Crappy construction Nikon 18-135

[Ext User(Sosumi)]

I only had my Nikon 18-135 since January and now I discover this:

http://atlantic-diesel.com/Lens.jpg

I can't believe it! I thought it was like that but I never noticed before,
but I understand it happened while putting the lenscap on. I tried it and
the edge is just completely loose. Not fixed or glued.

When you put the cap on the lens at an angle, it feels as if you touch the
side, but it can be this rim or ring that then deforms.

Is this normal? The quality of my much cheaper 1.8 50 mm is much better; it
would be impossible to get this and I think it shouldn't happen.

Anyone else have this problem? Does this ring feel loose (with a small
screwdriver or tweezers) or is it glued?


--
Sosumi

[Ext User(Paul Furman)]

Sosumi wrote:
> I only had my Nikon 18-135 since January and now I discover this:
>
> http://atlantic-diesel.com/Lens.jpg
>
> I can't believe it! I thought it was like that but I never noticed before,
> but I understand it happened while putting the lenscap on. I tried it and
> the edge is just completely loose. Not fixed or glued.
>
> When you put the cap on the lens at an angle, it feels as if you touch the
> side, but it can be this rim or ring that then deforms.
>
> Is this normal? The quality of my much cheaper 1.8 50 mm is much better; it
> would be impossible to get this and I think it shouldn't happen.
>
> Anyone else have this problem? Does this ring feel loose (with a small
> screwdriver or tweezers) or is it glued?

My 105mm VR macro got damage something like that but not as bad. It's a
flexible mask of some sort that hangs loosely over the front element,
the edge is not cemented to the glass. I'm assuming it's not a big deal,
it seems to work fine. Kind of a lousy design, I don't know what purpose
it serves, maybe just covering some ugly cosmetic joints?

[Ext User(jean)]

"Sosumi" <sosumi@home.nl> a écrit dans le message de news:
keadnYYlALD7HSbanZ2dnUVZ8u-dnZ2d@novis.pt...
>I only had my Nikon 18-135 since January and now I discover this:
>
> http://atlantic-diesel.com/Lens.jpg
>
> I can't believe it! I thought it was like that but I never noticed before,
> but I understand it happened while putting the lenscap on. I tried it and
> the edge is just completely loose. Not fixed or glued.
>
> When you put the cap on the lens at an angle, it feels as if you touch the
> side, but it can be this rim or ring that then deforms.
>
> Is this normal? The quality of my much cheaper 1.8 50 mm is much better;
> it would be impossible to get this and I think it shouldn't happen.
>
> Anyone else have this problem? Does this ring feel loose (with a small
> screwdriver or tweezers) or is it glued?

Awww, shucks, Nikon! this is NOT possible, it must have been made by Canon
to be this crappy, isn't that what you have been saying all the time!

Bite me!

[Ext User(Sosumi)]

"Paul Furman" <paul-@-edgehill.net> wrote in message
news:cvMuj.11777$Ch6.115@newssvr11.news.prodigy.ne t...
> Sosumi wrote:
>> I only had my Nikon 18-135 since January and now I discover this:
>>
>> http://atlantic-diesel.com/Lens.jpg
>>
>> I can't believe it! I thought it was like that but I never noticed
>> before, but I understand it happened while putting the lenscap on. I
>> tried it and the edge is just completely loose. Not fixed or glued.
>>
>> When you put the cap on the lens at an angle, it feels as if you touch
>> the side, but it can be this rim or ring that then deforms.
>>
>> Is this normal? The quality of my much cheaper 1.8 50 mm is much better;
>> it would be impossible to get this and I think it shouldn't happen.
>>
>> Anyone else have this problem? Does this ring feel loose (with a small
>> screwdriver or tweezers) or is it glued?
>
> My 105mm VR macro got damage something like that but not as bad. It's a
> flexible mask of some sort that hangs loosely over the front element, the
> edge is not cemented to the glass. I'm assuming it's not a big deal, it
> seems to work fine. Kind of a lousy design, I don't know what purpose it
> serves, maybe just covering some ugly cosmetic joints?

