Nikon F lenses on D750
May 25, 2018 12:18:31 #
I recently inherited a Nikon F film camera with four lenses: a Nikkor-H Auto 28mm – 1:3.5, a Nikkor-H Auto 50mm – 1:2, a Nikkor-P Auto 105mm - 1:2.5 and a Nikkor-Q Auto 200mm – 1:4. I am considering buying a Nikon D750 with the intent of using these lenses. I understand all four lenses require an AI conversion to adapt them to the D750. The conversion will cost $100. Does anyone have any knowledge/experience using older (50+ years old) lenses on a current digital camera? Knowing my dad, I assume these were quality, high end lenses when he purchased them. Will these lenses give me the capabilities and sharpness I am wanting or am I wasting my money to do this? All replies will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
May 25, 2018 12:20:54 #
Some work and some don't. I have an F and there are a couple of lenses that I have that work on it, but will damage either of my digitals, a D700 and D800e. So, be careful.
--Bob
--Bob
MRHooker2u wrote:
I recently inherited a Nikon F film camera with fo... (show quote)
May 25, 2018 12:22:40 #
Damage in what way? I will have the conversion done by a gentleman who supposedly specializes in doing so.
May 25, 2018 12:26:01 #
You said $100 for each or for all 4 of them? If that's what it cost for all 4 then it's worth it. Those are not as sharp as today's lenses but they are not bad.
May 25, 2018 12:43:15 #
The mechanical configuration of the lenses. There are metal parts of the lens that will potentially short the contacts within the camera bodies. If you'd like I can photograph a "digital" 50mm and the 50mm lens from my F and show you the parts that are the issue.
If you are going to have someone do the machining necessary and, as you say a specialist, then there should be no problem. I have a number of lenses that work on my F that work just as well on my digitals. These are later model lenses and don't have the same mechanical configuration.
--Bob
If you are going to have someone do the machining necessary and, as you say a specialist, then there should be no problem. I have a number of lenses that work on my F that work just as well on my digitals. These are later model lenses and don't have the same mechanical configuration.
--Bob
MRHooker2u wrote:
Damage in what way? I will have the conversion done by a gentleman who supposedly specializes in doing so.
May 25, 2018 12:48:31 #
That would be great. I have had a couple of Canon cameras but thought if these lenses would work on a Nikon digital camera I would switch to Nikon. If there is a possibility of damaging a $1500 dollar camera it may not be worth pursuing.
May 25, 2018 13:13:31 #
LWW
Loc: Banana Republic of America
BebuLamar wrote:
You said $100 for each or for all 4 of them? If that's what it cost for all 4 then it's worth it. Those are not as sharp as today's lenses but they are not bad.
If they aren’t clouded they are probably sharper. They don’t have VR however.
May 26, 2018 07:38:32 #
Go to: aiconversions.com
There you will find info on what older Nikon lenses can be used with what Nikon digital cameras and what kind of conversion is necessary and the cost. John White has been doing Nikon conversions for forty years and I highly recommend him.
There you will find info on what older Nikon lenses can be used with what Nikon digital cameras and what kind of conversion is necessary and the cost. John White has been doing Nikon conversions for forty years and I highly recommend him.
May 26, 2018 08:00:21 #
LWW wrote:
If they aren’t clouded they are probably sharper. They don’t have VR however.
Hummmmm. I doubt that is true. Lens design has come a long way in 50 years.
May 26, 2018 08:00:24 #
LWW wrote:
If they aren’t clouded they are probably sharper. They don’t have VR however.
I don't know as I use pre AI and AI lenses on my camera but my camera is only 16MP. I heard that if I use those lenses on higher MP camera I would need new lenses.
May 26, 2018 08:08:43 #
LWW
Loc: Banana Republic of America
BebuLamar wrote:
I don't know as I use pre AI and AI lenses on my camera but my camera is only 16MP. I heard that if I use those lenses on higher MP camera I would need new lenses.
Probably by either someone who names a buck from selling new lense, or is jealous because they spent way more IMHO.
May 26, 2018 08:11:51 #
LWW wrote:
Probably by either someone who names a buck from selling new lense, or is jealous because they spent way more IMHO.
May be the cost thing because when I went digital I simply bought a camera body and no lens. I use the lenses I had since the 70's, 80's and 90's.
May 26, 2018 08:16:20 #
LWW
Loc: Banana Republic of America
Largobob wrote:
Hummmmm. I doubt that is true. Lens design has come a long way in 50 years.
That doesn’t mean always for the better. AF has made rapid focus easier and many younger photographers have little to no MF skills.
Add in the complaints of back focus errors ... a phrase unheard of until recently ... and VR compensating for common poor handholding skills and the “came a long way” argument really means easier to use and bring to fast/steady focus.
I would agree to that point.
Taken to the next level of logic, very few new lenses will even survive 30-50 years as a functional optic.
OTOH an AI/AIS lens that has been properly maintained is still a pretty much bulletproof and high end optic, suffering only from a lack of electronics.
May 26, 2018 08:33:49 #
AF is useful but I use old lenses, a 50mm f/1.8 AiS and a 32mm f/2 AiS for example and at least 5 or 6 others on my D850 with no problem. You will struggle to see any problems and they produce images that look great. Converting them? a few bucks, using your dads lenses? PRICELESS! Oh, and get the F serviced and shoot some film too, you won't regret it.
May 26, 2018 08:37:25 #
wayne60
Loc: Joliet Illinois
Well as an avid Nikon user ,the only lens I have used is that was converted was a 300 f4 P and it worked on a D600,7000,7000 perfectly . As for old glass , I was told back in 76 when my interest in photography started. I took all the silica beads from new shoes and put the pouches in my lens cases. A habit I still do , I still have a 50 1.4,20 1.4,180 2.8 that I bought new back in 79-80 with no mold or dust.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.