sam_katz2

<p>To answer this question this a case of buyer beware... or buyer be knowledgeable. This lens has a seemly, though not entirely undeservedly, bad rap.</p> <p>The first batch of these lens were horrible, flare and ghosting were the problem, and as some one noted tended to be a bit soft, reviewers said this *is* one of Nikon's 10 worst lenses -- but there is a caveat: Nikon re-designed the lens, these lenses were notably better. The key spotting difference was the lens information ring. In the BAD version the lens information ring falls inside the filter mounting ring, in the NEW version the lens information ring lies outside the filter mounting ring and is convex rather than concave. The BEST version of this lens is an Ai lens which started production at <strong>S/N 940262</strong> and ended at <strong>1048614</strong>. My lens that I bought on Fleabay in Near Mint condition I think I paid $60- $75. The S/N on it is 1031195. I like my Prime lenses: out of six lens 5 are Prime lenses.</p> <p>The 43-86 mm f/3.5 is a great lens to use IF you know you want ~ in the 50 mm range +/-. I took this lens to a Thanksgiving party last year and got some nice portraits using another dinosaur: The Nikon F2 FILM camera. The results that came back were more than sharp enough especially around f/5.6 - 8 range. I took my Nikkor 50 mm f/1.4... and never used it, even though it is a razor sharp lens.</p> <p>For street shooting where you plan to use a 50mm, the 43-86mm *might* be a better choice because it goes from being a near normal lens to short telephoto / portrait. If you know you are within a very narrow range, nothing beats the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 which makes it a good low light lens as well as a sharp lens -- zoom if you must with your feet -- but for a general lens the *late* version of this lens is nice to have. You can also usually find these lens on Fleabay for usually under $100 in Near Mint condition. </p>

<p>Just a quick follow-up: The parts flash did come in and I bravely decided to operate on the dead SB-25 first. I made one BIG mistake: I took out all four screws on the top. There are two metal splice plates that hold the unit together removing the four screws cause the splice plates to fall out, and then it is a huge headache trying to realign the splice plates and re-insert the screws. You only need to remove two screws. The whole thing was ridiculously easy to take apart -- much harder to put back together. The battery door was then very easy to remove and replace. I was a lot more careful when I took the SB-26 apart removing only two of the top screws. I removed the side that held the battery door, slipped out the damaged door, slipped in the salvaged door, and put it back together. The salvaged door needed a wee bit of work to clean up some rust and corrosion first however. Once the SB-26 was put back together I inserted some fresh batteries and test fired it. Works like a champ!!! Mounted it on the camera and tested it. Still worked. Tried it off off camera on a SC-17. Still worked. Finally set it in a flash shoe set it off to the side. Mounted my SB-22 and test fired it. Worked liked a charm. As long as I have line of sight between the two flash units I can use the SB-26 remotely. Apparently I can not use flash triggers with my ancient Nikon F2, but so long as I have line of sight I'm golden. I am also glad I bought that SB-25 as I now have an extra "foot" should I need one -- hopefully never -- but I can see how easy it would be to have that thing break. The other thing I learned was not to leave batteries in the flash. I've taken to removing the batteries at the end of my shooting to prevent the corrosion and rust I saw. </p> <p>Thank you to all who replied. The SB-26 is the perfect flash for the Nikon F and F2. I've just started to explore some of the wonders of strobe and dual flash photography.</p>

<p>OK here is the latest: I just bought the used SB-25 "parts flash" -- it is non-functioning so *it* should be quite DEAD. Having to open it up was my greatest fear: The 4 screws on the bottom and 4 screws on the top is the *easy* part. The question now becomes how hard will it be to separate the front section which holds the battery door so I can safely remove it without breaking it?? Are there a whole bunch of clips etc, that hold the two halves together etc., or... do I luck out and the two halves separate without too much fuss?? Judging from the responses it seems the posters know where of they speak, and have taken one or more of these flashes apart before.<br> While I'm at it I plan to simply keep the flash foot off (the SB-25) and put it aside and ready to go in case the one on the SB-26 should break. Later on I plan to order one or two more to have them on hand as back ups. One other small problem I should know in advance: Do I need to disconnect the flash foot on the SB-26 when it is time to separate the halves on the SB-26?? On the SB-26 (the one which will receive the donor door), do I have to remove all four top screws or just the two that hold the front side (which has the door in it) to the back side?? The less I have to take that flash apart the better.<br> Depending upon how bad -- or good with luck -- my experience is getting the door OUT of the SB-25, I may take the flash and door to a camera shop and let *them* remove and replace the mangled one on the SB-26. I am hoping that swapping out the door will take no more than 15 -20 minutes tops, but I'm never *that* lucky.<br> One last thing you might find "interesting" : When I went in search of obtaining just battery door I contacted NikonUSA, here is what Nikon wrote me:</p> <p>"Thank you for contacting Nikon. We no longer make, sell, or service the SB-26 so we would not have the parts for it. If you have any more questions please contact us again.<br /><br />Thank you,<br /><br />Alaetra<br />Nikon Technical Support <br /><br /><br> .... so when I switched to Plan B -- finding a "Parts Flash", I asked them the question that I posted here. Here is Nikon's response:<br> <br />"Thank you for contacting Nikon. Unfortunately I cannot provide any steps or suggestions to help you replace your battery door cover. If a part is broken or needs to be replaced we always recommend that you send it into service.<br> "You can locate a Nikon authorized camera repair shop in your area (if it is outside the warranty). Or you can send it in to our Nikon service center for repair.<br> "To find the Nikon Authorized Repair Station in your area please click on the link below.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nikonusa.com/Service-And-Support/Nikon-Authorized-Repair-List.page" target="_blank">http://www.nikonusa.com/Service-And-Support/Nikon-Authorized-Repair-List.page</a><br /><br />"For Nikon Service information, please see:<br /> <br />Title: How do I get my Nikon product serviced?<br />URL: <a href="http://support.nikonusa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/336" target="_blank">http://support.nikonusa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/336</a><br /> <br> "The service approval will require you to pre-authorize the costs (for non-warranty repairs only) based on your input to the issue you are having with your Nikon Product. This is done to expedite the repair process. If the costs are different from what you initially pre-authorized, we will advise you.<br> "There is no need to call in advance for any approval or authorization; simply send the product in for evaluation with no accessories, unless part of the issue, and a photocopy of the receipt. Once logged in, service will send you a confirmation. <br /> <br />"Sorry for the problems you have had with your Nikon product; Nikon Service strives to evaluate and repair all items as quickly as possible.<br /><br />Thank you<br /><br />Matipa<br />Nikon Tech Support</p> <p>On one hand they tell me they do not service or have the parts because my SB-26 is too old and decrepit, on the other they imply that if I take my old and decrepit SB-26 into an authorized Nikon repair facility PRESTO!! they can locate the battery door cover.<br> Well Plan "B" it is. The "Parts Flash" will arrive sometime next week, and the first step will be to REMOVE the door from the SB-25. I sure hope the two halves come apart easily...</p>

<p>I want to swap out the battery door cover on a Nikon SB-25 Parts Flash and replace a mangled Battery Door Cover on a Nikon SB-26. How hard is it to remove, and replace the Battery Door Cover / Lid on a Nikon SB-25 / SB-26 without breaking it?? Do I need to remove the front of the SB-26 in order to access the opening to the Battery Door Cover?? Or is there are "Secret" way to do this without having to disassemble the front part of the camera?<br> Thanks</p>