Lens Across America : ROUND 3!

MartinCrabtree · Sep 1, 2014

After a few minutes screwing with it we came to an agreement. This lens will challenge your abilities and patience as well.

Since I have to work a weird schedule lately can I keep it a few extra days?

A shot from this afternoon.

astroNikon · Sep 1, 2014

Yeah, it was a *fun* lens wasn't it lol

Braineack · Sep 1, 2014

Worked fine when I had it

astroNikon · Sep 1, 2014

Braineack said:
Worked fine when I had it

Didn't when I had it.

internal cams all messed up.
If you zoom manually (don't even try AutoFocus) the focus would change
Then, if you could change the focus then you were all set.
I had to move the zoom back and forth in order for the cam to work .. it would get stuck.

MartinCrabtree · Sep 1, 2014

When it showed up here the packaging was sparse. If that's how it's been shipped around it's the reason is FUBAR'D. I'll pad it up well.

Since it's late and I'm leaving for work early AM tomorrow I'll be shipping it out on Saturday 9/7 in the AM. Photos of the Lambo to arrive soon.

Just sent MOREGONE a PM since he seems to be next up.

Aloicious · Sep 2, 2014

that is likely the way it's been shipped around for a while, I actually added some padding to it, but mainly I just re-used the packaging I received it with. it was a few layers of bubble wrap, and there was no movement within the box once sealed up, so it didn't concern me much, especially due to all the problems the lens already had I didn't feel I needed to go out and purchase more packaging for it. but regardless of padding amount, the length of travel it's been through, it could have easily been dropped several times or mishandled by carriers and easily dislodged something inside. I don't think anyone here has been blaming any member for the damage, just more like letting people know so that its not a surprise when the lens is received.

there is a lens in the FS section that people have been talking about making as a replacement lens, perhaps we should swap it out. that'd be up to Sparky though since this is his project.

astroNikon · Sep 2, 2014

Aloicious said:
there is a lens in the FS section that people have been talking about making as a replacement lens, perhaps we should swap it out. that'd be up to Sparky though since this is his project.

Oh yeah, I forgot about that .... what do you think Sparky ? --> http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...ens-becz-s-broken-looking-good-home-free.html

sm4him · Sep 2, 2014

I had no real problems with the lens back when I had it, but that was early on. If I recall correctly, there was a place that it could kinda "stick" in the zoom range, but no other issues. So it does sound like something has befallen the poor lens as it travels the world.

It's entirely up to Sparky, but my vote would be to just keep using the existing lens until it just won't work for anyone at all, and then send it back to Sparky and call the project done. If we pick up another lens, even a free one, it changes the project. The journey needs to be made by a SINGLE lens, imo.

Braineack · Sep 2, 2014

switching to a different lens defeats the purpose. plus who wants to use a boring, broken-as-well, manual-focus-only kit lens?

astroNikon · Sep 2, 2014

the existing lens is actually a little bit beyond broken.
send it back to sparky for a proper burial

the other kit lens works smoothly it just doesn't autofocus. but doesn't matter to me.

Designer · Sep 2, 2014

astroNikon said:
Aloicious said:

there is a lens in the FS section that people have been talking about making as a replacement lens, perhaps we should swap it out. that'd be up to Sparky though since this is his project.

Click to expand...

Oh yeah, I forgot about that .... what do you think Sparky ? --> http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...ens-becz-s-broken-looking-good-home-free.html

Sending that lens around wouldn't enhance anyone's experience because almost every Nikon owner already has one or had one at one time.

MartinCrabtree · Sep 3, 2014

Very busy but................

Focus is difficult to nail on a roll.

MartinCrabtree · Sep 6, 2014

Well my time with the lens is done. It's on it's way to MOREGONE.

Disappointing but still got a few shots worthy of sharing. The hardest part is getting a sharp focus. I was going to use it on every Nikon I have but that went out the window when I saw what I had to deal with. The experience reinforced my love of legacy glass,i.e. manual focus METAL bodied lenses. I'll upload some images to Panoramia later today/tomorrow.*

If there's interest I'm considering doing this with a manual focus prime lens. Anyone interested?

SoulfulRecover · Sep 6, 2014

I wonder if Nikon was directed to this page they would find it interesting and sponsor our challenge. Could make for a cool campaign in regards to their products durability and what the lens has seen in its life.