Teleconverters TC-14A and TC-14B
Nikon introduced two 1.4X Teleconverters in 1983 in an effort to serve more precisely various types of Nikkor lenses which constantly growing in number and varieties.
Credit: Images of both Nikkor TC-14A and TC-14B above are downloaded from Nikon USA website, both have been scaled and retouched slightly for the purpose of broadcasting here.Basically, realizing the potential for a wider scopes of potential users who are more in favour of losing only a f-stop loss in lens speed and the previous original version of the Ai Nikon TC-14 Teleconverter introduced in 1978 did has some limitation on lenses at shorter focal length, Nikon replaced the model with two separate devices which are supposedly cater for two main group of Nikkor lenses - one for under 300mm focal length and another for lenses of longer focal length above the 300mm.
Both of these teleconverter extend the focal length of the primary lens in use by a factor of 1.4x. The main strength of these two Converters are, other than they has a flat design, more compact in overall dimension and much lighter in their weight, over the 2X Nikon Ai converters (such as the TC-200, TC-201, TC-300 and TC-301) is, they only decrease the lens speed of the primary lens by one full-stop. Next, a more important factor is, many lens types in the Nikkor lens family can be used with improved compatibility. For an instance, the TC-14A is designed for use with all Nikkor lenses up to 300 mm focal length, with Reflex-Nikkor lenses, and virtually all Zoom Nikkor lenses of up to 100 mm focal length can also be used. While on the other hand, the TC-14B was specifically designed for use with Nikkor telephoto lenses over 135 mm focal length and many Zoom Nikkor lenses over 200 mm focal length. The TC-14B is also compatible with some selected high speed Nikkor telephoto lenses such as Nikkor 135mm f/2.0, Nikkor 200mm f/4.0, Nikkor 180mm f/2.8 ED, and even the Reflex-Nikkor 500mm f/8.0 can also be used without any incompatibility issues.
Lastly, inline with introduction and implementation of other exposure control systems such as Multi-Programmed AE, Shutter Priority AE etc. that began surfacing during the first quarter of the '80 on many of the Nikon SLRs, both of the Nikon TC-14A/B Teleconverters have catered for such changes in their design where programmed automatic exposure control has been incorporated into the mechanism for flawless transmission of lens data between the Ai-S lenses and the Nikon Ai-Spec camera bodies.
Credit: Image courtesy of Mr Tom from "Tom Weis Photography" <tjweis@hotmail.com>As for such a long period of time Nikon has NOT been able to design a true working AF Teleconverter(s) for their AF camera bodies until lately (other than the luxurious class AF-I/AF-S series of super telephoto lenses), many Nikon users have to live with such hard fact and has to be reverted back to MF photography when a converter needs to be used for their photography. However, both of the Teleconverters were quite popular as many of the AF Nikkor lenses can be used without any form of modifications, it is also evidenced by repeatedly surfacing of such used units at popular online auction sales outlets.
The TC-14A/B has an AF equivalent, AF-I 1.4X TC-14E (along with a 2X AF-I TC-20E AF Teleconverter) which was designed and intended to use as a matching Teleconverter for AF operation for the AF-I series Nikkor lenses with an AF Nikon SLR for quiet and fast autofocus operation. The AF-I TC-14E has a slight update where the current AF-S series AF Nikkor lenses can also be used.
Specifications of Nikon TC-14A Teleconverter
Usable lenses: all Nikkor lenses up to 300 mm focal length, with Reflex-Nikkor lenses, and virtually all Zoom Nikkor lenses of up to 100 mm focal length
Lens construction: 5 elements in 5 groups
Focal length: 1.4X increase in focal length of the lens in use
Aperture coupling range: f/1.8 ~ f/32
Effective aperture: f/2.8 ~ f/45
Reproduction Ratio: 1.4X of the lens in use; Diaphragm: Automatic
Metering: Full-aperture exposure measurement with Ai type Nikkor lenses, applicable AF Nikkor lenses may also be used.
