Can you use old NIkkor lenses on NikonD300?

09/09/2008 09:22:30 AM · #1

Hi everyone. I have been doing some research and I think what I am reading the answer is yes but I am not 100% sure so I was hoping some one could give me a more definite answer. I have 1979 Nikon FM with two manual Nikkor lenses (50mm f1.4 and a 135mm f3.5). Is it possible to use those lenses on a Nikon D300? My husband is entertaining the idea of buying the body for me but I want to make sure I can use those lenses. If anyone has the answer or can direct me to where I can find the answer that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!!!

Message edited by author 2008-09-10 07:36:49.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120 f/4 S

09/09/2008 09:51:36 AM · #2

bump

bassbone

Nikon Z8

09/09/2008 09:53:54 AM · #3

Yes. I use my Nikkor MF lenses (circa 1960s) all the time. It meters them correctly as well. Since the lenses are not "recognized" by the D300 body when attached , the D300 software allows you to program several lenses with the f-stop stop information based on the actual f-stops of the lenses attached. You can just manually go in and change the lense in the software whenever you change lenses. It's actually a really nice feature.

But you don't need to program the lenses to use them, it just provides some additional EXIF data for you to use post shooting.

Message edited by author 2008-09-09 09:56:09.

NikonJeb

Nikon D850

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR

09/09/2008 09:54:38 AM · #4

Never mind!......8>)

Message edited by author 2008-09-09 09:55:07.

Neil

Fujifilm X-T30

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

09/09/2008 09:56:40 AM · #5

I believe you can--but if you post the "series" name of those lenses it would be easier to be sure.

Unlike some of the budget Nikons, the D300 has the built in focus motor that's needed for "older" autofocus Nikon lenses. So does the D80, D90, and D70. (And of course, so do the higher priced Nikons.)

Here's a compatibility chart for you.

//www.bythom.com/lensacronyms.htm

bassbone

Nikon Z8

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120 f/4 S

09/09/2008 09:59:27 AM · #6

An example...

Shot with my 105mm MF 2.5 on my D300. Metering was right on the money.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120 f/4 S

09/09/2008 10:06:06 AM · #7

Thank you all for the input. I will check the link and will post additional info on the two lenses when I get home tonight.

bassbone

Nikon Z8

09/09/2008 10:07:32 AM · #8

Becky - You will have no trouble with using the MF lenses supplied by Nikkor. All my MF Nikkor lenses work, including the 50 mm 1.4.

Originally posted by BeckyT:

Thank you all for the input. I will check the link and will post additional info on the two lenses when I get home tonight.

09/09/2008 10:20:07 AM · #9

Originally posted by bassbone:

Becky - You will have no trouble with using the MF lenses supplied by Nikkor. All my MF Nikkor lenses work, including the 50 mm 1.4.
Originally posted by BeckyT:
Thank you all for the input. I will check the link and will post additional info on the two lenses when I get home tonight.

Thanks bassbone. Now I will patiently wait to see if my husband will pull the trigger with some wifely nudging. Nikon was my first camera and I have always wanted to get back another Nikon. It has been a fun ride.

ralph

Nikon Z9

09/09/2008 11:50:29 AM · #10

be sure they are AI or AI-S
if they are slightly older , non-AI they may damage your camera

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

09/09/2008 12:01:20 PM · #11

Originally posted by ralph:

be sure they are AI or AI-S
if they are slightly older , non-AI they may damage your camera

I am not sure about the D300, but there may be a little lever sticking out of the body, shutter button side, lower quarter of the lens mount, which engages a notch in the aperture ring on the Ai series Nikkor's. On the earlier "Non Ai" Nikkors, the back of the aperture ring is smooth all around, and it will bend the little lever if you put it on the camera.
This is true for the Fuji S3 that I use, but I use older Ai lenses all the time with it, though the meter does not work with them in my case.
If you look in your manual, there may be a listing of lenses that will not work on your camera.
To see what "Ai" or "Non Ai" means, you can search eBay , cameras, for those terms and see the photos of them to compare with the lenses that you have or plan to buy.

09/10/2008 07:40:28 AM · #12

Originally posted by ralph:

be sure they are AI or AI-S
if they are slightly older , non-AI they may damage your camera

I went home and studied my lenses further. They are definately AI lenses. I went to this site
RickOlesonTripod which showed some detailed pictures and explained what to look for.

Thanks for the input. I feel better knowing what I have.

09/10/2008 07:41:26 AM · #13

Originally posted by MelonMusketeer:

Originally posted by ralph:
be sure they are AI or AI-S
if they are slightly older , non-AI they may damage your camera

I am not sure about the D300, but there may be a little lever sticking out of the body, shutter button side, lower quarter of the lens mount, which engages a notch in the aperture ring on the Ai series Nikkor's. On the earlier "Non Ai" Nikkors, the back of the aperture ring is smooth all around, and it will bend the little lever if you put it on the camera.
This is true for the Fuji S3 that I use, but I use older Ai lenses all the time with it, though the meter does not work with them in my case.
If you look in your manual, there may be a listing of lenses that will not work on your camera.
To see what "Ai" or "Non Ai" means, you can search eBay , cameras, for those terms and see the photos of them to compare with the lenses that you have or plan to buy.

Thank you for your input. I found a site with photos that help confirm what I have.

dacrazyrn

Nikon D300

09/10/2008 07:57:47 AM · #14

I have 2 60's era MF lenses I have been playing with. a 35mm and and 50mm. Total manual (f stop and all) but they do work. still playing with those though.

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

09/10/2008 08:37:57 AM · #15

Here is a link to Bjorn Rorslett's excellent site index page with many of the earlier Nikkor lenses evaluated under actual hands on shooting conditions. I have collected a couple of dozen of the lenses shown here, and find the evaluations to be very accurate. The selling prices on eBay also closely match Bjorn's evaluations. Some of the older ones are a joy to use if you learned how to shoot with film and only a meter with a needle in the viewfinder.
I find the manual focus tele's to be quicker for shooting birds on the fly and similar quick shots where auto focus has to "hunt" for a small object in the frame. Some of the oldies have truly outstanding image quality as well.
For image quality, the 35mm f2 Nikkor "0", the 85mm 1.8 Nikkor "H C", and the 180mm 2.8 Nikkor ED, and the Micro Nikkors, 55 and 105 f2.8's are favorites in my collection of lenses from that era.
Bjorn Rorslett's Nikkor Lens Evaluations