Minolta Digital Cameras

Sound Advice: Most lenses OK to mount on newer cameras

31.12.69

Question: I have a pair of dandy Nikon telephoto lenses from my old Nikon 8008 film camera body. Is there a newer, digital Nikon SLR that they might fit? They are very nice lenses, and I hate to see them gather dust.

R.K. JORDAN
Superior, Wisc.

Answer: Your lenses use the Nikon F-mount, which has been in continuous use in Nikon SLR cameras (both film and digital) since 1959. Though the mount itself has remained the same, there have been changes in mechanical linkages and electronic contacts over the years as cameras and technology have changed.

Though your lenses will mount on another camera, you may not have access to all of the digital camera's exposure modes or automatic controls. You can find out more about Nikon lens and camera compatibility at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/compatibility-lens.htm , where you will find a chart detailing how the cameras and lenses work with each other.

There are a few lenses -- such as fisheyes and very old lenses without Nikon's AI system -- which must be avoided entirely, but for the most part any lens produced in the last 30 years will mount and take pictures with no problem.