That's what I suspected, but on further investigation, it seems to cover a
small gutter. It seems to be made of aluminum, so it won't be forced back in
shape.
I already talked to the importer, Nikon-Europe in Holland, and they ware
stunned. Possible this problem is applicable to a batch or the whole series,
in which case they will ask for a return to factory or exchange.
They appologized several times and promised to have it fixed or exchanged,
depending on the service centre I go to.

So I'll keep you up to date.


--
Sosumi

[Ext User(Sosumi)]

"jean" <try_to@find.it> wrote in message
news:wd2dnVjy17uMPCbanZ2dnUVZ_qygnZ2d@giganews.com ...
>
> "Sosumi" <sosumi@home.nl> a écrit dans le message de news:
> keadnYYlALD7HSbanZ2dnUVZ8u-dnZ2d@novis.pt...
>>I only had my Nikon 18-135 since January and now I discover this:
>>
>> http://atlantic-diesel.com/Lens.jpg
>>
>> I can't believe it! I thought it was like that but I never noticed
>> before, but I understand it happened while putting the lenscap on. I
>> tried it and the edge is just completely loose. Not fixed or glued.
>>
>> When you put the cap on the lens at an angle, it feels as if you touch
>> the side, but it can be this rim or ring that then deforms.
>>
>> Is this normal? The quality of my much cheaper 1.8 50 mm is much better;
>> it would be impossible to get this and I think it shouldn't happen.
>>
>> Anyone else have this problem? Does this ring feel loose (with a small
>> screwdriver or tweezers) or is it glued?
>
> Awww, shucks, Nikon! this is NOT possible, it must have been made by Canon
> to be this crappy, isn't that what you have been saying all the time!

Canon can't touch this lens in performance. Nothing they offer is even close
to equal.
I think they have other minor problems, like the 5000,- camera that won't
focus correctly or the 8000,- one that can't make straight pictures.

And it's not defective, on the contrary: it's an amazing lens for a very
good price. The damage is only cosmetically. Nevertheless; it shouldn't
happen, but I'm quite sure this will be corrected satisfactory.

> Bite me!

No thanks. I don't want to be sick again ;-)


--
Sosumi

[Ext User(Rita Berkowitz)]

Sosumi wrote:

> I only had my Nikon 18-135 since January and now I discover this:
>
> http://atlantic-diesel.com/Lens.jpg
>
> I can't believe it! I thought it was like that but I never noticed
> before, but I understand it happened while putting the lenscap on. I
> tried it and the edge is just completely loose. Not fixed or glued.
>
> When you put the cap on the lens at an angle, it feels as if you
> touch the side, but it can be this rim or ring that then deforms.
>
> Is this normal? The quality of my much cheaper 1.8 50 mm is much
> better; it would be impossible to get this and I think it shouldn't
> happen.
>
> Anyone else have this problem? Does this ring feel loose (with a small
> screwdriver or tweezers) or is it glued?

It's just a trim ring for cosmetics only. It's nothing to worry about.
This proves that you aren't keeping a filter on the lens. If you did this
level of damage to the trim ring with the lens cap you will eventually
scratch the lens surface. Get a new trim ring and always keep a filter on
the lens.





Rita

[Ext User(Sosumi)]

"Rita Berkowitz" <ritaberk2008@aol.com> wrote in message
news:13ro5fr22ok09d8@news.supernews.com...
> Sosumi wrote:
>
>> I only had my Nikon 18-135 since January and now I discover this:
>>
>> http://atlantic-diesel.com/Lens.jpg
>>
>> I can't believe it! I thought it was like that but I never noticed
>> before, but I understand it happened while putting the lenscap on. I
>> tried it and the edge is just completely loose. Not fixed or glued.
>>
>> When you put the cap on the lens at an angle, it feels as if you
>> touch the side, but it can be this rim or ring that then deforms.
>>
>> Is this normal? The quality of my much cheaper 1.8 50 mm is much
>> better; it would be impossible to get this and I think it shouldn't
>> happen.
>>
>> Anyone else have this problem? Does this ring feel loose (with a small
>> screwdriver or tweezers) or is it glued?
>
> It's just a trim ring for cosmetics only. It's nothing to worry about.
> This proves that you aren't keeping a filter on the lens. If you did this
> level of damage to the trim ring with the lens cap you will eventually
> scratch the lens surface. Get a new trim ring and always keep a filter on
> the lens.

