Double post

bjrichus said:
HAHAHAHAHA.... I wasn't looking at the date it was posted. At least this shows we really are a friendly bunch, even if we don't always agree about everything!

One of the potential down sides of adding new questions to old threads (but that realy does have nothing to do with this topic I agree Niko :-) I thought it was very kind to spend so much time posting a very comprehensive answer bjrichus. I think you're right, unlike many forums out there, we are a friendly bunch. It's the only reason i'm here.

TaoTeJared said:
I can confirm - 50mm e-series on a DX body (d300) the mirror just grazes the "tabs" on the lens. Doesn't do anything (yet) but I don't push and use it for a few test shots only.

Thanks for that. Glad I knew better than to try it then.

NikoDoby said:
@Bjrichus: this thread is almost two years old! I'm sure Medtech probably graduated from EMT school already, lol.

HAHAHAHAHA.... I wasn't looking at the date it was posted. At least this shows we really are a friendly bunch, even if we don't always agree about everything!

SkintBrit said:
Part of the syllabus includes dark room technique. I wouldn't know if this was unusual nowerdays, but I presume they fear new photographers loosing the ability to work with film in the future?

Your answer leaves me a bit confused, earlier in this thread I though I understood from a reply by Niko, that "D" lenses could be used on the D3000? I am obviously missing something here. Are there "D" lenses AND "AF-D" lenses? I obviously understand that she won't have AF unless she uses an AF-S lens, but you seem to be saying that that is not the only issue? I wasn't aware that modern AF-S lenses could be used on older film cameras. I think I understand your point that AF-S "DX" lenses won't be any good on what is obviously a "FX" film camera. She won't have the funds to buy modern FF AFS lenses, so was just interested in knowing the older lens designations that will work without AF on a D3000, and a film camera to match. Can she use the lenses from a N75 on her 3000? I understand this won't work the other way round.

The F6 and F5 are not the only film cameras that will work with modern FX AF-S lenses. I'm not sure which ones work, but a quick search would do.

SkintBrit said:
I saw that there were several threads I could have added my question too, this seemed as good as any.

This thread has nothing to do with film cameras. Someone else searching for info on what film camera to buy a student will not find your question and these answers because it's buried in this thread.

@Bjrichus: this thread is almost two years old! I'm sure Medtech probably graduated from EMT school already, lol.

bjrichus said:

Be careful over using modern DX lenses on a film camera. The manuals have warnings about *NOT* doing that. I think there are tabs and things on older film camera mounts that will compromise the new lenses ... Film is FX - so is larger - than a modern DX body, so I wonder if the mirror will hit the rear element of a DX lens not least the issue of vignetting when trying to use a DX lens on a FX body too?

I can confirm - 50mm e-series on a DX body (d300) the mirror just grazes the "tabs" on the lens. Doesn't do anything (yet) but I don't push and use it for a few test shots only.

SkintBrit said:
Your answer leaves me a bit confused, earlier in this thread I though I understood from a reply by Niko, that "D" lenses could be used on the D3000?

Can she use the lenses from a N75 on her 3000? I understand this won't work the other way round.

I didn't mean to confuse you, my thinking was more focused of a new 16yr old photographer starting out rather than the technical ins-outs on lenses. AFD (or D lenses how I refer to them -AFDs (plural)) somewhat work on a D3000 but like you said, no AF. It has been my experience with new photogs starting out, that making the huge learning curve more difficult by going full manual when they don't have too, just doesn't work and they usually loose interest and get frustrated quickly. Plus that is money for a good lens they can't fully use. That choice (to go manual) on a new/er camera is generally a personal choice best made by the student when they feel and choose to do so. That is why I personally would stay away from AFD lenses on a D3000.

There was a "flip" in Nikon film bodies that allowed AFS lenses. I'm not sure where/what model that was but my N75 works with every lens I own, DX - FX, AFS-AFD, and VR. (DX gets ugly, though the 35mm 1.8 works fairly good - there are threads on this.) I picked that camera up for $35 - and it is in perfect shape. If they continue with the hobby, it will be able to stay with her for many years.

If I personally were to suggest something, I would say go for a FG-20 (meter, auto mode, small, light) and a 50mm 1.8 e-series lens. One can pick this set up for $50 and even add a third party manual focus 24mm, and 35mm for cheap. If they are just shooting B&W, many bad characteristics of lenses are masked. This is a really light setup and easy to walk around with.

SkintBrit said:
Can she use the lenses from a N75 on her 3000? I understand this won't work the other way round.

The D3000 is fine in manual mode with AI lenses. I have a couple of them from the days of film, and they work great - just totally manual is all. This is in the spec on the Nikon web site and in the D3000 manual.

Of course, the photographer needs to know *HOW* to set aperture and speed (controls are covered in the manual) and use a light meter properly. The results you get from the various combinations is of course, NOT in the manuals, but you know what? These are all skills a photography student should be taught as part of any decent syllabus (in my view).

