Nikon ES-2 Duplicator with Nikon 55mm f2.8 lens

I just started using an ES-1 with my 55mm f/2.8. I must say, I'm disappointed in the amount of play in the lens's front inner barrel that this usage has revealed. When the lens is fully extended (at MFD), the front barrel, with the ES-1 attached, seems to sag on the order of half a millimeter due to the added weight of the attachment. This throws the alignment of the ES-1 off enough that I am forced to push it up with my left hand in order to center the slide on the sensor before taking an exposure.

 

Does anyone else have this problem with their 55mm f/2.8 when using an ES-1 or ES-2? Perhaps my copy has loosened over time.

I use the ES-2 with a 55mm/2.8 AiS and find absolutely no play in the barrel when fully extended - not even when I put pressure from side to side.

My AI 55/2.8 wasn't used for some years, and the focus ring is very hard to turn.

I warmed it up in the sun, and it softened up a little bit. I believe it doesn't sag,

either, but didn't really test that. I have only used the ES-1 a few times, and didn't

try so hard to get the centering right.

 

I have mine on a D700.

Does anyone else have this problem with their 55mm f/2.8 when using an ES-1 or ES-2? Perhaps my copy has loosened over time.

I stopped using a modified ES-E28 with my 55mm f/3.5 Micro-Nikkor because of concerns about the strain it placed on the focussing helicoid. My f/2.8 micro-Nikkor came to me 'pre-abused' and already had some slop in the helicoid that needed support with the copier attached.

 

I now use an 'Illumitran' purpose-built copying rig fitted with an enlarging lens. And get sharper copies.

 

However, on further thinking about it, the strain on your lens could be reduced simply by pointing the rig vertically downwards. This might need a re-arrangement of your illumination source, but should automatically centre the lens better.

However, on further thinking about it, the strain on your lens could be reduced simply by pointing the rig vertically downwards. This might need a re-arrangement of your illumination source, but should automatically centre the lens better.

 

That's a good idea. Shouldn't be too inconvenient either.

I notice a fair amount of wobble when I change the slide or film strip. I assumed it was the sliding tube, but it might be the lens barrel too. I do two things which make this wobble moot. I shoot at slightly less than 1:1, so any variations are still within the frame. Secondly I rest the camera and ES-1/ES-1 on a table, which relieves any strain and helps keep the film holder parallel to the base. Using an HDMI monitor for focusing and centering requires much less handling of the camera.