What kind of filter? Will it affect the pictures in some way?
I've never been a big fan of filters, except in the old days when I was
shooting slides, but then only for special effects.
But in this case it makes sense.
Still: if you should use a filter to protect the lens, shouldn't Nikon
include one in the package and warn you for this? They seemed to be pretty
embarrassed about it.
They think it might be a production mistake.


--
Sosumi

[Ext User(Rita Berkowitz)]

Sosumi wrote:

>> It's just a trim ring for cosmetics only. It's nothing to worry
>> about. This proves that you aren't keeping a filter on the lens. If
>> you did this level of damage to the trim ring with the lens cap you
>> will eventually scratch the lens surface. Get a new trim ring and
>> always keep a filter on the lens.
>
> What kind of filter? Will it affect the pictures in some way?
> I've never been a big fan of filters, except in the old days when I
> was shooting slides, but then only for special effects.
> But in this case it makes sense.
> Still: if you should use a filter to protect the lens, shouldn't Nikon
> include one in the package and warn you for this? They seemed to be
> pretty embarrassed about it.

Just get yourself a decent quality UV filter by B+W or Hoya and slap it on
there and forget it. I have filters on all my lenses to protect that front
element. You'll never notice a decrease in image quality so it's nothing to
worry about.

> They think it might be a production mistake.

It's no production mistake; it's just the same as any adhesive backed
aluminum label or nameplate. It will wear quickly or get damaged if not
handled properly. Just have the vendor or Nikon service send you one so you
won't be without your lens.




Rita

[Ext User(Sosumi)]

"Rita Berkowitz" <ritaberk2008@aol.com> wrote in message
news:13ro8dihis2rd44@news.supernews.com...
> Sosumi wrote:
>
>>> It's just a trim ring for cosmetics only. It's nothing to worry
>>> about. This proves that you aren't keeping a filter on the lens. If
>>> you did this level of damage to the trim ring with the lens cap you
>>> will eventually scratch the lens surface. Get a new trim ring and
>>> always keep a filter on the lens.
>>
>> What kind of filter? Will it affect the pictures in some way?
>> I've never been a big fan of filters, except in the old days when I
>> was shooting slides, but then only for special effects.
>> But in this case it makes sense.
>> Still: if you should use a filter to protect the lens, shouldn't Nikon
>> include one in the package and warn you for this? They seemed to be
>> pretty embarrassed about it.
>
> Just get yourself a decent quality UV filter by B+W or Hoya and slap it on
> there and forget it. I have filters on all my lenses to protect that
> front
> element. You'll never notice a decrease in image quality so it's nothing
> to
> worry about.
>
>> They think it might be a production mistake.
>
> It's no production mistake; it's just the same as any adhesive backed
> aluminum label or nameplate. It will wear quickly or get damaged if not
> handled properly. Just have the vendor or Nikon service send you one so
> you
> won't be without your lens.

But that's the problem: it's not "adhesived" anywhere, just the outer ring
seems to be holding on to the edge.
You can lift it anywhere on the inside.
Good idea, but how is it attached? It seems to be "locked" with the same
thread for a filter. So you have to screw it out and the new one in? Or is
it glued?


--
Sosumi

[Ext User(Rita Berkowitz)]

Sosumi wrote:

>>> They think it might be a production mistake.
>>
>> It's no production mistake; it's just the same as any adhesive backed
>> aluminum label or nameplate. It will wear quickly or get damaged if
>> not handled properly. Just have the vendor or Nikon service send
>> you one so you
>> won't be without your lens.
>
> But that's the problem: it's not "adhesived" anywhere, just the outer
> ring seems to be holding on to the edge.
> You can lift it anywhere on the inside.
> Good idea, but how is it attached? It seems to be "locked" with the
> same thread for a filter. So you have to screw it out and the new one
> in? Or is it glued?

I just looked at my 105mm VR and it has the same setup. I assumed that it
was held in place by adhesive. If yours is different and is locked down by
a threaded ring you will need to use a spanner wrench. You can make one
from a set of calipers if you don't. I would see if the store would sell
the part directly to you. I don't see this part costing more than $5. I
ordered for my D200 two complete sets of rubber grips and a few other parts
directly from Nikon an the order wasn't even $50.




