Manual focusing third party lens on Nikon

[jamiebonline]

Hey,

I have an old Minolta MF zoom lens and I am getting a minolta-nikon adapter to mount it on a D90. I assume the camera will not be able to read anything from the lens. I mean, it can't meter. Is there any way around that? What would you do in this situation?
Also the focus confirmation dot should still work, no? Because it is more a physical element that something entirely electronic, if you know what I mean.

Thanks

 

[ancient_mariner]

It's likely that you will have to set aperture manually on the lens, and actually work with the lens stopped down. Not sure about the D90, but you'll probably be able to use aperture priority as well as manual modes. As for AF working, maybe. Have you tried the camera with any other mechanical-only lenses.

 

[Kodiak Qc]

I assume the camera will not be able to read anything from the lens. I mean, it can't meter.

Not correct.
The light metering is done by the camera. True is that
you will have to focus manually but, when it comes to
metering, you will have to do some testing and even-
tally adjust the aperture manually as well… this is all
depending on the ƒ stop value the adaptor will lose.

Is there any way around that? What would you do in this situation?

There is the hand held light meter as solution. Again,
the measure from that unit does not know about the
adapter so that should be tested too for eventual com-
pensation.

 

[woof woof]

Hey,

I have an old Minolta MF zoom lens and I am getting a minolta-nikon adapter to mount it on a D90. I assume the camera will not be able to read anything from the lens. I mean, it can't meter. Is there any way around that? What would you do in this situation?
Also the focus confirmation dot should still work, no? Because it is more a physical element that something entirely electronic, if you know what I mean.

Thanks

I can't speak for Nikon but I used manual lenses on my Canon 20D and focus confirmation didn't work with a dumb metal adapter. Some adapters do offer focus confirmation and they have a little PCB and I assume some electronic component. So, if you want focus confirmation I think you may have to buy an adapter to enable it if they're available for Minolta / Nikon.

I decided that manual focus with a DSLR wasn't for me unless it was macro or pseudo macro stuff when the detail is big in the frame and easy to see.