This is the direct link (in Chinese) to a Nikon Asia Q&A entry. Rough translation:
Question:
Why does the internals of the lens look so rough? Will the bubble-like stuffs affect the PQ? Will they shed off and accumulated in the lens?
Answer:
The bubbles were the remains during the production of the lens. They are magnified through the lens so look obvious. It will not affect PQ and will not accumulate.
fyi: pictures of my 70-200 VRII lens with a perfect “thread”: picture 1 | picture 2.
Artist's view of Nikon EVIL (unknown source)
Nikon EVIL camera is gaining momentum again. In the past few days I received some reliable information about the existence of this product/project. The official announcement should be this year (Photokina?). No further details or specs at that point.
Coincidently, M. Lammerse just mentioned this on dpreview:
“My contact expects a new type of Nikon camera (small sized mirror less body) this coming August/September”
My understanding is that Mr. Lammerse is very well informed.
Just a reminder that numerous patent applications were filed by Nikon in the past few months that strongly suggest a new mirrorless camera and a set of lenses.
See all details here.
If you want a free alternative to Nikon’s Camera Control Pro, check this post and the “Free Software” category.
This is the response from Nikon Norway to a nikongear forum member. I have the feeling the official response from Nikon will not be much different:
“There are no error or defect in your lens.
What you see inside the lens from the front are not threads, but a flange that prevents light reflection inside the lens. In the flange there are some very small holes, closest to the “pores” that occurs natulig during a casting process because of the fine print of the foam used in molding the forms. This does not affect the lens performance in any way. There is nothing to peel off from these small holes. They also look bigger than they really are, due to the magnification of the front lens element.
Nikon will publish an official response during this week as soon as it is available from Nikon centrally.”
UPDATE: I created a group on flickr for this issue – if your lens has a damaged thread, please submit a picture of it here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/1283774@N25/ A set of pictures will make this poll more “legit”.
Please vote in this poll ONLY if you own the latest Nikon 70-200 VRII f/2.8 lens:
You can see the results without voting by pressing the “view results” link under the poll.
A reader also started to compile a list of affected serial numbers. If you want to participate, list your sn# (without the last two digits) in the comment section and indicate whether you have the issue or not.
UPDATE: I received a word that Nikon is looking into this issue and will have an official statement soon. Let’s wait and see.
Here is the translated response from Nikon Beijing Service Center dated 01/11 regarding the previously reported 70-200 f/2.8 thread issue (source: xitek).
“Failures Observed: lens thread defect at 200mm (the customer believes either thread or its coating peeling off). Inspection requested.
Maintenance Performed: After inspection, thread of the lens submitted indeed has certain peeling. However, that is normal when the surface of that metal was manufactured. There, the alleged problem will not affect the len’s performance, rigidness, or function.”
If Nikon USA has an official statement on this issue, I would be happy to publish it here.
Thanks longtimenikonshooter for the update!
Check them out – different combinations available. Most of the rebates expire at the end of the month:
