Nikon's Z-mount teleconverter comes with a nasty design, do I even own it?

[Macro_Cosmos]

Nikon's Z-mount teleconverter is designed by someone out of touch with reality.
I purchased it with the intention of trying it on my microscopes.  Microscopes often deploy what is known as a magnification changer or projection eyepieces to add magnification.  This way, the limited field number can cover larger sensors.
What I did not know what Nikon's deliberate nasty design to intentionally limit their teleconverters to only function with their expensive z-mount telephoto lenses.  One may think this is their attempt to avoid issues where people might try to mount it onto lenses that are not compatible -- I beg to differ.  That case being a pathetic testament of user intelligence aside, the TC has a protruding element that would not even permit the mounting of ordinary lenses such as the 24-120mm.

Nikon added this extra small tab.  This tab makes it impossible to mount the teleconverter onto my PURELY MECHANICAL z-mount to f-mount adaptor.  It also means that this will NOT work with the FTZ. 

I cannot begin to describe how utterly ridiculous and idiotic this design is.
Apparently, the F-mount's 800mm F5.6 came with a TC-1.25x that had a tab which restricted mounting.  However, the tab can be easily removed.
For me to remove this tab, I will have to take the bloody mount off and file it away.  Why is this necessary? 

When will Nikon stop making such anti-consumer products?

The TC-2.0x (and likely also the TC-1.4x) does not have a Z-mount.  I will coin ZW, the z-mount with a wart.

Ridiculous.  I am going to write them a letter asking to purchase a mount so I can modify it.  If they deny it, I will be very pissed.

[Birna Rørslett]

it's called a "Dremel challenge". We had the same with the previous AFS TCs. A few minutes work with a Dremel is all it takes.

[Macro_Cosmos]

it's called a "Dremel challenge". We had the same with the previous AFS TCs. A few minutes work with a Dremel is all it takes.

I would like to still have the old mount, just in case I want to sell it.

I called around this morning, they are not allowed to sell me repair parts.  Luckily, I was able to source a loose Z-mount from Mainland China, where residents usually own what they buy, thanks to places like Shenzhen.  The mount looks to be a direct fit.
It is held in via 4 screws, each with blue threadlocker.  I wonder how the FTZ/Viltrox et cetera adaptors will see this thing after I convert it.  If it works well with older telephotos, I would like to make sure Nikon sells fewer Z-mount ones for all the trouble I had to endure.

The TC1.25x for the 800mm/E has a small bracket as a hindrance.  That thing is easily removed, the camera does not see the TC1.25x.  I think it will be the same case for modern Z-mount ones.  As far as I know, I am the first to attempt modification on modern Z-mount TCs.  If nothing works, I will just make a threaded mount.

[Macro_Cosmos]

Test shot taken with the TC-2.0x Z-mount modified to fix an FTZ type adaptor.
With Nikon's FTZ, the screen shows an error I have never seen before aside from outdated firmware.


They did not just implement hardware limitations.  A software one exists too. 
There is definitely a way around this.  Viltrox might be able to do it, but I cannot see them motivated enough.  I hope they release some teleconverters in the future too.

[Birna Rørslett]

I like your fighting spirit .... however your opponent is big and mighty If any consolation, the exact same issues arise if TC14Z replaces the TC20Z. For better or worse, Nikon strictly adhere to their own play book.

Forcing the TC into an FTZ is possible if you Dremel away parts of the stray light guard.  However, it won't help in the end if the software lock engages.

Putting an extension ring with pass-through contacts on the TC, then a *supported* lens on the front will work, however, won't add much practical value?

[Nasos Kosmas]

Nice try thanks for the update

[Macro_Cosmos]

I like your fighting spirit .... however your opponent is big and mighty If any consolation, the exact same issues arise if TC14Z replaces the TC20Z. For better or worse, Nikon strictly adhere to their own play book.

Forcing the TC into an FTZ is possible if you Dremel away parts of the stray light guard.  However, it won't help in the end if the software lock engages.

Putting an extension ring with pass-through contacts on the TC, then a *supported* lens on the front will work, however, won't add much practical value?

I think I will be purchasing the TC-1.4x Z as well for this reason: https://www.photomacrography.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=48840&p=307879#p307879

The image quality is superb.  I see no loss of sharpness with the TC-2.0x unless I zoom in 400%+ for tiny hints of CA to show up.  Obviously, the TC was coupled with top-notch objectives as well.

An adaptor will need to trick the camera into thinking the lens is compatible.  Since the FTZ handles AF on F-mount lenses, I would like to assume the lock is merely software.  The camera sees the Z-mount TC and then an adaptor it does not recognise, or it does, they just do not want us to use it this way.  Is there a way to trick the camera into thinking the FTZ and whatever's attached is say, a 500mm F4S, or a compatible lens?
The FTZ would recognise the lens being mounted to it.  So these signals can then be converted to something the camera with the TC likes.

It is dobale for sure but there is no motivation I think.  The audience of large primes would just say "buy a modern one", they can afford it.  I am not saying they are wealthy, they can justify it and sell off one of their big F-mount primes that holds value anyway.
It was fun until I scratched the thing.  I will be keeping it though so it does not matter in the end.  Even if I change systems, I will simply replace both mounts with SM2 threads. 

There is a lunar eclipse tonight.  Time for this unconventional setup to capture more moon images.

[Macro_Cosmos]

The Viltrox arrived.  It produces the same "lens not supported" result.
I also purchased a TC800-1.25E ED 1.25x.  I was not able to use it.  A bracket held by two screws impeded mounting.  I removed them and the teleconverter worked.
I can see no impact on focusing speed or image quality, this will stay glued to my 300PF until I get the 2.8 G VR II.

[Frank Fremerey]

The Viltrox arrived.  It produces the same "lens not supported" result.
I also purchased a TC800-1.25E ED 1.25x.  I was not able to use it.  A bracket held by two screws impeded mounting.  I removed them and the teleconverter worked.
I can see no impact on focusing speed or image quality, this will stay glued to my 300PF until I get the 2.8 G VR II.

My solution is still to mount the F-Mount-TC14E3 to the 300PF and the FTZ on the "legal side". AF speed is very slow with that setup so I undust my D850 or D500 for the purpose.


I tried the Z-Mount-TC14 at Birna with her Z4.5/400S, which is a very capable combo on the Z9