Problems adapting a Nikon F mount lens to Canon 5d

[_neofita_]

Hello All,

I recently purchased a Nikkor 105mm f2.5 P.C (pre-AI) after reading online that it was possible to adapt it to Canon 5d Mk IV with an adapter (obviously to be used as manual focus only). I bought an adapter from Urth (this one) but the mirror sometimes gets stuck after touching a metal protrusion on the back of the lens (see image). The odd thing is that it doesn't do it all the time but once in a while...

Has any of you also had this issue in the past? Do you know how to fix it? Or do you have any suggestions that might work?

Thanks all!

Best,
Crescenzo

 

[Musicman]

This is a fairly common issue when adapting lenses to DSLRs when the lenses have elements that protrude into the mirror box. If it’s marginal, you may find whether a mirror strike occurs is dependent on the focus distance, zoom setting, or possibly even just the temperature that day.

There is certainly reference material around on the web setting out which lenders are more prone to it with which bodies. IIRC the 5D2 mirror is a little shorter than the the Mk 1 and suffers less, for example.

One trick is to “shave” the bottom of the mirror so that it is just a little shorter and doesn’t hit the lens. You can take a little material off without it affecting normal operation.

There is a description of how to do it here, you may be able to find other guides that suit you better.

I shaved my 5D's mirror

I shaved my 5D's mirror :: Accessories and Care :: Home :: Equipment Care and Repairs

forum.mflenses.com

Obviously it’s a pretty permanent change to your 5D IV and there are risks associated with it. I never bothered with my 5D classic as only had one Contax lens that very rarely hit this problem.

 

[_neofita_]

This is a fairly common issue when adapting lenses to DSLRs when the lenses have elements that protrude into the mirror box. If it’s marginal, you may find whether a mirror strike occurs is dependent on the focus distance, zoom setting, or possibly even just the temperature that day.

There is certainly reference material around on the web setting out which lenders are more prone to it with which bodies. IIRC the 5D2 mirror is a little shorter than the the Mk 1 and suffers less, for example.

One trick is to “shave” the bottom of the mirror so that it is just a little shorter and doesn’t hit the lens. You can take a little material off without it affecting normal operation.

There is a description of how to do it here, you may be able to find other guides that suit you better.

I shaved my 5D's mirror

I shaved my 5D's mirror :: Accessories and Care :: Home :: Equipment Care and Repairs

forum.mflenses.com

Obviously it’s a pretty permanent change to your 5D IV and there are risks associated with it. I never bothered with my 5D classic as only had one Contax lens that very rarely hit this problem.

Thank you, Rob.

This is really useful!

I'm not really inclined to shave off the camera's mirror, to be honest. Alternatively, I was wondering if shaving off the elements protruding from the lens would be a viable solution. My understanding is that those elements made sense in the old Nikon, but have no functions in different, modern cameras. However, I do not know if this is a viable solution and how it can be done without damaging the lens.

 

[LongLensPhotography]

it is really one for mirrorless models.