Nikkor 70~200 VR G lens loose on camera mount

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

I'm glad to find someone else with my same problem, Marcus.

Last year I purchased a Nikon D70 Outfit that comes with an
original 18-70mm DX Zoom-Nikkor lens, and I'm very happy about
the camera quality.
Last month I purchased a Sigma APO 50-500mm F4-6,3EX telephoto lens.
The Sigma lens is also excellent,but from the moment I mounted it on
my D70, I noticed the same problem you describe with your Nikkor
70~200 lens.

I called Sigma and consulted with some photo equipment retailers, and
all of them said that this may be "normal" for "such a big and heavy
lens",but I'm not sure that they are right, or they just think than I'm
a very picky customer.

A salesman said he had tried the D70 with more than one telephoto lens
(even Nikkor originals) and the mount seemed always a little lose.

The Sigma works fine with my D70, without losing focus or electronic
connection at any time, but I still don't like the "lose" fitting between
the lens and the camera body, as if the locking mechanism somehow was worn.

Your post describes the same, supporting the theory that this could be
in fact "normal".

It still worries me that the original 70-70mm Nikkor lens that comes
with my D70 fits perfectly tight, as I believe all the other lenses
should, so I don't know what to believe.

Please let me know if you find any other answer or solution out there,
I'll let you know if I learn something new.

Regards,

Paul




"Marcus" <EyeShotz@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:Xns95DD6DD631A22lenscity@198.161.157.145...
> Hello All! This is my first time posting, so I hope I have the right news
> group. If not, would someone be so kind as to point me in the right
> direction. I have checked out message threads (back to October 4th) in
> this
> news group over the past four days, but have yet to come across one with
> my
> problem.
>
> Last night, while taking pictures at a minor hockey game, I noticed the
> lens was somewhat "loose" on the camera mount. So, I removed the lens and
> remounted it. This did not remedy the situation. After the "click" to
> confirm proper coupling of the lens, there was still a bit of movement in
> both directions while on the mount.
>
> The lens in question is the Nikkor 70~200 VR G Series zoom lens. It was
> mounted on a Nikon D100. I tried the lens on my D70 and had the same
> problem. It is not a large amount of movement but, being a lifelong Nikon
> user, I find this somewhat troubling. Picture quality does not seem to be
> affected.
>
> I do not recall having this happen before - I have been taking pictures
> for
> over 30 years - nor can I recreate this problem with any other Nikon body
> and lens combination.
>
> Has anyone in this group heard of this before?
>
> Thank you in advance for your help!
>
>
>
>
> Marcus

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

"Marcus" <EyeShotz@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:Xns95DD6DD631A22lenscity@198.161.157.145...
>
> Last night, while taking pictures at a minor hockey game, I noticed the
> lens was somewhat "loose" on the camera mount.

I don't believe it should move. Even my very heavy 80-400 mm VR does not
move in the lens mount.

I don't think it should change your autofocus much, though, because the
camera will change focus until the picture is sharp. Manual focus might be
another problem -- not because the camera is hard to focus, but because
after you focus the lens might move a little bit.

The other thing I would worry about is the lens damaging the lens mount on
the camera.

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

On Thu, 13 Jan 2005 17:47:44 GMT, in rec.photo.digital Marcus
<EyeShotz@yahoo.com> wrote:


>Last night, while taking pictures at a minor hockey game, I noticed the
>lens was somewhat "loose" on the camera mount. So, I removed the lens and
>remounted it. This did not remedy the situation. After the "click" to
>confirm proper coupling of the lens, there was still a bit of movement in
>both directions while on the mount.

A bit is a bit subjective. How much are we talking about here? I find my
70-200mm VR and TC20E-II move about as much as my kit 18-70mm lens, just
that the kit lens takes a bit, :-) , more effort to move. I have no other
experience to compare body or lenswise.
----------
Ed Ruf Lifetime AMA# 344007 (Usenet@EdwardG.Ruf.com)
See images taken with my CP-990/5700 & D70 at
http://edwardgruf.com/Digital_Photography/General/index...

