lens conversion and spare parts

[davidkelly]

Does anyone know where I can get a spare set of electrical contacts for a Nikon-mount AF lens? I want to convert my old 55mm macro lens to CPU operation for use with my D80. It's an old lens, not worth sending overseas for conversion.
I can provide the CPU (the data format is described in Nikon patents and is easy to program), but can't find any suitable contacts. Tamron lenses have the contacts in a separate plastic assembly which would be convenient.
Alternatively, has anyone reverse-engineered the firmware to enable non-CPU lenses to work, or even figured out what microcomputer it uses, which would be a good lead?
Thanks,
Dave Kelly.
Canberra.

[gstark]

Sounds like a good use for a sacrificial 70-300 G.

There's more to the conversion though than just the electrical contacts: depending upon the lens to be converted's age, it may be perhaps be an AI, or even a pre-AI lens, which means that there are physical differences in the actual mount that may need to be addressed as well.

A sacrificial G might address some of those issues, but won't provide you with an aperture ring.

Will the Ole'-55 fit on the D80, allowing you to use it in fully manual mode? That's how we use our pre-historic, pre-AI Ole-55.

[davidkelly]

Thanks Gary,
My D80 hasn't arrived yet, but I think my 55mm macro is an AIS Micro-Nikkor (very popular model), and I think it will fit on the D80 and work in manual mode. There is some space around the inner part of the mount, around which the contacts and CPU may fit. I've been using it on my F601 in aperture priority mode.
Others may be interested in the conversion electronics (I haven't done it yet, but I think I have the necessary information).
Dave Kelly.