nspur
enthusiast
Reged: 20/07/2005
Posts: 293
Loc: Derbyshire
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I've been using some of my Nikkor lenses with a Samsung GX10 and an adapter but it's not really satisfactory as the adapter is lensed to provide infinity focus and the bit of glass isn't up to much. So I wonder if the D40 will accept any lenses AI or later? I'm quite happy to focus manually but would like aperture-priority metering to work.
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El Sid
Going potty
Reged: 14/04/2003
Posts: 9437
Loc: Sussex-by-the-Sea
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D40 will accept manual lenses but there is no metering in any mode - stupid IMO but that's the situation...
To use AI manual lenses you need a D200/300 or one of the professional models (possibly not the D1 though) as these will meter in at least manual mode and I think Aperture as well. Not that the D200/300 can only use AI fitted lenses, earlier non-AI and uncoupled lenses won't fit as the aperture lug round the lens mount gets in the way...
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Nigel
Completely BSRIPN 
ElSid Gallery
A camera in the hand is better than one in the cupboard........
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nspur
enthusiast
Reged: 20/07/2005
Posts: 293
Loc: Derbyshire
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Quote:
D40 will accept manual lenses but there is no metering in any mode - stupid IMO but that's the situation...
Isn't it. The Pentax/Samsung dSLRs will accept all K-mount lenses and M42 ones with an adapter. Focus confirm works and KA lenses work exactly the same with film cameras, non-auto ones also meter via a "magic button". I think I'll continue to use the Nikkor primes with the Samsung.
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NikonNik
newbie
Reged: 07/08/2006
Posts: 8
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Quote:
D40 will accept manual lenses but there is no metering in any mode - stupid IMO but that's the situation...
So how difficult does a D40 make it.
In fully manual mode,
Will the D40 operate the aperture?
Can you see the apature setting through the viewfinder (little window or digital display)?
Does the ASA setting have any affect?
How about with flash, will TTL flash metering work?
Can decent results be obtained by guessing the exposure, moving to playback mode, checking the luminance histogram?
Thanks
Nick
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sillyconguru
enthusiast
Reged: 05/11/2005
Posts: 344
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Quote:
Will the D40 operate the aperture?
It'll stop-down the diaphragm to the selected f/-stop.
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Can you see the apature setting through the viewfinder (little window or digital display)?
No, it is marked on the lens' aperture ring.
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Does the ASA setting have any affect?
(It's ISO nowadays) Of course, it is the sensor-gain.
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How about with flash, will TTL flash metering work?
No, manual output only.
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Can decent results be obtained by guessing the exposure, moving to playback mode, checking the luminance histogram?
Yes, indeed.
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NikonNik
newbie
Reged: 07/08/2006
Posts: 8
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Sillyconguru
Thanks for the reply
Still thinking about dipping my toe into digital but not convinced that I should stay with Nikon.
The current offer prices for the D40 have raised my interest but the need to use my NAIs lenses is holding me back.
I'm thinking that I will get more mileage with a Canon DSLR
with an AIS adaptor. I think that this would be a shame after a long line on Nikons (EM, FE2, F3, FM3A)
PS The fact that TTL flash will not work with AIS lenses surprises me, this must be a marketing decision over an engineering one.
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sillyconguru
enthusiast
Reged: 05/11/2005
Posts: 344
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Quote:
I'm thinking that I will get more mileage with a Canon DSLR with an AIS adaptor.
Full-aperture metering won't be available, the lens' diaphragm will stop-down as the aperture ring is rotated. If you would want accurate focus then this would have to be done at full aperture then stop down just before shooting (a bit like using 1960's preset lenses).
If you wish to use (say) wide angle lenses stopped-down and focus by means of the distance scale, or use telephotos wide open, then this route might be OK for you. Buying a S/H D200 might be more beneficial though.
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The fact that TTL flash will not work with AIS lenses surprises me, this must be a marketing decision over an engineering one.
The camera doesn't know that a lens is fitted let alone what aperture has been set. iTTL flash requires pre-flashes at full aperture to determine the output needed at the set aperture, if the camera doesn't know what aperture has been set then it can't work out the amount of flash output needed. Bodies such as the D200 and above can meter with AI lenses, iTTL is possible.
iTTL isn't the be-all-end-all, non-TTL auto flash (available with some new and many older flashguns) can give very good results.
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El Sid
Going potty
Reged: 14/04/2003
Posts: 9437
Loc: Sussex-by-the-Sea
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Quote:
I'm thinking that I will get more mileage with a Canon DSLR
with an AIS adaptor. I think that this would be a shame after a long line on Nikons (EM, FE2, F3, FM3A)
I would suggest getting an adaptor with AF confirm circuitry otherwise you will be limited to focusing visually using the screen alone. Unlike the Nikon bodies the Canon AF system doesn't offer focus confirmation via the AF system unless it is fooled into thinking an EF lens is fitted... Manual focusing using the screen is possible but the AF screens are not really designed for this sort of focusing and it can get very tricky with slow lenses. Oh and it's best to focus with the lens wide open first and then close down to the desired stop for metering
I would also suggest getting 2 adaptors as having only one can make lens changing cumbersome. You have to take off the current lens, place the body cap on the camera, take the adaptor off the lens, remove the rear cap from the new lens, put the adaptor on, put the rear cap on the previous lens and put it away, take off the body cap and mount the new lens... Believe me this is a pain. Having a second adaptor would at least allow the next lens to have the adaptor already fitted at leisure and allow much more rapid changing - old lens off new lens on and no messing with body caps...
IMO I think you'd be better off looking for a used D200 which will meter in 2 modes (A and M) and may be OK flash wise as the AI coupling ring tells the camera what the aperture is.
I do have an F/EF adaptor for my Canons but TBH I'm seriously considering getting a used Nikon body (even if it's one that can't meter) as I find using them on the Canon a bit too much of a pain and my eyes are not so hot on the manual focusing front so the using the AF system for focus confirm may be useful.
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Nigel
Completely BSRIPN
ElSid Gallery
A camera in the hand is better than one in the cupboard........
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