get copper strip with adhesive backing, which would make the modification easier to assemble.

That's interesting. Good to know, thanks Hugh. I have some thin copper foil laying around, though. And I have paper-thin double side tapes of different sizes, intended for fixing loose focusing rubber. They both work together for my project pretty well!