Adding the metering prongs to Nikon mount lenses

[Robert Lai]

For a long time, I had only a plain prism Nikon F. This can be OK, but for use with a lens such as the Micro Nikkor 70-180 zoom, which has a variable aperture depending on the focal length and the amount of magnification, it's just a pain. Long story short, now I have 3 FTN prisms for my one camera (2 as spares - maybe I have too many).

Now, I can meter these new AF lenses in stop down mode. But, these new AF lenses don't have that metering prong that the older manual focus lenses have, to couple with the FTN and other meter heads.

I see two dimples on the aperture ring around the f/5.6 location to drill / tap / mount the prongs. My question is: who can do it, and how much does it cost?

 

[Ken Davis]

Robert, I used to do this myself with a watchmaker's screwdriver and pair of tweezers. There was a time when Nikon used to supply these but I do not know if that service is still offered, if not you need 'donor' lenses - broken ebay purchases? They'll need to be Nikkors to make the job a simple unscrew ans refit.

 

[_goodtimez]

You may consider fabricating a few adaptable bolt-on rings incorporating the prong. Therefore this would not affect the lens.

 

[Kate-the-Great]

If you're interested, I could send you a few. I have several AI and pre-AI Nikkors that I don't anticipate ever using on a body that requires the prongs and I can easily fabricate replacements if for some reason I needed them.

 

[rbsinto]

If you go to the photo swap meets, you can usually buy third party junk lenses with Nikon F mounts and AI forks in bargain bins for $5.00 or so each.
Strip the forks from them, and you've even got mounting screws.
If you don't want to drill holes in your lens barrels, get some thin, strong double-sided tape (you can get a small piece from a Sign company for a couple of dollars) and mount the forks with it. Alternately a daub of Silicone caulking would achieve the same thing.
I hope this is helpful.
Robert