Hi--

> I am a frequent visitor to your home page and enjoyed your comments on
>nikkor lenses. About a month ago I purchased a new Nikkor Af 300mm F4 and
>TC14B. While using the lens the other day (with or without the TC) I noticed
>that there seems to be some "play" or movement once the lens is mounted.
>It is no more then about a 1/16 inch movement side to side(the same direction
>as removing or placing lens on camera).

Rotation play? If so, this is normal (there is often a bit of play at
the lens locking slot on the bayonette where the camera lens lock
pin goes - if the fit were too tight, the lens might not lock on
reliably. The play is most evident with heavier lenses, but if you give
a short lens a good twist, you should find it there also.

>It is noticeable in the viewfinder.

Hmmm, I would not expect this...
If all other lenses do fit really tightly, I would consider returning
the lens for exchange, unless it is only rotational movement (normal).

>Also this is with the lens mounted (by lens mount) on N90S w/MB10 grip(and
>n6006) Arca b1 head and gitzo g341 tripod. I have not noticed this in my
>other lenses: 24,35,50,35-80,70-210mm. I am wondering if you have
>encountered this "condition" on your 300mm f4 and if it is normal? Will it
>affect my photos. The camera still remains parallel to the lens mount.

It would affect photos only if there is movement during exposure...

>The local camera store'ss 300mm had the same play when tried on various bodies.
> Joseph Caruso

Sounds normal then, but I am still surprised it is visible in the finder.
Though, as I think about it, if you are using the lens tripod mount,
you would see the rotation of the body in the finder. If this is what you
see, this is normal (and can be used to touch up camera level...;-).


Joseph Caruso