Nikon Rumors Forum » Topic: Old Lenses on New DSLR's

tai on "Old Lenses on New DSLR's"

tai — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 22:05:21 +0000

That's correct NSX, the screw AF lenses meter, older AIS/AI/preAI work in manual with no metering.

NSXType-R on "Old Lenses on New DSLR's"

NSXType-R — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 21:58:12 +0000

Slightly older screw autofocus lenses still meter on the D40 right?

TJGilbert21 on "Old Lenses on New DSLR's"

TJGilbert21 — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 20:02:39 +0000

If there's a way to add a CPU to AI lenses, I would love that. I love my old lenses, and I use them frequently on my D40, but I would love them even more if they could meter.

I think the old lenses are definitely worth it. And I don't think it's entirely necessary to "upgrade" to DSLR, except for the expensive prices of film and processing. But I would really hold onto your old equipment. I'm always looking old equipment and I already have a D40. Besides, sometimes you can get really good deals on lenses from back then. I got my Micro Nikkor 55mm f/3.5 (Non-AI) for around forty bucks and Nikkor 50mm f/2 (AI) for 14!

NSXType-R on "Old Lenses on New DSLR's"

NSXType-R — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:40:00 +0000

I didn't know you could do that, stenrasmussen.

You're talking about lenses with aperture rings?

stenrasmussen on "Old Lenses on New DSLR's"

stenrasmussen — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 19:59:15 +0000

It is an relatively easy task to add a cpu to the lenses so the aperture can be controlled from the camera. In addition full metering will be obtained. The 105/2.5 is a marvellous performer on DSLR's. The 24/2.0 is not as good as the 24/2.8.

NSXType-R on "Old Lenses on New DSLR's"

NSXType-R — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 19:37:34 +0000

Yeah, they'll work, except that there's no autofocus. And since you don't care, you don't need to worry.

tai on "Old Lenses on New DSLR's"

tai — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:31:40 +0000

They'll work, but there will be no metering whatsoever. Not even an under/overexpose light. I do it all the time, good part about digital is you can just take a picture and then correct based on what you've taken. If you go for the D300 or up, you'll get metering on the old lenses.

Edit: Thought I'd add that if you have pre-ai/non-ai lenses, they'll only mount on the D40/D40x/D60, not on the D90. I don't know about the D5000

allenh on "Old Lenses on New DSLR's"

allenh — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:27:02 +0000

Someday (hopefully soon) I will make the jump to a DSLR - is it worth using my old AI lenses on the new cameras?
I leaning toward D60, D80, D90 or maybe D5000 - haven't decided yet.

I've very interested in opinions on using my old 105mm and 24mm lenses.
I don't care about autofocus, or auto exposure, and I've never been a fan of zoom lenses, but then again, I haven't had to buy equipment since 1989.

I appreciate comments. Thanks, in advance.