Can you use older film lenses on dslr

[Carolyn Lee]

Hi
This question has probably been asked and answered, I have an opportunity to acquire a Tamron SP 200-500 manual lens for a very reasonable price. I am willing to experiment as long as I dont risk wrecking my camera. There is a lot of conflicting information on the net as to whether this older film lens will work on a dslr. I have a nikon d3000 Has anyone had any success or problems with using older model film lenses. Appreciate any help / advice.

[gdegerman]

It works, but normally you need some kind of converter between your lens mount and the other lens. I have a Panasonic G1 with a couple of Contax lenses. The converter is a CY to Micro 4-3.

[Carolyn Lee]

Thank you for the quick reply and info. I have read that I can only use my camera in manual setting with the older lens - has that been your experience. My knowledge here is limited as I have only one year experience in photography All digital. This lens is in mint condition and a new one is out of my price range.

[gdegerman]

Yes, I can only shoot manually. It is not perfect but it works... What you need to remeber is that your camera has a 'zoom-factor'. For example my camera has a 2x factor which means that my old 50mm is actually 100mm on my camera...

[Carolyn Lee]

Thanks for the info!

[RLucas]

Originally Posted by Carolyn Lee

Hi
This question has probably been asked and answered, I have an opportunity to acquire a Tamron SP 200-500 manual lens for a very reasonable price. I am willing to experiment as long as I dont risk wrecking my camera. There is a lot of conflicting information on the net as to whether this older film lens will work on a dslr. I have a nikon d3000 Has anyone had any success or problems with using older model film lenses. Appreciate any help / advice.

The question that needs to be answered, is what mount the lens fits? What kind of camera did it come off of?

[Carolyn Lee]

My understanding is that it comes with a nikon adapter, so my assumption is an older nikon film camera. Does that help?

[RLucas]

Originally Posted by Carolyn Lee

My understanding is that it comes with a nikon adapter, so my assumption is an older nikon film camera. Does that help?

So it's one of those Adaptall lenses? I am not too familiar with those. Hopefully someone will chime in with a better answer. It should fit, but you may lose metering as well.

[Jim Bryant]

I still have my prime Canon FD lenses: 24mm f1.4, 85mm f2.8, 135mm f2.0 and a 300mm f2.8. Sure, I could probably use them on my EOS MKII's with a convertor, but why bother? The lenses aren't auto focus or auto AV. So, if there's chance of me capturing the image i want with one of those lenses or getting a great shot with the EOS lenses, I'd have to go with the newer lenses.

[Carolyn Lee]

Thanks Jim
You have a really good point. I do own a couple of good lens for those times and I prefer to buy the new ones. I was seriously looking at this based on the opportunity, the price and the chance to learn on a much larger lens that quite frankly is out of my range new right now. I understand that I would have to work solely in manual mode (which actually I need more of) so that limitation doesnt bother me. I am more concerned with will this damage my camera sensors in any way or not produce good images. My knowledge in this area is very limited. Again any feedback is welcome