steve_daggs

In going through my equipment closet, I found some backup CDs I burned in 2002. I recalled how much concern there was back then about the lifespan of a CD and how reliable it would be as a storage source for digital images. One CD, a Memorex 48X, was originally silver, had yellowed around the outer edge but was in good condition and had been stored in a box for over 21 years. I popped it into my CD/DVD drive and was able to open every file! I tried several others (different brands) with the same outcome. I can't say that I was surprised, but my confidence in CDs and DVDs as a storage source has been affirmed.

I promised to report the outcome, so here goes: I contacted Boris Blinov in Seattle, WA, who is the individual on ebay and the link shared by Greg M. Thanks again, Greg. He responded immediately and after sharing some photos, said he could fix the mount and flex connector so the AF and optical performance of the lens could be tested. After he received the lens, he communicated with me almost daily with updates on his progress. When the connector and mount were repaired, he reported that the AF wasn't locking in and was constantly hunting. More diagnostics were needed. He did state that he did not have the equipment needed to adjust the "optical encoder" alignment. His efforts to align manually were unsuccessful, but the lens will focus manually and is still sharp. He has send the lens back to me. He charged me $50.00 for the repair estimate and that was it. He rebuffed my offer of some sort of compensation for all the work he did. He didn't know of any repair shops that had the equipment needed to do the optical encoder alignment and stated that Nikon had proprietary hardware and software they used for the diagnostics and alignment of this AF system used in the AF-I and first generation AF-S lenses. He was unsure whether Nikon made any of this hardware or software available to third party authorized repair shops. So if anyone knows of a shop that may have the capability of aligning the optical encoder, let me know. He says the lens is otherwise in great shape, so I am making one last ditch effort before offering it for sale for parts.

Greg, thanks for the tip on ebay. I contacted Boris Blinov and he was quite sure he could repair the lens. He has over 1900 reviews that are 100%! I shipped the lens to him and he has repaired the mount and flex connector. As I suspected, he would get that fix done and then find other issues. He is in the process of aligning the AF sensors, which has turned out to be a bit challenging. The SW motor works fine, which is critical. I should know in a day or so if he can it to auto focus correctly. I will report the outcome.

Mike, the lens was insured and I got an actual cash value settlement. They didn't want the lens back due to its depreciated value. Greg, thanks for the tip. I will check with them. I contacted Midwest Camera Repair and they said they couldn't repair it. There are a lot of great Nikon camera bodies and lenses out there that are over ten years old and probably can't be repaired due to Nikon's decision to quit selling parts to independent repair shops. I can't justify the cost of a new 400mm f/2.8 and it may be risky buying a used lens that falls outside that 7-10 year period where parts are available.

I tripped while carrying my Nikon 400mm f/2.8 D ED IF AF-S lens (the first generation AF-S manufactured from 1998 - 2001) with my Nikon D3s body mounted. The impact broke the lens mount off the lens, snapping the heads of the screws and split the flex connector. I have had the camera body repaired. Nikon no longer services this lens and they don't sell parts to independent repair services any longer (as I have been told). My usual repair source is Authorized Photo Service in Morton Grove, IL, and they have looked at the lens and said they can't repair it. I can't find anyone who has a lens mount and the connector component for this lens. Several have said they will see if they can locate the parts, but it will take time. A donor lens may need to be found. Before I send the lens off I though I'd check here to see if anyone has any suggestions or knows of a specialty repair shop that may be able to fix this lens. Any assistance is appreciated. Steve Daggs / Sports Photo News