Gear Talk > Camera Talk

Will Nikon Drop the Aperture and Meter Coupling Levers Soon?

<< < (2/4) > >>

Bjørn Rørslett:
What could be envisioned is a split between classes of cameras and the types of lenses they support natively. We have already seen a move in that direction by the various Dx0-D3xxx - D5xxx - D7xxx models on one hand that have no aperture follower and thus cannot meter with anything without a (native) CPU, and the higher-end cameras D200/D300 plus the single-digit pro-models on the other hand all of which have an aperture follower and thus support metering for lenses without CPU (to some extent).

However, all current Nikons do have an aperture stop-down lever in their mirror box, and that is all what it takes to function with non-E lenses in the future. As long as this stop-down lever is present, all "G" lenses will be supported, and by implication, in fact any lens hosting a CPU capable of communicating with the camera.

Since we already know nearly all manual Nikkors (or lenses with F mount) can be enhanced by installing a CPU in them, there is little to worry about for the future.

simato73:

--- Quote from: Bjørn Rørslett on December 21, 2015, 13:27:30 ---The introduction of low-end "E" lenses will be the indication of a future with main emphasis on "E" cameras. As long as "E" is associated with high-end or specialist optics, this has negligible impact on Nikon's policy as long as the thrust is on cheap "G" lenses.

--- End quote ---

It is funny that now the "E" family of lenses by Nikon defines a high-end class. Once upon a time "E" (albeit Nikon, not Nikkor)  meant Economy - therefore definitely not high-end.

Akira:
AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm/f2.8-4E ED VR is probably the first "lower-end" lens that indicates that the future lens lineups will drop the mechanical aperture levers, although it would not happen too soon.

Bjørn Rørslett:
f/2.8 zooms traditionally aren't considered 'low-end' but I get your point. At one point in time, likely many  years ahead, all lower-end cameras will work only with "E" lenses. 

Akira:
The omission of the aperture lever would also enable Nikon to make fast lenses easier: you don't need to trim the part of the edge of the rear element like on 50/1.2 or Noct 58/1.2.

I happened to find a Nikon's patent for the optical communication between the lens and the body:

http://nikonrumors.com/2011/01/04/nikon-files-a-patent-for-optical-communication-between-lens-and-body.aspx/

Interestingly the optical elements for the commuication are build into the mount like the electric contacts of Pentax KA/FA mounts.  The omission of both the aperture lever and the current contact block should enable Nikon to utilize the full circular opening space of the F-mount.

Of course, moving to optical communication of this system will cause yet another compatibility issue...

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page

[*] Previous page