Matrix Metering now available for older M.Focus Nikon Lenses

Do you install the contacts also?, How much?

I might be willing to believe you can make MF lens matrix meter with N70, N8008, N6006, N90, F4, F100 and F5 with just a ROM chip because these cameras use the normal mechanical aperture info transfer. But N50 and N60 (an N4004 and N5005) requires a rotary encoder in the lens to feed aperture info through the electric contacts. Do you install the rotory encoder on the aperture mechanisms as well?

Yes, I also install the contacts. My upgrade installs both the chip and the contacts that connect the chip to the camera. Cost is between $50 and $90 depending on the lens, email me for a quote.

As far as the N50, N60, N4004, N5005, compatibility issue is concerned, I don't have a concrete answer for you. I was not aware that these cameras used a different aperture system! Actual testing would be the best way to determine computability. However, I would like to note that I have taken apart numerous Nikon AF lenses that are matrix metering compatible with the N50, N60, N4004, N5005 cameras, and NONE of them have any kind of electronic rotary system to transmit aperture information. ALL THEY HAVE IS A MATRIX CHIP and SOME RESISTORS, that are mounted on a flexible circuit board which has metal contacts at one end to send signals to the camera's computer system. I believe my upgrade with work with these cameras.

Anways, I think most people who will want this upgrade, probably have the more advanced Nikon bodies such as the N70, N90s, F100, and F5 that I know will work with my upgrade. If the lens upgrade doesn't work with one of the above bodies, I'll give you a refund.

Let me apologize for talking before thinking. I just realised that the N50 and N60 does not need to know the position of the aperture ring because the aperture is controlled through the body. So there is no need for the rotory encoder. Sorry about that.

All the N50 and N60 need to know is that the aperture is set to minimum. They know this by a little tab on the aperture ring near the bottom of the lens.

Rolland, could you share a little more detail about how you do this? How do you know which chip to use? Can you only do this for lenses where there are exact MF/AF equivelents? Forinstance, there is no AF equivelent to the 24/2 or the 400/3.5. The chip needs to send the maximum aperture to the body as well as the focal length.

Paul wrote: "The chip needs to send the maximum aperture to the body as well as the focal length."

The only thing your Nikon body needs to know to determine the correct exposure is the maximum aperture of the lens. It DOES NOT need to know the focal length of the lens in use. The matrix metering chip does transmit the focal length information to the body and it is used to determine the "most appropriate" shutter speed and aperture combination. Nikon's exposure programs are based on the familiar rule that your shutter speed should be at least 1/"focal length" to ensure sharp pictures free from camera shake. Nikon has printed these curves in several publications. I know that their brochure for the N6006 camera has some lens exposure curves in it. As an example suppose you are using an 80-200mm f/2.8 constant aperture zoom lens set at 200mm. Furthermore say that you have your camera set on program mode. The matrix metering system determines the correct exposure to be f/5.6 & 1/250 sec. at 200mm, but if you zoom out to 100mm the aperture & shutter speed combination might change to f/8 & 1/125 sec. You still get the correct exposure, just using a different combination of aperture & shutter speed.

"Could you share a little more detail about how you do this? How do you know which chip to use? Can you only do this for lenses where there are exact MF/AF equivalents?"

I can do the modification for any lens! I just choose a NON-D type matrix metering chip that has the same maximum aperture as the lens in use. For instance if you want your 400mm f/3.5 lens modified I would probably use the matrix chip from the 200mm f/3.5 EDIF AF lens (which is no longer made, but spare parts are still available) or the chip from the 28-70mm f/3.5 to 4.5 AF lens or the 28-85mm f/3.5 to 4.5 N AF, etc. The nice thing about the matrix chips for the zooms is that by adjusting the electronics I can tell the camera body what aperture to use. Nikon makes so many lens, finding a match is easy. For the 24mm f/2 lens I could use the chip from the 35mm f/2 AF lens or the 135mm f/2 AF DC lens.

The only thing I haven't tested, that I'm curious about is how manual focus variable zoom lens will perform.

