camera lens

[foxtrot]

Does a digital camera have to have a dedicated digital lens or is it acceptable to use a lens that was bought for a SLR film camera?

[ianpinion]

Hi Foxtrot,

That's a very general question to which without you supplying further information will attract some very generalised answers. Not every lens will fit every camera because many have their own specialised mounts. Some older lenses from film SLR cameras can be used on newer digital cameras, but the autofocus function may not work if the lens doesn't have it's own motordrive.

So what make and model of old lens are you trying to use with what make and model of digital camera?

[foxtrot]

both lens and cameras are canon (40d)

[flake]

There is no such thing as a dedicated digital lens. Most manufacturers have produced lenses which only cover a crop sensor, EF-s DC DX being a few examples, these will of course only produce a reduced image circle and will not be suitable for film. But of the FF lenses all of them can be used on a digital or a film body, providing that the mount is the same. Companies like Sigma have produced coatings which they claim will reduce reflections from the surface of the sensor, which is much more shiny than film, but there is a deal of discussion as to whether it's anything more than a marketing gimmick.

So if you want to use film and perhaps develop & print as well you only need to buy a compatable body, and some rolls of film. The lenses will work fine, just remember the difference between that and a crop body in terms of field of view.