Nikon TC-16A with Manual focus lenses

Hello all,

I've just bought a Nikon TC-16A converter to use with my FM2n and F301. Unfortunately when it's mounted on either camera neither my 50mm f1.4, Tamron 35-70, nor Tamron 90mm can focus to infinity, by an easily seen margin. They CAN focus to it on their own and with my Nikon TC-14A. My Tammron 200mm lens can focus to infinity on its own and with either converter.

Should I just hit the TC-16A with a hammer to fix it?

Is it true that the TC-16A can turn MF lenses into AF lenses using the f301? I don't see how it can.

If someone has used it like that with an F6 or F501 could they have left out of adjustment for manual focus use in some way?

Any help would be much appreciated.

seany65 said:

Is it true that the TC-16A can turn MF lenses into AF lenses using the f301? I don't see how it can.

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No mate it can't, it's a quirky thing and very limited as it was really a bridge device in the AF wars of the time for the F501, this thing was sort of genius for 1985 but needs TLC to get the best from it.

Best read this first:

MIR TC-16A

Then if you want to go further:

MODIFY THE NIKON TC-16A TELECONVERTER

And a little real life review with additional info:

Nikon TC-16A Review

Leon, Thanks for the reply and the info. from the research I've just done (partly through your Mir link) it seems the TC16A was only designed to be used with the F501 and MF lenses and only in a "the converter fine tunes the general focus that you set on the lens" way ie. it seems it can't be used just as an MF converter on an MF body with an MF lens.

It seems I've wasted over £60 and am now dependant on the ebay seller deciding to refund the money despite the fact that there's nothing wrong with it.

seany65 said:

it seems it can't be used just as an MF converter on an MF body with an MF lens.

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It can but it's messy as you have to set the Auto Focus screw manually, don't forget it has a moving element so that needs to be set in one place depending on what you are focusing on.

I've just tried mine with an F4 and a Nikkor QC 135/2.8 and it works fine as intended so it will work with other camers as an AF converter. It also works with my D2X, same lens.

I also tried it with an Nikon FG and the same lens and screwed the focus screw as far counterclockwise as possible and it works as a normal 1.6 converter, set the lens at infinity and it sort of does work, you can even manual focus a little, it also works at minimum focus distance and was quite nice actually.

A little fiddly but that's what the TC-14A/B are for. 😉

Thanks for the info Leon. I've decided to send it back as apart from faffing about as you detail above, from what I understand you also have to either:

A) Remember to not set wider than f1.8 on my f1.4 50mm lens.
B) In manual mode decrease the exposure by 1/3rd of a stop if setting at f1.4 or with any aperture in manual mode (or something).
C) In A mode I have t remember to not set 1/500th or faster.

I'd rather just stick a converter on and forget about it other than holdng the camera more steady or using a faster speed.

seany65 said:

Thanks for the info Leon. I've decided to send it back as apart from faffing about as you detail above, from what I understand you also have to either:

A) Remember to not set wider than f1.8 on my f1.4 50mm lens.
B) In manual mode decrease the exposure by 1/3rd of a stop if setting at f1.4 or with any aperture in manual mode (or something).
C) In A mode I have t remember to not set 1/500th or faster.

I'd rather just stick a converter on and forget about it other than holdng the camera more steady or using a faster speed.

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Didn't you already buy a TC-14A? Only x1.4 but a superb bit of kit, combine it with the TC-14B and you've got all MF Nikon lenses covered pretty much.

The 16A is a unique piece of kit and not for everyone but at least you tried one!

Yes, I have recently bought a TC14A, for the wider range of focal lengths it would give should I need them, but I decided on a TC16A for the extra options. I wish I'd done some research first then I wouldn't hava wasted my time on it. The TC14B is no use to me as I don't have anything longer than 200mm.

seany65 said:

Yes, I have recently bought a TC14A, for the wider range of focal lengths it would give should I need them, but I decided on a TC16A for the extra options. I wish I'd done some research first then I wouldn't hava wasted my time on it. The TC14B is no use to me as I don't have anything longer than 200mm.

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More a learning experience than wasting time on it, that's how I see things, the TC-14B will do 135mm and above for fixed telephoto and the 200mm and over for the Zoom options, it's even nicer than the TC-14A but the 14A does the job fine.