I received my D700 several days ago, and most of my lenses are tight when attaching and turning them to mount. It is not really a big problem, but the last 1/8 turn if very "snug," although not enough force to break or stress any parts.

None of the other cameras I have or had, the D40, D200, D300 or D3 have had this issue. In fact, I have been concerned in the past that my 200-400 mounted loosely- not an issue now.

Should I be concerned? This is a new issue I have never had to confront. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Terry
Nikonian in Maryland

>I received my D700 several days ago, and most of my lenses
>are tight when attaching and turning them to mount. It is not
>really a big problem, but the last 1/8 turn if very
>"snug," although not enough force to break or stress
>any parts.
>
>None of the other cameras I have or had, the D40, D200, D300
>or D3 have had this issue. In fact, I have been concerned in
>the past that my 200-400 mounted loosely- not an issue now.
>
>Should I be concerned? This is a new issue I have never had
>to confront. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

It's impossible to judge from your description exactly how much force you're using. Mind you, if your 200-400 mounted loosely (whatever that means exactly) and you're happy with the mount now, then it actually sounds like you don't have a problem. Best thing to do is the bring your D700 and one of the snug lenses into a local dealer to ask him for an opinion on the snugness. You'll probably find that it's within normal tolerances, but the only way to tell for sure is to get a hands-on opinion from someone who handles camera gear all day.

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I've had the same situation. My 70-200mm lens is very hard to put on the D700. Last turn is very tight. Not sure if this is a problem or not,
Mike

I have a wide variety of Nikkor lenses, both old and brand new, and none of them feel particularly tight. They feel just like my other Nikon SLRs, both film and digital.

Is it possible that your mount might have been damaged?

I have compared the mount to my other cameras, and it looks just fine. Everything has been working perfectly. My experience is like Mike's. Also, it is the same whether the lensses are gasketed or not.

I wouldn't worry, but over time it could lead to some considerable wear on the mounting surfaces- although I do kind of like my 200-400 being more tightly mounted than it has been on every other camera.

I think I will take the advice of the first post and have a local store check it out.

Thanks,
Terry

Nikonian in Maryland

>I wouldn't worry, but over time it could lead to some
>considerable wear on the mounting surfaces- although I do kind
>of like my 200-400 being more tightly mounted than it has been
>on every other camera.
>
>I think I will take the advice of the first post and have a
>local store check it out.

Let us know the results please.

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Just got the fantastic 24-70 2.8 lens and the last bit before snapping into lock on the D700 is VERY tight but not so on my D70s. Other lenses don't seem especially tight on the D700, just that one. Tolerances.

>Just got the fantastic 24-70 2.8 lens and the last bit before
>snapping into lock on the D700 is VERY tight but not so on my
>D70s. Other lenses don't seem especially tight on the D700,
>just that one. Tolerances.

From your post and others, it seems as though some new lenses have been shipped with high spots on one part of their locking collars. I'll bet that a lens repair specialist or - perhaps easier to find - an adventurous watchmaker or jewellery repair technician, could file the small area back into tolerance.

If the trailing flange that's gapped to mate with the body lock is a bit too thick, the minor modification is really easy. File, air blast, check fit - maybe repeat - and you're done. If the problem lies with the guide part of flange it might take an extra minute. I the trick is to use a long-nose micrometer caliper to determine the exact location of the section that's over tolerance.

I'm interested to hear what the OP's dealer has to say about his particular lens and D700. It's just so hard to describe, in words, what constitutes tight fitting in this situation.

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Howard Carson, Managing Editor
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About two weeks ago, I received a D700 which exhibited exactly the same problem you have: I had to apply a much larger torque when mounting lenses (24-70mm f/2.8, 70-200 mm f/2.8 vr, 50mm f/1.8, Tokina 100 mm macro) than in the case of my D200 or D70.

It was pretty clear to me, that the D700 lens mount was off-spec and that prolonged use would probably cause premature wear of lenses and camera. Therefore, I returned the D700 to the seller, Crutchfield, who promptly exchanged the camera and even covered the shipping cost. The lens mount of the second D700 works flawlessly, and I would suggest that you likewise exchange your camera.

Based on this and earlier experiences, I can highly recommend Crutchfield as a seller.