Also for everyone that has asked if I make these lenses "D" distance compatible the answer is NO! Nikon's D lenses use a flexible circuit board that comes in contact with metal contacts, usually on the inside of the focusing ring. Depending on the focus's ring position the distance information is sent to the camera. Adding a flexible circuit board inside the lens' focusing ring of a manual focus lens would require the complete redesign of the lens, which is exactly what Nikon did to upgrade the D lenses. However the "D" distance information is only really beneficial for flash exposures. In addition although the matrix metering chips I add won't transmit distance information they will allow "advanced matrix balanced fill flash" which is a lot better than the center-weighted fill flash you'd get using regular manual focus lenses.

Hope this helps, Rolland_Elliott@yahoo.com

I just received my two AIS telephotos (400/3.5 and 600/4) back from Rolland; he did the CPU conversion on these lenses and had them back to me within one week including shipping both ways. Both lenses now meter in color matrix mode on my F5 and show the aperture in the electronic viewfinder display.

I wrote an article theorizing that this CPU addition should work and give new life to many expensive AI/AIS lenses over one year ago. It is fantastic to have found someone offering the service to all of us who have manual Nikon glass and are frustrated with the lack of metering compatibility on newer Nikon bodies. Thanks Rolland!!

Hi Roland,

What is your URL, I don't see it in the post or your profile. Thanks very much; your service sounds great.

Sean

ProAssist - Boston, Online Photographic Assistants

Never mind Roland, I see it now. BTW, you should probably write your posts with the HTML option. You would type the address like this: <a href="www.homestead.com/rolland">Roland's Site</a>

This way the URL would stand out. Just an idea.

Wow, I must be falling asleep here. The address should read:

<a href="http://www.homestead.com/rolland">Roland's Site</a>

You would also replace "Roland's Site" with your choice of title.

Hello all,

I recently switched from an F4 to an F5 and didn't like its many restrictions with my manual focusing lenses. For example, matrix metering does not work, program modes do not work, only the central spot meter works (and is larger in size that the standard spot size), the selected aperture is not displayed on the LCD, and the aperture dial can not be used for aperture selection.

While I could live with these restrictions (I pretty much use only spot metering with aperture priority or manual metering), I found it akward switching from using the aperture dial to select the aperture with my AF lenses and the aperture ring with the MF lenses. (I guess I have become addicted to using the aperture dial.)

I was ready to retire my trusty 75-150/3.5E to the back of my closet when I saw Rolland Elliot's (rolland_elliott@yahoo.com) article on the Nikon mailing list describing his 'chipping' service. (I would never sell this lens. I managed to find a NOS copy of this lens last year, so it does not suffer from the loose zoom barrel that is common with this lens. BTW, as most of you probably know, this lens is amazing - it is stunning at f8 or so, and is still *very* sharp at its widest aperture at any distance; and it has a very useful minimum focusing distance of 3ft/1m at any focal length. Perhaps the 80-200/2.8 is sharper, but it is much larger and heavier, is far more expensive, and has a minimum focusing distance of 6ft/2m.)

So a few weeks ago I sent my lens to Rolland to get a CPU installed. I got it back last weekend and it works as advertised on my F5. After setting the aperture ring to its minimum aperture, I can now use the aperture dial as I would for any AF lens, and the selected aperture appears on the viewfinder and top panel LCDs. All program modes work, matrix metering works, and so do all five spot meters. The lens does not transmit distance information so 3d flash metering is not an options (as is the case with any non D AF lens).

I also tried it on my N90s and it seems to work fine there too. In aperture or manual metering mode the aperture selected on the lens is passed to the body so the LCD panels display the selected aperture.

So if you have any MF lenses that you are thinking of retiring, I would recommend this modification. Rolland charges about $80 a pop.

Regards, Martin O'Connor

Rolland recently modified my 400mm f/3.5 lens for matrix metering operation. The operation was just as advertised. The lens works great, matrix metering on my F5 just like my newest lenses. It continues to work fine on my older MF cameras (F2, FE, FE2).

By the way, Rolland doesn't mention it, but what in essence he does is to make your lens into a Nikkor "P" lens. There have only been a few of these made (most notably the 500mm f/4 ED-IF P) lens. These are manual focus lenses that otherwise operate a AF lenses (contain a built-in CPU).