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

On Thu, 13 Jan 2005 17:47:44 GMT, Marcus <EyeShotz@yahoo.com> wrote:

>Hello All! This is my first time posting, so I hope I have the right news
>group. If not, would someone be so kind as to point me in the right
>direction. I have checked out message threads (back to October 4th) in this
>news group over the past four days, but have yet to come across one with my
>problem.
>
>Last night, while taking pictures at a minor hockey game, I noticed the
>lens was somewhat "loose" on the camera mount. So, I removed the lens and
>remounted it. This did not remedy the situation. After the "click" to
>confirm proper coupling of the lens, there was still a bit of movement in
>both directions while on the mount.
>
>The lens in question is the Nikkor 70~200 VR G Series zoom lens. It was
>mounted on a Nikon D100. I tried the lens on my D70 and had the same
>problem. It is not a large amount of movement but, being a lifelong Nikon
>user, I find this somewhat troubling. Picture quality does not seem to be
>affected.
>
>I do not recall having this happen before — I have been taking pictures for
>over 30 years — nor can I recreate this problem with any other Nikon body
>and lens combination.

You might want to run this by Nikons online tech support. I used it
recently with some questions about Focusing screens and found it to
work well and the answers correct.

http://www.nikonusa.com/template.php?goingto=dtc_home

http://support.nikontech.com/cgi-bin/nikonusa.cfg/php/e...


**********************************************************

"A people that take no pride in the noble accomplishments
of remote ancestors will never achieve anything worthy
to be remembered with pride by remote descendents."

Thomas Babington Macaulay
_History of England_

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

I use Nikon gears and so far never had one lens that was "loose". Even the
old 80-200 mounts just perfectly on my new D70. I think you should have this
lens checked out.

Gregor

"Marcus" <EyeShotz@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:Xns95DD6DD631A22lenscity@198.161.157.145...
> Hello All! This is my first time posting, so I hope I have the right news
> group. If not, would someone be so kind as to point me in the right
> direction. I have checked out message threads (back to October 4th) in
> this
> news group over the past four days, but have yet to come across one with
> my
> problem.
>
> Last night, while taking pictures at a minor hockey game, I noticed the
> lens was somewhat "loose" on the camera mount. So, I removed the lens and
> remounted it. This did not remedy the situation. After the "click" to
> confirm proper coupling of the lens, there was still a bit of movement in
> both directions while on the mount.
>
> The lens in question is the Nikkor 70~200 VR G Series zoom lens. It was
> mounted on a Nikon D100. I tried the lens on my D70 and had the same
> problem. It is not a large amount of movement but, being a lifelong Nikon
> user, I find this somewhat troubling. Picture quality does not seem to be
> affected.
>
> I do not recall having this happen before - I have been taking pictures
> for
> over 30 years - nor can I recreate this problem with any other Nikon body
> and lens combination.
>
> Has anyone in this group heard of this before?
>
> Thank you in advance for your help!
>
>
>
>
> Marcus

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

John A. Stovall <johnastovall@earthlink.net> wrote in
news:kkidu09elbp9sr8qpfph8ljcdi99biga2v@4ax.com:

>
> You might want to run this by Nikons online tech support. I used it
> recently with some questions about Focusing screens and found it to
> work well and the answers correct.
>
> http://www.nikonusa.com/template.php?goingto=dtc_home
>
> http://support.nikontech.com/cgi-bin/nikonusa.cfg/php/e...
> hp
>
>
Thank you for your suggestion and the links to Nikon.

I must say I am indeed impressed with the help of those in this group! I
just refreshed the headers and have three more replies!  


