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02/20/2009 12:41:10 PM · #1 |
My favorite Nikon lens (AF Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX V) is very loose. Was trying to take macro shots with camera attached to a tripod and pointing lens straight down. Lens slipped into fully extended position every time, making it tricky to take sharp images in anything but the 200 mm position. What's up with that? Is this fixable --- or is this what happens as lenses get used a lot?
And same question in relation to my tripod head. I have a Bogen 3265 Grip Action Ball Head that is only really useful in upright positions. If I try to tip it, it slips all the way over (despite tightening all available parts). Is this fixable --- or is this what happens as ball heads get used a lot?
Thanks for any suggestions.
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02/20/2009 01:31:34 PM · #2 |
There is a "load strength adjustment screw" built into the handle of the ballhead; try to locate that and it may solve your problem. Like any other friction device, the ballhead will loosen with time.
The problem with the slipping lens is in the same category, except it is NOT user-adjustable. A camera repair facility can take care of it, and at least back in the day it wasn't especially expensive; but I haven't had to do this for 20 years, so I have no idea what it costs now.
R.
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02/20/2009 01:33:39 PM · #3 |
| Sarah, I have the same lens and a similar problem with it. I think I read that this is a standard complaint about the lens. I don't know if a repair shop could adjust it or not, but I'd be interested in hearing about it if you decide to pursue it. |
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02/20/2009 02:01:35 PM · #4 |
Originally posted by citymars:
Sarah, I have the same lens and a similar problem with it. I think I read that this is a standard complaint about the lens. I don't know if a repair shop could adjust it or not, but I'd be interested in hearing about it if you decide to pursue it. |
Agreed. Lots of forum posts about that lens creeping (here and on other sites). It bothers me when I go hiking with it (I typically hike with it harnessed to my chest, lens pointing down... and it tends to creep on me a lot). Handiest recommendation I found was to put a heavy-duty rubber-band on the lens body; leave 1/2 or so of the band on the tele hub, the other 1/2 or so on the body (adjust back and forth to change tension). Effectively adds friction to the tele adjustment, which can help hold the lens in a given position.
If it looks too dorky, you can always blacken it with a sharpie or something. :P
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02/20/2009 02:12:26 PM · #5 |
| Thanks to all. I will plan to check with repair shop, and will certainly be looking for a rubberband and sharpie in the meantime. :) |
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02/20/2009 02:27:46 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by k9logic:
Thanks to all. I will plan to check with repair shop, and will certainly be looking for a rubberband and sharpie in the meantime. :) |
If in warranty you might want to check with Nikon first.
This is a known problem and I've heard of users returning
them and getting fairly good results. If in warranty should
only cost shipping. |
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