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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Nikon D40 Lens question
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Showing posts 1 - 14 of 14, (reverse)
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 10/12/2007 07:37:14 AM · #1
I think Im right in this, but just double checking

It would be pointless buying an AF lens (the one that doesnt have autofocus built in, but works with a camera with autofocus).

One should get a manual lens instead.

In particular im looking at the fixed focal lens lenses. None, or rather none in the mm im looking for, are AF-s.

And i have noticed that the pure manual lenses are quite cheaper then the AF ones.

Is this correct?

10/12/2007 07:38:48 AM · #2
That sounds correct. Of course, if you find an AF lens that's the right price you can also use it, just you won't have AF.
 10/12/2007 09:09:05 AM · #3
Not true. While you won't get autofocus with any lens other than AF-S, you won't get exposure metering without an AF lens. Only the D200/300 and single-digit bodies will meter with the older AI/AIS lenses.
10/12/2007 09:11:05 AM · #4
Originally posted by talmy:
Not true. While you won't get autofocus with any lens other than AF-S, you won't get exposure metering without an AF lens. Only the D200/300 and single-digit bodies will meter with the older AI/AIS lenses.

Ah, that's interesting. I never realised the D40 could meter with AF lenses.
 10/12/2007 09:17:13 AM · #5
ah ok, that makes sense.

So i would have to use the camera on 'M' mode in order to use the lens?

10/12/2007 09:20:43 AM · #6
(Okay, let's see if I can get one answer right in this thread!)

Yes, I use AI / Series E manual focus lenses on my D40, and the only mode that works is M. There is no metering, so it's a trial-and-error shot to get the exposure just right. Although you learn the stops after a while.

Also, the green focus light on the bottom left of the viewfinder holds steady when it detects focus at whichever focus point you've selected. So I just move the focus until I get a steady green light.
 10/12/2007 10:01:03 AM · #7
Originally posted by kolasi:
ah ok, that makes sense.

So i would have to use the camera on 'M' mode in order to use the lens?

no, I would imagine the camera can still control the aperture, so you should be able to use Aperture or Shutter priority modes since it can meter with AF lenses, and then you just focus manually. Don't know for sure though, so just give it a try with your AF lenses.
 10/12/2007 11:04:21 AM · #8
To be clear:

1. No autofocus with non AF-S lens on D40/D40X
2. "Green dot" focusing works with all AI/AIS/AF(non -S) lenses on all bodies.
3. Exposure metering with all AF lenses on all bodies.
4. Exposure metering with AI/AIS (which are the manual focus) lenses only in D200/D300 or single digit bodies. Others must use "M" mode and metering inoperative.
5. Aperture ring on lens is used in AI/AIS lenses. Body cannot set aperture on AI/AIS lenses.
6. For good measure -- MF lenses that are not AI/AIS can destroy the lens mount on most current Nikon bodies (maybe works on single digit bodies but I don't have one of those). So you have to be careful when buying a MF lens. I love the old lenses, but didn't consider them until I got my D200.
 10/12/2007 11:41:08 AM · #9
Originally posted by talmy:
To be clear:
3. Exposure metering with all AF lenses on all bodies.

Does that mean I can use P,A,S and M modes with AF lenses on a D40?
 10/12/2007 11:47:14 AM · #10
Indeed it does my friend. I have the 50mm AF lens and metering works just fine.
 10/12/2007 01:57:44 PM · #11
Originally posted by shalrath:
Indeed it does my friend. I have the 50mm AF lens and metering works just fine.

But you don't have a D40...
10/12/2007 04:10:23 PM · #12
Originally posted by Creature:
Originally posted by shalrath:
Indeed it does my friend. I have the 50mm AF lens and metering works just fine.

But you don't have a D40...


Doesn't matter.

The distinctive feature of the D40 is that it doesn't have the in-camera focus motor, so it won't auto-focus other than AF-S lenses.

Exposure metering capabilities (wrt different lenses) of the D40/D50/D70/D80/D100 are all the same. The D200/D300/D1/D2/D3 have a mechanical linkage to read the lens aperture of AI/AIS lenses allowing them to meter (in M or A modes) these lenses.
10/12/2007 07:37:18 PM · #13
Originally posted by Creature:
Originally posted by shalrath:
Indeed it does my friend. I have the 50mm AF lens and metering works just fine.

But you don't have a D40...


No, but my roommate does... hence stating my experience...
 10/15/2007 03:25:00 PM · #14
Originally posted by shalrath:
Originally posted by Creature:
Originally posted by shalrath:
Indeed it does my friend. I have the 50mm AF lens and metering works just fine.

But you don't have a D40...


No, but my roommate does... hence stating my experience...

Fair enough! :-)
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