Marcus

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

"Paul" <paulXX@hotmail.com> wrote in
news:V6adnXBU6JhrbnvcRVn-iQ@giganews.com:

> I'm glad to find someone else with my same problem, Marcus.
>
> Last year I purchased a Nikon D70 Outfit that comes with an
> original 18-70mm DX Zoom-Nikkor lens, and I'm very happy about
> the camera quality.
> Last month I purchased a Sigma APO 50-500mm F4-6,3EX telephoto lens.
> The Sigma lens is also excellent,but from the moment I mounted it on
> my D70, I noticed the same problem you describe with your Nikkor
> 70~200 lens.
>
> I called Sigma and consulted with some photo equipment retailers, and
> all of them said that this may be "normal" for "such a big and heavy
> lens",but I'm not sure that they are right, or they just think than
> I'm a very picky customer.
>
> A salesman said he had tried the D70 with more than one telephoto lens
> (even Nikkor originals) and the mount seemed always a little lose.
>
> The Sigma works fine with my D70, without losing focus or electronic
> connection at any time, but I still don't like the "lose" fitting
> between the lens and the camera body, as if the locking mechanism
> somehow was worn.
>
> Your post describes the same, supporting the theory that this could be
> in fact "normal".
>
> It still worries me that the original 70-70mm Nikkor lens that comes
> with my D70 fits perfectly tight, as I believe all the other lenses
> should, so I don't know what to believe.
>
> Please let me know if you find any other answer or solution out there,
> I'll let you know if I learn something new.
>
> Regards,
>
> Paul




Thank you for sharing your experience. It is interesting to see that I am
not the only one that has encountered this phenomenon with a lens.

I agree with your assessment regarding the D70. The 18~70 DX lens that came
in the kit seems to fit superbly. When it clicks into place, there is no
movement whatsoever.

It gives me reason to pause when salepeople state that this "might" be
considered a normal thing. Methinks they know not of what they speak.  

I look forward to any further messages from you.


Marcus

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

Ed Ruf <egruf_usenet@cox.net> wrote in
news:5q0eu0h954tglhjsg0vdleooaf0rae7rsf@4ax.com:

> A bit is a bit subjective. How much are we talking about here? I find
> my 70-200mm VR and TC20E-II move about as much as my kit 18-70mm lens,
> just that the kit lens takes a bit, :-) , more effort to move. I
> have no other experience to compare body or lenswise.
> ----------
> Ed Ruf Lifetime AMA# 344007 (Usenet@EdwardG.Ruf.com)
> See images taken with my CP-990/5700 & D70 at
> http://edwardgruf.com/Digital_Photography/General/index...


Thank you for your reply.  

I apologize for not making myself clear regarding my post. By a "bit", I
mean about half the thickness of the alignment dot on the lens barrel.
Granted, it is not a large amount of play, but it does bother me that a
lens from a reputable company such as Nikon would have this problem.

While composing this message, my photographer friend (Ronnie) has arrived.
The 70~200 lens has a bit of, though not as much, play on her F4 and F5. I
am beginning to believe this could be considered the "normal" for this
lens.

Oddly enough, she does not own this particular lens. Rather she prefers the
older second generation of the 80~200AF lens. It is rock solid.


Marcus


PS. I will check your website once photography class is out!  

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

"C J Campbell" <christophercampbellNOSPAM@hotmail.com> wrote in
news:FI2dnUWrw58GgXrcRVn-rQ@wavecable.com:

>
> "Marcus" <EyeShotz@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:Xns95DD6DD631A22lenscity@198.161.157.145...
>
> I don't believe it should move. Even my very heavy 80-400 mm VR does
> not move in the lens mount.
>
> I don't think it should change your autofocus much, though, because
> the camera will change focus until the picture is sharp. Manual focus
> might be another problem -- not because the camera is hard to focus,
> but because after you focus the lens might move a little bit.
>
> The other thing I would worry about is the lens damaging the lens
> mount on the camera.
>
>

Thank you, and everyone, for the very useful information provided!

