can I use old lenses

[Nikkie]

I have finally decided to buy a half decent starter level DSLR, problem is that we have loads of lenses for our analogue Nikon and I have been told that they are unusable with a Nikon D80, I thought that it was only the D40 and D60 that needed motorised lenses, before I shell out can someone please give me a heads up on this.

Thanks

Nikkie

[_dobbo_]

Modern lenses transmit information about aperture, focal length etc to the body, so that the body can meter and expose the image correctly.

Without this functionality you should still be able to use the lenses but with some limitations, possibly autofocus will be retained.

I use a reversing ring that removes all functionality altogether and my camera (D200) still does an alright job of setting the exposure.

Why not take the lenses into a shop and stick them on a D80 to see if they work?

[Dogsey]

Posting which lenses you have might help get the right answer too.

[Nikkie]

Thanks guys, Lenses are: AF18-35mm, F3.5-4.5D, AF70-300mm, F4.5-5.6D, AF28-105mm if anyone can tell me if any of these are usable, it will make life a lot easier.

[Simpo Two]

They will all fit physically, but depending on the age of the lens various functions won't work or will have to be set manually.

Equally importantly, due to the 'crop factor' of the D80's DX sensor they will magically seem 50% longer, so when you add these two factors togther you may well find (like me) that they are no longer appropriate and will buy new/different lenses anyway

ETA lens compatibilities can get complicated. The D80 manual might have a table of them but of course you don't have that yet! For a specific anroak answer for each lens try posting on www.nikonians.com

Looking at your list my hunch is that D lenses should be fine. Either way, don't be put off buying a D80 if/because your old lenses are holding you back.

Edited by Simpo Two on Tuesday 8th July 10:41

[Nikkie]

Simpo Two said:

They will all fit physically, but depending on the age of the lens various functions won't work or will have to be set manually.

Equally importantly, due to the 'crop factor' of the D80's DX sensor they will magically seem 50% longer, so when you add these two factors togther you may well find (like me) that they are no longer appropriate and will buy new/different lenses anyway

Thanks for that, looks like more shoe money gone but at least I shall finally get some great shots of the Box

[Simpo Two]

Nikkie said:

Thanks for that, looks like more shoe money gone but at least I shall finally get some great shots of the Box

I have two pairs of shoes but lots of lenses

[Nikkie]

I am just getting started, give me time....................;)

[VxDuncan]

You'll get more functionality from your lenses with a D200 upwards, as this adds support for metering with older aperture ring lenses. With the D80 your pretty much on your own mettering wise (ie full manual). It lacks the pin to stop downt eh lens I believe.

If you can't run to a D200 / D300 then the Fuji S5 Pro should also do the trick, and is based on a D200 with Fuji internals for around £500. Slightly oddball, the favourite of the portrait and wedding photographers but probably not for a beginner who won't push the limits of its extra features.

[Simpo Two]

VxDuncan said:

You'll get more functionality from your lenses with a D200 upwards, as this adds support for metering with older aperture ring lenses. With the D80 your pretty much on your own mettering wise (ie full manual). It lacks the pin to stop downt eh lens I believe.

Depends! I think you mean fully manual lenses like AI lenses. Later lenses (eg D) should work OK - if the lens has an aperture ring (ie non-G) all you do is lock it to the smallest aperture and the camera can deal with it. If your lenses have five tiny contacts around the base, I think you'll be OK.

[VxDuncan]

Simpo Two said:

VxDuncan said:

You'll get more functionality from your lenses with a D200 upwards, as this adds support for metering with older aperture ring lenses. With the D80 your pretty much on your own mettering wise (ie full manual). It lacks the pin to stop downt eh lens I believe.

Depends! I think you mean fully manual lenses like AI lenses. Later lenses (eg D) should work OK - if the lens has an aperture ring (ie non-G) all you do is lock it to the smallest aperture and the camera can deal with it. If your lenses have five tiny contacts around the base, I think you'll be OK.

Sorry - read "analogue nikon" to mean old skool manual focus. Have a couple of D series AF lenses that work fine with my D80 (albiet slow to focus).