Lens hood issues 500 f5.6 PF

MrFotoFool

I have had the Nikkor 500 f/5.6 PF lens for about a year and a half I think. I love it, however, for the last couple months the lens hood has become increasingly difficult to get on or off. It just sticks in place when on and I have to twist with all my might to get it off. When I put it on it twists with some difficulty until I get to the final click portion where it locks in place and that is almost impossible to get past. (My 24-70 and 70-200 use the same design and I have no issues with them). Has anyone else who owns the 500 PF lens experienced this?

PB_PM

If it makes you feel any better my 70-200mm F2.8G VRII does the same thing. This is why I prefer the hood that slide on and tighten down with a screw for big glass.

My guess is that it happens because manufacturing tolerances for the hood are not up to snuff.

MrFotoFool

Thanks for reply @PB_PM . I will check with the local Nikon dealer I bought it from tomorrow, who is also a repair shop and knows a lot. I suppose I will just need to order a new hood.

MrFotoFool

I just found this fabric replacement hood. Does anyone have any experience with these? https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001059520947.html

Capt_Spaulding

I suspect it would be relatively easy to identify where it's tight and judiciously apply some emery or crocus cloth. to the mounting surface(s) of the hood. I know it's not what you anticipated doing with an expensive piece of equipment but it will probably solve the issue.

spraynpray

If you look closely at how the locking system works, you can see how to 'ease' the pips so they are easier to engage and disengage.

I don't have that lens, but I have had to modify many hoods over the years. All were great after.

MrFotoFool

Thanks for advice. The place I bought it from, which as I said is a camera repair, asked me to take it in so they could have a look. I am hesitant to try any fixes on my own.

MrFotoFool

Based on the Disqus replies to this NR blog post about third party hoods for Nikon super teles, it looks like a replacement for the 500PF may be in the works: https://nikonrumors.com/2020/12/30/zemlin-third-party-lens-hoods-for-nikon-super-telephoto-lenses-replacement-hoods-for-big-glass.aspx/#respond

spraynpray

@MrFotoFool : Don't forget this thread from a few months ago: https://forum.nikonrumors.com/discussion/5856/replacement-hoods-for-big-glass#latest

MrFotoFool

I took it today to Tucson Camera Repair and he pointed out that it was cracked on the rim near where it locks. He said if I glue the cracked piece in place it might work (it is drying as I type this). He also said replacement hoods for this lens are hard to get.