Nikon D lenses and aperture control

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

05/27/2008 06:23:51 PM · #1

Hello again, this is a like topic to one I posted a while ago. I have yet to find a clear answer to this so I will try asking again with some new assumptions :)

The Nikon D lenses such as the Normal 50mm f/1.8 has a manual aperture ring. I have been struggling with how modern Nikons can control the aperture electronically, since it seems impossible for them to physically move the ring (which has a deal of friction). I shoot a lot in shutter priority mode, which the camera controls the aperture automatically. So this is very important.

I have noticed that aperture rings have a colored number, usually or always the highest f-stop, such as f/22. I am assuming the lenses also have the internal lever style aperture control and by setting the lens to f/22 it allows the camera to move the internal lever over its full range.

Am I correct in this? It seems like it should be easy enough for someone to check, does shutter priority mode work while using a non-G aperture ring lens.

Thanks to anyone who can clarify this. I am looking at getting a Sigma 20mm f/1.8 but it has an aperture ring, I need to make sure it is going to function the way I want before I pop off $400 for it. Thanks again!

Anti-Martyr

Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro

05/27/2008 06:26:45 PM · #2

From what I understand of your post, you are correct. Shutter priority works perfectly fine with my 50mm f/1.8 when it's locked at f/22. Any other position the camera reads it as EE. And yes, it does just use the little hinge thingy.

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM for Nikon

05/27/2008 06:28:03 PM · #3

Awesome fast reply, thanks much! Woohoo! :)

jdannels

Nikon D300s

05/27/2008 06:44:39 PM · #4

//www.nikonians.org/nikon/slr-lens.html Nikon lens compatibility chart. Not helpful with your Sigma but will help with future Nikon lens questions. Also the site nikonians.org is a good resource of Nikon knowledge. :)

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM for Nikon

05/27/2008 06:57:20 PM · #5

Thanks JD, I think I had looked at that chart before. The problem is, it doesn't list which modes work or not, just which lenses will fit. Unless I am not reading it correctly. :/

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

05/27/2008 07:26:53 PM · #6

The Nikon D lenses are shaft drive auto focus, and have the manual aperture ring as you describe. My Fuji S3 Pro only works in the auto modes with the D lens if the aperture ring is set to the smallest aperture ( f22 or the smallest available. ) There is a little tab on the back of the aperture ring that moves a little lever on the shutter button side of the front of the camera body when it is set to the smallest aperture setting.
There is a lever in the camera that moves when the mirror goes up, which moves the lever in the lens to allow the aperture to close down to the setting that you or the camera exposure metering choose.
If the Sigma is an auto focus lens, then it will work nicely with your D300. If it isn't auto focus, it will likely work all right, but maybe only in manual modes. I am not sure about how the D300 meters with the older Ai Nikkor and similar non electronic lenses which have no CPU in them. If the lens has electrical contacts at the top of the mount where it plugs into the camera, it will work.
I use a lot of the older all manual Ai Nikkor lenses with no electronics in them, and they work fine in the all manual mode with my S3, but I don't have any metering with them. I have to estimate, shoot, look at the LCD, and correct for the light available.
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Nikon CPU contacts are the 10 small round contacts. Some Nikon auto lenses have less than 10, depending on the features in the lens.

jdannels

Nikon D300s

05/27/2008 07:32:51 PM · #7

ask

caba he shoots Nikon D200 and ~~has the top 10 shots~~ well 2-11 now, with the Sigma 20 mm 1.8. He should be able tell you how well it works

Message edited by author 2008-05-28 02:28:51.