AI-S Lenses on D50 Camera

[Startrail]

Hi all, I am wondering how do AI-S lenses work on a D50 camera. I understand that you must use the manual mode on the dial button to use the lens to set the exposure, but other than that, how are things done? Like setting apperture, shutter speed etc. and how easy is it to use as compared to a AFS. Thanks all

[lsisaxon]

Originally Posted by Startrail Hi all, I am wondering how do AI-S lenses work on a D50 camera. I understand that you must use the manual mode on the dial button to use the lens to set the exposure, but other than that, how are things done? Like setting apperture, shutter speed etc. and how easy is it to use as compared to a AFS. Thanks all

First of all, yes, you have to set the aperture and shutter speed manually. But the catch is that the camera doesn't tell you the metering anymore. If you have another body, you may use that to meter, or if you're shooting with other people, you can ask them what's the metering. Alternatively, you can use a light meter or just guess the metering.

Another catch is that the focusing screen for D50 is just a plain screen with no focusing aids like microprism and/or split image. That may make it a bit difficult to obtain a good focus.

[Startrail]

Originally Posted by lsisaxon Another catch is that the focusing screen for D50 is just a plain screen with no focusing aids like microprism and/or split image. That may make it a bit difficult to obtain a good focus.

Hi there thanks for the reply Sorry I didn't really understand this last bit here, could you explain a little more?? What do you mean by focusing aids?? Sorry abit new in terms of techincal terms

[harry t]

Hi,
page 17 of nikon fm3a manual (from nikon.com.sg) shows a good example of the focusing screen and how to focus. (unfortunately I can't attached the pic here)

U can use the built in 'in focus' indicator on the D50 as a guide .

Cheers

[Tetrode]

Originally Posted by lsisaxon First of all, yes, you have to set the aperture and shutter speed manually. But the catch is that the camera doesn't tell you the metering anymore. If you have another body, you may use that to meter, or if you're shooting with other people, you can ask them what's the metering. Alternatively, you can use a light meter or just guess the metering. Another catch is that the focusing screen for D50 is just a plain screen with no focusing aids like microprism and/or split image. That may make it a bit difficult to obtain a good focus.

In other words, you might as well forget about using Ai-S lenses on the D50 bec it's more trouble than it's worth.

[Startrail]

Hmm... ok thanks all for the comments I'm trying out one lens today, so thought I'll ask around first I need a portrait lens and so thought of the 105 F2.5 Lens AIS

[lsisaxon]

Originally Posted by harry t Hi, page 17 of nikon fm3a manual (from nikon.com.sg) shows a good example of the focusing screen and how to focus. (unfortunately I can't attached the pic here) U can use the built in 'in focus' indicator on the D50 as a guide . Cheers

I am not too sure if the focus indicator will work with manual lenses, they should work but I have not tried, so I don't want to comment until I have tried... at least on a D70s body.

[browndad]

Originally Posted by lsisaxon I am not too sure if the focus indicator will work with manual lenses, they should work but I have not tried, so I don't want to comment until I have tried... at least on a D70s body.

It works on my D100 body.

[browndad]

Originally Posted by Startrail Hmm... ok thanks all for the comments I'm trying out one lens today, so thought I'll ask around first I need a portrait lens and so thought of the 105 F2.5 Lens AIS

I think this lens would probably be about 160mm already on a D50! That would be a tight crop portrait lens.

Anyone, please correct me if I'm wrong.

[mpenza]

if u wish to meter with the old Nikon lenses on a modern body (i.e. camera determine the right exposure), either get higher end Nikon DSLRs or any Canon DSLRs (with adaptor).

[lsisaxon]

Originally Posted by browndad It works on my D100 body.

Oh good. Then it should work. So far I've only been using AF lenses on manual mode and they work, so I wasn't certain if MF behaves the same.

[Startrail]

Originally Posted by browndad I think this lens would probably be about 160mm already on a D50! That would be a tight crop portrait lens. Anyone, please correct me if I'm wrong.

Heh thanks browndad, but need it for long shots from afar

[Tetrode]

Originally Posted by lsisaxon Oh good. Then it should work. So far I've only been using AF lenses on manual mode and they work, so I wasn't certain if MF behaves the same.

Focus confirmation might work but it still doesn't address the issue of meter coupling for your D70s though.

[espn]

Just BBB AF-S glasses

[Ender]

You are using a digital camera ...Just take a shot in manual mode and see wheather expose is ok thru LCD. If not ok just adjust your aperture or shutter and take another shot again to see ok. I also own a AIS... 105mm F4 macro...very sharp...lens and a 400mm AIS F3.5 lens too ... sharp sharp. Have taken bird shot with it plus a 2x TC...Its difficult to take using maual mode non-AF or metering...but just 2 small draw back. Most of the time metering exposeure dont change very fast..unless its sunrise or sunset.

Here the best shot i got from birding using manual lens with D70. I PS away a few branches.

[Startrail]

Originally Posted by espn Just BBB AF-S glasses

Lolz, later on definitely Now no money, already eating grass

Originally Posted by Ender You are using a digital camera ...Just take a shot in manual mode and see wheather expose is ok thru LCD. If not ok just adjust your aperture or shutter and take another shot again to see ok. I also own a AIS... 105mm F4 macro...very sharp...lens and a 400mm AIS F3.5 lens too ... sharp sharp. Have taken bird shot with it plus a 2x TC...Its difficult to take using maual mode non-AF or metering...but just 2 small draw back. Most of the time metering exposeure dont change very fast..unless its sunrise or sunset. Here the best shot i got from birding using manual lens with D70. I PS away a few branches.

Ok got it, I'll check it out I just acquired the 105mm F2.5 Gonna try it out tomorrow morning. Nice shot by the way!

[lsisaxon]

Originally Posted by Tetrode Focus confirmation might work but it still doesn't address the issue of meter coupling for your D70s though.

I am not that concerned about metering. More concerned with focusing because the matte screen is really hard to focus with. I've been very used to using split image, after that is AF all the way.

[azul123]

This should help greatly. But better wait till warranty over.

http://www.katzeyeoptics.com/cat--Ni...cat_nikon.html

../azul123

[lsisaxon]

Originally Posted by azul123 This should help greatly. But better wait till warranty over. http://www.katzeyeoptics.com/cat--Ni...cat_nikon.html ../azul123

Now this is certainly useful information! But it seems kind of expensive... Plus it does affect the metering a little.