Micro Nikkor 200mm AF D, weak MF/AF ring cracking

<p>Hello Everyone<br>

Just received a brand new 200mm AF micro after a long and fierce battle with myself to justify the purchase... (fans of this lens will KNOW what that feels like, right?)</p>

<p>OK, so I was vaguely aware of the cracks on MF/AF collar from reading Bjorn Rorslett's evaluations but after stumbling on some of the threads on this site, it would seem that the breakage is more of a norm. BR wrote that the ring broke after 6 years even though it wasn't being used, other users reported breakages as early as a couple of months and in some cases, a couple of clicks! The list seems endless. So I would like to ask:</p>

<ol>

<li>Has anyone out there NOT had the thing break or crack after normal usage (say 2-6 years)?</li>

<li>Would leaving it on permanent MF setting, perhaps loosening the tiny holding screw a tiny amount (which some suggest is overtightened at the factory) likely to offset the risk?</li>

<li>Any other suggested remedies? Some mention the use of sticky tape to hold it together from the start.. but I wondered if there are more elegant solutions?</li>

</ol>

<p> ...I won't be losing sleep over this, but it would be nice to keep everything in one piece, I think everyone would agree that this lens is a thing of beauty....</p>

<p>Any comments welcome...<br>

Ron</p>

<p>That is a design flaw. However, a number of Nikon lenses from that era use a similar AF/MF collar, such as some version of the 80-200mm/f2.8 AF-D and the 105mm/f2.8 AF that I also have. I have had the 105mm for over 20 years and that collar has not broken yet.</p>

<p>My 200mm macro broke after like 7, 8 years and was repaired: <a href="00BxJs">http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00BxJs</a><br>

My concern is that it will break for a second time.</p>

<p>Hi Shun, great photos!<br>

I appreciate your quick response. 7/8years sounds a little more comforting than 7 months...Did you use it normally like your other lenses, or were you aware of the collar issue and therefore extra careful with it?<br>

The 200 is my first ever micro and after a few test shots I already love the optics on this thing. Not just the sharpness but color rendition is amazing.</p>

<p>I have a 60 Micro and 80-200/2.8D-AF, both for longer than 6 years, used regularly, and the MF/AF rings are working well.</p>

<p>Have had my 200 AF micro for 10 years and still no sign of the "infamous and dreaded crack". Of course I never use auto focus on this lens!</p>

<p>Mine is only two years old and has no signs of cracking. I own or have owned a number of lenses with a similar A/M switch and only one of them cracked, it was the 80-200/2.8D N.</p>

Ron, I own a two touch 80-200 and had the ring break eight years ago after owning the lens four years and finally had it repaired by

KEH this year. I was using inconspicuous black gaffers tape to keep the ring set at auto and per my usual used the AF-ON button

turned on and the shutter release autofocus turned off without a problem. There was nothing I did to the lens out of the normal to

cause the ring to break. It's a common problem and some consider it a design flaw though if Nikon had used delrin or polycarbonate I

think that we might not be having this conversation. All-in-All I have considered this lens to be one of my better purchases and the

construction has been otherwise OK. Good hunting. Andy

<p>That's good to hear.. I'm thinking of getting a macro slide rail for fine focus too, any recommendations?</p>

<p>..just noticed my 85/1.4D also has a very similar ring - looks solid though despite 10+ years of regular usage... perhaps it's a better fit than the zooms and micro...Replacement of this cheap part looks like hassle - I don't see how it can be done without major disassembly...</p>

<p>As mentioned, the same or very similar design is in the 80-200 af-D two ring model. I repaired mine after it fractured. The obvious place is just near the small screw in the af/mf ring. It seems that the small screw causes some tension on the ring.<br>

By loosening the screw you may risk loosing it for good. If loosened, the screw could be secured.<br>

If you like to do something to prevent the fracture you can strenghten the area. Even a good quality two sided tape covered by a small piece of metal or plastic sheet can do the trick. You may be able to do this repair after the fracture appears.<br>

I did some more work, fitted a piece of metal sheet over the fracture, glued it in and painted it black - looks like factory made.<br>

Lots of options available without paying too much. Don't worry.</p>

<p>Enjoy your new lens and let others enjoy the results.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>My 200mm f 4.0 AF is about 8-10 years and my M/AF ring is fine. However, I rarely set AF as I use the lens in MF most of the time. I do agree it is a weak link feature of the lens. When AF is used it is SLOW compared to AFS lenses. If you are going to use it for macro purposes, I suggest you use it in MF mode. Just set the MF one time and forget the ring. Joe Smith</p>

<p>Forgive me if I am missing something but if I want to focus either of my "D" lenses manually I just disengage the drive via the camera's af/mf switch on the body, I never move the switch on the lenses off auto.</p>

<p>Mine has a hairline crack, and has had since I bought it (used) just over 3 years ago. It's not showing any signs of worsening, but I rarely switch it from manual focus, so not a lot of wear and tear on the part.</p>

<p>Many thanks for sharing your views, I'm more reassured that the thing doesn't just break spontaneously. I will set it to MF and leave well alone.</p>

<p>Mine broke at the 4 year mark. At the screw. I doubt the tension from the screw had a lot to do with it. More likely the band itself is too thin to have had the screw hole drilled through it. Design flaw for sure. After the hole for the screw was drilled, there is almost nothing left of the actual band. Pretty obvious why the bands break.</p>