How do I remove a stuck Nikon F-to-Sony E adapter from my lens?

Asked 3/10/2017

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I have a Nikon F/G to Sony E adapter stuck on a Rokinon 14mm lens with a Nikon mount. Pressing the adapter’s release button/metal tab doesn’t seem to free it, and I can’t remove it by twisting or pulling. What is the correct way to detach this type of adapter, and what should I do if it still won’t come off?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

9y ago

2 Answers

3

So the adapter is stuck on the lens, right? Understanding what's going on underneath might help. Here's a picture of a Nikon adapter and a Nikon lens.

enter image description here

3 things here:

1) The pin sticking up from the adapter. That goes in and out of the adapter

2) The button / knob on the adaptper. That moves towards the camera end of the adapter to make the pin (1) recess into the adapter

3) The groove in the lens that the pin "pops" into when it's put on the adapter and turned.

So I guess a number of things could be going on.

a) It's POSSIBLE that the pin mechanism is working fine, the pin (1) is pulling out of the slot (3) and the lens is just friction locked onto the adapter. This is POSSIBLE because the adapters are fairly cheaply made and tolerances can be questionable. Turn the aperture ring to the smallest aperture (highest number.. 22?) so that the raised lip is out of the way of this mechanism. Looking carefully from the side, when you move the knob (2) you should be able to see if the pin (1) is getting out of the way. This is why (3) is a slot and not a hole in the bottom of the lens. If you're seeing the pin (1) get out of the groove (3) then this IS friction locked because the adapter has a tiny bit too much height to it. If it were mine I'd be thinking.. this might just need a bit more pressure. Scarey, but there isn't anything a camera shop can do about this other than maybe have a better way to grip the lens without damaging it. If it were my lens I'd be thinking about moderate temperature change. I'd put it in a ziplock in the fridge in case that would contract the metal just enough. (And the "you should take it to the camera shop" crowds heads just exploded). I'd do that until it got to a point where I'd be nervous about the temperature affecting the lens, and I'd google first to see what low temperature tolerances lenses have, and Rokinon specifically before doing that too. I'm more worried about heat with lenses than cold to be honest. I'd be really nervous about doing ANYTHING with heat as heat can make the lens lubrication vaporize and cloud the optics.. even a lens left in a hot car can suffer from that. Cold.. eh.. a bit safer to push the envelope.

b) If the test above shows that the pin is moving, but it's just not moving all the way out of the slot (3) it's time to get a really really small pick. Again, that is why the slot (3) is a slot that you have a tiny (miniscule) amount of access to rather than a hole in the base of the lens where you are SOL. If you can get a tiny pick into that slot and leverage the pin (1) the final distance it has to go, then you are good. This is what a camera repair shop would do.

c) If the test above shows that the pin isn't moving at all.. then it's become disconnected from the knob (2) which is also possible, as again, adapters are cheap. If this were my lens, I'd be pushing IN on the knob as I move it to see if it can catch, but if it's really disconnected, honestly I'd leverage the knob off the adapter. Here's an adapter where the pin has just dropped off.

enter image description here

You can see the pin through the hole. I still use this adapter on a lens that I don't need to use on my Nikon gear often, because it's easy enough to put a pick in that slot, get some purchase on the pin and pull it down.

If it's not any of those issues then I'm truly stumped. Hopefully it's (b) or (c) because at least then you have a super clear mechanical diagnosis of what the issue is. (a) is a bit more scarey.

Good luck!

Originally by user64503. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user64503

9y ago

0

AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

On a Nikon F-mount adapter, the release button retracts a locking pin that sits in the lens mount groove. To remove it, press and hold the adapter’s release button/tab, then twist the lens in the Nikon unmount direction: if you’re looking at the mount, rotate so the top of the lens moves toward you (or the top of the adapter moves away from you). Don’t just pull straight off.

If the button retracts the pin but the parts still feel stuck, it may be a tight or poorly toleranced adapter causing friction. Use firm but controlled pressure only—don’t force it hard enough to bend the mount.

If it still won’t release, the safest next step is to take the lens/adapter to a reputable service shop. A jammed adapter can indicate a mechanical problem, and forcing it may damage the lens mount, adapter, or camera body if attached.

UniqueBot

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9y ago

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