Lens Compatibility?

[MinnieGirl33]

Are manufacturer lenses from film cameras compatible with DSLR's? Specifically Nikon?

Sorry if it's a stupid question. I am still in the research & education phase of making my first DSLR purchase. My father still has alot of gear from his Nikon film camera (glass, filters, etc.) & it would impact my decision if those items were compatible with the current models.

 

[GoofyontheHiSeas]

Are manufacturer lenses from film cameras compatible with DSLR's? Specifically Nikon?

Sorry if it's a stupid question. I am still in the research & education phase of making my first DSLR purchase. My father still has alot of gear from his Nikon film camera (glass, filters, etc.) & it would impact my decision if those items were compatible with the current models.

Here is a Nikon Lens Compatibility Chart. Just look up your camera and then the specific type of lens.

 

[MinnieGirl33]

Thank you so much! That's perfect!

 

[handicap18]

Pretty much any Nikon lens will attach to the new Nikon dSLR bodies. Not all will auto focus with all the Nikon dSLR bodies.

Older AF Nikon lenses will not auto focus on the D40, D40x, D60, D3000 or D5000 (these bodies need lenses with the AF-S designation for the focus motor in the lens). They will meter and you can manual focus AF lenses on those bodies. Those bodies do not have an auto focus motor in the body and AF lenses do not have an auto focus motor in the lens.

AI lenses (old manual focus lenses) will fit on all the Nikon dSLR bodies, however they will only meter through bodies starting with the D200 and up. You can use them on lower level dSLR bodies, but they are only fully manual. You would have to set the f/stops yourself on the lens (IIRC, even setting the f/stop in the camera will not change the f/stop), but the meter in the camera wont help assist you. Some more advanced photographers love using these lenses because of the challange of using them and also because of the IQ that these older lenses have.

 

[gabriellamberd]

That's a very good piece of information for newbies in this field. I too have a Nikon and the information would be a very good one for the future references. I have got to learn a lot about photography from here. Looking forward to gain more such useful information that could prove useful to know a thing or two about photography.

 

[Groucho]

Many Nikon pre-AI (and some AI) lenses will also mount and work fine on Pentax DSLRs, though they don't actually "click" into place. They fit tightly (read: more snugly than lenses normally would but not enough to damage the lens or the camera) but they do fit. I sometimes use a old Nikkor 105mm F2.5 on my Pentax and get image stabilization, too. I don't think all of the lenses will work but there are some message threads I can point you to if you'd like to know more.

You can also buy adapters to mount Nikon lenses on Olympus and Canon DSLRs.

Also, you mentioned filters - those are not tied to any manufacturer, they come in various standard sizes which work on lenses from anyone. They being said, many of the filters that you may use on film are generally not necessary on digital, since you can accomplish many of the same things on the computer. Circular polarizers are the most common ones that are still used on digital.

 

[Snappy in OK]

Good question!! I was wondering the same thing. Thank you to all who have/will be posting responses. I appreciate the information. I have a long ways to go, but I have learned a lot from what I have read on this board. It has inspired me to get to take my camera off of Auto and practice with the various settings - which is why I wanted an DSLR camera to start with. It has just been easier to take decent pictures of DD3 & DS5 on Auto!! Since I found this board, I have been practicing (on still subjects) with the various settings. One of these days I will feel more confident in taking pictures of the kids with something other than Auto!!

 

[MinnieGirl33]

I am so appreciative for all the great info.

I am having a very hard time making the right choice & you are all so helpful!

Thanks!