Use Film SLR Lens on DSLR: I have a Nikon DSLR with two kit lenses (18-55 f/3.5-5.6 & 70-300 f/4.5-6.3). I also have two Nikon Series E lenses that were used on a Nikon FM film camera.

was_a_guru

I have a Nikon DSLR with two kit lenses (18-55 f/3.5-5.6 & 70-300 f/4.5-6.3). I also have two Nikon Series E lenses that were used on a Nikon FM film camera. Both of those have a lower maximum f stop (35mm f/2.5, 50mmf/1.8) and might be good for low light situations. Can I use those on my DSLR? I realize I would have to focus manually, set aperture manually (both of those on the lens), and also meter manually for setting shutter speed (on the camera). Also since my DSLR is a 1.5x sensor I know that the effective focal lengths of the two prime lenses would be 23mm & 35mm respectively. Would this would work? And what mode on the DSLR (A, S, M) would I use? Any advice would be helpful. Thanks.

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

Manual comes to mind just like when you shot film!

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

was_a_guru wrote:

I have a Nikon DSLR with two kit lenses (18-55 f/3... (show quote)

The FX equivalent focal length of the 35mm lens will be about 54mm, that of the 50mm lens will be about 77mm on your DX camera. See your camera’s user’s manual under Compatible Lenses for using AI-s (Series E) lenses.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I use a lot of my SLR lenses on my D700 and D800e, including the assortment for my Hasselblad. All it requires is manual focus. Depending on the lens, the aperture adjustment on the front of the camera may work. On mine the in focus light system works.
--Bob

was_a_guru wrote:

I have a Nikon DSLR with two kit lenses (18-55 f/3... (show quote)

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

If you have a base model Nikon DSLR, then there is no metering. D200 or better will get you metering. As you said, focusing would be manual & at first, it can be a bit difficult as the focus screen are designed for AF lenses. The electronic rangefinder (little dot or arrows in the viewfinder) does help some. The effective focal length of the 35mm would be 35 X 1.5 or 52.5mm equivalent & the 50mm would be 50 X 1.5 or 75mm equivalent focal length. The focal length doesn't change, only the angle of view captured...

was_a_guru

Thanks to all that have replied and for clarifying the effective focal lengths. I was turned around on that initially thinking the 35 & 50 would be 23 & 35 respectively. But I now understand. I should have mentioned that my DSLR is a Nikon D7500. It will be fun experimenting to see if and how this will work. Thanks.

wilsondl2 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

On newer Nikons you can shoot in aperture priority and just worry about focus. If yours is a dx camera with a focusing motor drive there are lots of used lenses at bargain prices. I got my Nikon 70-210 fixed F/4 for $102 on ebay. Works great came with lens hood front filter both caps and a case. dave

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

With that DSLR, you will get metering in aperture & manual modes...I have several Nikon DSLR's both DX & FX and use any number of older MF lenses on them.

was_a_guru wrote:

Thanks to all that have replied and for clarifying the effective focal lengths. I was turned around on that initially thinking the 35 & 50 would be 23 & 35 respectively. But I now understand. I should have mentioned that my DSLR is a Nikon D7500. It will be fun experimenting to see if and how this will work. Thanks.

BebuLamar

wilsondl2 wrote:

On newer Nikons you can shoot in aperture priority and just worry about focus. If yours is a dx camera with a focusing motor drive there are lots of used lenses at bargain prices. I got my Nikon 70-210 fixed F/4 for $102 on ebay. Works great came with lens hood front filter both caps and a case. dave

Those lenses would meter and work in A and M modes on the D7200 but not on the D7500. On the D7500 it only works in M mode and no metering possible.

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Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Looks like I stand corrected. I don't have the D7500 and I assumed it was at least comparable to the D7100.

BebuLamar wrote:

Those lenses would meter and work in A and M modes on the D7200 but not on the D7500. On the D7500 it only works in M mode and no metering possible.

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

If they mount they will work the same as your kit lenses but manually. If they don't mount easily, don't try to force them.

BebuLamar

Screamin Scott wrote:

Looks like I stand corrected. I don't have the D7500 and I assumed it was at least comparable to the D7100.

Yeah that's one of the complaint about the D7500. There are quite a number of features that were on the D7200 (or D7100) but is missing on the D7500.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Here is Nikon's compatibility chart...

https://www.nikonusa.com/Images/Learn-Explore/Photography-Techniques/2011/Which-Nikkor-is-Right-for-You/Media/NIKKOR-lens-compatibility-chart.pdf

r.grossner Loc: Rockford IL & Sarasota FL

was_a_guru wrote:

I have a Nikon DSLR with two kit lenses (18-55 f/3... (show quote)

A DX Nikon has to be a 7100 or better. The entry level DX cameras do not have the little tab around the lens mount that tells meter system what the lens f/stop has been set to. I shoot a D750 and use several AI film lenses. You need to put the maximum aperture and focal length of each lens in the Non-CPU lens list and then it will meter in Aperture or Manual modes. I use the A mode all the time with my Micro Nikkor. Again the entry level DX bodys can't meter at all with older glass. The Df is the best at using older glass.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Best to refer to the chart I linked to...