Screws come loose on new 24-70mm f2.8G

James Symington , Jan 08, 2008; 06:51 a.m.

I've just come back from a freezing but beautiful trip around southern Utah's national parks with the D3 and the 17-35mm, 24-70mm and 70-200mm. The 14-24mm arrived an hour after I headed for the airport to my vast irritation...

The camera performed flawlessly but I was annoyed to find that two of the five or six screws at the base of the 24-70mm that go through the mounting ring worked themselves loose and essentially can't be tightened. You can screw them back in again so that they don't rattle around but they don't actually engage with anything such that they tighten to a complete stop - they just keep turning.

The result of these screws coming loose is that the lens flexes a little bit when mounted to a camera body. Does anyone know if this is likely to have affected the mounting of any elements such that the lens would have to be re- calibrated. Or is this just a mechanical issue?

Anybody had the same problem with this lens? I must be jinxed because in my Canon days a 24-70mm fell literally apart on me for the same reason in the middle of a Jordanian desert.

Thanks,

James

Responses

Walter Schroeder , Jan 08, 2008; 09:14 a.m.

You could have a look at the screws if the threads are ok but to me it sounds like damaged threads in the metal of the bayonet ring . This can happen if the screws are assembled by a robot using to much torque. I would ask for a replacement lens. If you miss an assignment worth several time the price of this cheapo lens (??) you can try some Loctite to fix it more or less permanently. Something to do only in real emergency of live and death.

Shun Cheung , Jan 08, 2008; 09:25 a.m.

Replace it with the 28-70mm/f2.8 AF-S instead then. :-)

Seriously, I would get it replaced/repaired by Nikon. They should be able to get something so basic right, since Nikon has been making lenses for decades.

Vivek . , Jan 08, 2008; 10:04 a.m.

James, Did that offer any tilt capability? :)

Seriously, send the defective lens back and replace it with a reliable 28-70.

Perhaps, Nikon would be doing themselves a favor by issuing a recall of all the 24-70 and get it right before start selling them again.

James Symington , Jan 08, 2008; 10:18 a.m.

I sold my 28-70mm to buy the 24-70mm! I had a word with Nikon who will take it in and repair/replace it. I am willing to give the 24-70mm another chance.

I will let you know what happens.

Thanks,

James

Robert Hooper , Jan 08, 2008; 02:05 p.m.

I have twice had a similar experience (lens mount screws coming loose) while shooting in very cold weather. Fortunately, I was able to tighten the screws with no problem other than finding the right tool. The first time I reluctantly used a Swiss Army knife. After that, I added a #o phillips screwdriver in my travel kit.

Andrej K , May 22, 2008; 05:53 a.m.

These problems with the 24-70/2.8's screws are all over the internet and I'm postponing the purchase of this lens just because of this... What I'd like to know is, did anyone find any official response, concerning this obvious design flaw, from Nikon?

Ten Ox , Jan 18, 2009; 02:59 p.m.

I had this happen with my Sigma 150 / 2.8 Macro. Tightened the screw and it's been good ever since, about 6 months.

This is a good reminder though, so I'll have to keep watch on both lenses now, not good. Little screws and their holes are so easily damaged, then lost (hopefully not into the works....)

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