Be careful over using modern DX lenses on a film camera. The manuals have warnings about *NOT* doing that. I think there are tabs and things on older film camera mounts that will compromise the new lenses ... Film is FX - so is larger - than a modern DX body, so I wonder if the mirror will hit the rear element of a DX lens not least the issue of vignetting when trying to use a DX lens on a FX body too?

Medtech... As others have said, Welcome here.

As someone who was a 40 year 120 and 35mm film amateur photographer using all sorts of brands (my Dad used to love Leica and other cameras/lenses which all seemed to be from the middle of the last century and have Germanic names but couldn't afford them), I made the jump to digital 'full time' with a D3000 myself just over a year ago. Until that time, I had used a number of other digital cameras on loan to me, but the Nikon was the first one I paid for myself. I now also use a D7000 as my main camera, but it wasn't out at the time and with limited budgets ones wallet dictates what one buys.

For all its faults, the D3000 is capable of taking great images, and even with it's entry-level tag and image in the market, I have taken shots with mine that are published both in print and on the web that earned enough to pay for my upgrades; I am more than even on the deal, and I feel darn good about it! If nothing else, it reminds me that the person BEHIND the lens and these days on the computer keyboard too is at least as important in all this than simply owning the most recent bit of gear. HOW you use it all to make the picture is what matters...

I have the AF-S DX VR Zoom-NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED (what a mouthful of a name) and use it on both my D3000 and D7000! It is the first generation of vibration reduction for in-lens CPU devices.

Oh the agony about getting the VRII version ... LOL! Even though I'd really like to have more and faster lenses, the reality is with VR I get (at most) 2 stops of extra hand held shooting without having to use a support (tripod) to avoid blur or shake with this lens. I have a monopod that gets used in bad light and it gives me more than the extra stop that VRII would bring over the original VR. Considering the price difference between VR and VRII vs the cost of a monopod... No contest.

It works on both my D3000 and D7000 bodies, as I am sure it would on a D3100, or a D5100 body. Unless you are looking for pro level gear (or need full frame) this lens is a great bargain. Also, if cost is a major deciding factor as it is for me, buying refurbished from the likes of B&H or Adorama is the way to go. Cheaper than full price and just as good. Just make sure you use the (short) warranty period to use the gear well, to uncover any faults...

If you want to ask any questions, there are many of us here that will help, always feel free to P.M. me.

PS: Medtech, my son is a 1st year Medical Student, your name here implies you are an EMT or other tech in that field...

sevencrossing said:
Can anyone explain why a college is asking student to BUY a film camera?

Part of the syllabus includes dark room technique. I wouldn't know if this was unusual nowerdays, but I presume they fear new photographers loosing the ability to work with film in the future?

TaoTeJared said:
AF-D lenses will NOT work on a D3000 in AF only manual. She can only use AFS lenses on her D3000. The issue will be FX vs. DX lenses.

Your answer leaves me a bit confused, earlier in this thread I though I understood from a reply by Niko, that "D" lenses could be used on the D3000? I am obviously missing something here. Are there "D" lenses AND "AF-D" lenses? I obviously understand that she won't have AF unless she uses an AF-S lens, but you seem to be saying that that is not the only issue? I wasn't aware that modern AF-S lenses could be used on older film cameras. I think I understand your point that AF-S "DX" lenses won't be any good on what is obviously a "FX" film camera. She won't have the funds to buy modern FF AFS lenses, so was just interested in knowing the older lens designations that will work without AF on a D3000, and a film camera to match. Can she use the lenses from a N75 on her 3000? I understand this won't work the other way round.

Thanks for the advice Tao, Niko I saw that there were several threads I could have added my question too, this seemed as good as any. Thanks for pointing out those links, I'll have a look at them.

Can anyone explain why a college is asking student to BUY a film camera
I can understand teaching students to use a camera in manual mode
I can understand teaching how a film camera works and even using one
But the advantaged of "free film " when shooting digital and getting instant feedback, seems to far outweigh any advantages of using film. Using a sheet film and a view camera, could make sense, but I can seen no advantage, in insisting hard up students, buy a film SLR
My guess is, there are no uptodate digital reference books and the colledge is using a very dated syllabus

SkintBrit, your question belongs in one of these threads

Advice on a 35mm film SLR for a beginner
http://nikonrumors.com/forum/topic.php?id=3527

Film camera (For A Student)
http://nikonrumors.com/forum/topic.php?id=1539

Nikon's Best Film Cameras
http://nikonrumors.com/forum/topic.php?id=495

AF-D lenses will NOT work on a D3000 in AF only manual. She can only use AFS lenses on her D3000. The issue will be FX vs. DX lenses.

As for film, I would get a N75 (AF old film) which will be able to use the same AFS FX lenses and VR. (This is what I have.) The other thing would be a full manual camera like a FE2 or a FG-20 and add a cheap mf e-series 50mm 1.8 lens. I have 2 FE2-s and one FG20.

