where there’s smoke there’s forum fire
I considering buying a Nikkor 400mm f2.8 AF-I and checked my favorite camera repair place and was informed they can no longer get any parts from Nikon because they sell new Nikon equipment. If the motor dies in this lens can it be repaired or replaced? Should I opt to spend a bit more now and get the older AF-S version that can be repaired?
framer
Not sure where you are at, but I have had luck with Sanford Camera in Arlington MA. They are on the Nikon approved list and have fixed a few older lenses for me recently (35-70 2.8D). Things are like new. They take a while but the job is done right.
HTH
Later,
Jeff
Interesting - A few months ago Nikon released that it would no longer send parts to Non-partner repair places to keep quality of service up but most have said they haven't seen that happen. Maybe Nikon has stopped sending parts to them. My experience is that most repair shops can be a double edge sword as they may want to sell you a lens that they want to move. There is also a bunch of very uninformed people who work at them as well and allow their own opinions pass for company policy. There is still a large group of people who hate "G" lenses and tell people to go for older glass.
If you send Nikon a note to their service contact on their site, they will tell you if the lens is still supported. Many of the older AFD lenses (Screw drives) are starting to no longer have parts made for them. Not sure if that includes the exotic lenses yet or not. Nikon is actually really good at getting back to you and are great to work with.
I would think your best bet is to go with the newer - not Older version.
From what I've read on the web from owners, is the only way to repair the old AF-I lenses is to canabilize parts from other working lenses. Yikes! Nikon stopped making parts for them a few years ago. I thought about getting the AF-I 300mm F2.8D, but stayed away from it for that very reason.
Well I guess it will depend on price and if it works perfect now. I've been told that as long as it doesn't need parts a normal clean adjust and lube should be all it needs 90% of the time. I will give Nikon a call about the AF-s v1 parts also. Sometimes we need to take a small leap of faith but wear a parachute for a soft landing.
framer
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