I can heartily recommend Rolland's modification to anyone who wants to matrix meter with older lenses. In fact, I am thinking of getting another lens or two converted, most notably my 15mm f/3.5 Nikkor and my 55mm f/3.5 Micro-Nikkor.

Colin

Just add my name to the list of highly satisfied customers for Rolland. He so far has modified 4 of my Nikkkors (300/2.8 ED-IF, 200/2 ED-IF, 105/4 Micro-Nikkor and 105/4.5 UV-Nikkor). I needed the conversion because the lenses should have colour matrix metering to work perfectly on my Nikon D1 camera. After the conversion they function flawlessly on the D1 and the exposures are spot-on. My 50-300/3.5ED and 400/3.5 ED-IF Nikkors will be the next ones to go. What a great surprise to find such a service for old and trustworthy Nikkors.

Can the TC14B be upgraded also?

Alex

To all, I call my local NIKON authorized repair facility here in Denver and they told me that they have the same conversion program as Rolands Elliot's has and they will charge me $50 per lens for the AI to matrix conversion. Check with your local repair stores. Regards

What's the address and phone number for your Denver Nikon Authorized Repair Center? I believe they are blowing hot air, but may be wrong. The proof is in the pudding. Anyone can give a quote, but can they deliver on the goods?

Quite frankly I don't believe them. The only difference between a Nikon Authorized Repair Center and anyone's local camera repair shop is that Nikon Authorized Repair Centers get 20% off repair parts from Nikon's Parts department in California and have an open account. I should know, since I have an open Nikon Repair account and buy several thousand dollars worth of parts from them. Most chips cost $30 and shipping is $10 per order from Nikon Parts. In addition many lenses require the mount to be machined so the chip fits smoothly on the inside surface. All mounts require two holes to be drilled and countersunk. If they can really do it for $50 per lens they are doing so at a loss (maybe they're paying immigrants under the table and making $5 per lens?) . Competition is good for the market place, but I'd suggest doing your homework and getting results from a competent repair shop before you draw any conclusions.

I've converted over 100 lenses and answer many technical questions directly. I've yet to find a Nikon repair shop who let's its customers speak directly with the repair personnel. All of them hide behind customer service personnel who are typically clueless about technical repair details.

Peace, Rolland

Roland, how does F4s offer nikon matrix mode metering with manual AIS lenses? (And F5 of course does not). Thanks.

The technical Reason: The F4 has a switch on the inside of the lens mount that senses the maximum apeture of the lens via the apeture Indexing Post on each lens.

The marketing reason: Nikon wants you to buy newer AF lenses.

My opinion: Personally I think this is a bad move. Nikon's last three consumer cameras (N60, N65, N80) don't even meter with M.Focus lenses!

Peace, Rolland

Hi Rolland,<P> Thanks for the straightforward answers so far. I have a further question for you. Once the MF lens is modified can I then control the aperture in 1/3rd stop increments via the body (I shoot with F5 bodies now) control the way I can with my AF-Nikkors?

"can I then control the aperture in 1/3rd stop increments via the body"

For AIS lenses YES For AI lenses NO.

Go to my web page poasted in the beginning of this discussion and read the FAQ to answers to these types of questions.

Peace, Rolland

Thank you rolland for providing this service. I read through your FAQ (twice) as you suggested and found no mention of the 1/3rd aperture control. To clarify: I most often shoot in Aperture priority mode. With your conversion will I be able to control the aperture of my modified AIS lenses in 1/3rd stop increments the way I can control my AF and AF-D lenses, via the control wheel on my F5?

"With your conversion will I be able to control the aperture of my modified AIS lenses in 1/3rd stop increments the way I can control my AFand AF-D lenses, via the control wheel on my F5? "

YES

Rolland recently converted my Nikon 200mm F4 AIS Micro lens. It took about three weeks from posting the lens mount in the UK. He did a very nice job. Recommended. Leif Goodwin

Has anyone yet had experience using one of the converted lenses on the N60/65/80 yet?

