"Chipped" 200 F4 AIS with Teleconverter

Hello,

 

I recently purchased a 200 F4 AIS (non-micro) for use with my D70. I plan to

have a CPU chip installed so that it will meter properly with my camera. I

enjoy nature photography and I'd like to eventually boost either the focal

length or macro magnification (plus extension tube) with a teleconverter.

 

I know that for AIS lenses I should use a TC14A converter. But if I have the

lens chipped then the lens mount is altered, right? Does this mean I should

look at a different converter?

 

If at all possible I'd like to use the TC with my 105 AFD lens as well.

The lens mount is only altered to add the pins to communicate aperture

etc. The chip is installed inside the mount so the lens will still

mount fine just like it did before, that's the whole point.

 

I think the TC-14A's front element is recessed to mount on any lens.

The TC-14B sticks out so it only mounts on longer lenses like 200mm and

above which have recessed rear elements.

 

You would have to have the teleconverter chipped as well or buy a Kenko

converter or extension tubes which have all the electronic contacts.

 

I'd give up and buy a D200 which will meter with all those AI lenses by

default including TC14 AI teleconverters.

The lens mount is only altered to add the pins to communicate aperture

 

etc. The chip is installed inside the mount so the lens will still

mount

fine just like it did before, that's the whole point.

 

 

 

I think the TC-14A's front element is recessed to mount on any lens.

The

TC-14B sticks out so it only mounts on longer lenses like 200mm and

above

which have recessed rear elements.

 

 

 

You would have to have the teleconverter chipped as well or buy a Kenko

 

converter or extension tubes which have all the electronic contacts.

 

 

 

I'd give up and buy a D200 which will meter with all those AI lenses by

 

default including TC14 AI teleconverters.

Yes, better to buy a D200 than trying 'chip' good lenses! :)

The only Nikon teleconverters that have electronic contacts are the TC-nnE ones; the TC-14A does not. Therefore, even though you can use a TC-14A, the CPU chip you add to the 200mm/f4 becomes useless again.

the Nikon 200mm f:4 (non MICRO) are SUPER SHARP lenses... I had one and I was amazed of the quality of that glass.

 

but I agree, you'll be better off getting a D200 than chipping lenses..

Buy a Kenko Teleplus Pro teleconverter. It will work with your chipped lens and the quality is very good. Of course I'm sure you'd prefer to have a D200, but I certainly understand if you can't put out that kind of money at at the moment. However, remember that every time you "chip" a lens it's another $100 or so, right? In this case, adding the metering chip to the lens costs almost as much as the lens is currently worth on the market.

Out of curiosity, where/who chip lenses and how much they charge..!

 

and with a camera like a D200, there is any advantage from a chiped lens over an AI/AIS/AI'd lens..?

A few years ago Rolland Elliott was adding CPU chips to certain older AI/AI-S lenses. Because of the unusual two L's in the Rolland spelling, it should be rather easy to search about him. Please keep in mind that he would only chip certain lenses. However, in the last 2, 3 years, there seems to be many complaints about his service in these forums, but I have only read those 2nd hand; I have never dealt with him directly.

 

E.g.:

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00EcKI

 

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00HNqO

 

Once there was a serious complaint about his serveice here. As a moderator, I sent e-mail to Mr. Elliott to bring that thread to his attention, but he never replied my e-mail nor followed up here.

 

For DSLRs, you can always take a test shot and use the histogram to fine tune your exposure. Whether that admittedly inconvenient process is acceptable or not is entirely up to you, but IMO spending so much money (relative to the value for those old lenses) is not that necessary any more.

From my brief experience (relative some others) of using "chipped' lenses (did them myself), I can offer the following:

 

1. Matrix metering would not be accurate if an incompatible (ie, anything other than the specific Nikon chip designed for that particular lens)is used.

 

2. Use of any TC with such lenses would exacerbate that situation.

 

Bjorn Rorslett has cracked the Nikon code and is capable of producing custom chips. You may want to approach him.

 

But, as Shun points out, it may become much more expensive.

Some weeks ago I asked Rolland Elliot, if he is able to chip my 600/5,6 IF-ED. He offered me a new lens mount with chip. 1 1/2 week later the mount arrived here in Germany and it works great.

Dave's lens is included in Mr. Elliot's list (FAQ) here:

http://home.carolina.rr.com/headshots/Nikonhome.htm.

Mr. Elliot answered my Emails soon and I had only very good experiences with Mr. Elliot.

"Some weeks ago I asked Rolland Elliot, if he is able to chip my 600/5,6 IF-ED"

 

He chipped that same lens for me and it worked like a champ, with spot or center weighted metering. The 600/5.6 is a super sharp lens, portable, and well worth the upgrade. Have fun with it, as I know you will. -g-