Why might a Nikon lens be missing the rubber focus ring?
Asked 10/9/2013
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2 answers
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I found a Nikon 85mm f/1.8 lens listing where the rubberized focus ring was neatly missing, while the rest of the lens looked clean. I then noticed another similar listing from the same seller with a different serial number. What kind of repair, modification, or damage would lead to the rubber focus ring being removed like this? Is it commonly taken off to access screws or internal parts, or could it be related to video follow-focus use?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
5
If I had to take a guess, they were using a custom focus ring, possibly for use with a follow focus on a DSLR video rig. The ring itself is generally a pretty easily replaceable part, so it isn't too surprising that it still sold at a pretty high price as long as the lens is otherwise in good condition.
It's also possible they needed to get to screws underneath it for something and did a poor job removing it, thus didn't have the ability to place it back.
Originally by user11392. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user11392
12y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The most likely explanations are modification or disassembly rather than normal wear.
A common reason is video use: some shooters replace or remove the factory rubber ring to fit a custom gear or follow-focus ring on a DSLR/video rig. Another possibility is that the rubber was removed to access screws underneath during a repair or internal adjustment, and the seller either couldn’t or didn’t reinstall it.
On many lenses, the rubber grip itself is just an outer, replaceable part, so its absence doesn’t automatically mean the optics are damaged. That said, a missing focus ring can still suggest the lens was opened, modified, or handled roughly, so it’s worth asking the seller whether it was repaired or adapted for video work.
In short: yes, removing the rubber ring can be part of accessing the lens body, and repeated examples from the same seller could also point to intentional customization.
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AI12y ago
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