Tristan

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All,

Guess I won't be taking it in soon. For the first time in 20 years, I dropped my camera and 24-70 on concrete. The D700 was separated, with the mounting ring of the 24-70 left on the camera. Amazingly, the D700 appears to be okay, but I sent it with the two piece 24-70 to Nikon for testing- the 24-70 for intensive care. Guess the D300 is the prime camera for a while.

Terry
Nikonian in Maryland

>Guess I won't be taking it in soon. For the first time in 20
>years, I dropped my camera and 24-70 on concrete. The D700
>was separated, with the mounting ring of the 24-70 left on the
>camera. Amazingly, the D700 appears to be okay, but I sent it
>with the two piece 24-70 to Nikon for testing- the 24-70 for
>intensive care. Guess the D300 is the prime camera for a
>while.

Everybody on the forum is now either crossing themselves, chanting incantations, stroking good luck charms, burning incense or praying, and checking their strap webbing and rings, and whispering quietly to themselves "pleasedon'tletithappentome, pleasedon'tletithappentome, pleasedon'tletithappentome, pleasedon'tletithappentome."

Quick - somebody buy this man an UpStrap!

Truly sorry to hear about this.

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Well,

Relatively good new on the lens front. After having shipped the Lens from Baltimore to Nikon Melville, I have already received the estimate. The lens mount/rear piece of glass had been separated from the remainder of the lens, and a number of the internal parts had been badly bent. The front of the lens had been saved by a UV filter, which was trashed, but saved the front filter rings. Amazingly, the lens hood had popped off and went flying, but is virtually undamaged, showing no impact.

The estimate is for $179- having had some lenses worked on in the past, I was expecting a number several times this amount. By the way, I was using the Nionians Op Tech camera strap, which has always served me in good stead. Unfortunately I had a coat and tie on, had briefly put the strap over my shoulder, which typically is not a problem sans coat, and could not feel it slipping through the coat. Note to self- keep camera strap around neck when wearing coat and tie.

I now consider myself very lucky, and now I may be chanting "pleasedon'tletithappentomeagain." .

Terry
Nikonian in Maryland

>The estimate is for $179- having had some lenses worked on in
>the past, I was expecting a number several times this amount.
>
>I now consider myself very lucky, and now I may be chanting
>"pleasedon'tletithappentomeagain." .

Glad to hear the repair is affordable.

"Pleasedon'tletithappentomeever, pleasedon'tletithappentomeever, pleasedon'tletithappentomeever, pleasedon'tletithappentomeever!"

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Howard Carson, Managing Editor
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Okay, I have been around for some time.

On all my Nikon cameras from analog to digital they all have a last moment of "snug" fit.

This is caused by them "locking" into the lens mount.

I have never ever suffered a fault from this and accept it as a feeling of control knowing the lens is mounted properly.

Troy

A place where this Virginia Beach guy hangs a few of his photos:

http://www.pbase.com/troysup

>I received my D700 several days ago, and most of my lenses
>are tight when attaching and turning them to mount. It is not
>really a big problem, but the last 1/8 turn if very
>"snug," although not enough force to break or stress
>any parts.
>
>None of the other cameras I have or had, the D40, D200, D300
>or D3 have had this issue. In fact, I have been concerned in
>the past that my 200-400 mounted loosely- not an issue now.
>
>Should I be concerned? This is a new issue I have never had
>to confront. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
>
>Terry
>Nikonian in Maryland
Because I had been following this thread and was aware of the possible problem, when I picked up my D700 from the Nikon shop (Broadway, Sydney, Australia) I took along the 70-200 and the 24-70 in order to "test the tightness".
The combinations of body and both lenses passed with flying colours. A great relief! But it was better to be safe rather than sorry later. Thanks for the warning.
Bob

My D700 mount is also tight, especially on my 50mm 1.8 lens. Looser on my 70-300 4.5 zoom and dx 18-70. But the 50mm is a pain to put on and take off. I'm not sure if its the lens or the camera, but I do notice that all 3 lenses mount more easily on my trusty D70s.

I have never taken a Nikon body to bits.
I know on Olympus OM the bayonet tightness was adjusted by turning 3 screws on the back of the lens mount - easily done on an OM body.

Photography is a bit like archery. A technically better camera, lens or arrow may not hit the target as often as it could if the photographer or archer does not practice enough.

Len Shepherd

I have been using the D700 after the fall and it exhibits no problems. The corner where it struck was covered by rubber, so the impact area is barely visible. About 2000 images later, and focus, exposure, etc. appear to be right on. My plan was to use it for a while, see what problems I had, then send it in to Nikon for a check.