What a great capability!! After dealing with several years of handwriting data for each shot to record unusual lighting conditions brought on by 180º coverage, my F5 with MF-28 data back now show BOTH shutter speeds and apertures as they do with my other chipped Nikkor lenses. Rolland does a great job with this service, updating Nikkor lenses to full matrix metering. This reminds me of when I updated my non-AI lenses at EPOI years ago. The Nikon F mount remains ageless, once again, thanks to the initiative of Rolland Elliott. Thanks for the precise workmanship!

Dan Lindsay Santa Barbara, CA

Not pleased with Rolland Elliott's quality control. His conversion for me on a pricy lens was less than precise, and it had to be returned within a couple of days because it didn't work. And then, you think he'd refund the $20 shipping? Ha. He even shipped that $4,500 lens back to me without insurance coverage. A great IDEA,--'needs improvement' in the EXECUTION department.

The reason Dan had to return his 8mm lens was that the aperture lever return spring came loose. I don't know how this happened. But this had nothing to do with my matrix metering upgrade. I fixed the problem free of charge. Why Dan feels the need to praise my work and then criticize a free repair job that I did I have no idea. I spent several hours on this lens and I insured it with UPIC. Just because you don't see a blue USPS insurance label on the package doesn't mean it isn't insured. I'm sure he's taking great pictures with it now. I regret that it took a while to get this lens all fixed up, but now Dan is the only owner of a matrix metering capable 8mm Nikkor. I'm sure he'll get more than his invested money back if and when he sells the lens. Peace, Rolland

So far so good!

My complaint was with the fact that the lens didn't work "out of the box." It had to be returned immediately after your modification for repair. This put that thing at further, unnecessary, risk in the mails, and caused me some considerable concern during that period. The cost of the modification was higher than the normal job (to me) because I had to pay insured postage twice, and you never suggested that you would reimburse that, considering that the lens never worked correctly since you had touched it. Today, I'm pleased to report that the lens is fully functioning, and your repair appears to be fine.

Dan Lindsay Santa Barbara

the old website didn't work for me, this does http://home.carolina.rr.com/headshots/Nikonhome.htm

I just got my Nikon 300mm f/2.8 back from Rolland and it works fine and he did a quality job. In addition to having the CPU added, I had him replace the worn mount. He just made a great lens greater! I wish I had done this sooner. Being able to do shutter priority with this lens is a REAL plus.

Steve Daggs

Rolland

Can the lenses you speak of be modified for use with the f65?

I know this is not the thread but: Is the shutter on the f65 the same as the shutter on the f80? Same part replacement number? Nothing would surprise me less and if this is the case is it possible to re-write the cameras firmware to run it at 1/125 sync speed?

And - is it possible to reprogram the f65 to leave the film leader out? Currently I do it by quickly undoing the battery compartment to cut the power when I hear the film come off the takeup spool. However a more reliable way would be better.

Thanks for a reply, respect your wishes not to if you don't.

Can the lenses you speak of be modified for use with the f65? YES

Is the shutter on the f65 the same as the shutter on the f80? NO Same part replacement number? NO Nothing would surprise me less and if this is the case is it possible to re-write the cameras firmware to run it at 1/125 sync speed? NO

And - is it possible to reprogram the f65 to leave the film leader out? NO

One of the uses of the focal length information that has not been mentioned so far is that this information is used to set the zoom setting on the speed light (flashgun).

Beware of Rolland Elliott

Mr. Keeting sent me a 400mm f/3.5 lens.

I guess a fairy god mother sprinkled some pixie dust on it and made it into a 400mm f/2.8 lens?

I could get into details and tell my side of the story, but suffice it to say, he sent me the whole lens when I only asked for the mount and I returned it to him with a new chip, properly packaged in bubble wrap.

Maybe you could post a picture of the claimed damage your 400mm f/2.8 lens suffereed?????? I'm sure everyone would like to see that, including me.

This is my only and last post on this matter. If people wish to hold onto their hostilities and slander me go ahead. I have more important things to do.

I really would be happy to get the lens back that I sent to Rolland around July 4. It's now the end of September. I've sent him three emails enquiring on an ETA and he has not answered.

I'm a patient fellow, and I don't mind waiting to get my 28mm 2.8 AI to work on my D100.

I just want the guy to tell me when it will be done and at least acknowledge my emails.

Rolland may be a good technician (I hope he is), but he is a poor communicator.

