Nikon 600mm F4 VR question

[gordon_g]

Hi everyone I just bought a used Nikon 600 f4 VR lens that is in great shape ( appearance wise) however I’ve noticed an issue that bothers me. When shooing with my D500 everything works great VR, focus Is really fast, if I change from f4 to f9 the metadata reports correctly. However when I use either my 1.4 or 1.7 teleconverter ( both version II) the metadata only reports 600 f4. I’ve verified the teleconverters report correctly on my 70-200 lens. I’ve contacted Nikon support but it’s been over a week without an solid answer if this is normal. They wanted to know what version of firmware on the camera but have not heard back from them since. While is not affecting performance ( the lens performs just as well with the tele’s ) it just doesn’t seem right. Anyone have any insight?

 

[Marcus Slade]

Assuming this might be a series "G" lens but if it's the newer FL version maybe there is a compatibility sensitivity if you aren't on the current firmware? I have the 600mm (G series)/D500 (though with the 1.4 series III TC) and all metadata report correctly when the TC is attached.

 

[gordon_g]

Hi Marcus, My lens is the G lens as well. Can I ask are you on the latest firmware on your D500? Nikon Stated this (see below) after asking me what firmware I had on my D500. This was last Friday. I wonder if I will have to upgrade my Series II 1.4 and 1.7 to the series III

​ Thank you for updating with your information. I am checking into this for you. Thank you so much for your patience and I will get back to you in 1-2 business days.

 

[Warren D]

My guess is that there might be a contact issue. Have you tried cleaning all the contacts? That would include the mount surfaces as well. You also don't say which version your 70-200 is. If the 70-200 reports correctly, it would suggest the tc is functioning properly. I'd still start by cleaning everything.

 

[gordon_g]

the 70-200 is G lens VRII What would you guys recommend I use to clean the contacts with... I looked at them all and they look fine. I've used the Teleconverters before without issue so I don't know... Im hoping it not the lens but I have this feeling it will be. Fortunately it's not affecting performance.

 

[Yezdi]

As per the Nikon Website on compatability of your TC it should work fine. Check your firmware on your D500 whether it is the latest.

AF-S Teleconverter Compatibility

 

[Warren D]

I use either Iso alcohol (91%) and a cotton handkerchief or De-Ox_it on a cotton cloth. With either, I wet the cloth first to damp, not dripping, then wipe. You will be amazed at the black junk that comes off. Try to avoid the rubber water seal at the outside of the mount.

 

[gordon_g]

I do have the latest firmware install on my d500

 

[Warren D]

Here's the path I'd follow. Try cleaning the contacts first. If that doesn't work, I'd borrow or rent a TC EIII and try that. If it still won't report correctly, I'd either live with it (assuming all functions work correctly) or have the lens mount replaced. I have seen issues where there is just enough difference in tolerances in just the right (or wrong) direction that contacts don't work. It's rare but it happens....

 

[Steve]

This is what I use for contacts:

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Buy DeoxIT D-Series D100S Spray, 100% Solution, 57 g, no solvents, metered one-Shot Valve dispenses 100% DeoxIT: All-Purpose Cleaners - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

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Spray it on a microfiber cloth and carefully wipe the contacts.

Oh, and I agree that cleaning the contacts is a good place to start, although I think there may be another issue. Not sure what that issue is, but it seems like something is going on. FWIW, sometimes I get weird metadata reports for the lens and TC combos in Lightroom too. Most of the time it's correct though.

Another thought - try changing the way you attach the lens and TC combo and see if that helps. Make sure the camera is off, then try TC to camera then lens, then try TC to lens then camera.

 

[Warren D]

Good point, Steve. Try a current version of Nikonview and see what the metadata says.

 

[gordon_g]

This is what I use for contacts:

Amazon.com: DeoxIT D-Series D100S Spray, 100% Solution, 57 g, no solvents, metered one-Shot Valve dispenses 100% DeoxIT : Health & Household

Buy DeoxIT D-Series D100S Spray, 100% Solution, 57 g, no solvents, metered one-Shot Valve dispenses 100% DeoxIT: All-Purpose Cleaners - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Spray it on a microfiber cloth and carefully wipe the contacts.

Oh, and I agree that cleaning the contacts is a good place to start, although I think there may be another issue. Not sure what that issue is, but it seems like something is going on. FWIW, sometimes I get weird metadata reports for the lens and TC combos in Lightroom too. Most of the time it's correct though.

Another thought - try changing the way you attach the lens and TC combo and see if that helps. Make sure the camera is off, then try TC to camera then lens, then try TC to lens then camera.

Thanks Steve I just ordered some... and will try changing the way I connect to see if that does anything..

