Nikon camera that handles old manual lenses and digiscoping gear?

[Jeff B]

Is there a Nikon digital SLR camera that I could use my nice, semi-old manual-focus lenses with and that I could also use for digiscoping (a non-pro model so I can almost afford it)? I'm way behind the times on this gear, knowledgewise, and I'd appreciate a bit of a boost.

I see a list on Nikon's digiscoping gear Web page (http://nikon.topica.ne.jp/bi_e/products/nature_c.htm) that lists the following SLRs as "digiscopable": D70, D100, D2H, D1x, D1H, D1--a few of these are pro models, and perhaps a couple are not still available.

I realize I should be able to get this info easily from Nikon, but I find Nikon USA is not terribly helpful--or at least they don't respond to my mail. (I lived in Japan for a while, and they were GREAT there.) If you have an answer off the top of your head, you are my hero.

thx jb

[yossi]

Hi Jeff,
The D2X works great and meters with almost any old lens. I got a 1000mm F:11 old Nikkor reflex (mirror) lens at a bargain price, and it meters correctly. Focus is manually done. The D2X has a MLU (mirror lockup) function which is great for long, vibration sensitive, telephoto work. The camera is expensive though, but is a great photography tool. With other DSLR cameras - such as the D100, D70 etc. you need a lens with a "chip". All the AF/AFD/P lenses, even old ones, work fine but not the AI/AIS manual lenses.
Metering with the AI/AIS lenses is a guess/hit job, which is quite frustrating. The histogram helps finding the right exposure - after several shots taken, but as said, is quite tiresome.

[Jeff B]

Thanks! That's a big help. I'll check it out. (Ouch, I did: I'll never be able to affod one. I guess I may have to do these two issues separately--two cameras.)

I hadn't thought about the mirror-lockup issue, but that makes sense.

-jb

[Brian Matsumoto]

Thanks! That's a big help. I'll check it out. (Ouch, I did: I'll never be able to affod one. I guess I may have to do these two issues separately--two cameras.)

I hadn't thought about the mirror-lockup issue, but that makes sense.

-jb


You might consider the Olympus E series cameras. This company's web site a http://www.cameraquest.com/adaptnew.htm describes an adaptor that goes on these cameras that will allowthem to accept Nikon F mount lenses. It will allow the lenst to focus to infinity focus and you can meter with stop down metering. Although be advised it is sometimes necessary to compensate for the older lenses. In my hands, I used the E-300 with an older Olympus lens 300 mm f4.5 and noted that I had to give it more exposure. However, with the older 50 mm f3.5 macro lens, exposure seemed fine and the camera's built-in flash will meter TTL through the lens and provide good exposures.

The Evolt 300 is going for a good price in the States. A two lens outfit is about $1000, so it will give you pretty good flexibility right out of the box. However, its sensor is smaller than the Nikon's and the effective focal length of the lenses are "increased" by a factor of 2 rather than 1.5 for a Nikon.

Brian

[Jeff B]

Thanks, Brian. That's an intersting option that I hadn't yet thought of. (I'm just getting the scope now, but I'm thinking down the road to the next project or two.) I've had a good experience with my current (now somewhat old) Olmypus digital, so I'd be up for trying one of their SLRs.

Do you know anything about the digiscoping potential of that camera with a Nikon scope? I've only starting investigating digiscoping, so I don't know much about the gear. It all seems rather complicated.

-jb

[yossi]

You can definitely digiscope with a D70 or a D100, by using a 50mm or a 45mm/2.8P (a better option) lens fitted to it, attached to the telescope eyepiece. Look at this thread:
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=32247

[Jeff B]

That's pretty cool. How hard was it to make your adapter? It's going to be a while before I can afford this and try to make any of it work, so I'll not push you for any more elementary details now, but I can't resist one more basic Q: can either the D70 or D100 accommodate the old manual lenses? ;)

[yossi]

As I've already said - yes, you can use most manual Nikon lenses made in the last 30 years or so, but you will need to work in manual mode and do some tests with different apertures and shutter speeds to get the right exposure. The histogram helps a lot.
The eyepiece adapters can be purchased at several stores - like Scopetronics in FL.: www.scopetronix.com, they have everything at reasonable prices and provide good support. On top of that, I have a mechanic next door with good tools and great hands and he makes for me any adapter I need for quite a small fee (sometimes just a smile or a good joke will do...).

[Jeff B]

Ok, thanks. I didn't understand about the manual lenses before. I thought you were only saying they work with the D2X. (I don't know much about the lenses frankly, including what the mount they have is called).

Nice to have the mechanic handy... As someone who is not very techy about cameras and lenses, and since I'm getting a Nikon scope, I'd prefer to stick with Nikon's digisicoping gear, unless it's prohibitively expensive. But, I've got a lot to learn (and many pennies to pinch) before I try any of this.