Closest focusing distance: Same as that of the lens in use, remains unaffected
Dimensions: 65mm d a. x 25.5mm long (overall); Weight: 145g
Lens case: CL-30S hard leatherette, No. 61 soft pouch, or CP-9 plastic; Note: Serial Numbering for this Converter may have been started from 182111
Specifications of Nikon TC-14B Teleconverter
Usable lenses: Nikkor telephoto lenses over 135 mm focal length and many Zoom Nikkor lenses over 200 mm focal length
Lens construction: 5 elements in 5 groups
Credit: Image of TC-14B courtesy of "Tom Weis Photography" <tjweis@hotmail.com>
The Ai-Spec series of this 85mm telephoto lens was first Introduced in 1977 while the last series of this manual focus version carries an Ai-S lens spec where it was introduced during late August, 1981. However, there are little difference in lens specifications for both of these series as the Ai-S lens was a direct upgrade from the AI version. Both versions are solidly built and like other Nikkor lenses produced those days, the quality feel is all over. The lens coating of its front lens element has a deeply pinkish cast, it clearly distinguishes itself from the previous AI version which has a greenish lens coating.
This is for a Nikon 1.4x TC-14B Tele Converter lens. Compatible with Nikon manual SLR cameras, this lens is very high quality. Features a rugged metal mount. It gives your lens 1.4 times its focal length!
Credit: Image courtesy of Laura Kornylak ® <shutterblade@comcast.net> from shutterblade*com where the Company has a website on its own. Image copyright © 2003. All rights reserved. Please respect the visual property of the contributing photographer.
Focal length: 1.4X increase in focal length of the lens in use
Aperture coupling range: f/2.0 ~ f/32
Effective aperture: f/2.8 ~ f/45; Reproduction Ratio: 1.4X of the lens in use
Diaphragm: Automatic; Metering: Full-aperture exposure measurement with Ai type Nikkor lenses
Depth of field: Half that of the lens in use
Closest focusing distance: Same as that of the lens in use, remains unaffected
Dimensions: 65mm dia. x 34mm long (overall); Weight: 165g
Lens case: CL-30S hard leatherette, No. 61 soft pouch, or CP-9 plastic; Note: Serial Numbering for this Converter may have been started from 191001
Credit: Image courtesy of Laura Kornylak ® <shutterblade@comcast.net> from shutterblade*com where the Company has a website on its own. Image copyright © 2003. All rights reserved. Please respect the visual property of the contributing photographer.Important Note: * Sometimes, certain combinations of various lenses, teleconverter(s) and focusing screen(s) used on respective Nikon SLRs may require additional exposure compensation, where applicable. The leaflet that comes along with the hardware may outlined the requirements. ** When used with certain lenses, there may be occasional uneven exposure if aperture is set smaller than f/11 or beyond and/or in some cases, may cause vignetting of image. *** AF-I and AF-S series Nikkor lenses are NOT advisable to be used in combination with this converter, use the dedicated TC-20E(II) or TC-14E (II) instead (see below for more info).
In 1993, Nikon finally introduced an AF-I TC-20E Teleconverter for the AF-I series super-telephoto lenses. A year later in 1994, an AF-I TC-14E was followed. The current version of the Nikon AF Teleconverters are TC-14E II 1.4x AF-S, AF-I Teleconverter and TC-20E II 1.4x AF-S, AF-I Teleconverter which serves more to the newer series of AF-S Nikkor lenses.
The TC-14E II 1.4x AF-S, AF-I Teleconverter is designed for use with AF-S and AF-I Nikkor lenses* Full aperture metering with compatible cameras and Autofocusing is possible when used with D1, D1X, D1H, F5, F100, N80 and N65 AF SLR Cameras. * Recommended with the following AF-S Nikkor lenses: AF-S 80-200mm f/2.8D ED-IF, AF-S 300mm f/2.8D ED-IF (II), AF-S 300mm f/4D ED-IF, AF-S 400mm f/2.8D ED-IF (II), AF-S 500mm f/4D ED-IF (II) and AF-S 600mm f/4D ED-IF (II). The TC-14E II has the following basic specifications: Focal length : 1.4XLens Construction: 5 Elements in 5 Groups; Dimensions: 2.6 in. x 0.9 in.; Weight: Approx. 7.5 oz.
