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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Moving on from manual SLRlenses
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 09/09/2005 06:40:06 PM · #1
Here's the dilemma. I have a few manual focus lenses I use on my film SLR. If/when I move to digital I *could* use these lenses, but I'll be missing features like metering etc.

I can put up with manual focussing, but I wouldn't like to forfeit the metering. However, once I start using the AF kit lens I can see these MF lenses gathering dust in a corner ... (Although I like the hands-on feeling that aperture/shutter/focus the film slr gives me, I'm a glutton for the auto features of the coolpix, especially AF)

So, does anyone use MF prime lenses on digital SLR? - Am I fooling myself to think I'll continue using them? ;-)

(damn enter key, posted too soon, but you get the idea)

Message edited by author 2005-09-09 18:41:14.
 09/09/2005 08:22:41 PM · #2
You didn't mention what lens you have. If you are a Nikon shooter a lot of the primes can be chipped so that all functions will work (except of course auto focus). One of the advantages of being a Nikon user is that Nikon never abandoned the F mount, so there are literally decades of great glass to choose from. I have (or had) many chipped lenses such as the 70-150 f3.5E, 24 f2, 200 f4 micro, & my favorite the 105 f4. I̢۪m about to chip my 500 f8, but since Nikon never made an f8 chip then I̢۪ll used a 5.6 and dial in comp when I use it.

Chipping the lens can be done with an old junk AF lens (eBay for practically nothing or KEH ugly) and a dremel tool. I only know of one person doing it professionally, but he only works on a few select lenses.

Of course with the histogram there is really no need to retire great glass even if you̢۪re not going to chip them.

edit Here is the link for the pro chipper.

Message edited by author 2005-09-09 20:29:37.
 09/09/2005 09:00:21 PM · #3
Thanks for the reply - Very informative. I didn't realise it was possible to do this (chipping)

I only have 3 MF lenses for my FM2n. Here they are (from my profile);

Nikon MF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 AIS
Nikon MF 28mm f/2.8 AIS
Tamron SP MF 90mm f/2.8 Adaptall

I know the 50mm is the standard one for that camera, but it's the one I use the most. In fact, they're listed above in order of 'most used'.
09/09/2005 10:45:25 PM · #4
Originally posted by hyperfocal:
You didn't mention what lens you have. If you are a Nikon shooter a lot of the primes can be chipped so that all functions will work (except of course auto focus). One of the advantages of being a Nikon user is that Nikon never abandoned the F mount, so there are literally decades of great glass to choose from. I have (or had) many chipped lenses such as the 70-150 f3.5E, 24 f2, 200 f4 micro, & my favorite the 105 f4. I̢۪m about to chip my 500 f8, but since Nikon never made an f8 chip then I̢۪ll used a 5.6 and dial in comp when I use it.

Chipping the lens can be done with an old junk AF lens (eBay for practically nothing or KEH ugly) and a dremel tool. I only know of one person doing it professionally, but he only works on a few select lenses.

Of course with the histogram there is really no need to retire great glass even if you̢۪re not going to chip them.

edit Here is the link for the pro chipper.


Man, that guy sounds really cranky in his FAQ, but what he's doing is cool. I sold all of my Pro Nikon gear, because I had heard that my lenses would not work with DSLR's anyway. If I had known about this, I'd have bought Nikon for sure and I'd still be using my best lenses.

Dammit.

Oh well...

Message edited by author 2005-09-09 22:48:21.
 09/10/2005 09:35:14 AM · #5
Originally posted by jhonan:
Thanks for the reply - Very informative. I didn't realise it was possible to do this (chipping)

I only have 3 MF lenses for my FM2n. Here they are (from my profile);

Nikon MF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 AIS
Nikon MF 28mm f/2.8 AIS
Tamron SP MF 90mm f/2.8 Adaptall

I know the 50mm is the standard one for that camera, but it's the one I use the most. In fact, they're listed above in order of 'most used'.


I don't know anything about the Tamron, so no advice there.

The two other lenses, although not good candidates for chipping, are in no way obsolete in this new digital world. Both are excellent lens for macro. They can be reversed on telephotos, reversed on your D70 using the Nikon BR2A, or used with extension tubes.

The 28 ais is actually better optically than its AF replacemnet in that it has CRC (close rabge correction) which the AF version lacks.
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