Can I use old film lenses on my Nikon D7100?

9 years 5 months ago #408656 by C.C.
I have opportunity of getting some old Nikon film lenses pretty inexpensive and I was wondering if I got these, will they work on my Nikon D7100?

Will I need an adapter?  

:thx:


Photo Comments
,
9 years 5 months ago #408658 by Screamin Scott
As long as they are Ai or Ais mount, then no problems & no adapter needed. The older Pre-Ai mount (or Non Ai as some call it) will damage the Ai follower tab if mounted, unless they have been modified. Nikon supplied kits for converting them to Ai spec, but those kits are long gone for the most part... Do you have images of the lenses mounts or serial #'s perchance ?.... If they are Ai or AiS spec, you simply enter the focal length & Max aperture info into the non CPU lens data field of the setup menu (the one ID'd with a "wrench" in the menu ). Whatever lens is highlighted there (when you have multiple lenses entered) is the info the camera will use when shooting with a non CPU lens.... You will get metering in Manual or Aperture priority modes only...I shoot with lots of older MF lenses,more often than I shoot with AF lenses...MF Zooms are a bit of a problem when used with the D7100.... You can't enter the focal length range & neither can you enter the aperture range on variable aperture lenses.  You can still use them though. It's just more of a pain (primarily the variable aperture range zooms)... The metering on the single aperture zooms will be correctly displayed, but not always with the variable aperture zooms as only a single setting can be entered. As far as the focal length, that isn't as much of a factor except when viewing the EXIF data. Any other questions, just ask...

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

Photo Comments
,
9 years 5 months ago #408732 by hghlndr6
:agree:   Scott's right.  You haven't read your manual, huh? :)   There's a "compatible Lenses" table on page 295.
,
9 years 5 months ago #408748 by Joves
Here are two photos of the pre/non AI, and the AI lenses. Note the difference in the Indexing tabs, and that the non AI has a flat base on the body. The AI has a notch on the base of the body, and the Index tabs have holes.
Pre/Non AI


AI lens. See the difference?


You can get the non-AI converted to AI relatively inexpensively. But whether it is worth it depends on the lens. 


The following user(s) said Thank You: shellway
,

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Latest Reviews

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024

The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.

Apr 10, 2024

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is Sony’s flagship mirrorless zoom lens. As such, it’s loaded with features and has a top-shelf build quality that makes it a top pick!

Mar 27, 2024
Get 600+ Pro photo lessons for $1

Forum Top Posters

Latest Articles

The Insta360 has one of the best lineups of action cams and 360-degree cameras. With these Insta360 accessories, you can elevate your photography and videography game!

Apr 24, 2024

Creating impactful photos of landscapes depends on many factors, not the least of which is your talent behind the lens. This guide explores other elements required for the best product.

Apr 23, 2024

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024

Are you ready to upgrade your camera? Before buying new, you might consider the value of purchasing used gear to save money.

Apr 18, 2024

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a micro four thirds camera released in 2020. It’s an entry-level system along with the OM-D E-M5 Mark III. Use this guide to determine which one is best for you!

Apr 17, 2024

Blue hour photography might not be as well known as golden hour photography, but it is every bit as good a time to create epic images of landscapes. Learn how in this quick tutorial!

Apr 17, 2024

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024

Moving from taking snapshots of your dog to creating beautiful images doesn’t have to be that difficult! Use the tips outlined in this dog photography guide, and you’ll get better results in no time.

Apr 15, 2024