Anyway to override auto on a Nikon lens? at DVinfo.net

Phil Hanna · November 28th, 2009, 06:40 PM

I bought a 20mm Nikon lens off eBay. The lens arrived and is beautiful except when I try to adjust the aperture ring, it functions normally, but I don't see the lens step down. I thought I read somewhere that you can fix a lens that works with the camera electronics to perform in manual mode. The lens is a 20mm Nikon AF Nikor. Any suggestions? I am afraid if I try to get this repaired, it will cost more than I paid for it. My other option is since the 20mm lens is wide open, I might step down the shot with my EX-1 aperture control. Any thoughts?

Phil

Bob Hart · November 30th, 2009, 11:25 AM

Until wiser advice comes along, this is a guess at best. Look for a little sliding switch which has letters "M" and "A" or anything which looks like it is a switch or lock. If you find one, whatever it is on, switch it to the other choice.

In back of the lens there may be a lever sticking out facing backwards and its movement sideways. It is intended to interact with with camera mechanicals inside the mount.

Push this little lever against its spring pressure to its most opposite end-travel and hold it there. Now turn the aperture (iris) ring.

You may then find that the iris blades now move. If that is happening and you cannot find a "M" or manual selector, you may be able to make a wedge to hold the iris lever against its spring return pressure so that the aperture ring remains manually operable.

November 28th, 2009, 06:40 PM	#1
Phil Hanna Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Indian Rocks Beach, FL Posts: 165	Anyway to override auto on a Nikon lens? I bought a 20mm Nikon lens off eBay. The lens arrived and is beautiful except when I try to adjust the aperture ring, it functions normally, but I don't see the lens step down. I thought I read somewhere that you can fix a lens that works with the camera electronics to perform in manual mode. The lens is a 20mm Nikon AF Nikor. Any suggestions? I am afraid if I try to get this repaired, it will cost more than I paid for it. My other option is since the 20mm lens is wide open, I might step down the shot with my EX-1 aperture control. Any thoughts? Phil

November 30th, 2009, 11:25 AM	#2
Bob Hart Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: PERTH. W.A. AUSTRALIA. Posts: 4,476	Until wiser advice comes along, this is a guess at best. Look for a little sliding switch which has letters "M" and "A" or anything which looks like it is a switch or lock. If you find one, whatever it is on, switch it to the other choice. In back of the lens there may be a lever sticking out facing backwards and its movement sideways. It is intended to interact with with camera mechanicals inside the mount. Push this little lever against its spring pressure to its most opposite end-travel and hold it there. Now turn the aperture (iris) ring. You may then find that the iris blades now move. If that is happening and you cannot find a "M" or manual selector, you may be able to make a wedge to hold the iris lever against its spring return pressure so that the aperture ring remains manually operable.