I agree that a lens should not move on the mount. However, (see previous
reply to Ed)it seems to be the "normal" for the 70~200VR.

The 80~400VR lens was one lens I had considered purchasing. However, I
was informed by numerous laypersons, as well as others in the photography
field, that it would not suit my shooting of sports action all that well.

I will be contacting Nikon directly regarding any possible damage to the
mount.

By the way, how do you like your 80~400?


Marcus

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

"GTO" <gregor_o@NOSPAMyahoo.com> wrote in
news:cAFFd.10252$wZ2.7631@newssvr13.news.prodigy.com:

> I use Nikon gears and so far never had one lens that was "loose". Even
> the old 80-200 mounts just perfectly on my new D70. I think you should
> have this lens checked out.
>
> Gregor
>
>

Thank you for your suggestion. I will be contacting Nikon with a host of
questions regarding this particular lens (please refer to previous post and
replies in this thread) as well as any possible damage to the camera
mounts.


Marcus

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

"Marcus" <EyeShotz@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:Xns95DD6DD631A22lenscity@198.161.157.145...
| Hello All! This is my first time posting, so I hope I have the right news
| group. If not, would someone be so kind as to point me in the right
| direction. I have checked out message threads (back to October 4th) in this
| news group over the past four days, but have yet to come across one with my
| problem.
|
| Last night, while taking pictures at a minor hockey game, I noticed the
| lens was somewhat "loose" on the camera mount. So, I removed the lens and
| remounted it. This did not remedy the situation. After the "click" to
| confirm proper coupling of the lens, there was still a bit of movement in
| both directions while on the mount.
|
| The lens in question is the Nikkor 70~200 VR G Series zoom lens. It was
| mounted on a Nikon D100. I tried the lens on my D70 and had the same
| problem. It is not a large amount of movement but, being a lifelong Nikon
| user, I find this somewhat troubling. Picture quality does not seem to be
| affected.
|
| I do not recall having this happen before - I have been taking pictures for
| over 30 years - nor can I recreate this problem with any other Nikon body
| and lens combination.
|
| Has anyone in this group heard of this before?
|
| Thank you in advance for your help!

I have a D70 and the Nikkor 70~200 VR G. The lens fits tightly on the body.
I would have the lens checked; even if the lens still works on the camera,
there is always the possibility of light leaking between the lens and the
camera body.

Good luck,
Rick


|
|
|
|
| Marcus

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

On Thu, 13 Jan 2005 17:12:55 -0800, in rec.photo.digital "C J Campbell"
<christophercampbellNOSPAM@hotmail.com> wrote:

>I don't believe it should move. Even my very heavy 80-400 mm VR does not
>move in the lens mount.

Just for reference your "very heavy" 80-400 VR isn't heavier than the
70-200mm VR.

80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR = 49 oz
http://www.nikonusa.com/template.php?cat=1&grp=5&produc...

70-200mm f/2.8 VR = 51.9 oz with tripod collar, 49.2 oz without, though
http://www.nikonusa.com/template.php?cat=1&grp=5&produc...
has it as a tad less.

Any how, the main point is the 80-400 is a bit bigger in dia, shorter by ~
couple inches and about the same weight. Objective is the same size on both
lenses.
----------
Ed Ruf Lifetime AMA# 344007 (Usenet@EdwardG.Ruf.com)
See images taken with my CP-990/5700 & D70 at
http://edwardgruf.com/Digital_Photography/General/index...

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

[snip]
>
> While composing this message, my photographer friend (Ronnie) has arrived.
> The 70~200 lens has a bit of, though not as much, play on her F4 and F5. I
> am beginning to believe this could be considered the "normal" for this
> lens.
>

Hi Marcus,

I've just got my F5 out with the same lens to check. There is a small
degree of freedom rotationaly, about the same as you mentioned
previously, a small fraction of the mounting. There is no freedom of
movement other than that i.e. the lens is held rock solid,
perpendicularly, against the body.

