Do old SLR Lenses Fit and work on DSLR?

[968CSReading]

I have an old SLR with a couple of lenses that we brought 10 yrs ago for going to Kenya.

The camera is a Nikon and I was wandering if the lenses will work on a DSLR. I have been told they will but only with manual focus. Can anyone confirm.

I have been searching on here for the best entry level DSLR. Friends have suggested a D60 but I can get a Sony DSLRA200 for £304.00 inc VAT and lense If I buy through work I will save on VAT so is it a good starter camera?

[SamHH]

If the lenses were new ten years ago and they are made by Nikon, then yes, they will work on a new Nikon SLR, film or digital. The only exception is that if the lens doesn't have a autofocus motor (those that do have AF-S or AF-I in the name), it won't autofocus on bottom-of-the-range Nikon DSLRs (D40, D40x, D60, D3000, D5000).

I've not used either of the cameras you mention, but I think any of the cameras from the major manufacturers are pretty good. I'd be tempted to go with Canon or Nikon though.

[tr7v8]

Not sure about Nikon but I've a Kyocera Minolta & all of my previous Minolta lenses work 100% on the D5. The Sony Alpha is an updated version so if you by this (bloody good camera) it then opens up a raft of old 7000i 35mm Minolta lenses which should work on it. My KM D5 has been fantastic & aside from upgraditis it is all the camera I want.
Some pics taken on it here www.pbase.com/tr7v8

[Simpo Two]

What exactly are the lenses?

[968CSReading]

I will have to check when I get home tonight.

Edited by 968CSReading on Monday 7th September 21:08

[968CSReading]

Here we go

1 x Nikon 35-80mm 1:4-5.6D AF Nikkor
1 x Sigma 100-300mm 1:45-6:7 DL

Used on an Old F50 SLR

Will these work on a DSLR?

Edited by 968CSReading on Monday 7th September 21:12

[FunkyNige]

968CSReading said:

Here we go

1 x Nikon 35-80mm 1:4-5.6D AF Nikkor
1 x Sigma 100-300mm 1:45-6:7 DL

Used on an Old F50 SLR

Will these work on a DSLR?

Edited by 968CSReading on Monday 7th September 21:12

Can't comment on the fit, but bear in mind when you put those on a new dSLR they'll 'turn into' 53-120mm and 150-450mm so you made need a new lens for landscapes...

[Simpo Two]

1) Both lenses will fit physically - but still means you have autofocus and exposure to think about.

2) The D-AF lens should have (a slight guess) 4 small contacts in the lens mount - these allow the lens and camera to exchange metering information - ie you don't have to use manual exposure.

2) Both lenses should have a small screw-head visible in the lens mount - this allows the lens to autofocus when connected to a camera that has the appropriate linkage. The D40 and D60 do not have this (probably not the new entry level models either), and so will not autofocus with these lenses - but you can still focus manually.

So in short I think both lenses will work fine, but may not autofocus depending on the new body.

[968CSReading]

Thanks for the info. I have found an offer on a D3000 at Costco (I can save the VAT) which comes with case, 2GB SD Card and lense so might go for that.

[Simpo Two]

Sound idea - it's generally better to get the camera you want rather than compromise merely so that it fits old lenses!