It seems that I am not alone then, and in relative terms, been somewhat impatient, in the delay of the matrix chip upgrade..

I sent a payment via Western Union Transfer (as I thought this would be the quickest way to reach him, even though it did cost me AU$30 processing fee) on 12 August for a new mount and chipping for the installation, as I did not wish to send my 800/5.6 internationally. Mr. Elliott did not pick up the fund until the 29th of that month, and confirmed with me only after I send an e-mail saying that according to the WU site the fund has been picked up. I was told that it should take about 1 week. As of today I am yet to receive any e-mail concerning the completion of the modification, despite several e-mails sent to the three addresses (on the 18th, 22nd and the 25th of this month) I can locate on the net.

From most of the feedbacks here it can be seen clearly that Mr. Elliott has satisfied many a client in the past, and I know that there would be a legitimate reason for the delay in communication. Hurricane Isabel has done great damage to North Carolina recently, I hope Mr. Elliott has not been adversely affected by this directly. I would appreciate it very much if Mr. Elliott could let us know what has been the cause of this delay. It is now spring here and I can’t wait to start shooting :)

Until you see another post saying I've received my lens and I'm happy with the work, assume Rolland Elliott still has it. Once I receive the lens, I will post my thoughts on the work.

It's funny -- I'm starting to get emails from other users (from around the world) who have seen my previous post and who also have lenses with Rolland that are long overdue.

Maybe we should form our own support group. Alt.RollandElliott.wheresourlenses

Rolland seems to rarely return email inquiries -- I've sent six emails, received one back saying he would try to ship the lens out on a Saturday (several Saturdays ago). Like a student late turning in his term paper, he seems to dodge inquiries on when I can expect my lens back. All I wanted to hear is, "Hey, I'm really backed up. It will take another month."

I hope I see my lens again someday, either chipped or not. I just want it back before my trip to Hawaii at the end of this month. Otherwise I'll have to buy another 28mm 2.8 -- ironic, considering I thought I was saving money by having Rolland chip the lens for $80.

Before you send a lens to Rolland Elliott, I recommend checking with him on turnaround time. If you get no answer, then he's not getting around to your lens anytime soon.

I'll post again when -- if -- I ever receive my lens from Rolland.

On the eve of my leaving for a vacation, I have finally got my lens back from Rolland. It works well, and the chip -- seemingly from a 45mm 2.8 lens -- makes my 28mm 2.8 AIS function as if it is any other AF lens without the AF of course. Matrix works, all other metering works, etc. The chip seems to be attached with some form of epoxy or what I can't tell. Either way it seems on there pretty good, and while it doesn't look OEM, it's sturdy enough and nobody is going to be having a beauty contest for the back of the lens anyway.

Wow. Can't tell you what a joy it is to be able to use these much better-built, more solid-feeling AI lenses on my D100. Because of the 28mm's close focusing abilitites, it will be my normal lens. On a 1.5x digital body, 28mm seems to approximate the feel I got with a 35mm lens on a film body even though one would think 24 would give you that feel. I don't mind focusing myself, because I know the lens won't flip out and lose fucus because something got in front of the sensor.

Was it worth the wait? Yes. I did, however, worry that due to Rolland's lack of communication that he was somehow selling the lenses people sent him on Ebay. It wasn't like I needed my hand held during this wait -- I waited two months before I sent him my first email on where it was. My advice to you, Rolland's potential customers -- and Rolland himself -- is to see if there's good responsiveness to communication before you send the lens. I'd advise Rolland to put the minds of his customers at ease by letting them know how long of a wait they are in for. I wouldn't have minded waiting the four months if I knew that was what to expect.

I received my lens conversion from Rolland. To my surprise, one of my lens the cpu matrix connector is glue on instead of the two screws that hold the connector. On the ring, it looks like the lens was drilled but probably drilled wrong because the connector holes does not line up with the drilled holes. From my experience in metal to metal glue (IC to heat sink) that the bond tend to brittle with age, pressure and heat. If I regularly insert and detach this lens, would that connector somehow destroy my camera internal in the near future? Is my lens now worthless because it is glue on instead of hold together with screws?