Rita

[Ext User(Joseph Meehan)]

Hey, watch out! If you see someone ID'ed as RichA, run and hide. He
only allows anti-Canon comments.

--
Joseph Meehan

Dia 's Muire duit



"Sosumi" <sosumi@home.nl> wrote in message
news:keadnYYlALD7HSbanZ2dnUVZ8u-dnZ2d@novis.pt...
> I only had my Nikon 18-135 since January and now I discover this:
>
> http://atlantic-diesel.com/Lens.jpg
>
> I can't believe it! I thought it was like that but I never noticed before,
> but I understand it happened while putting the lenscap on. I tried it and
> the edge is just completely loose. Not fixed or glued.
>
> When you put the cap on the lens at an angle, it feels as if you touch the
> side, but it can be this rim or ring that then deforms.
>
> Is this normal? The quality of my much cheaper 1.8 50 mm is much better;
> it would be impossible to get this and I think it shouldn't happen.
>
> Anyone else have this problem? Does this ring feel loose (with a small
> screwdriver or tweezers) or is it glued?
>
>
> --
> Sosumi
>

[Ext User(jean)]

> So I'll keep you up to date.

Save it, not interested...

[Ext User(jean)]

"Sosumi" <sosumi@home.nl> a écrit dans le message de news:
yLydncDOErtMkyHaRVnyhwA@novis.pt...
>
> "jean" <try_to@find.it> wrote in message
> news:wd2dnVjy17uMPCbanZ2dnUVZ_qygnZ2d@giganews.com ...
>>
>> "Sosumi" <sosumi@home.nl> a écrit dans le message de news:
>> keadnYYlALD7HSbanZ2dnUVZ8u-dnZ2d@novis.pt...
>>>I only had my Nikon 18-135 since January and now I discover this:
>>>
>>> http://atlantic-diesel.com/Lens.jpg
>>>
>>> I can't believe it! I thought it was like that but I never noticed
>>> before, but I understand it happened while putting the lenscap on. I
>>> tried it and the edge is just completely loose. Not fixed or glued.
>>>
>>> When you put the cap on the lens at an angle, it feels as if you touch
>>> the side, but it can be this rim or ring that then deforms.
>>>
>>> Is this normal? The quality of my much cheaper 1.8 50 mm is much better;
>>> it would be impossible to get this and I think it shouldn't happen.
>>>
>>> Anyone else have this problem? Does this ring feel loose (with a small
>>> screwdriver or tweezers) or is it glued?
>>
>> Awww, shucks, Nikon! this is NOT possible, it must have been made by
>> Canon to be this crappy, isn't that what you have been saying all the
>> time!
>
> Canon can't touch this lens in performance. Nothing they offer is even
> close to equal.
> I think they have other minor problems, like the 5000,- camera that won't
> focus correctly or the 8000,- one that can't make straight pictures.
>
> And it's not defective, on the contrary: it's an amazing lens for a very
> good price. The damage is only cosmetically. Nevertheless; it shouldn't
> happen, but I'm quite sure this will be corrected satisfactory.
>
>> Bite me!
>
> No thanks. I don't want to be sick again ;-)

One time was when you bought your Nikon and another time was when you found
out it was crap. Be strong, it will happen again and again and again...

[Ext User(Sosumi)]

"Rita Berkowitz" <ritaberk2008@aol.com> wrote in message
news:13rp26590vhls15@news.supernews.com...
> Sosumi wrote:
>
>>>> They think it might be a production mistake.
>>>
>>> It's no production mistake; it's just the same as any adhesive backed
>>> aluminum label or nameplate. It will wear quickly or get damaged if
>>> not handled properly. Just have the vendor or Nikon service send
>>> you one so you
>>> won't be without your lens.
>>
>> But that's the problem: it's not "adhesived" anywhere, just the outer
>> ring seems to be holding on to the edge.
>> You can lift it anywhere on the inside.
>> Good idea, but how is it attached? It seems to be "locked" with the
>> same thread for a filter. So you have to screw it out and the new one
>> in? Or is it glued?
>
> I just looked at my 105mm VR and it has the same setup. I assumed that it
> was held in place by adhesive. If yours is different and is locked down
> by
> a threaded ring you will need to use a spanner wrench. You can make one
> from a set of calipers if you don't. I would see if the store would sell
> the part directly to you. I don't see this part costing more than $5. I
> ordered for my D200 two complete sets of rubber grips and a few other
> parts
> directly from Nikon an the order wasn't even $50.

