| Author | Thread |
|
|
04/16/2009 10:38:58 PM · #1 |
I'm looking to use a few old Russian lenses on my D200...
does anyone have experience with things like this? Are they alright? |
|
|
|
04/16/2009 11:23:38 PM · #2 |
Using a plain mechanical adapter (no optics) you will not be able to achieve infinity focus. The register distance (distance from lens mount flange back to sensor or film) for the Nikon F mount is 46.5mm, whereas for M42 it is 45.46mm. That means that the M42 lens needs to be just over 1mm closer to the sensor, or inside the camera. Mounting it further from the sensor will be like using a very short extension tube, enabling it to focus slightly closer, but making infinity focus impossible.
ETA: Go here for a list of register distances. In order to use an old manual lens, it must be designed with a register distance larger than the camera it is to be used on, ideally by 1mm or more, to allow for an adapter.
This is why the Canon EOS system is capable of using so many old lenses... its register distance is 44mm, making it compatible with many older lenses, including most M42 lenses.
Message edited by author 2009-04-16 23:31:56. |
|
|
|
04/16/2009 11:44:53 PM · #3 |
| I mainly bought a couple of these lenses just to play with the bokeh that can be achieved using them, so infinity focus will not be an issue. Are there any other problems likely to be associated with using M42 mount lenses? |
|
|
|
04/16/2009 11:50:23 PM · #4 |
Originally posted by shalrath:
Are there any other problems likely to be associated with using M42 mount lenses? |
Mechanically, no. Operationally, I don't know for sure; I know that some older Nikon bodies did not want to meter with manual lenses, but I don't offhand know if the D200 is one of them. |
|
|
|
04/17/2009 12:01:01 AM · #5 |
D200 is capable of metering with AI lenses and all of the older MF lenses, so I guess it shouldn't be a problem. Even if it is, it will be a fun experiment in estimating values for a good exposure.
Thanks a lot for your help. |
|
|
|
04/17/2009 12:11:19 AM · #6 |
Originally posted by shalrath:
D200 is capable of metering with AI lenses and all of the older MF lenses, so I guess it shouldn't be a problem. Even if it is, it will be a fun experiment in estimating values for a good exposure.
Thanks a lot for your help. |
Indeed it will be fun... experimenting with old glass is a blast; it's really fun to see what it can do with a modern body. I love my Zeiss 75/1.5 Biotar! |
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 12/25/2025 11:16:55 PM EST.
