Nikon AI-S lens compatability on a 7200
May 8, 2017 10:37:34 #
I was able to pick up a Nikon PB-4 bellows at a really good price recently and I'm looking for a 35mm f/2 or f/2.8 lens that I can use as a reverse mount lens on the bellows. What I would like to do is be able to use the lens on both the bellows and on my 7200 or my old 5000 since I don't have a 35mm lens in my collection. My compatibility charts show that it is compatible in A or M mode only which isn't a problem and it obviously not AF. I was wondering if anyone out there has ever used an AI-S lens (which is one I found at a good price)and specifically the 35mm f/2 or f/2.8 on their digital cameras and if they found any limitations to the lens. I like the 35mm because when reversed it will give me about a 6.5:1 magnification ratio on the bellows.
May 8, 2017 11:25:24 #
I have used the 50 AIS. Obviously manual focus. If it hasn't been ai'd, do NOT attempt to mount it. Of course reversal is ok.
May 8, 2017 12:03:01 #
LoneRangeFinder wrote:
I have used the 50 AIS. Obviously manual focus. If it hasn't been ai'd, do NOT attempt to mount it. Of course reversal is ok.
Don't worry I have no intention of using a non-AI'd or non-AI lens on my DSLR's. I'm sort of torn between getting a non-AI for just using on the bellows or an AI lens to give me the dual functionality and be able to use it on my cameras as well. The AI lenses are a little more expensive.
May 8, 2017 12:23:09 #
WayneT wrote:
Don't worry I have no intention of using a non-AI'd or non-AI lens on my DSLR's. I'm sort of torn between getting a non-AI for just using on the bellows or an AI lens to give me the dual functionality and be able to use it on my cameras as well. The AI lenses are a little more expensive.
Good. I assumed you knew better. I have a "pre digital" AF 50 that works great on my D7100. Curious what you paid for the Bellows. Did it come with the slide attachment?
May 8, 2017 12:29:16 #
LoneRangeFinder wrote:
Good. I assumed you knew better. I have a "pre digital" AF 50 that works great on my D7100. Curious what you paid for the Bellows. Did it come with the slide attachment?
I picked it up for $81 on an eBay bid just by itself, no slide attachment but I had no intention of using one anyway.. Should be here today, I'll let you know if it's any good.
May 8, 2017 12:41:31 #
WayneT wrote:
I picked it up for $81 on an eBay bid just by itself, no slide attachment but I had no intention of using one anyway.. Should be here today, I'll let you know if it's any good.
Thanks.
May 8, 2017 17:11:58 #
This sounds like good fun. I know very little about the Nikon system, except that they were very good at keeping their new bodies compatible with their old lenses. Unlike Canon.
I have a decent Pentax 35mm that I had been similarly playing with, and I must say that the old glass is darn good. And its fun to fit it normally to my camera for some wide angle shots.
Of course you should show results with your new rig. I would like to see those.
I have a decent Pentax 35mm that I had been similarly playing with, and I must say that the old glass is darn good. And its fun to fit it normally to my camera for some wide angle shots.
Of course you should show results with your new rig. I would like to see those.
May 8, 2017 17:22:04 #
The PB-4 was delivered and it's in excellent condition, a little dust but fully functional with no ware that I can see. I have a lens on order that I'm going to use on it so once I get it set up I'll put a picture up.
May 8, 2017 18:56:42 #
May 9, 2017 07:58:25 #
I use older Ais lenses frequently on my Nikon DSLR's. Most all of my macro's are with an older MF Ais lens. There looks to be some confusion as to Nikon's lens mounts over the years.The oldest F mount is the Pre-Ai (some call it Non-Ai), then came the Ai mount , then came the Ais mount , followed by AF lenses. This Wiki explains them pretty well...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikon_F-mount
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikon_F-mount
May 9, 2017 08:32:35 #
Screamin Scott wrote:
Thanks Scott. Since I started this little project I've been reading up a lot on the different Nikon lenses and their mounts and also how to modify them. I went with the AIS because they apparently tend to be sharper than the old AI lenses. Also they don't need to be modified to work on DSLR Nikons. I, unfortunately, can't use the newer G lenses because I cannot manually control my aperture on the bellows. Pre AI's would still work on the bellows but then they would be relegated strictly to the bellows because, without modification, I would not be able to use them on my cameras. I've noticed on a few articles that the older AIS lenses are sought after as lenses for video and can be used on different brands like Canon with the proper adapter.I use older Ais lenses frequently on my Nikon DSLR's. Most all of my macro's are with an older MF is lens. There looks to be some confusion as to Nikon's lens mounts over the years.The oldest F mount is the Pre-Ai (some call it Non-Ai), then came the Ai mount , then came the Ais mount , followed by AF lenses. This Wiki explains them pretty well. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikon_F-mount
May 9, 2017 08:39:03 #
WayneT wrote:
You have to be careful when someone sells a Nikon MF lens that was adapted to Canon for video as oft times they "de-click" the aperture, meaning they remove the little detent ball in the aperture ring so the aperture setting doesn't "click" into place. Actually, the older Pre-Ai Nikkors can be used on the base model Nikon DSLR's as those cameras do not have the aperture follower tab (that is the part that gets damaged on higher end Nikon DSLRs). The base models are the ones that require lenses with built in focus motors. That said, there is no metering when they are used on those base models thus they are a pain to use.I've noticed on a few articles that the older AIS lenses are sought after as lenses for video and can be used on different brands like Canon with the proper adapter.
May 9, 2017 08:49:24 #
Screamin Scott wrote:
That's why I've been seeking out AIS models. It seems they work well on Canon cameras with just an adapter without modification of the lens. I have read that you can use the older Pre-AI lenses on base models but I have an old 5000 that I converted to an IR camera and the manual states that not to use pre-AI lenses on it at all. I have been using this chart to help me make a lot of my choices and it seems pretty good. https://www.nikonians.org/reviews/nikon-slr-camera-and-lens-compatibilityYou have to be careful when someone sells a Nikon MF lens that was adapted to Canon . . .
May 9, 2017 08:56:19 #
WayneT wrote:
That chart has errors and a number of people have attempted to get them to correct it over the years to no avail. I used to belong to that site till they started charging for membership.. Ken Rockwell's chart is more accurate ( http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/compatibility-lens.htm ). I am still a moderator over on a Flickr group from years ago that was dedicated to using older lenses on Nikon DSLR's that would not meter with the older glass. The group is very inactive now though. My old D70s could not safely mount Pre-Ai Nikkors but could mount Ai & Ais mount Nikkors but without metering.I have been using this chart to help me make a lot of my choices and it seems pretty good. https://www.nikonians.org/reviews/nikon-slr-camera-and-lens-compatibility
May 9, 2017 09:09:25 #
Screamin Scott wrote:
Excellent article and charts Scott, thanks. Right now I'm using a 7200 as my primary so I steer away from Pre AI but the camera has no problems with AI and AIS. I just have to be aware of my settings as they only work in Aperture Priority or Manual, but I'm in manual most of the time anyway, old habits from using SLR's.Ken Rockwell's chart is more accurate ( http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/compatibility-lens.htm ).
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