Convert Canon FD tilt shift to Nikon?

[CardBoardBoxProcessor]

Hello, I really want tilt shift. I had a Samyang 24mm TS and the optics quality was garbage. But I loved the abilities it possessed. I have the more modern 28 & 35mm NIkkor PC lenses and like them quite a lot. However without tilt getting more in focus is less possible. There are the Arasat lenses which look nice but you cannot shift and tilt on the same axis. And it loks unmodifiable as the shift and titl joints are on the same piece.

the Canon TS, however, seems rotatable by 90 degrees. However it is a Canon FD mount. How hard is it to convert? According to blueprints of the lens the munt can be removed completely and leaves a small Ring that would need to be removed. Then a F mount installed via screws.

How hard is it to do this?

[Les Olson]

An alternative worth looking at is tilt-shift adapters for medium format lenses on 35mm cameras.  Arax, Mirex, Kipon and maybe Fotodiox make them.  Because the medium format lenses have larger image circles ordinary MF lenses can be used as tilt-shift on 35mm, and many second-hand manual focus medium format lenses are optically excellent and very reasonably priced. 

Mamiya made a 645 55mm shift lens (no tilt) that is also relatively inexpensive that you could use with a plain adapter. 

[CardBoardBoxProcessor]

Yeah I have a 65mm Hartblei shift. It is nice. but It is so nice I'd like a moderately wider shift.

There is a 45mm Hartblei but seems only folks in Germany are selling them currently an none respond to my inquiries about international shipping,

[richardHaw]

maybe i should make one 

[CardBoardBoxProcessor]

you mod lenses often?

[Bjørn Rørslett]

I have one of these FD lenses modified to 'F' mount. Quite tricky operation in fact, but obviously doable

[CardBoardBoxProcessor]

Yes, you are the one that inspired the idea. what makes it tricky though?

[Bjørn Rørslett]

When the FD breech lock is removed, the rear end contains a revolving mechanism using a locking nut. That nut is a royal pain to incorporate in an 'F' mount. Apart from that challenge, there is the non-trivial matter of adjusting the lens for correct focus on the Nikons. Rotational movement of the lens is restricted to about 270 degrees due to parts hitting the overhanging finders of the Nikons.

Optical quality is good, but any of the later PC(E)-Nikkors will be better.

[CardBoardBoxProcessor]

Ah well guess I'll pass that then lol.
Thanks for the description. Sounds out of my league

[richardHaw]

I may attempt doing this. the problem is that there is 2mm plus difference between the FD and F mount 

[Bjørn Rørslett]

This difference by and large disappears when the FD breechlock mount is removed ...

[Hugh_3170]

Would this lens do better than 270 degrees on the Nikon Df?

When the FD breech lock is removed, the rear end contains a revolving mechanism using a locking nut. That nut is a royal pain to incorporate in an 'F' mount. Apart from that challenge, there is the non-trivial matter of adjusting the lens for correct focus on the Nikons. Rotational movement of the lens is restricted to about 270 degrees due to parts hitting the overhanging finders of the Nikons.

Optical quality is good, but any of the later PC(E)-Nikkors will be better.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

A good question. Currently abroad (Poland) so need to return to Oslo to be able to answer this. Hopefully the somewhat nefarious air carrier we are using will keep their time table for once and then I'll be back within 24 hours

[CardBoardBoxProcessor]

Ah so you still have that lens?

[Bjørn Rørslett]

I don't sell existing lenses as a main rule. One will more often than not regret any sale.