NikonGear'23

Gear Talk => Lens Talk => Topic started by: John Harkus on November 13, 2020, 19:28:35

Title: Pre-Ai lenses on the FTZ adaptor
Post by: John Harkus on November 13, 2020, 19:28:35

So, the official instructions for the FTZ adaptor say that non-Ai (their words) lenses cannot be used.

I can't see any reason as to why this would be the case, as the FTZ lacks any physical aperture communication - can anyone enlighten me?

Thanks

John

Title: Re: Pre-Ai lenses on the FTZ adaptor
Post by: golunvolo on November 13, 2020, 20:00:42

I really don´t know why. I´m using the pre-ai (non Ai) 55mm 3.5 macro in the ftz with no problem at all

Title: Re: Pre-Ai lenses on the FTZ adaptor
Post by: Birna Rørslett on November 13, 2020, 20:53:23

The rear flange on the lens aperture ring might stick or bind to the FTZ. Nothing a Dremel cannot cure ....

Title: Re: Pre-Ai lenses on the FTZ adaptor
Post by: MILLIREHM on November 13, 2020, 22:10:40

My (non dremeled) Nikkor-H auto 50 mm f/2 does not fit although it was brute-force Ai-D

Title: Re: Pre-Ai lenses on the FTZ adaptor
Post by: richardHaw on November 14, 2020, 10:56:45

most lenses would fit except for the really early ones with the extended aperture ring :o :o :o

Title: Re: Pre-Ai lenses on the FTZ adaptor
Post by: John Harkus on November 14, 2020, 16:49:03

Thanks all, just tried a pre-Ai 50mm, fitted easily and worked fine, as usual Nikon appear to be very conservative in their warnings

Title: Re: Pre-Ai lenses on the FTZ adaptor
Post by: mxbianco on November 15, 2020, 09:07:48

Quote from: John Harkus on November 14, 2020, 16:49:03

Thanks all, just tried a pre-Ai 50mm, fitted easily and worked fine, as usual Nikon appear to be very conservative in their warnings

Better safe than sorry! I once clicked a vintage pre-AI 2.8cm onto my D300, and it was then really hard to click it off. Now that lens has a red label NON-DIGITAL as a reminder not to do it again!

After that bad trip, if I want to test a vintage lens, I rotate veeery slowly and if there's any doubt or increasing resistance, I don't go any further...

Ciao from Massimo

Title: Re: Pre-Ai lenses on the FTZ adaptor
Post by: John Harkus on November 15, 2020, 19:02:14

Quote from: mxbianco on November 15, 2020, 09:07:48

Better safe than sorry! I once clicked a vintage pre-AI 2.8cm onto my D300, and it was then really hard to click it off. Now that lens has a red label NON-DIGITAL as a reminder not to do it again!

After that bad trip, if I want to test a vintage lens, I rotate veeery slowly and if there's any doubt or increasing resistance, I don't go any further...

Ciao from Massimo

That's sensible advice Massimo, cheers

Title: Re: Pre-Ai lenses on the FTZ adaptor
Post by: Birna Rørslett on November 15, 2020, 19:17:45

Alternatively, a clear indication the use of a Dremel is called for !!!

The advice not to continue mounting a lens if unexpected resistance is encountered is very sound, by the way.