Holy makrel Rita! Are you a mechanic or something? I don't even know what a
"spanner wrench" looks like. My tech English is not so good.
I tried but these people in Holland or Portugal refuse to sell me the ring!
They only want to look at it and maybe replace it without cost or I may have
to pay for it, because , as the Dutch said: it was cosmetic and therefore
not covered by warranty...
Yesterday I went to see the tech store of Nikon in Sintra, but I never got
there.

This is my short story:
http://atlantic-diesel.com/Badluck/

If not anything else, I'll have a ring made for it, somewhere. I'm sure the
quality will be better than original.
But I'm in no hurry. Don't know about what you and others think, but I think
the lens does it's job quite well.
Some people on the Dutch newsgroup were mocking me for using a 18-135 on the
D300.
I hardly think any $ 5,000.- lens would do a *much* better job, what do you
think?

First the lens, then the car: if I didn't have bad luck, I wouldn't have any
luck at all ;-)


--
Sosumi

[Ext User(Rita Berkowitz)]

Sosumi wrote:

> Holy makrel Rita! Are you a mechanic or something? I don't even know
> what a "spanner wrench" looks like. My tech English is not so good.

No, just play one on Usenet. I just buy/sell a lot of diverse merchandise
so you have to learn very quickly what things are and how to fix them should
they need fixing.

> I tried but these people in Holland or Portugal refuse to sell me the
> ring! They only want to look at it and maybe replace it without cost
> or I may have to pay for it, because , as the Dutch said: it was
> cosmetic and therefore not covered by warranty...
> Yesterday I went to see the tech store of Nikon in Sintra, but I
> never got there.

Odd, Nikon USA will sell you any part you need.

> If not anything else, I'll have a ring made for it, somewhere. I'm
> sure the quality will be better than original.

I would just bend it back as close to where it needs to be as possible and
with a toothpick dab a little bit of flat black paint on the shiny scratched
areas. Let dry and slap a filter on it and never worry about it again.

> But I'm in no hurry. Don't know about what you and others think, but
> I think the lens does it's job quite well.
> Some people on the Dutch newsgroup were mocking me for using a 18-135
> on the D300.
> I hardly think any $ 5,000.- lens would do a *much* better job, what
> do you think?

I never used the lens so I can't honestly answer that. The bottom line is
if you are happy with the lens, that's all that matters.

> First the lens, then the car: if I didn't have bad luck, I wouldn't
> have any luck at all ;-)

It passes. You got to have a couple bad days to realize how great you have
it.




Rita

[Ext User(Sosumi)]

"Rita Berkowitz" <ritaberk2008@aol.com> wrote in message
news:13rqsmansddk106@news.supernews.com...
> Sosumi wrote:
>
>> Holy makrel Rita! Are you a mechanic or something? I don't even know
>> what a "spanner wrench" looks like. My tech English is not so good.
>
> No, just play one on Usenet. I just buy/sell a lot of diverse merchandise
> so you have to learn very quickly what things are and how to fix them
> should
> they need fixing.
>
>> I tried but these people in Holland or Portugal refuse to sell me the
>> ring! They only want to look at it and maybe replace it without cost
>> or I may have to pay for it, because , as the Dutch said: it was
>> cosmetic and therefore not covered by warranty...
>> Yesterday I went to see the tech store of Nikon in Sintra, but I
>> never got there.
>
> Odd, Nikon USA will sell you any part you need.

Adn at a lot better price too, believe me...

>> If not anything else, I'll have a ring made for it, somewhere. I'm
>> sure the quality will be better than original.
>
> I would just bend it back as close to where it needs to be as possible and
> with a toothpick dab a little bit of flat black paint on the shiny
> scratched
> areas. Let dry and slap a filter on it and never worry about it again.

That's exactly what I planned today ;-)

>> But I'm in no hurry. Don't know about what you and others think, but
>> I think the lens does it's job quite well.
>> Some people on the Dutch newsgroup were mocking me for using a 18-135
>> on the D300.
>> I hardly think any $ 5,000.- lens would do a *much* better job, what
>> do you think?
>
> I never used the lens so I can't honestly answer that. The bottom line is
> if you are happy with the lens, that's all that matters.

