Nikon 300mm F/4 AF (1987-2000) Drop-in filters

[cscottrun4it]

I'm sorry if these are dumb questions, but I'm very interested in the lens above, BUT have real worries about the drop-in filters. I don't understand how they work, logistically, not optically.

The filter "holder" goes into the lens, but does it lock into the lens so it doesn't fall out? I'm looking at pictures of it and reading about it, and I'm just not sure. Information is really scattered, with some posts suggesting the holders fall out.

The actual filter itself cannot be changed so that one drop-in "holder" can be used with multiple filters? Am I getting that right? Basically, Nikon sent a clear filter in a drop-in holder with the lens, and if you wanted a polarizer, you went out and bought a different holder with its CPF. If I have that right, a CPF is now more expensive than the lens?

Thanks for any help anyone can provide.

[Birna Rørslett]

These filters don't "fall out" if you lock them in place. There is a small knob on top of the filter holder that is used for this purpose. You twist the knob to rotate a small locking tab to secure the filter holder. The fit of the holder besides is very snug, so the chance of it falling out even when unlocked is very small.

The usual size of the filters are 39mm and 52mm,  the latter being used for some of the fast long lenses such as the 300/2.8. Don't remember the size for the 300/4, but probably would be the 39mm.

The 39mm filters had an unusual shape as the rim flares out to make the filter unit very slim. Otherwise it won't fit inside. The filters came in a kit stored into a small pocket-sized holder. There is a gel holder frame as well.

Why is the polariser so expensive? Firstly because the demand for them was smaller, secondly because they had to be special design with a rotation frame that could be operated from the outside.

I have this filter system on my 300/2.8 lenses, plus 400, 500, 600, 800, and 1200. I do have the polariser as well (39mm) but rarely use it.

[Snoogly]

I have several 39mm filters I’d be happy to let go for the cost of postage from Japan, but not a CPL. Though I can’t see why front mounted CPL wouldn’t be a viable option.

I think I may have the lens you mentioned, but I only ever popped open the filter tray out of curiosity. Any other filter goes on the front.

[mxbianco]

I have several 39mm filters I’d be happy to let go for the cost of postage from Japan, but not a CPL. Though I can’t see why front mounted CPL wouldn’t be a viable option.

I think I may have the lens you mentioned, but I only ever popped open the filter tray out of curiosity. Any other filter goes on the front.

The AF 300/4 has 82mm filters, so it's still feasible to put a CPL on the front, although a good one will cost almost as much if not more than the filter tray version.

But what if you want to put a CPL onto a 600/4? (160mm diameter). This is where the filter tray is essential.

Filter trays for the 300/4 and other models (the 600/4 MF comes to mind) come in three types:

• Standard 39mm filter tray
• Gel holder tray (you have to cut the gel filters to 39mm circular size, a clip will hold them in place)
• Specialised 39mm CPL tray

The last one has a small dial that can be operated from outside the lens: turning the dial moves a series of small gears that turn the filter itself and the internal mount. The dial itself is actually one of the gears in the system. Since an image is better than a thousand words, here goes (see attached image)...

From the photo you can also see how the locking mechanism operates: you press the knob, this enables the knob to rotate, you turn the knob and the locking mechanism engages in the lens. To disengage, press and rotate again.

The Nikon code for this filter tray (39mm, inclusive of PL? Dunno, I bought it used as a whole) is C-PL2s. The larger one (52mm) is -I believe- C-PL2L

Ciao from Massimo
 

 

[mxbianco]

BTW, you can expect to pay up to 350€ (400$) for a C-PL2s or C-PL2L, the latter being easier to find on the used market.

Sometimes there are exceptions, in 2019 I only paid 65,40€ for mine, but I had been monitoring Ebay for 2 years (searches with notification) prior to that bargain surfacing from Spain.
Most notifications were of C-PL2Ls.

Ciao from Massimo