 

[Warren D]

My final thought, look at the AF Fine Tune settings with and without the TC. If it recognizes the tc for the AF Fine Tune then the issue is probably your exif reader and not the lens/tc/body combo. In the event that the AF Fine Tune doesn't show the presence of the tc when it's on, I suspect a communication problem between the lens/tc/body. Nikon will want you to send all three in.

 

[gordon_g]

Hi warren, the TC combo does not register in the fine tune section.

my process Of elimination says because my 70-200 does register with AF Fine tune and shows correct exit data says the problem lies with the lens ( what changed must be the problem) now the question is how much and is it worth fixing if the only issues is Exit data being reported incorrectly... would love to know the schematic of the contacts but that is probably not something I can find.

 

[Bill451]

Another approach to cleaning electronic contacts is to use the eraser on the end of a pencil. I've done this on printed circuit boards in mainframe computers (a CDC 3150 had hundreds of small boards), and it is effective, safe, and almost free. The bits of rubber must be blown out with gentle air pressure (but not from your mouth, as that could cause corrosion). I use the canned air specifically designed for cleaning junk out of a keyboard. Hope this helps.

 

[Warren D]

Hi warren, the TC combo does not register in the fine tune section.

my process Of elimination says because my 70-200 does register with AF Fine tune and shows correct exit data says the problem lies with the lens ( what changed must be the problem) now the question is how much and is it worth fixing if the only issues is Exit data being reported incorrectly... would love to know the schematic of the contacts but that is probably not something I can find.

I'd be comfortable saying it's the lens, I thought that from the start but you have to eliminate other things first. If I had to guess I'd say a bad mount or possibly the ribbon cable that attaches to it. With the heavier lenses mount issues are more common and you don't know how the lens was handled. In addition to Nikon, APS and Midwest do Nikon repairs. A phone call to Midwest will get you a quote and may even get you a preliminary diagnosis.

 

[gordon_g]

I'd be comfortable saying it's the lens, I thought that from the start but you have to eliminate other things first. If I had to guess I'd say a bad mount or possibly the ribbon cable that attaches to it. With the heavier lenses mount issues are more common and you don't know how the lens was handled. In addition to Nikon, APS and Midwest do Nikon repairs. A phone call to Midwest will get you a quote and may even get you a preliminary diagnosis.

I have not heard of midwest before... I will look into them as well... I have heard good things about APS and Nikon as well though.. Than you for that info Warren much appreciated.

 

[Warren D]

I've heard of parts shortages with Nikon, especially mounts. Anyone I would call, I'd ask if they have the parts in stock. Midwest did good work and price was good, they were a bit slow.

 

[gordon_g]

I've heard of parts shortages with Nikon, especially mounts. Anyone I would call, I'd ask if they have the parts in stock. Midwest did good work and price was good, they were a bit slow.

Okay will do... good info! Do they give you a time estimate? they are 5 hrs from the house so if I can I would just hand deliver it. APS is 8 1/2 hrs away and I've heard good things about them, if I send it to Nikon I would have to ship it. as Im not driving though NYC.
I don't know about anyone else but I've had a lot of shipments lost these past 4 months so Im a Leery about shipping it.

 

[Warren D]

When I initially called Midwest they gave me a time. 2 Weeks after the time period elapsed, I called them and they claimed they had told me they were behind, which they hadn't. They eventually did expedite the repair, so I did get the lens back, but it was about 3 weeks longer than they first indicated. The repair was done correctly and they did a few little things they didn't charge me for so in the long run, it worked out. Nikon repair has been very hit or miss, I haven't had any experience with them since the pandemic. They were sending most of their repairs out, my D5 was sent to Brooklyn (came back looking it had been in a war) and my 70-200 E went to somewhere near Nikon's LI HQ and the lead times were 5-6 weeks. APS pricing is a little less than Nikon and, for my repair, Midwest was about 20% lower than APS. In the end, I prefer quality work and Midwest did fine there.

 

[gordon_g]

When I initially called Midwest they gave me a time. 2 Weeks after the time period elapsed, I called them and they claimed they had told me they were behind, which they hadn't. They eventually did expedite the repair, so I did get the lens back, but it was about 3 weeks longer than they first indicated. The repair was done correctly and they did a few little things they didn't charge me for so in the long run, it worked out. Nikon repair has been very hit or miss, I haven't had any experience with them since the pandemic. They were sending most of their repairs out, my D5 was sent to Brooklyn (came back looking it had been in a war) and my 70-200 E went to somewhere near Nikon's LI HQ and the lead times were 5-6 weeks. APS pricing is a little less than Nikon and, for my repair, Midwest was about 20% lower than APS. In the end, I prefer quality work and Midwest did fine there.

Awesome thank you for the info Warren!