This movement is not apparent with my other lenses, so perhaps it is a
"feature" of this lens.

Adey

> Oddly enough, she does not own this particular lens. Rather she prefers the
> older second generation of the 80~200AF lens. It is rock solid.
>
>
> Marcus
>
>
> PS. I will check your website once photography class is out!  

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

Kibo informs me that Marcus <EyeShotz@yahoo.com> stated that:

>Hello All! This is my first time posting, so I hope I have the right news
>group. If not, would someone be so kind as to point me in the right
>direction. I have checked out message threads (back to October 4th) in this
>news group over the past four days, but have yet to come across one with my
>problem.

Wow, I'm impressed. I didn't think there was anyone left with the
manners to do that.  

[loose zoom lens]
>The lens in question is the Nikkor 70~200 VR G Series zoom lens. It was
>mounted on a Nikon D100. I tried the lens on my D70 and had the same
>problem. It is not a large amount of movement but, being a lifelong Nikon
>user, I find this somewhat troubling. Picture quality does not seem to be
>affected.

I'd do some focus tests with the aperture wide open before assuming that
the quality is okay. If it's not 100%, I'd get it checked out by an
expert.
(BTW, I'm mostly a Canon user, so I have no idea whether this symptom is
a known issue with that particular lens. OTOH, I'm sure people would be
bitching about it here if it was.  

--
W
. | ,. w , "Some people are alive only because
\|/ \|/ it is illegal to kill them." Perna condita delenda est
---^----^---------------------------------------------------------------

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

usenet@imagenoir.com wrote in
news cidu05edadhclvc4qf96uesl91h2gg1q3@4ax.com:

> Wow, I'm impressed. I didn't think there was anyone left with the
> manners to do that.  

Thank you  I, for one, am a firm believer that good manners are never out-
of-date or oldfashioned.

> I'd do some focus tests with the aperture wide open before assuming
> that the quality is okay. If it's not 100%, I'd get it checked out by
> an expert.
> (BTW, I'm mostly a Canon user, so I have no idea whether this symptom
> is a known issue with that particular lens. OTOH, I'm sure people
> would be bitching about it here if it was.  
>

Thank you for your suggestion. I will try some focus tests tomorrow when
there is better lighting available.

Once again, I am most appreciative for your prompt reply.


Marcus

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

"Ed Ruf" <egruf_usenet@cox.net> wrote in message
news c8fu0t5r0soi7j52sufpsol57ee9vc3rr@4ax.com...
>
> Any how, the main point is the 80-400 is a bit bigger in dia, shorter by ~
> couple inches and about the same weight. Objective is the same size on
both
> lenses.

Thanks! But it still seems very heavy to me. Lugging that thing around all
day is not the most pleasant chore.

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

the zorg wrote:
> [snip]
>
>>
>> While composing this message, my photographer friend (Ronnie) has
>> arrived. The 70~200 lens has a bit of, though not as much, play on her
>> F4 and F5. I am beginning to believe this could be considered the
>> "normal" for this lens.
>>
>
> Hi Marcus,
>
> I've just got my F5 out with the same lens to check. There is a small
> degree of freedom rotationaly, about the same as you mentioned
> previously, a small fraction of the mounting. There is no freedom of

doh! I meant to say a small fraction of the mounting guide dot

Adey


> movement other than that i.e. the lens is held rock solid,
> perpendicularly, against the body.
>
> This movement is not apparent with my other lenses, so perhaps it is a
> "feature" of this lens.
>
> Adey
>
>> Oddly enough, she does not own this particular lens. Rather she
>> prefers the older second generation of the 80~200AF lens. It is rock
>> solid.
>>
>>
>> Marcus
>>
>>
>> PS. I will check your website once photography class is out!  

