D800E AI meter coupler problem?

I recently purchased a non-AI lens with a factory AI conversion. Everything on the lens itself seems functional with perhaps the aperture ring being a bit loose.

However, when mounting onto my D800E with the lens set at f/22, the camera reads f/64. I open the aperture up to f/5.6 and the camera interprets at most f/8. I have the manual focus settings set properly in the Non-CPU lens bank (it's a 15mm f/5.6).

If I unmount the lens slightly (moving the AI arm out a bit) when wide open I can get f/5.6 reported, but stopping down goes quickly to f/16, f/32 and f/64 well before I hit f/22 on the ring itself. The camera jumps multiple stops with each aperture click.

I can also cheat the Non-CPU lens bank with a max aperture at f/1.4 to get 5.6 reported when wide open, but the aperture scaling is still borked.

Is there a way to properly calibrate the AI meter coupler, or is this a future Nikon service call? I can work the lens in full M mode if I ignore the reported f-stop and exposure reporting. I don't have any exposure issues with my full AFS lenses, but those aren't using the AI arm for metering.

Thanks!

JD

Are you sure this is a factory conversuon?

scrane said:

Are you sure this is a factory conversuon?

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This.

The OP should probably check: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/nikortek.htm#aid

Since you pretty much cannot find any of those factory AI conversion kits anymore, I would recommend that you demand a refund.

EDIT: Also, check whether the AI coupling ridge on your 15mm 1:5.6 corresponds to the position of the coupling ridge seen here: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/images1/15mm-f56/D3S_8970-950.jpg

There is the lens in question:





There are 3 AI conversion kits available but previously asking Pacific Rim Camera said there weren't significant differences between them.

Also, I visited a local camera shop today and tried out a 50mm f/1.8 AI lens. It too had the same issues.

I'm 90% sure it's the camera's AI lever now but perhaps someone else has encountered this problem?

Then send your equipment (the camera body plus the troublesome lenses) to a service center.

Is the sensing tab on the body bent? It should stand up straight.

Does it move when you push it [CCW]? There should be a small spring tension.

You should be able to look underneath the lens and watch the AI rib on the lens push the tab as you mount a lens.

You are selecting the lens in the non cpu table? It is the only way the camera knows which le s you are using.

chuxter said:

Is the sensing tab on the body bent? It should stand up straight.

Does it move when you push it [CCW]? There should be a small spring tension.

You should be able to look underneath the lens and watch the AI rib on the lens push the tab as you mount a lens.

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Yes, the tab seems perfectly normal. Not bent at all, and it has the appropriate spring action.

Overall the mechanicals seems to be working just fine. It's the correlation of angular position of the AI lever to selected aperture that seems amiss.

Should I try reflashing the firmware (if possible) before going the service center route?

Also, yes I am using the non-cpu lens settings.

inweglos said:

chuxter said:

Is the sensing tab on the body bent? It should stand up straight.

Does it move when you push it [CCW]? There should be a small spring tension.

You should be able to look underneath the lens and watch the AI rib on the lens push the tab as you mount a lens.

Click to expand...

Yes, the tab seems perfectly normal. Not bent at all, and it has the appropriate spring action.

Overall the mechanicals seems to be working just fine. It's the correlation of angular position of the AI lever to selected aperture that seems amiss.

Should I try reflashing the firmware (if possible) before going the service center route?

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I'd try resetting the camera. If that fails, then download might be an option?

inweglos said:

Also, yes I am using the non-cpu lens settings.

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This ever get resolved? Been having crazy issue with erratic meter control arm on D7000, and I did do the non-cpu setup. Moving the arm just a bad bumps the aperture from max value (2.5) all the way up to F22, and then F32.

APS in Chicago says its "circuitry", quoting me $265.

Tom Co said:

This ever get resolved?

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I don't know. It wasn't my camera that had the problem. Sorry.