RTCreed Loc: Forest Park, IL

I know I have seen some correspondence about this in the past, but failed to make a note. While I have a few DX lens in my bag for my digital cameras, most of my glass dates back to the late 60's and early 70's. All of this works fine on my original F and F2 but I would like to see if some of it can be converted to work on my recently acquired F3 and F4. If you have any suggestions or ideas, please feel free to share them with me and the group.

I also have a question about Nikon non-automatic mounts and "T" mounts. I would like to try them on the D700 that I have, but I don't want to mess up the electronics for true DX lenses. I have the original "PC" Nikkor 1:28 f=3.5 and an original 800MM Nikkor -P 1:8 (Lens and Barrell) and a Vivitar 500MM - P 1:6.6 (my best guess without the lens in front of me). I realize that these are larger than the sensor is devised for, but it might be fun to try them out in a digital format before I upgrade to full frame.

I'd appreciate your thoughts and suggestions

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Most of the early Nikon lenses will work just fine on modern. I've run across a few that mysteriously won't even go on the camera. I've no idea as to why. Others, like my 50mm f/1.4 from 1971 will go on, but if I do put it on will remove the electrical contacts from the inside of the body. Most of those lenses are not automatic. The camera body f/stop is required on some and others, I have to use the f-stop ring for aperture adjustment. However, the ones that fit the camera can be used. I have little experience with T mounts. So, I'll let someone else handle that one.
--Bob

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Try googling “conversion of old Nikon lenses to AI” (without the quotation marks); you’ll get more information than you’ll ever want to know.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

There’s no need to convert your non-AI lenses for use on the F3 or F4, just lock up the meter coupling lever. Here are the user’s manuals:
http://cdn-10.nikon-cdn.com/pdf/manuals/archive/F3.pdf
http://cdn-10.nikon-cdn.com/pdf/manuals/archive/F4-F4S.pdf
No problems with most non-automatic mounts on your D700 - I regularly use manual extension tubes, bellows, mirror lenses, various adapters, T and T2 mounts, etc., on my F, F3, F4E. F4S, F5, Fujifilm S3 Pro and Df. You have some good gear there - if you have specific questions, just ask.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Check with John White who resides in Minnesota. He has done some conversions for me with total satisfaction.
He can tell you if the conversion of your lenses will work with your present cameras.

peterg Loc: Santa Rosa, CA

Non AI lenses must be converted to work on new Nikons. If not, they can damage the camera.
I suggest you research your old lenses. Early ones are called "Tick Mark", which are rare and valuable. Google for info. Example: http://www.cameraquest.com/nftick.htm A 5cm f2 Nikkor Tick Mark lens on EBay is on sale for $795 which is 10 times more than a similar non-Tick Mark lens.

agillot

i used 2 older T mount lenses on a nikon D300 with no problem , manual everything .

richardsaccount

John White resides in Ann Arbor Michigan. He has two types of non AI lens conversions to AI. Depending on the camera body, he will do an AI modification for $25.00 plus shipping and an AI conversion with CPU for $35.00 He did a '60's(?) 24mm F2:8 Nikkor for me a couple of months ago. It took about a week . Works fine on my D7100. He has a web site.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Depends on the camera. They are safe to use on the Df, and I believe on some other digital models as well.

RTCreed Loc: Forest Park, IL

I appreciate the replies I've rec'd, particularly the link to the instruction books. While lots of my lenses are old, I'm afraid that none of them fall into the "Tick mark" category. If I had only known about that in the late 60's or earlier 70's when I was selling new and used cameras retail, I might have been better able to plan for my eventual retirement by making some thoughtful acquisitions. Honestly, back then we discounted those older, used lenses that were marked in centimeters.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

You may find this site helpful for identifying Nikon lenses:
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html