I'm looking at a Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 17-35mm f2.8 D ED Lens. Can I use it on my MF Nikon camera, such as my Nikkormat, Nikon EL2 and Nikon FM2n?
I know that I would need to flip the switch on the lens to MF, etc. I was under the impression that I could use any Nikon lens with an aperture ring. Will this lens focus properly with the Nikon Split Image/Microprism focusing aids in the camera?
Should work just fine on the manual bodies. I believe the 17-35 has instant manual focus override, so you wouldn't need to flip the switch. That just tells cameras not to try. It's not like the AF/AF-D lenses that have the switching ring that engages/disengages the focus ring.
mawz wrote:
Yes, it will work just fine on the FM2n and EL2
It lacks the rabbit ears to engage the meter on most Nikkormats, so unless you have an FT3, you may not have metering linked to your aperture ring.
Yet it still looks to have the punch marks to add the pre-AI metering ears if you wanted it for those old bodies. My first 135 SLR was the Nikkormat EL. I also had an EL/w (version that accepted the winder AW-1). It makes me cringe to think of using those cameras today.
EB-1 wrote:
Yet it still looks to have the punch marks to add the pre-AI metering ears if you wanted it for those old bodies. My first 135 SLR was the Nikkormat EL. I also had an EL/w (version that accepted the winder AW-1). It makes me cringe to think of using those cameras today.
EBH
Your comment caused me to check my copy and indeed it does have the markings where the screws would be to fit the rabbit ears. Therefore I’m sure it could be added.
Spectro wrote:
Your comment caused me to check my copy and indeed it does have the markings where the screws would be to fit the rabbit ears. Therefore I’m sure it could be added.
They can be added if you have the necessary skills and are willing to take the risk on a lens that may not be easily serviceable if something goes wrong.
That's why I said 'may not', not 'will not' in my post above.
It's been a really long time since I had one, but I'm pretty sure my 17-35 worked just fine with the split prism in my FE2, and I'm not aware of any reason to think it wouldn't, but maybe someone else will come along to 100% confirm it.
p.1 #10 · Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 17-35mm f2.8 D ED Lens
It should work fine. According to Nikon Tech Support, the lens is AI-S modified and it has both the cam and grooved cutout on the lens flange. They said that it should focus the same as any manual focus lens on a Nikkormat, FM, FE etc.
p.1 #11 · Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 17-35mm f2.8 D ED Lens
I have one and quite like it as it works well on my MF film bodies (Nikon F2AS, FE2, FM3a), AF film bodies (Nikon F6), Dslr bodies (D850 and D750) and mirrorless (Z9 with FTZ adapter). Pretty versatile and sharp as one practically needs with some character. However, if you are going to use it in AF, it is important to exercise the AF regularly, as some micro corrosion tends to form on the AF mechanism otherwise and it starts squeaking and can eventually fail. Mine did after some years of infrequent light use. The repair person told me to exercise it regularly. When I do so, it doesn't squeak at all. I once left it unused for about two weeks and it started lightly squeaking. I then exercised the AF every day for about 10 seconds and it stopped squeaking entirely. The operation of the AF micro polishes the corrosion away, preventing corrosion buildup.
p.1 #12 · Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 17-35mm f2.8 D ED Lens
The motor on my copy (purchased Nov. 2006) went belly up in 2013. The replacement motor from Nikon hasn't showed any signs of squeaking yet, which leads me to wonder if the replacement motors are better protected against the dreaded corrosion. Historically, Nikon has been known to occasionally make improvements without admitting there ever was a flaw.
p.1 #13 · Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 17-35mm f2.8 D ED Lens
Keith B. wrote:
The motor on my copy (purchased Nov. 2006) went belly up in 2013. The replacement motor from Nikon hasn't showed any signs of squeaking yet, which leads me to wonder if the replacement motors are better protected against the dreaded corrosion. Historically, Nikon has been known to occasionally make improvements without admitting there ever was a flaw.
The early AF-S motors were not up to par. The 28-70/2.8 AF-S also had it.
Maybe a 17-35/2.8 with a bad motor would be a cheaper deal for MF users.
p.1 #15 · Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 17-35mm f2.8 D ED Lens
EB-1 wrote:
The early AF-S motors were not up to par. The 28-70/2.8 AF-S also had it.
Maybe a 17-35/2.8 with a bad motor would be a cheaper deal for MF users.
EBH
And, for completeness, the AF-S 300/4D also had the quick-die motor.
Nikon service charged approximately $460 to fix the 17-35/2.8 in 2013.
If my copy's motor dies again, I'll probably keep it as a MF lens.
p.1 #16 · Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 17-35mm f2.8 D ED Lens
I have shot this great lens for over 25 years on F100, D1X, D810 and is still in my bag for general wide-angle shooting. Maybe I got an exceptional copy, but I never understood the comments saying it cannot compete with modern glass.
p.1 #17 · Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 17-35mm f2.8 D ED Lens
I still occasionally use mine, though it did have an electronic failure last summer that necessitated removing the contact block from the lens. Now it's manual focus, not because the motor failed, but because attaching to any Nikon AF camera (including Z cameras) caused the camera functions to lock up, which has happened before. If I want to make what I call "Fake View Camera" shots, that have maximum fine detail from center to edge, I'll choose another, more modern-design lens. I won't bore the FM audience with my long-time, never-ending pining for Nikon to make a modern Z version of this lens (as Sony and Canon have within their lineups).
