juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

I have the Nikon D 5100 and use mostly AF-S lens with no problems. I also have some non Nikon brands that I have to use manual focus on camera. My question is this: I just purchased a second camera; a Nikon D 80 and this camera is also a DX camera, but has the focus motor in the camera.
If I install an AF-S lens on the D 80, do I move the selector switch on the camera to manual or leave it on auto, or does it matter?
I am assuming that if I have a non AF-S lens, the camera would stay on auto on the selector. I did a search in UHH and could not find a definite answer. The book is vary vague on this as well. Just don't want to do damage to this camera or lens.
As always, thank you in advance for your help with this question.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Your D80 will autofocus ALL Nikon mount AF type lenses, leave the cameras selector in Auto to do so.
You can never damage a Nikon body by mounting ANY AF type lens on it, unless you don't mount it correctly of course.

juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

Thanks MT: Will the Tokina 10-17 auto focus on the D80 since that camera has the focus motor built in? It has to be used manual on the D5100.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

So long as the Tokina is an AF type lens and a Nikon mount, it will definitely AF on the D80.

juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

Thanks again!

saichiez Loc: Beautiful Central Oregon

I could be wrong... I was once.

Nikon DSLR cameras with internal motors have a slot tab that pops out into the lens to engage the workings in the non motor lenses.

AF-s lenses do not have the hole for the internal pop out focusing mechanism to work, and on AF-s uses the electronics to drive the focus with the internal lens motors.

I would presume that the AF must still be on to pass the electronic signals to AF-S lenses even though the internal camera motor does not physically engage the focus drive.

The internal motor in camera on those camera's just spins against the flat surface of the lens mount on AF-S lenses. There is not corresponding hole for the physical AF pinion.

No harm is done in either combination, just a null engagement situation. I would leave the AF switch on since there is no conflict either way, and will not require remembering when placing a non motor lens on the camera.