MF Nikon lenses on DSLRs

[Mr Bump]

This thread picks up on a subject inadvertently started in a Special Interest Forums thread - the use of Nikon manual focus lenses with DSLRs.

For those prepared to forego autofocus there are many excellent manual focus Nikon lenses to be found at dealers and on auction sites at bargain prices. Many Nikon DSLRs even provide an in-focus confirmation light/bleep when using MF lenses - check your camera's manual. The degree of TTL metering will vary, with lower-end Nikon DSLRs providing none but more advanced DSLRs providing some.

Here are a couple of links with useful information:

Tables of all Nikon lenses providing manuafacturing periods, serial numbers and specifications.

Table indicating compatibility of lenses with SLRs and DSLRs.

Just a couple of words on AI/AI-S and E-Series. I have seen several AI lenses described on ebay as AI-S simply because the sellers did not seem to know the difference. A rear view of the lens can clarify the difference but requesting the serial number and looking it up in the table (link above) will verify. There is a lot of unwarranted snobbishness about E-series lenses and they generally sell for less than the Nikkor-branded lenses. However, it is chiefly because in 1979 they introduced plastic barrel construction for economy that they were seen as second-rate (very many modern lenses are of plastic barrel construction). Optically they are mostly very good. All E-series lenses are also AI-S.

Perhaps forum members might like to contribute to this thread to recommend (or otherwise) any manual focus lenses they use with their Nikon DSLRs? Any feedback of pros - cons could be very helpful to other forum members. Thanks.

Bump

[OldBoy]

Good post Mr Bump.

Just add that Ken Rockwell's site give good info on Nikon lenses: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/nikkor.htm

Not to everyones taste but useful infomation. I checked out the Nikon AI-S 400mm F2.8 ED before I brought it on there. He said it was a cracking lens and he was right.

[Mr Bump]

Thanks for the feedback and the link Oldboy. That's a lovely lens you have there. I doubt there would be much change out of £7,000 for the current AF equivalent.

Any other members' feedback or queries are welcome. Keep 'em coming.

Bump

[amk1977]

I've been a fan of old glass, ever since I had an Olympus E-510, that I used with numerous adapters, back in 2009.

On the D90 I've used the Micro Nikkor 55mm f/2.8 Ai-s. A blisteringly sharp macro lens that is also great for posed portraits. As its manual focus, you can pretty much forget about using it for photographing the kids tearing round. My 50mm AF-D lens struggles to keep up with my nephews at times lol.

Due to its focal length, its probably not the best for skittish insects but, for still life its great. They can be picked up for around £150 on eBay.

At the weekend I managed to get a near mint copy of the Nikkor 28mm F/2.8 Ai-s for £140. It arrived yesterday and I had a quick play with it. From the few shots that I've taken, I am very impressed with it. I love the close focus correction feature. I think I'm going to enjoy experimenting with this for portraits.

As Bump mentions, the loss of metering on non professional models of Nikon DSLR bodies will take some getting used to and require test shots and histogram readings, unless you have a hand held meter. Having said that, I recently came across "Dandelion" chips specifically for non CPU Nikon lenses. The chips attach the the rear of the lens and are programmable so that you can use metering and TTL flash on models like the D90 and below. I'm seriously considering getting one for the 28mm Ai-s, as I can't see me affording a D7000 for quite some time.

If you're interested in these chips for your own lenses here is the link http://www.leitax.com/OlympusOM-lens-for-Nikon-cameras.html. They also do adapters so that you can use a variety of lens brands on Nikon bodies and vice versus.

[OldBoy]

Originally Posted by Mr Bump

Thanks for the feedback and the link Oldboy. That's a lovely lens you have there. I doubt there would be much change out of £7,000 for the current AF equivalent.

Any other members' feedback or queries are welcome. Keep 'em coming.

Bump

When New that lens cost over £9,500 and I got it for £2,400, and it has the leather cap, whilst later models were plastic.

[Mr Bump]

Originally Posted by amk1977

......... I recently came across "Dandelion" chips specifically for non CPU Nikon lenses. The chips attach the the rear of the lens and are programmable so that you can use metering and TTL flash on models like the D90 and below.....If you're interested in these chips for your own lenses here is the link http://www.leitax.com/OlympusOM-lens-for-Nikon-cameras.html. They also do adapters so that you can use a variety of lens brands on Nikon bodies and vice versus.

That's a useful link Aaron. Strangely it leads to the Leitex home page rather than the page the URL suggests and that you intended. From the home page it is necessary to click on the 'Olympus for Nikon' icon to get to the correct page. That page also provides this link for more info on the Dandelion chip. I also like the look of the OP/TECH USA sealed rear lens cap on the same page.

If you get the Dandelion please let us know how it performs and how easy (or not) it is to install. For 27 Euros it looks like very good value.

Bump

[amk1977]

Hi Bump,

Glad you found the information useful. I came across the Dandelion chips just over a year ago. At that time they were just for adapter mounts converting M42, PK and OM lenses for 4/3 camera bodies. They've clearly come a long way in that time.

If I do get a Dandelion for the Nikkor, then I will let everyone know how it performs.