Erik, I am the man you want to see!!!!!!! I have a freakin' wealth of infromation on this disturbing problem and believe me, there is NOTHING on the web about it.
I had the same problem as you with 300mm afs on f100. This is a semi-acknowledged, yet not widespread problem. I think the best thing to do is for me to post something I posted from another forum:
Scott Linstead , sep 06, 2005; 10:49 p.m.
Ì've posted this before, but I gave too many details.
So...I use an f80 and 300mm afs and tc-14e for 8 months, no problems.
I buy an f100, the problem starts. sometimes when I take the camera out of the bag with the 300 and tc on, it behaves like the lens is in M mode i.e. it won't autofocus. To fix the problem, I twist lightly on the lens relative to the body...it goes back to normal.
I had this problem on 3 f100s (I brought the body back twice) SO ITS THE LENS, RIGHT?
BUT WAIT, why does this not happen on the f80?
SO ITS THE LENS OR TELE, RIGHT.
BUT WAIT, it happenned once WITHOUT the TELE, although it happens MORE OFTEN with the tele.
SO ITS THE LENS, RIGHT?
This would mean that the f80 and f100 use the contacts in DIFFERENT ways to do the SAME THING...somehow, it seems that Nikon would really be complicating things for themselves if this was true.
In any case, nikon montreal wants EVERYTHING to pass back and forth from one tech to another between their "regular" tasks -- time is measured in weeks. Also, they aren't as technically equipped as nikon toronto, so it may have to be SHIPPED there for awhile if they can't get the problem worked out in Montreal -- time is measured in months. Try to put yourself in my place, is this where you'd like your brand new $4000 kit to be?
Scott Linstead , sep 27, 2005; 09:02 p.m.
I feel it is my responsibility to post the results of my little service adventure, considering that its a lot easier to write when you have to send your gear away, but when it comes back repaired and in working order, the last thing you want to do is jump on the net and start typing.
So my experience with Nikon Canada has been a good one. "Ty", the director of service was an agreeable and knowledgeable fellow, always willing to deal with my telephone inquiries in a pleasant manner.
You can check out the details of my problem in a previous post, but long story short: the AF cut out occasionally with and without my tc- 14e attached to my f100(brand new) and 300mm afs f4.
As I was informed by Nikon, there exists an issue with both the lens and the tele, whereby an additional ground must be installed on the integrated circuit of both items. This improves the AF interface with pro bodies, i.e. D2x, f100, F5 etc, that is somehow more sensitive to poor contact connections. Apparently this has turned up with D2xs already in combination with this lens-tele combo, so take heed all you yuppies(just kidding).
I guess tha turnaround time is of interest. I dropped the camera off at Nikon Montreal on Sep. 8th and I picked it up today (Sep. 27th)
On the bill (it was all under warranty) the f100 got "automatic tune- up" the tc-14e and 300 both got, "repair integrated circuit". All 3 items got the old CLA.
So thats the story...seems like a happy ending, (knock on wood). Thanks to all who contributed and commented during my darkest hour (LOL)
Scott