Nikon 35mm SLR to DSLR

[Bodo]

For a longer time now, I have used ultra compact digital cameras and mobile phones to take photos. The old F-801 is stored in the loft for some years now.

Having the occasional need for some good photos, I'm thinking of buying a cheap DSLR. Question: if I buy a Nikon, can I use my old AF lenses? It's 24-50mm and some other I can't remember. Can I use the new Nikon lenses with my old camera? I understand the sensor in cheap SLRs is smaller than 35mm film. Anything else to take care of?

[K12beano]

Yes.

You can use virtually any lens on a modern Nikon. (A Df will even let you fit pre Ai lenses, but otherwise check it's Ai'd)

Equally any new lens will fit any old body....BUT... New Nikkors are sometimes "G" designation and these don't have an aperture ring - Doh!! So avoid!

Nikkors vary in quality. Most are just brilliant, some are not necessarily so good . Equally some of the digital sensors can be more demanding (read "picky") than others!

[Dan_1981]

and depending on the body they won't auto focus - especially at the cheaper end of things

[Simpo Two]

Physically they will fit. As Dan says the lower-end DSLR bodies don't have an AF motor and therefore need lenses marked 'AF-S' to autofocus.

The sensor is smaller than 35mm - Nikon call it 'DX' - and this has the effect of cropping your images. In reality it makes your lenses seem to be 50% longer - great for telephoto, not so good for wideangle - so your 24-50mm will seem like 36-75mm.

Edited by Simpo Two on Sunday 15th February 17:59