Using my old 35 mm lenses?

[AnnieAK]

Since I got my digital camera, I haven't used my Nikon 35 mm much, and I hate to see those lenses just wasting away.

I really liked the lens setup I had with that camera. I seldom used the little NIkon lens that came with it, but I got a Vivitar 70-210 zoom that I used most of the time, and a 500 mm reflex by Tamron that I used for the long distance stuff. Those lenses worked great for the kind of photos I take. What would I have to get in order to use those lenses on a digital camera? Are the digital SLRs set up such that they can use the old lenses? IE, would a Nikon D100 be able to use my old Vivitar lens? How do their autofocus systems work?
Thanks for any help.

 

[billkay]

I'm not sure what a D-100 is but I have a couple of SLR style Nikon D-1's that accept all the lenses that we used to use on the FM's and F-2's; if you remember those. LOL I have had some trouble with the Nikon 17-35mm 2.8, backfocusing, but that is a lens problem, not a body problem. Keep in mind the multiplication factor involved with digital that will increase the percieved focal length by about 1.4. Great with the longer lenses, but for a real wide angle lens you need to look at a 14mm.

 

[AnnieAK]

billkay,
Thanks for the info. The D100 is Nikon's consumer version of their digital SLR. I think the street price is $1500-$1900.
My Nikon is an FE; I vaguely remember the FM and F2, but don't know what the difference is between them and the FE. I guess Ineed to study up on lens mount types. NIkon has a section on the specs page describing which lens mounts work. Depending on the type, not all of the camera's functions will work.
On your D-1, are those non-Nikon lenses that are working on it, and do all the functions work?

 

[billkay]

All my lenses are Nikon. I don't have any other aftermarket lenses for them. I just used the F-2 as an example. Nikon did not change their mount when they went digital. I think the "ai" lenses are the latest and greatest somehow hooking up to your flash system and calculating distance.

 

[Eric Mayer]

Hi Annie,

You may be able to use your old lenses on the D100, but there are a few things that may not work as well such as TTL Metering and the Autofocus. I have always been a believer that you do not put cheap optics on a good camera or a good rifle. If you are going to spend close to $2000.00 on the D100, I seriously suggest you look for some good Nikon "D" lenses to put in front of it. They may not be in your price range right now, but it should be your number one priority after your camera and memory. Check out EBay or KEH.com, even NaturePhotographers.net and Photo.net for some decent deals. Please, do your homework and find out exactly what lenses would best fit your photographic needs, then buy either Nikon or one of the other exact copy third party lenses.

I used a Vivitar 100mm Macro on an old Nikon I had, but it was the only lense I heard positive responses about the sharpness. Check out www.dpreview.com and look under the Nikon SLR forum for a wealth of info.

Let us know if you have any other questions.

See ya,

Eric A. Mayer

 

[AnnieAK]

Thanks for the help. Yes, that's the impression I get from the NIkon info, is the the TTL metering and autofocus don't work fully with non NIkon lenses. I always used manual everything: focus, shutter speed vs Fstop, on my Nikon. That all changed when I got my digital, so I know the advantage of having autofocus work.
I don't know about all Vivitars, but I think the one I have is pretty good. If I have to get all new lenses, I probably ought to look at the other digital SLRs in this price range, but I sure like Nikons. I have a Canon 35mm and it drives me nuts!

Anyway, thanks for the info. I really like my Oly C3000, but long term I'd like something to take wildlife pictures, and the Eagle Eye 5X added onto my camera, while a heck of a learning tool, just doesn't quite do it.

 

[Eric Mayer]

Hi Annie,

Another idea for you is to try digi-scoping. Here is a link to the thread where it was discussed: LINK

The hyperlinks are messed up, but you can copy and paste.

I have no idea if you have already considered this as an option, but there you go. I know these decisions are tough. I switched from the Nikon system to the Canon system for the D30 and for the Image Stabilization technology in their long lenses. I lost alot of $$ when I sold my Nikon gear, but I now feel it was worth every penny.

Good luck in your choices!

Eric A. Mayer

 

[AnnieAK]

Wow! That Ann Cook has incredible photos! I looked at a bunch of her photos, then ended up following the links to a nature photo site, and to photos taken in Australia and reviews of the Canon D30 DigiSLR and the Nikon D1. Lots and lots of really good photos.

I've considered the digiscoping; I need to look into it more, I guess.