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

On Fri, 14 Jan 2005 08:16:14 -0800, in rec.photo.digital "C J
Campbell" <christophercampbellNOSPAM@hotmail.com> wrote:

>
>"Ed Ruf" <egruf_usenet@cox.net> wrote in message
>news c8fu0t5r0soi7j52sufpsol57ee9vc3rr@4ax.com...
>>
>> Any how, the main point is the 80-400 is a bit bigger in dia, shorter by ~
>> couple inches and about the same weight. Objective is the same size on
>both
>> lenses.
>
>Thanks! But it still seems very heavy to me. Lugging that thing around all
>day is not the most pleasant chore.

I'll agree having carried the 70-200mm around and now with a TC-20
attached at times as well.

________________________________________________________
Ed Ruf Lifetime AMA# 344007 (Usenet@EdwardG.Ruf.com)
See images taken with my CP-990/5700 & D70 at
http://EdwardGRuf.com

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

"Rick" <rlago@aol.com> wrote in
news:u8IFd.14684$_X7.8954@newssvr33.news.prodigy.com:

> I have a D70 and the Nikkor 70~200 VR G. The lens fits tightly on the
> body. I would have the lens checked; even if the lens still works on
> the camera, there is always the possibility of light leaking between
> the lens and the camera body.
>
> Good luck,
> Rick
>
>
>|
>|
>|
>|

Thank you for the excellent suggestion. It is one I had not considered. It
will be included in my inquiry to Nikon technical support.

If memory serves, some of the pictures I shot last season look somewhat
"foggy". A few photographs shot in bright sunlight having a similar look to
them as some were taken when the camera was pointed within 45 degrees of
the Sun. I assumed this was due to the intense light reflecting around the
inside of the lens barrel and was optically unavoidable. Pictures shot in
the shade show no such artifact.

I think a review of the digital photo archive is in order!


Marcus

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

the zorg <no.em@il.thanks> wrote in
news:cs7nm7$lqc$1@hercules.btinternet.com:

> Hi Marcus,
>
> I've just got my F5 out with the same lens to check. There is a small
> degree of freedom rotationaly, about the same as you mentioned
> previously, a small fraction of the mounting. There is no freedom of
> movement other than that i.e. the lens is held rock solid,
> perpendicularly, against the body.
>
> This movement is not apparent with my other lenses, so perhaps it is a
> "feature" of this lens.
>
> Adey
>

Thank you for your input.

Calling this movement on the lens mount a "feature" is something I am
hesitant to do. I am currently gathering all pertinent information and
suggestions offered and will forward them to Nikon technical support
regarding my "problem".

By the way, Ronnie has graciously offered an extended loan of her F5 so
that I can, as she puts it, tool around with various lenses! Now all I need
is some warmer weather!


Marcus

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

On Fri, 14 Jan 2005 15:43:50 GMT, in rec.photo.digital Marcus
<EyeShotz@yahoo.com> wrote:

>"Rick" <rlago@aol.com> wrote in
>news:u8IFd.14684$_X7.8954@newssvr33.news.prodigy.com:
>
>> I have a D70 and the Nikkor 70~200 VR G. The lens fits tightly on the
>> body. I would have the lens checked; even if the lens still works on
>> the camera, there is always the possibility of light leaking between
>> the lens and the camera body.

>Thank you for the excellent suggestion. It is one I had not considered. It
>will be included in my inquiry to Nikon technical support.
>
>If memory serves, some of the pictures I shot last season look somewhat
>"foggy". A few photographs shot in bright sunlight having a similar look to
>them as some were taken when the camera was pointed within 45 degrees of
>the Sun. I assumed this was due to the intense light reflecting around the
>inside of the lens barrel and was optically unavoidable. Pictures shot in
>the shade show no such artifact.

I would think the quick way to check this is to shoot with the lens cap on.
Any light should be from somewhere else, no?
----------
Ed Ruf Lifetime AMA# 344007 (Usenet@EdwardG.Ruf.com)
See images taken with my CP-990/5700 & D70 at
http://edwardgruf.com/Digital_Photography/General/index...