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>My 200 died the other day - it no longer stops down (permanently wide
>open, though the aperture ring turns). The F3 seems to think it is
>stopping down, meter-wise, if that indicates anything.
>What might have caused it, apart from age and use, and how much can I
>expect this to set me back? Any suggestions for a repair site?
The diaphram in this lens, as it is in most fast, large EDIF Nikkors
(and some others), is probably out in the air behind the rear glass,
so it is not protected by the glass. Something as simple as a bit of
dirt/hair/thread may have jammed it open, or oil may have seeped onto
the blade surfaces and stuck them together (the most common cause of
aperture sticking). It is possible (though unlikely - they are STIFF!)
that the metal piece that extends into the lens from the bayonette and
engages the diaphram actuator tab has disengaged. More likely is that
the spring on the back side of the bayonette has broken or dropped out
(try moving the small diaphram actuator lever visible at the rear edge
of the bayonette by hand - if there is no spring tension, you have found
the cause of the problem). Anything other than oil on the diaphram is
probably easily fixed, but unless you or someone you know has experience
with this, I would call 1-800-NIKONUS for the number and address of the
nearest Nikon repair facility. It will not be cheap (Nikon repair prices
do not vary much with the severity of the problem, running from about
$75 [?] for a minor adjust to about $210 for a MAJOR rebuild - a good
deal if you have nearly destroyed your lens, but not if the problem is
minor....), but for a lens of this type, it is worth it.
Hope This Helps