The N75's are going for very, very cheap and will easily work for any film work.

Hi guys (and gals), my question is mostly answered by this old thread, but I could still do with some advice. I met a young high school leaver last night who is starting a photography course at college in September, and they have asked her to buy a film SLR as well as the D3000 she already owns for her practical work. Question, I suggested she bought another Nikon SLR to give her the added flexibility of using it's lenses on her D3000. From what I already knew, "D" lenses would be best, as apart from autofocus, they should work fine on her digital, but can you suggest some pretty cheap film SLR's that would be good for her to buy just for her college course? I don't think (but who knows) she has much intention of shooting film regularly. She's only 16 so no suggestions of an F6 please, I think that's a bit out of her price bracket! Around the £100 - £150 mark with a Std lens would be great? Suggestions please. Also are there any flashguns that are compatible with both?

It is indeed Jonny, thanks very much for saving me from having to recreate that wheel.

Nivakon, thanks. I think you missed that the AF-I will also work with all functions including autofocus?

So a D5000 needs an AF-S or AF-I 'G' type lens, to have all functions right?

This might be what you're looking for, spraynpray.
http://www.bythom.com/lensacronyms.htm

spraynpray said:
Is there an exhaustive list of compatible lenses for DX (Dxx, Dxxx and Dxxxx)? I am finding it difficult to get to grips with the Nikon lens numbering system (there do appear to be if not absolute inconsistencies, at least small things that make life hard for people.

If not, I would like to get as much information as possible to make up an exhaustive definitive list which I could then make available for the forum members as required by either posting or a spreadsheet by email.

it is nothing about the digits following the letter D...

D40,60,3k,5k are without motors, so choose an AFS lens if u want autofocus enabled

D50,80,90 are with motors so they are covering a larger range of lenses.

Is there an exhaustive list of compatible lenses for DX (Dxx, Dxxx and Dxxxx)? I am finding it difficult to get to grips with the Nikon lens numbering system (there do appear to be if not absolute inconsistencies, at least small things that make life hard for people.

If not, I would like to get as much information as possible to make up an exhaustive definitive list which I could then make available for the forum members as required by either posting or a spreadsheet by email.

many thanks to all.. as long as i stick with the AF-S i got nothing to w0rry... now is the time to hunt for a nice piece of glass probably "telephoto" range...

i'll be asking you guys w/c one is better...

Hi, If you want all functions to work just stick with AF-S Nikon/Nikkor lenses. However. Your little D3000 has the capability to use almost all(except the really really old > 50 years) nikon lenses. You just wont be able to do some fancy things that the AF-S lenses can do. AFD lenses you will still be able to focus manually as if you were using a manual focus lens. and if its a manual focus lens you can manually focus it..(err.. of course)

Type G means the lens has no aperture ring to adjust the aperture through the lens. Instead you change it in the camera.

Type D means the lens DOES have an aperture ring and in order to use it with let's say the D3000 you will have to set it at the highest aperture number. Let's say f22 and you'll just leave the lens at that setting and THEN use ONLY the camera's electronic aperture control to make any changes to the aperture. Older Nikon cameras (film) don't have the electronic aperture control so they need the lens to have an actual aperture ring on them to change the aperture.

A lens can be type "G" or type "D" but still NOT have a built in auto focus motor inside it. So if you have the D3000 it will ONLY manual focus with a G or D that DOES have an AF-S motor inside the lens.

If a lens is super old (non G or D from the film days) then it won't auto focus or have the necessary electronic connections to "talk" with your camera in order to determine exposure metering. In other words you only have to worry about those really old lenses you might buy used from the 1950s,60s,and some from the 70s. All "new" or modern Nikon Fmount lenses you buy at BestBuy or BHphoto are compatible as far as the 3D metering.

It's confusing because Nikon has used the same lens mount (F-mount) on it's cameras for the last 50 years! So lens technology has changed but not the way you mount the lenses to the Nikon camera. This is why I switched to Nikon because canon kept changing their lens mounts and I kept having to buy new lenses every time I wanted to upgrade to a new generation camera!

I hope this makes sense and I've helped you in some way medtech :^)

@heartyfisher thanks, very straightforward answer.
@NikoDoby very informative for a newbie like me.

hmmm.. it's a bit clear now.. but could you guys give me an example of a

* Type G or D AF NIKKOR not equipped with an autofocus motor: All functions supported except autofocus.
* Non-Type G or D AF NIKKOR not equipped with an autofocus motor: All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II and autofocus.

so that i won't be mistaken in buying the lens..

again many thanks to you guys!

@warprints gonna read the above site you posted.

Good question. It does get confusing with all the lingo. Heartyfisher is correct - the AF-S lenses have motors built in and autofocus with the D3000.

http://www.nikonian.com.my/default.asp?contentID=830