I'm very happy ;-)

>> First the lens, then the car: if I didn't have bad luck, I wouldn't
>> have any luck at all ;-)
>
> It passes. You got to have a couple bad days to realize how great you
> have
> it.

No matter what anybody else might say about you; you´re a very special,
intelligent lady and you sure brightened my day. Thank you and bless you...


--
Sosumi

[Ext User(Colin_D)]

Joseph Meehan wrote:
> Hey, watch out! If you see someone ID'ed as RichA, run and hide. He
> only allows anti-Canon comments.
>
Why should I run and hide? RichA is a hopelessly biased troll who takes
the mickey out of Canon owners. Me, I'm a Canonite. 70% of the world's
pro photogs can't be wrong. Go to any sports fixture and see the sea of
white lenses, with just the odd black one - and the owner doing his best
to remain unobtrusive.

Colin D.

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

[Ext User(Sosumi)]

"Colin_D" <nospam@nowhere.com> wrote in message
news:47bd27d0$0$26122$88260bb3@free.teranews.com.. .
> Joseph Meehan wrote:
>> Hey, watch out! If you see someone ID'ed as RichA, run and hide. He
>> only allows anti-Canon comments.
>>
> Why should I run and hide? RichA is a hopelessly biased troll who takes
> the mickey out of Canon owners. Me, I'm a Canonite. 70% of the world's
> pro photogs can't be wrong. Go to any sports fixture and see the sea of
> white lenses, with just the odd black one - and the owner doing his best
> to remain unobtrusive.

That must be the best commercial *not* to buy Canon. LOL
For newspaper photo's you don't need quality, just speed.

If everyone buys a VW, I must be wrong for driving a Mercedes?
What is this: dumb and dumber?


--
Sosumi

[Ext User(G)]

I find the postings to this newsgroup some what interesting.

30 years ago I was a big SLR Nikon fan. But the price of Nikons started to
get up there and in 1995 I switched to Canon SLR and was a big Canon fan.
This year I just switched back to Nikon because I feel that the quality of
Nikon products is pretty good and the quality of Canon products has dropped.
Canon does not have the same reliability as they used to have, a shorter
warranty and Nikon offers more bang for the buck. Nikon lens come with a 5
year Canadian warranty and the Nikon Cameras come with a 2 year warranty.
Canons one year If my lens exhibited the same problem I would ship it back
to Nikon for repair.


"Colin_D" <nospam@nowhere.com> wrote in message
news:47bd27d0$0$26122$88260bb3@free.teranews.com.. .
Joseph Meehan wrote:
> Hey, watch out! If you see someone ID'ed as RichA, run and hide. He
> only allows anti-Canon comments.
>
Why should I run and hide? RichA is a hopelessly biased troll who takes
the mickey out of Canon owners. Me, I'm a Canonite. 70% of the world's
pro photogs can't be wrong. Go to any sports fixture and see the sea of
white lenses, with just the odd black one - and the owner doing his best
to remain unobtrusive.

Colin D.

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

[Ext User(Colin_D)]

Sosumi wrote:
> "Colin_D" <nospam@nowhere.com> wrote in message
> news:47bd27d0$0$26122$88260bb3@free.teranews.com.. .
>> Joseph Meehan wrote:
>>> Hey, watch out! If you see someone ID'ed as RichA, run and hide. He
>>> only allows anti-Canon comments.
>>>
>> Why should I run and hide? RichA is a hopelessly biased troll who takes
>> the mickey out of Canon owners. Me, I'm a Canonite. 70% of the world's
>> pro photogs can't be wrong. Go to any sports fixture and see the sea of
>> white lenses, with just the odd black one - and the owner doing his best
>> to remain unobtrusive.
>
> That must be the best commercial *not* to buy Canon. LOL
> For newspaper photo's you don't need quality, just speed.
>
> If everyone buys a VW, I must be wrong for driving a Mercedes?
> What is this: dumb and dumber?
>
>
No. But. you don't get VW owners claiming they are
faster/sharper/better built than Merc, though, do you?

Colin D.

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com