Minolta MD 135MM

[beckyx3]

Hi Everyone-

I'm completely new to this board but I'm hoping I can find some help. I'm pretty new to photography. My parents bought me a Nikon Coolpix l810 for Christmas 2 years ago and unfortunately I had it stolen from me. I was really bummed out but I had decided to take the money and dive in and buy myself a Nikon D3100 after playing around with my sisters and I absolutely love it. I got to use it in the Outer Banks and for our last trip down to Disney in August. I still really am so new to this whole thing but I've been doing some research. I currently have the standard lens that came with the camera on it. Today my dad handed me a Minolta MD 135mm and asked if I'd be able to use it with my camera. I looked online and found that I would have to buy an adapter for it. Now here is my dilemma. Is it worth it to buy the adapter? I still get confused about the logistics with lenses but I'm definitely trying to get better. I'm just not sure if it's something I should try and invest in (even though the adapters look fairly reasonable) just to try or what. I've read in a few places that it's a good lens, but seeing as it's probably almost 30 years old I'm skeptical. Any help would be greatly appreciated :good vibes

 

[havoc315]

Good glass is good glass. It doesn't go stale.

None of my lenses are MD lenses, but many of my lenses are AF 20+ years old. I use a 135/2.8 AF lens that is amazing. Paid $300 for it, it's about 25-30 years old.

BUT-- the MD lens will be fully manual on your camera. Manual focus, manual aperture control. If you only shoot auto modes, this lens would be worthless to you.
If you like to shoot fully manual -- focus and aperture control, it can be a great lens.

(Minolta started replacing the MD lenses with AF lenses in the mid 80s. I don't think the AF lenses can be adapted to a Nikon, but they work great on Sony dslrs )

 

[beckyx3]

Thank you! I've practiced in manual and I really enjoyed it. I think it definitely would be beneficial and it could be a great learning tool. I appreciate the answer!