How do I use this lens?

moonlustie

moonlustie

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Sue
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Hi - please help as I'm not sure how best to go about using a lens I have been given.

I have a Nikon D40 and I have been given a Nikon 50mm 1:18.

When I put it on any other setting than manual it doesn't recognise that a lens is attached. When I look through the view finder on any setting the F just has two dashes but at least on manual I can see the shutter speed. I can see f-stops on the outside ring of the lens and I have to focus it manually.

What I get stuck with is when taking a picture what is the best f-stop to start with - with other lenses there is a gauge when I look through the view finder and I use that to change the f-stops/shutter speed.

I understand what each element does (aperture/shutter speed/iso) but get very confused about what settings to use in different situations, e.g. in taking a moon picture I would have thought a small f-stop and a high shutter to take in maximum light but they just turned out black and upping the iso didn't help - so with much fiddling with settings I ended up with f/8 320ss on 200 iso - I don't get that at all :thinking::shrug:

Hope I haven't confused you all :amstupid:

Thanks
Sue
 
Someone with the same model camera can give you specifics, but if its an older style lens with an aperture ring, put the ring onto the highest number (smallest aperture) and use the lick to keep it there if it has one. Go into the camera menu/shooting menu/non CPU lens data. Enter the focal length and set maximum aperture. Now when you put this lens on the camera will be able to set the aperture from the dial on the body.
 
lensflair said:
Someone with the same model camera can give you specifics, but if its an older style lens with an aperture ring, put the ring onto the highest number (smallest aperture) and use the lick to keep it there if it has one. Go into the camera menu/shooting menu/non CPU lens data. Enter the focal length and set maximum aperture. Now when you put this lens on the camera will be able to set the aperture from the dial on the body.
Click to expand...

You don't need too add the CPU data, just lock the aperture ring at the highest number. It will work fine from then on. It's only on the really old lenses you need to put the data in.
 
TCR4x4 said:
You don't need too add the CPU data, just lock the aperture ring at the highest number. It will work fine from then on. It's only on the really old lenses you need to put the data in.
Click to expand...



Yeah I've got one of those really old lenses, a Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 50mm f/2 ZF, only came out a few years ago ;)
 
I also have the nikon 50mm 1.8 and I have read what you say about locking it in highest aperture. But it won't lock. This is 1.8 isn't it
I have nikon d3100
 
Nickler said:
I also have the nikon 50mm 1.8 and I have read what you say about locking it in highest aperture. But it won't lock. This is 1.8 isn't it
I have nikon d3100
Click to expand...

No the highest number, so f/22 or however high it goes.
 
Thank you all so much for you advice. :thumbs:

Unfortunately I don't think the D40 is advanced as some of you are suggesting - can't see where to add any CPU data but will check the manual and even putting it on f/22, it doesn't change things.

The only way I can see a difference in aperture is by the histogram/brightness of pictures.

Thanks again.
 
Exactly which lens is it? Is the 50mm f/1.8D. If so, no need for cpu data, just put the lens aperture ring to the highest number and then lock unsing the little orange tab
 
This was the best photo I could find but also it appears from reading the manual, I can only use manual mode and the settings are limited too.

50mm118.jpg


This is what the manual says:
"The non-CPU lenses listed below may be used but only when the camera is in mode M. Selecting another mode disables the shutter release. Aperture must be adjusted manually via the lens aperture ring; the camera autofocus system, metering, electronic analog exposure display, and TTL flash control cannot be used."

I believe this lens comes under this category they listed: AI-modified, AI-, AI-S, or Series E Nikkor.

So it would seem I can only use it in situations where spot metering is suitable as this is fixed. I can change iso and white balance as well as focus area - so a learning curve is to be had I think. :suspect:

Thanks everyone for your input. :thankyou:

Cheers
Sue
 
Aye, tis an ancient lens and so doesn't interface with all the modern features of your camera. So, manual it is :D
 
Same one as I bought, mine is a made around 1974 i think, I know there is a table on Ken Rockwells site showing ages, pictures and limitations.

I had mine on the D60 which is the same as the D40.

It is completely manual, you have to set aperture and focus yourself via the lens, the camera only sets shutter speed. The camera won't even be able to suggest exposure for you. It is going to be 100% manual! Sounds really bad doesn't it?

Not at all, you will soon learn to guesstimate the settings you need for lighting conditions and see how shutter and aperture effect each others. Then you can fine tune using the histogram. It's a great learning experience.

It took me a while to get to used to focusing manually, as the viewfinder doesn't help. I had to get it so it looked just right, then pull it back ever so slightly. but practice makes perfect :)

However, I still don't think that its as sharp as modern 50mm 1.8's even when using on the D700. I would suggest you look at the 35mm 1.8 for your D40. Had it for my D60, cracking lens, and auto focuses :)
 
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