I have a Nikon 300 f/4 and the (attached) lens hood is jammed in the "on" position so that it can't be rotated and slid back onto the body. This isn't a huge deal, since I pretty much always want it extended, but I'm going on a trip soon and want to be able to make it as compact as possible. Is the only solution sending it to Nikon? (which at least for me is "right down the road"). Thanks in advance.
Cannot answer you directly but I had exactly the same with my Canon 300 f4. A miniscule retaining screw had come out of the side of the lens and managed to get in between the hood and the lens barrel jamming it solid. It went back to Canon and was returned quickly - cost £45 ie about $60+
We have jammed the hood a couple of times on our 300 mm f/4, so I know what you are talking about. The only solution was to grasp the hood firmly, and try to rapidly go clockwise and counter-clockwise with it. If you cannot get a good grip of the hood, you should use a thin rubber jar lid opener which can be purchased in a housewares or kitchen department. You might also try tapping on it with your knuckles.
DISCLAIMER - The following is not recommended unless you are truly desperate and most likely will damage your lens and/or hood:
If you don't care about how it looks, you could always use a pipe wrench or a large pair of water pump pliers (the real name of Channel-Lock pliers). BUT, I would not recommend either. Instead, if you can get a strap wrench, you might be able to torque it loose. However, my experience with strap wrenches is that they tend to slip. The best bet would be to put a thin piece of rubber between the strap and hood to increase the friction.
Actually, the strap wrench should not damage your hood, just maybe your lens.
Discussion
2 replies- Luke
We have jammed the hood a couple of times on our 300 mm f/4, so I know what you are talking about. The only solution was to grasp the hood firmly, and try to rapidly go clockwise and counter-clockwise with it. If you cannot get a good grip of the hood, you should use a thin rubber jar lid opener which can be purchased in a housewares or kitchen department. You might also try tapping on it with your knuckles.
DISCLAIMER - The following is not recommended unless you are truly desperate and most likely will damage your lens and/or hood:
If you don't care about how it looks, you could always use a pipe wrench or a large pair of water pump pliers (the real name of Channel-Lock pliers). BUT, I would not recommend either. Instead, if you can get a strap wrench, you might be able to torque it loose. However, my experience with strap wrenches is that they tend to slip. The best bet would be to put a thin piece of rubber between the strap and hood to increase the friction.
Actually, the strap wrench should not damage your hood, just maybe your lens.