Nikon AI Conversion question

[ABrosig]

I recently acquired a couple of older Nikkor MF wide lenses (35mm f2 and 24mm f2.8) which I would like to have Ai converted. I've been talking with John White at Aiconversions.com and his prices seem very reasonable. Has anyone had any experience with his services? Looking to eventually use the lenses for certain with Nikon FE2/FM2, probably F100 and, possibly, digital D4s, all of which sounds doable with his conversions. Just looking for any input. Is there anyone better without paying arm & leg? Thanks.

 

[Ken Ford]

I would personally search for the original Nikon Ai conversion rings - they can be a challenge to find, but they are out there. I was never happy with milled conversions.

 

[Godfrey]

He did a good job on my 85 and 55 lenses. They work fine with both D750 and F6.

 

[Timmyjoe]

Just did a 35mm f2 and a 50mm f1.4 and now they work great on my FM2N, F3HP, D700 and D4. I've got a machine shop at my disposal, so that made it pretty straight forward.

Though I've never used John's service, I've heard good things. He's also pretty responsive to emails.

PS: I agree with what Ken says, but finding conversion rings is getting more difficult. Also, for the 50mm, it was so early (around 1960), that Nikon never made a conversion ring for it.

 

[BillBingham2]

Another option is to find a donor lens for an aperture ring from a trashed lens....

Here's a link that lists what lenses Nikon made conversion rings for:

http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/aimod.html

They also have a list of stores that did have a good stock of rings at one time or another.

Lots of OLD glass they didn't.

B2 (;->

 

[kxl]

John did a great job with a couple of lenses that I had sent to him.

 

[View Range]

I've always done my own. The rings come off very easily, remembering there are several different designs. The ring is aluminum. I use a Dremel tool in a router holder to set exact depth and move the ring on the router stage by hand. There is a Dremel milling bit. I carefully mark the milling limits using masking tape. I then clean up with tool / die makers files. I do not add a strip with aperture values though. You can convert lenses for which there was never a conversion kit available; there were many of these. There are some unusual lenses that are very difficult to convert. These are usually the big zoom lenses (eg 85 to 250 zoom) and include the CU-1 and AU-1 focusing modules for the big glass.

 

[B-9]

I always use John (a fellow Michigander)

I've had atleast 6 lenses done by him in the past, and I'm sending two more this week.

I'm having a 35/2.0 and a 35/1.4 converted. The 2.0 will end up for sale as I grabbed it before the 1.4 dropped into my lap.

At the price, it's seriously not worth hacking your lens up at home with a Dremel. John uses industrial milling equipment and always return your lens with a well finished cut covered in black paint. Turn around time is non existent, however long the post takes is your waiting period.

 

[ray*j*gun]

John did a great job on 2 of my lenses. I do use them only on film gear but they work well on them.

 

[View Range]

I've used Bridgeport mills and Dremel "mills". For a Nikkor aperture ring there is no difference.

 

[B-9]

Your assuming the OP owns a tool like this let alone the ambition or confidence to execute the mod.

Just trying to stay on topic, as this is not a question in the DIY section, rather an inquiry into a capable servicemen to do a AI conversion. John White is possibly the best out there and surely a solid recommendation.

 

[Steve M.]

Good manners are not a given from some individuals on this forum, unfortunately.

John does a good job at reasonable prices, although you have to factor in shipping both ways. No need to look any further in all probability. It's not a particularly difficult conversion, and as mentioned, it's an easy DIY if you are so inclined. I'm sure John uses a Dremel tool himself. It's the proper tool for the job, along w/ skill, experience and steady hands.

 

[Timmyjoe]

I'm sure John uses a Dremel tool himself. It's the proper tool for the job, along w/ skill, experience and steady hands.

I would highly doubt this. I am confident John has a machine shop at his disposal and uses a milling machine to precisely cut each aperture ring to the proper dimensions.

 

[ABrosig]

Great, gang! Thanks for the quick responses. As for doing-it-myself, there are many things I will try on my own. This definitely is not one of them! My grandfather could have done it in probably two minutes (he was a tool-and-die maker) but I ain't him.

 

[dasuess]

I have had John do eight AI conversions for me, all turned around in a week. The work was done very well and the lenses work perfectly on my Nikon Df.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Fraser]

I've done all my own its not difficult no need for special tools a nice sharp file thats all thats needed its only soft aluminium. I don't know how much it costs to get it done if its only £10-20 a lens that would be ok, but then again some of the pre ai lenses I've bought cost less than that.
Good luck enjoy!