Is my Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 broken? (stuck on f/16)?
I just got a used Nikkor 50mm f/1.2, and it is in astounding condition. But when I tried to use it, I can't open up the aperture wide for some reason, and it's stuck on a small aperture (my guess is f/16). I used both the aperture ring and the lever on the mount (sorry, don't know what it's called) but I can't change the aperture from f/16 no matter what I do. The lever on the back, at the mount won't budge at all, and when I turn the aperture ring, it goes from f/1.2 to f/11, but it can't go to f/16 for some reason. I understand this is a pretty valuable lens, and I really want to use it, being the fastest Nikkor lens. Is it broken, or am I doing something stupid? If it is broken, is there a way for me to fix it?
Here are 2 videos to try to help you guys help me. In both, I'm turning the aperture ring and trying to budge the lever on the mount. One is shot with a wide angle and the other shot with a macro to (hopefully) help you guys get a more detailed look at it. Thanks!
Wide (12-24):
Macro (200mm micro):
(It might in 240p at the moment, but by the time you guys see this, it should be done processing and should be in 1080p)
Please don't hesitate to ask questions, I really want to use this lens soon.
Added (1). "I turn the aperture ring, it goes from f/1.2 to f/11, but it can't go to f/16 for some reason."
I show this at the end of the macro video. (See above)
Added (2). @Robert
You're implying it's broken then? I have a camera repair shop near me that does dslr lenses (California Precision Service Inc.) but they're closed at the moment. Any idea around how much it should cost? Should I send it in the someone, or find a local repair shop?
It's an amazing lens. Be very careful to where you get it fixed. If you can afford to have Nikon fix it then that would be the best.
Indeed it is a very valuable lens, and I can't help but think that something is broken.
absolute best would be for you to send it in to Nikon and ask how much it would be to repair it. They should give you a quote and ask you if you want to fix it.
There's a sliding switch that locks the lens at minimum aperture. The nikon body then opens it up to the selected aperture, this is a function for using AF-D lenses on modern bodies with electronic aperture control.
If you slide this lock in place it will either give you f16 only through the lens (and control aperture via camera body) or f1.2-11, but it would only lock here if the switch has been forced.
If you wish to control the lens via the aperture diaphragm then you need to be in M or A mode and slide the switch so that the aperture ring rotates freely through the whole range.
It can most certainly be fixed, I just don't know how much it will cost. I would take it to a dedicated camera repair store (not like Best Buy, but maybe B&H has a subcontractor/in-house group that can fix it).
But you really need to get it fixed, it's an amazing lens.
I believe it is broken, I would consult them, and ask them to give you a quote for repair and have them tell you exactly what's wrong; then, you can ask Nikon how much it would cost them to do it. If it is cheaper to do it through Nikon, have them do it. I've never heard of this CPS place, but if it's legit, go for it.