Using a Nikon DSLR with a manual focus lens

[Anorakus]

Does anyone do this regularly? I have a Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 AIS lens, and was thinking of getting a D700 to use with it.

I found a chart on Ken Rockwell's site that suggests a D700/AIS combo will work OK, but I'd be interested in hearing anyone who's tried this for real.

I might (no, would ) be tempted to start acquiring some up to date Nikkor G lenses, but this would be a good way to get back into the wonderful world of Nikon at minimal cost!

A.

 

[Dave Pickett]

years ago manual focus was the only way, yet we survived! I have a 50mm 1.8 which I manual focus on my D60, I'm not as fast as autofous, but since its normal to prefocus in practice this really doesnt cuase problems

The D60 has a rangefinder which helps precision, of course what is really needed is a good old split image rangefinder screen, can you change screens on the D700? wonder why they dont give us a choice?

 

[weiran]

D700 should work with all F-mount Nikon lenses except those that are pre-AI unless you mod the lens or the camera. Not a D700 I know, but I've used several AI/AI-S lenses on my S5 without problems.

 

[nibb 100]

I've used various AIS lenses on my D90 and they work really well, I've just bought a D700 and have only tried my 50mm 1.4 AIS didn't find anything wrong,
the camera has to be on manual for it to work,

Very envious of your 1.2 AIS great lens

 

[Anorakus]

the camera has to be on manual for it to work

Can you use aperture priority, or is manual the only option?

What metering modes do you get?

Very envious of your 1.2 AIS great lens

I bought it second-hand from Grays of Westminster around 15 years ago, after I got annoyed with the tiny maximum aperture of my kit lens. It gives a lovely bright viewfinder image :nuts:

A.

 

[Nod]

Can you use aperture priority, or is manual the only option?

What metering modes do you get?

According to the D700 manual, you can use aperture priority as well as manual.

You can use colour matrix metering, centre weighted and spot modes.

 

[nibb 100]

Can you use aperture priority, or is manual the only option?

What metering modes do you get?



I bought it second-hand from Grays of Westminster around 15 years ago, after I got annoyed with the tiny maximum aperture of my kit lens. It gives a lovely bright viewfinder image :nuts:

A.

the only way I can make it work is on fully manual, none of the functions work with it it's just like a manual camera although the focus light flashes when you're in focus:shrug:

 

[nibb 100]

According to the D700 manual, you can use aperture priority as well as manual.

You can use colour matrix metering, centre weighted and spot modes.

you live and learn, I must go and try it

 

[lawrenceots]

Might I suggest you try it on your Canon 5D 2 as well. Thats what I did with my 600, and it goes like a dream on the 30D I had.

 

[Yardbent]

very old Nikkor 50mm Ai f2 - works great in manual on D40 !


interesting read about 50mm development ..."link"

 

[Davec223]

Got a zeiss 50mm f1.4 planar, can use it in aperture priority with matrix metering just have to set the aperture on the lens and not with the camera dial.

 

[straycat]

on a d700 you set non cpu lens data [easy]

the rangefinder will focus and you can use aperature