How do I know it is even metering?

[JamieB]

Hi everyone

So the little F65 arrived today and is cool (apart from the fact the AF is very dodgy on this one). I tried all my lenses on it. The AF D lenses work great and so does the Sigma 24 2.8 super wide. Sadly the 28 2.8 mini wide doesn't communicate well with the body. In fact, nothing shows at all except when I switch it to Manual. Then the shutter speed shows in the LCD and I can adjust it. On all other modes the F-- flashes. If I were to use the sunny 16 rule, for example, set the shutter speed in manual and change aperture using the aperture ring, would I get a correct exposure? I am trying to use it anyway for street photography until I can update my 28mm or get a 35mm. Also maybe someone here can give tips on settings. Just to point out that I will zone focus manually mostly and shoot at F8 or higher most of the time too. I always use 400 speed film. Thanks

 

[Paul Howell]

If your N65 is working with correct shutter and F stop, setting it to manual and shooting sunny 16 or using a hand held meter will work. It is not uncommon for early Sigma lens not work well with some brands, 3rd party reports Nikon and personal experience Minolta.

 

[JamieB]

If your N65 is working with correct shutter and F stop, setting it to manual and shooting sunny 16 or using a hand held meter will work. It is not uncommon for early Sigma lens not work well with some brands, 3rd party reports Nikon and personal experience Minolta.

Hi Paul, I have no idea if it is ''reading'' the lens. There is no indication that it is. In manual there is no meter reading. I suppose it is a question of physics. If you put a lens on a camera and change the shutter on the camera and the aperture on the lens itself, will you be able to get a correct exposure?

 

[John Bragg]

Hi Jamie, this from Ken Rockwell's review of the F65.

"The N65, like the N80, can't meter or make auto exposures with manual focus lenses. Manual lenses are almost useless on it except if you have a separate meter."

Hope that helps.

 

[Paul Howell]

So a N65 will not meter with a D lens set to manual focus, but set to manual mode will allow the camera to shoot?

 

[JamieB]

The camera works fine with D lenses. It also meters with a manual focus Sigma lens I have. It's another AF lens that it won't meter.

 

[shutterfinger]

I would carefully inspect the lens and camera for damaged or corroded contacts. The contacts should be bright not dull in appearance.
The lens may have a defective aperture resistor.

The lens comparability in the instruction manual http://www.cameramanuals.org/nikon_pdf/nikon_n65.pdf
states the PC 28 f4 and PC 35 f2.8 in a given serial number range will not work on this camera. I wonder if your Sigma lens is comparable to them.

 

[Paul Howell]

The camera works fine with D lenses. It also meters with a manual focus Sigma lens I have. It's another AF lens that it won't meter.

I have experienced a similar problem with an early Sigma Minolta A mount 35 to 135, works fine on my 9000, but not with any newer bodies.

 

[Sewin]

Jamie.......... Silly question coming up

Do you have a film in the camera. Reason I ask is that my F65 will operate with no film in it ,even when it's not supposed to, with some lenses.

 

[JamieB]

Jamie.......... Silly question coming up

Do you have a film in the camera. Reason I ask is that my F65 will operate with no film in it ,even when it's not supposed to, with some lenses.

Yeah I noticed the problem when film was in and when film wasn't in it. I still have my first question but I think it might be silly and that is why I couldn't get an answer.. So the lens fits on the camera and F -- is flashing in all modes except manual. In manual I can change the shutter speed and of course I can also change the aperture via the ring. If I use a light meter and press the shutter, am I going to get a picture? Or if there is no real communication between the camera and lens does this mean anything/nothing can come out when it is developed?

 

[Sewin]

Sorry Jamie, I can't help, I've not tried or have any third party lenses for my Nikons.