I was concerned when I sold my D3 for a D700 I getting a camera of lesser build- if it holds up to this, I guess I shouldn't worry.

One ironic item of note- the lens mount is not as tight. When the lens was leveraged against the body, it must have increased the tolerances. It is still tight, but now it is "snug" rather than tight, and feels just right. By the way- this is not a recommended nor sanctioned method to mitigate a "tight" lens mount.

One last thought. My gear took a major fall and one could not tell that this was the case with the camera (otherwise with the lens). When buying used gear, make sure you have good idea who you are buying from. I am the type who state what happened in the listing to sell, and price it accordingly, but I now see how easy it could be to deceive a buyer. Just my two cents.

Terry
Nikonian in Maryland

I had last posted that the 24-70 that had broken in half while attached to the D700 was sent in to Nikon for repair 6 weeks ago, repaired for a charge of $179. The D700 appears fine, having taken about 9,000 shots since then.

Well, After 4 weeks, Nikon sent back a repair re-estimate of $241, which I readily approved. 5 days after my approval, the website still read "re-estimate." I called Nikon, and quickly was able to speak to a customer service rep with serviceable english skills. Now the problems began. They claimed that I had never approved the "re-estimate." While on the call, I called up the service approval page and the service status page on my computer, which both said the "re-estimate" had been approved. This is where things went screwy. He said I had not approved the estimate for $179, the original estimate. Obviously I had approved it, because it had moved to the shop, the damage was found to be more than expected, hence the re-estimate. The rep obviously could not deal with a situation off script, and it was apparent the english language comprehension was becoming more of an issue as we moved off script. After 10 minutes of conversation of extremely circular conversations and convoluted logic, the rep put me on hold for ten minutes while he figured the situation out.

After the hold period, everything seemed fine, but he informed me that the original payment information could not apply, but did not have an option for me to pay for it-I was rather baffled at this point, especially since the website stated "approved," which left me no option to enter the payment information on line. He left again for about 5 minutes, and came back and was able to take my information, and the call ended.

Over the next few days, the service status web page showed "estimate approved", then "in shop", and three days ago a "parts hold." I was not suprised, due to the extent of the damage. As of today, it still says parts hold. I received a completely new lens yesterday. At this point, I do not have any charges from Nikon for the $179 or the $241.

While I have always ultimately been very satisfied with Nikon Service (I have had absolute nightmares with Canon on several occasion, to the point of getting rid of my P&S's), the communication problems are amazing. I am always amazed a company can be so technologically advance on the lenses and the cameras, yet cannot institute a responsive service system.

By the way, this lens is comfortably tight.

Terry
Nikonian in Maryland

whew!....its good to know that i'm not the only one who has problems removing and mounting lenses on the D700...its tolerable, im just hoping i'm not destroying the mount in any way..

>whew!....its good to know that i'm not the only one who has
>problems removing and mounting lenses on the D700...its
>tolerable, im just hoping i'm not destroying the mount in any
>way..

Why take a chance. Have it adjusted by a Nikon service center.

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where can i find them?

D700Gripped, 50 1.8D, 24-70 f2.8G

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well its possible im just not used to it yet, coming from canon....should swapping lenses be swift and easy? or do all Nikons offer some assurance of a "snug" fit to ensure proper fit?

D700Gripped, 50 1.8D, 24-70 f2.8G

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>well its possible im just not used to it yet, coming from
>canon....should swapping lenses be swift and easy? or do all
>Nikons offer some assurance of a "snug" fit to
>ensure proper fit?

It's absolutely impossible to determine if the fit is too tight simply from a verbal description. If you can't get to a Nikon service center, at least drop by a good camera store and find a couple of experienced sales people. Ask them to try the lens mount. If they tell you it's normal, you're alright. If not, send it to Nikon for adjustment.

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Howard Carson, Managing Editor
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>where can i find them?

www.nikon.com

Look up the service center closest to where you live.

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Howard Carson, Managing Editor
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thanks for your help

D700Gripped, 50 1.8D, 24-70 f2.8G

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I own the D700 too with the 24-70 and 50 1.4 lenses and that :stiffness: is only exhibited when i try to mount the 50mm lens on. The 24-70 mounts on hussle-free.