I received my Nikon Series E 75-150mm f3.5 back today from Mr. Elliott's shop, beautifully modified, with just a two-week total turnaround (sent 11/3/03, received back 11/17/03). It may have helped that I prepaid for the parts, and then shipped the lens once he had them, but I found everything about his service to be superb, including the communication. Four emails apiece were exchanged between us during this short transaction. I heartily recommend his services for anyone who can benefit from them, especially D100 owners who's MF lenses won't meter with the D100. I now have an equivalent 105-225mm f3.5 fixed maximum aperture zoom that is very sharp, and has full matrix metering and f-stop readout with the D100. -- Jon Cunningham Freelance Photographer Aurora, Illinois, USA http://my.voyager.net/jonc29/

It's been 2 months since my last post and I am yet to receive my upgraded mount. I am going overseas at the end of the year and would really appreciate the completion of the upgrade. Having sent 2 e-mails last week concerning the status to Mr. Elliott, I am yet to receive a reply from him. It is good to know that the experience was pleasant and fast for some, and I wish it had been the same in my case.

I have requested that if I do not receive the upgrade by the 10th (4m month since I sent him the western union transfer) I will request a refund, as if it was sent any time later, I would not be there to pick it up for quite a while, and would probably be sent back as unclaimed. If it comes to that, it would be most dissappointing.

I have received the chip upgrade from Mr. Elliott last week, and so far am happy with it. It did took me a while to align the electronic components inside without blocking the optical path (though I think there is still a bit that's sticking out as the connection between the cpu contacts and the circuit board curls up, on a 1.5x DSLR it shouldn't be a problem). also a corner of the circuit board is scraping very slightly against the lever connected to the aperture ring, but it doesn't matter as the aperture will remain in place at 32. I tested it in the field on the weekend, and it worked quite well giving consistent exposures at all apertures. It was worth the (very) long wait. Thank you again.

Hi all,

I see that I'm not the only one who has difficulties to get in touch with Mr. Rolland Elliott. Despite of the few complaints I read about his work (that don't always seem justified to me), I'm sure he's a very good craftsman but indeed a bad communicator. I think he's just too busy.

For myself, I'd accept to pay a bit more (e.g. $100 instead of 80) if this could allow him to hire a secretary, treating the mails (snail or e-). Rolland, couldn't this be a solution?

And I publicly repeat some of the things I'd like Rolland to do for me: conversion of a (non listed) Ukrainian ARSAT lens (2.8/20), AI-S compatible and very similar to the MF Nikkor (although maybe even more rugged, solid and heavy). And if I understand that he refuses to install "D" chips, I'd like at least that the correct focal length could be transmitted (I'm using a "clone" of Photo Secretary for my N90s shooting data and also own a Pronea), thus I'd highly appreciate to find on my lens the corresponding 20mm chip and not just any 2.8 one. I hope that will be possible, and I'm willing to spend some extra money for this if necessary. The focal length information matters for me for two reasons: correct automatical zoom positioning of my flash's head and maybe conversion of other lenses in the future. As long as I'll have only the 20mm converted, there won't be any risk of confusion concerning shooting data. But owning several converted lenses, things will change.

BTW: I own, among other manual lenses, a Series E 2.8/28, and I wonder if it's worth the investment for conversion. Has anybody an idea about that?

Rolland, I'd be really pleased to hear from you soon and be able to benefit of your fine work. And if you're too busy to answer to all my questions right now, just send me a mail telling me at least that and when you may be ready to tell me more ;-)!

Regards,

Christoph

Rolland has just worked his magic on my Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 AIS, and I am very pleased! The lens works perfectly with my D100. The lens mount was back in my hands three weeks after mailing it out to him, which I found very reasonable. Some of the stories on this forum had caused undue concern about his turnaround times. By the way, he now charges $100 per lens upgrade. It is still a great deal considering some of the bargain priced manual focus lenses available.

This is interesting; most all my Nikkors cost me less than 100 bucks.

Wow! A Five year old thread! Anyway, Rolland Elliott's URL is now http://home.carolina.rr.com/headshots/Nikonhome.htm

This year has been a very busy one. Add to the fact that Nikon has been horrible at getting me parts. I just got some parts that were back ordered 4 months ago.

