Vintage Lens/Flash with the D50?

[JoeJoe]

Hi everyone,

I've got an old SB-15 flash and wanted to know if it could be used with the D50 (I'm currently considering the D50 for purchase)? I know that advanced modes wouldn't be supported but just wondering if basic flash functions are supported.

The other two vintage pieces that I own are a Nikkor 105mm 2.5 MF and a Nikkor 50mm 1.4 MF (both AI-s). I understand that these lenses can be used, but what limitations are there (aside from the obvious MF)?

Appreciate any advice.
Thanks,
Joe

[phishphorphun]

I couldn't find anything on the S15 compatability with the D50. However when I did a comparison of the D70 and D50 at the Nikon site, I came up with the following specs. Sorry no mention of the SB15.


) TTL: TTL flash control by 420-pixel RGB sensor Built-in Speedlight: i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash or standard i-TTL flash (spot metering) SB-800 or 600: i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash or standard i-TTL flash (spot metering) 2) Auto aperture: Available with SB-800 with CPU lens 3) Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 80DX, 28DX, 28, 27, and 22s 4) Distance-priority manual available with SB-800


As for your lenses. If they have cpu mounts you are going to be able use them, but with certain limitations. Obviously af speed is not your concern. There is a thread somerwhere here containing a list of compatable lenses and their functions for the D70 (should be the same for the D50). Try researching the Hardware "Nikon" folder.

[JoeJoe]

I couldn't find anything on the S15 compatability with the D50. However when I did a comparison of the D70 and D50 at the Nikon site, I came up with the following specs. Sorry no mention of the SB15.


) TTL: TTL flash control by 420-pixel RGB sensor Built-in Speedlight: i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash or standard i-TTL flash (spot metering) SB-800 or 600: i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash or standard i-TTL flash (spot metering) 2) Auto aperture: Available with SB-800 with CPU lens 3) Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 80DX, 28DX, 28, 27, and 22s 4) Distance-priority manual available with SB-800


As for your lenses. If they have cpu mounts you are going to be able use them, but with certain limitations. Obviously af speed is not your concern. There is a thread somerwhere here containing a list of compatable lenses and their functions for the D70 (should be the same for the D50). Try researching the Hardware "Nikon" folder.

Thanks for the reply phishphorphun.

I'll just have to try the flash and see what happens. :-D It's no big deal if it doesn't work.

As for the lenses, they are definitely non-cpu. Just plain dumb lenses, but with GREAT optics. The 105 is one of the best Nikkor lenses ever made IMO. Crystal clear and bright. I'd hate to have to give it up.

Thanks for the tip on the compatibilty list thread. I'll have a look to see if I can find it.

All the best,
Joe

[phishphorphun]

As for the lenses, they are definitely non-cpu. Just plain dumb lenses, but with GREAT optics. The 105 is one of the best Nikkor lenses ever made IMO. Crystal clear and bright. I'd hate to have to give it up

I can't see why it wouldn't work in all manual mode and focus. I believe just about every Nikon lense made mounts to fit all the new DSLRs You won't have any metering, but it should work. But I think you would enjoy the newer 105mm f/2.8d macro lens better with your dslr. You can check it out here (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=66988&is=USA&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation) .

It seems to me that with the prices of the D70 coming down, it would be a better choice than the D50. The main difference is the .2" larger LCD on the D50. Using Compact Flash (D70) memory alone would convince me to go for the D70. And I would think it's slightly larger frame is more comfortable when using longer lenses.

You can get a D70 (body only) really cheap over here (http://www.buydig.com/shop/SearchResults.aspx?kwd=Nikon+D70) .

I haven't heard any owners complain about the D70, including me.

[JoeJoe]

Well, I found this site http://www.bythom.com/lensacronyms.htm which does a nice job in summarizing which past & present Nikon lenses are compatible with the D70 (and thus D50) and more importantly, what functionality each lens will have.

As it turns out, my Nikkor lenses (type AI-S) will mount ok, but there will be no metering.

[phishphorphun]

I think I posted that site in a thread recently :rolleyes:

[JoeJoe]

I think I posted that site in a thread recently :rolleyes:

Yes, I found it after searching previous threads on your suggestion. :-D

[JoeJoe]

But I think you would enjoy the newer 105mm f/2.8d macro lens better with your dslr. You can check it out here (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=66988&is=USA&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation) .

It seems to me that with the prices of the D70 coming down, it would be a better choice than the D50. The main difference is the .2" larger LCD on the D50. Using Compact Flash (D70) memory alone would convince me to go for the D70. And I would think it's slightly larger frame is more comfortable when using longer lenses.

You can get a D70 (body only) really cheap over here (http://www.buydig.com/shop/SearchResults.aspx?kwd=Nikon+D70) .

I haven't heard any owners complain about the D70, including me.

Thanks again phishphorphun.

You're probably right. I'm selling off some old camera gear to be able to buy a new DSLR, so I'll have to wait and see how that goes. The difference in price between the two bodies is fairly small. Frankly, I was quite impressed with the D50 specs and recent reviews.