Using a Nikkor AF lens manually?

[copake_ham]

I have a nice 35-70 Nikkor AF lens. I also have a not so great 36-72 Nikkor MF lens.

So, I'd like to use the AF lens on my F3 instead of the MF one. But I'm concerned I'll damage the motor in the lens if I do use it manually. Anyone have any experience or thoughts on this?

 

[ann]

you just need to put the lens into manual mode,

use manual all the time with infrared film, the lens is still working fine

 

[John Koehrer]

Actually the AF motor is in the body. So when you monut the lens on a MF body there's no hookup & you can't damage either piece.

 

[narsuitus]

Due to personal preference, I routinely use my 35-70mm f/2.8 auto focus zoom lens in manual mode on my manual focus F2 and my auto focus F4.

If you have a view screen that works well with your zoom and if the position and small size of the focusing ring does not bother you, then you should have no problems.

 

[ZorkiKat]

As long as your AF lens is of the type which still has the aperture ring, you can use it on an MF body. Some of the later Nikkors no longer have an aperture ring, going the way of Canon and Minolta AF lens build style.

Also, the shorter throw of the focus may bother you. The focus turn from minimum focus to infinity setting is often just a short flick of the wrist.

Jay

 

[PhotoJim]

Yep, just mount and shoot. If you normally lock the aperture ring at minimum aperture on your AF body, unlock it and set the aperture as you would on manual-focus lenses.

I have a bunch of autofocus lenses that I use on manual bodies. I also do the reverse. It's one of the greatest advantages of the Nikon system.

 

[Matt5791]

As long as your AF lens is of the type which still has the aperture ring, you can use it on an MF body. Some of the later Nikkors no longer have an aperture ring, going the way of Canon and Minolta AF lens build style.

Also, the shorter throw of the focus may bother you. The focus turn from minimum focus to infinity setting is often just a short flick of the wrist.

Jay

I have to say I was impressed recently when I purchased a 60mm AF Micro-Nikkor. In manual mode it focuses just like a manual lens and it has a nice aperture ring too! On looking at other "proper Nikkors" (ie. not the cheapo ones supplied in kits with the cheaper bodies) it seems that most are constructed in this way.

I think that this may be why Nikon are discontinuing a lot of the manual AIS Lenses now - there is no need for them.

Matt