Just to update everyone, I am still doing this service, but pricing has increased to $115 per lens.

Mainly this is because of price increases over the last 5 years since I started offering this service. I have narrowed down the list of modifiable lenses to the list below. This will allow me to hopefully stock more parts and provide a quicker turn around time.

If you have lost your Nikon lens and your money to Rolland Elliot for his lens modification, I have found two possible remedies. The first one is to make a complaint with the Charlotte Better Business Bureau. The second is to file a report with the Charlotte Police Department.

http://www.charlotte.bbb.org/

http://ww.charmeck.org/online_reporting/instructions.htm

The will ask for the specifics about what happened. Rolland?s contact details are below:

Rolland Elliot 14019 Southbridge Forest Drive Charlotte, NC 28273

Phone: 704-504-3528 E-mail: portraits@carolina.it.com

I sent him a lens and $100 for the modification. After a couple of months, I called him. He said he would get to it soon. I called later and he said that he had sent the lens, didn?t I get it? It must have been lost in shipment! No insurance on the shipment of course. He said he would find another lens. Many months and many calls later, he said he had found a lens and would get to it soon. More waiting. Called again, he said he had already sent the lens. No lens!! He gave me a bogus USPS shipping number that did not work. Then I tried to get a refund. No luck. It?s been over 8 months. He does not answer his phone messages. You?ll be lucky to get a response at all, once he has your lenses and money. I am not the only one. If anyone else can think of a solution to this, please let me know. My e-mail is Gaasland@juno.com.

Well, what do you know??? After about a year, my lens showed up!!!!! I can hardly believe it. I think maybe the Charolotte Carolina sheriff's department may have had something to do with it. On the other hand, the lens doesn't work right, it gives two stops under exposure. I can compensate for that, but it seems as if Roland had used the right chip, it wouldn't have that problem. Will I send it back to him? No way! I'll live with it. The end of a tale that I hope no one else goes through. John.

This is a response to several comments I read regarding the repair work of Rolland Elliott. While I don't have any experience with his repair work I ,like several others reporting on this web site, have experienced his dishonest business practices. He purchased photographic equipment from me on Ebay, I sent him the equipment and he never sent me the money. Fed Ex. even verified that they delivered it to someone at his address in person. When I questioned him about it, he lied and said he never got the equipment and that the check had been posted two weeks ago. Bottom line:he stole $180 from me. Creeps like this should be put of of our business!

hi I live in Brazil I asked a mount for nikon ai-s 400mm, f 3,5. after a small delay (one month), I received. everything is ok.I am very satisfied with the result. thanks jose marques

I purchased an AIs Zoom Nikkor 50-300mm ED on Ebay and had it shipped directly to Rolland Elliott. This is back in April, the lens took one month before he received it. After communication in mid-July, he informed me that it was ready for shipping. No lens arrived, so I chased it up. Apparently there had been som malarki in US customs, who had returned it to Rolland. I was getting worried that it might have been another bad experience, but last week I called him, and he informed me that it was shipped three days prior to us talking. Lens arrived yesterday in top condition. It has been tested on camera and it works a treat, and for the untrained eye, you would not believe any work has been carried out on it. So this post is to advice there are happy punters out there, however, turnaround could clearly be improved. Thanks Erik Bjerkelund

^ Douglas -

While it's bad that Rolland apparently didn't send you the money, I think you ought to remember that one of the most common "rules" on ebay is to never send someone an item without recieving their payment first. I also happen to believe that "rule" exists for life in general.

I wonder if the E seris lenses, in particular the 50mm f/1.8 E could be chipped? It'd me wonderfull lens to go with the compact D40 as a carry arround camera.

DO NOT under any circumstances do business with Mr. Elliott. He is running a fraudulent operation and ripping people off. He cashed my check for $165 in mid-August and still has not sent my parts. He will not respond to emails. Once, he claimed my parts would be in the mail th next day. Fat chance. Now I am having to investigate his fraudulent activity through the Better Business Bureau (who he refuses to respond to) and the Charlotte Police. Google his name and look at all the comments from other people he has ripped off. I have also contacted the internet fraud dept of the FBI and they will be investigating. Don't fall into his web - you will be sorry.