Lens adapter mount cover is broken

The ring threads onto the front of any lens with a 49mm filter thread, just like a filter. The front of the lens then fits onto a camera body, effectively mounting the lens "backwards" or reversed. With most lenses, this allows the lens to focus very close, for close-up or "macro" photography.

Hello Ken, If this camera was pre-owned, you may have one that someone glued the ring on because of broken tabs !!!! I have had a couple of these cameras that had that problem.Normally they just twist off with very little effort.

Good Luck, Russell

You can get the part directly from Nikon, and the repair is fairly simple. Look at the step-by-step of the same repair done on this page:

http://www.gmtruckhq.com/artwork-design-forum/how-fix-broken-nikon-dslr-lens-mounts-3271.html#post125961

The part # and Nikon contact info is listed there as well.

Unfortunately your lens is one of the kit versions which were built as cheaply as possible with a plastic lens mount. They were never intended to be repaired, but to be fair they usually seem to last quite well on the 18-55mm versions but the 18-105mm is heavier and longer and I've found that the plastic mount is particularly intolerant to any handling errors on this lens.

A professional repair will normally cost more than the lens is worth, but you can sometimes buy new replacement mounts.

Use your favourite search engine to look for part number 1C999-488. Unfortunately they're rarely in stock whenever I've needed one. You may also want to search for a scrap lens with a good mount which you can replace yours with, but scrap lenses of the correct type usually have faulty or badly worn plastic mounts as well.

Carefully assess your lens before making the repair: unless it's in perfect working order in all respects except for the broken mount then you'll be better off buying a new or used complete replacement lens.

Make sure that it does not have notches in the ring that require a spanner type of wrench. Other than that it should be that simple. Make sure that you use the best or new jewelers screwdrivers. Don't over tighten them. You may want to consider using lock tight on the threads.

Plastic next to the mounting ring, brass on top

I feel for you. exactly the same happened to me but i was looking to upgrade lens so i used it as an excuse.the piece is called a bayonet. what lens is it, is it the kit lens. my lens was unfixable so  am afraid as the mount is plastic the whole lens is a right off, if it was a metal mount it would be worth fixing. sorry

Is this what you are looking for?
http://shop.thefotogeeks.com/index.asp?PageAction=ADVSEARCH&Page=1&txtSearchAllWords=nikon+lens+mount&txtSearchExactPhrase=&txtSearchWithOneOfTheWords=&txtSearchWithoutTheWords=&lngLookinCategoryID=0&txtSortOrder=1&intResults=25&btnSearch=Search&AdvSearchAction=GOFETCH

I have a similar problem but haven't found details on what all is involved taking it apart.

On the lower right side of the lens (as viewed from the rear) is a small button that releases the ring around the lens barrel. Removing the ring reveals a bayonet-style mounting flash that allows you to attach a lens adapter for extended telephoto, wide angle, or macro capabilities. Visit your photographic stockist for info on what is available

Maybe the adapter ring release button is stuck after you pushed it in to release the cover. Try giving it a good flicking until you are sure it has popped out.