NikonGear'23

Gear Talk => Camera Talk => Topic started by: aerobat on January 06, 2023, 23:20:39

Title: Z6ii lens mounting action
Post by: aerobat on January 06, 2023, 23:20:39
I've had my Z6ii and 20mm f1.8; 35mm f1.8; 50mm f/1.8 and 105 MC 2.8 for a few months and really like the new system.
When mounting lenses on my Z I notice mainly with the 35mm f1.8 an uneven rotation movement as if the weather seal was a bit tight and producing friction.
This results in a stuttering movement. Did anyone else notice this?
The Z mount probably has tighter tolerances than F mount. On my F mount lenses the mounting feels smoother.
Title: Re: Z6ii lens mounting action
Post by: Fons Baerken on January 07, 2023, 00:27:20
Right, the mounting is quite stiff, de-engaging the stiffness is even worse, imo.
Title: Re: Z6ii lens mounting action
Post by: Ian Watson on January 07, 2023, 04:04:55
My 35mm f/1.8 is stiff too. I’m not sure whether to be glad that it’s not just me.

My 85mm f/1.8 is fine.
Title: Re: Z6ii lens mounting action
Post by: MEPER on January 07, 2023, 08:10:43
I have a Z50 and it is the same with my 50/1.8 Z that the fit is tight.
The other Z-lenses I have are all with the plastic mount like the 40/2 Z and those lenses are very "smooth" like "butter" to put on and off :-)

What kind of metal is used for the mount on a Z-lens like 50/1.8?
Is it still chromed brass like F-lenses or it is stainless steel or an aluminium alloy?
Title: Re: Z6ii lens mounting action
Post by: Kenneth Rich on January 07, 2023, 20:37:40
Happy to report that my 35mm f1.2 Nokton, while it is a dx lens, is all metal mount, hopefully brass or better, and is  firm but smooth as Beyond butter! Not a Nikon product, of course.
Title: Re: Z6ii lens mounting action
Post by: Ian Watson on January 07, 2023, 21:52:02
I have a Rayqual adapter that is exactly the same. Mounting it feels divine.

Is it perhaps the weather sealing on the Nikkors that is behind the stiffness?
Title: Re: Z6ii lens mounting action
Post by: Fons Baerken on January 08, 2023, 10:22:35
Thinking the z-mount allows for less tolerance vs the f-mount?!
Title: Re: Z6ii lens mounting action
Post by: MEPER on January 08, 2023, 10:46:27
It can also depend on which two metals "meets" each other how "smooth" they are against each other.
E.g. aluminium against aluminium creates a lot of friction. Aluminum against brass is "smooth" etc.
My guess is that F-mount cameras used stainless stel for the camera mount and Z-bodies probably the same.
F-mount lenses had chromed brass mounts but I am not sure about Z-mount lenses what metal they used for that?
Nikon has probably tested it a lot to check the "wear" over time......
Title: Re: Z6ii lens mounting action
Post by: MEPER on January 08, 2023, 11:54:40
I compared my D5200 SLR mount and with an old non-AI F-mount lens like 85/1.8 the action is rather smooth but more rough with a new G-lens like the 35/1.8 DX.
Did Nikon change the metal used for the lens mount?   .....or is it still chromed brass for a lens like the 35/1.8 DX?

Now the contact area on a Z-body / lens is larger so friction will also be increased compared to the F-mount.
Title: Re: Z6ii lens mounting action
Post by: aerobat on January 08, 2023, 13:47:06
Many thanks for all the interesting comments. I was a bit worried that my mount could be warped but now I know it to be normal.
I expect with time that the parts will become smoother to mount.

Title: Re: Z6ii lens mounting action
Post by: Ilkka Nissilä on January 10, 2023, 09:26:25
I always found it a bit annoying how F-mount cameras with larger lenses felt there is a bit too much play in the mount, especially rotationally. Z mount is great as the connection is really firm, even with the adapter it feels like one piece.
Title: Re: Z6ii lens mounting action
Post by: Wally on January 13, 2023, 21:25:25
for statistics only:
My Z6 (not II) and Z 35mm (both very low SNs) mount tight and firm, the motion is smooth though.
No difference to other (recent) Z lenses.