The TC-20E 2.0X AF-S, AF-I Teleconverter is designed for use with AF-S and AF-I Nikkor lenses* but offers 100% magnification of primary focal length of the lens in use and there is a loss of two f-stops in effective lens speed. * Recommended with the following AF-S Nikkor lenses: * Recommended with the following AF-S Nikkor lenses: AF-S 80-200mm f/2.8D ED-IF, AF-S 300mm f/2.8D ED-IF (II), AF-S 300mm f/4D ED-IF, AF-S 400mm f/2.8D ED-IF (II), AF-S 500mm f/4D ED-IF (II) and AF-S 600mm f/4D ED-IF (II) ** Autofocus not possible with AF-S 500mm f/4D ED-IF (II) and AF-S 600mm f/4D ED-IF (II) The TC-20E II has the following basic specifications: Focal length: 2.0X; Lens Construction: 7 Elements in 6 Groups; Dimensions: 2.6 in. x 2.2 in.; Weight: 12.5 oz.
Credit: Images of both Nikkor TC-14E II and TC-2.0E II above are downloaded from Nikon USA website, both have been scaled and retouched slightly for the purpose of broadcasting here. Note: The compatible lenses mentioned are as of December, 2002. As AF-S series lenses are continuously being introduced by Nikon in sequential order, the applicable lenses mentioned may be expended in future.| Previous| Next | Nikon Teleconverters(s) TC-201 and TC-301
Nikon Teleconverters: TC-1 | TC-2 | TC-200 | TC-201 | TC-300 | TC-301 | TC-14 | TC-14A | TC-14B | TC-14C | TC-14E | TC-16 | TC-16A | TC-20E
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Special Application lenses:
Micro-Nikkor Lenses - 50mm~55mm -60mm 85mm -105mm 200mm Micro-Zoom 70-180mm
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Dedicated Lenses for Nikon F3AF: AF 80mm f/2.8 | AF 200mm f/3.5 EDIF
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Others: Noct Nikkor | OP-Nikkor | UV Nikkor 55mm 105mm | Focusing Units | Bellows-Nikkor 105mm 135mm
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MF Zoom-Nikkor Lenses: 25~50mm | 28~45mm | 28~50mm | 28~85mm | 35~70mm | 36~72mm E | 35~85mm | 35~105mm | 35~135mm | 35~200mm | 43~86mm | 50~135mm | 50~300mm | 70~210mm E | 75~150mm E | 80~200mm | 85~250mm | 100~300mm | 180~600mm | 200~400mm | 200~600mm | 360~1200mm | 1200~1700mm
Tele-Converters: TC-1 | TC-2 | TC-200 | TC-201 | TC-300 | TC-301 | TC-14 | TC-14A | TC-14B | TC-14C | TC-14E | TC-16 | TC-16A | TC-20ERecommended links to understand more technical details related to the Nikkor F-mount and production Serial Number:
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-153.html by: my friend, Rick Oleson
http://www.zi.ku.dk/personal/lhhansen/photo/fmount.htm by: Hansen, Lars Holst
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/nikonfmount/lens2.htm
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.htmlRecommended Reading Reference on Nikon cameras and Nikkor lenses | about this photographic web site
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Home - Photography in Malaysia Co-developed with my web buddy, Rick Oleson® & Denmark, Creator of the Nikon Repair Group Mailing-List; A contributing effort to Michael Liu's Classic Nikon SLRs and Nikkor optic site.
Credit: MCLau®, who has helped to rewrite some of the content appeared this site. Chuck Hester® who has been helping me all along with the development of all these Nikon websites; Lars Holst Hansen, 'Hawkeye' who shares the same passion I have; Ms Rissa, Sales manager from Nikon Corporation Malaysia for granting permission to use some of the official content; Ted Wengelaar, Holland who has helped to provide many useful input relating to older Nikkor lenses; Some of the references on production serial numbers used in this site were extracted from Roland Vink's website; Hiura Shinsaku from Nikomat Club Japan. Lastly, to all the good people who has contributed their own expeience, resources or kind enough granted permission to use their images of their respective optic in this site. It is also a site to remember a long lost friend on the Net. Note:certain content and images appeared in this site were either scanned from official marketing leaflets & brochures published by Nikon and/or contribution from surfers who claimed originality of their work for educational purposes. The creator of the site will not be responsible for may discrepancies arise from such dispute except rectifying them after verification. "Nikon", "Nikkormat", "Nippon Kokagu KK" & "Nikkor" are registered tradename of Nikon Corporation Inc., Japan. Site made with an Apple IMac.