AI vs. non-AI

[Indigo November]

When buying an old, manual Nikon lens for a Nikon DSLR, must one worry about whether or not the lens is marked as "AI"?

I believe I read somewhere that some Nikon DSLR's will support "non-AI" lenses, and some will not.
Is this correct? If so, which cameras will and which won't? I own a Nikon D90.

Thanks.

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by Indigo November

When buying an old, manual Nikon lens for a Nikon DSLR, must one worry about whether or not the lens is marked as "AI"?

I believe I read somewhere that some Nikon DSLR's will support "non-AI" lenses, and some will not.
Is this correct? If so, which cameras will and which won't? I own a Nikon D90.

Thanks.

Pre AI lenses that have not been modified could damage your camera (yet the D60 can take em). I would stick with AI & on

[Indigo November]

Originally Posted by scootermcq

Pre AI lenses that have not been modified could damage your camera (yet the D60 can take em). I would stick with AI & on

Ah, that's it. In what way would they damage the camera?

Originally Posted by Indigo November

Ah, that's it. In what way would they damage the camera?

Too close to the sensor or the mirror. One snap and it's broken.

[Indigo November]

Originally Posted by maxharvard

Too close to the sensor or the mirror. One snap and it's broken.

*shudder* that sound absolutely horrid! Damn you, I'm going to have nightmares now!

But seriously, would that actually happen, or are you just trying to scare me?

[BuddhaPi]

I happen to know a way you can give nightmares to max if you feel the need to get even... : )

[LoveDSLR]

Originally Posted by Indigo November

Ah, that's it. In what way would they damage the camera?

I believe non-AI lenses will damage the AI indexing tab of any DSLR that isn't electronic-coupled only. For example, I have to disable the indexing tab on my SLR to accept non-AI lenses.

[Indigo November]

Originally Posted by BuddhaPi

I happen to know a way you can give nightmares to max if you feel the need to get even... : )

Oh yeah? Tell me. Is it the Hardee's thing?

[inkista]

Originally Posted by maxharvard

Too close to the sensor or the mirror. One snap and it's broken.

No. That's not the reason. As LoveDSLR said, mounting pre-AI can damage the minimum aperture detection switch.



Mirror clearance with manual lenses is more of a Canon 5D issue, and no, you will not break the mirror with one snap by simply banging the mirror into the back of the lens. Hitting the sensor with the back of a lens will typically only happen if you're using micro four-thirds (where there's no mechanical shutter cover for the sensor) and you use one of those old rangefinder collapsible lenses, and then collapse it into the body (owtch!).

On a Canon, of course you can use all the pre-AI Nikkors you want with a simple adapter ring.

Originally Posted by inkista

No. That's not the reason. As LoveDSLR said, mounting pre-AI can damage the minimum aperture detection switch.



Mirror clearance with manual lenses is more of a Canon 5D issue, and no, you will not break the mirror with one snap by simply banging the mirror into the back of the lens. Hitting the sensor with the back of a lens will typically only happen if you're using micro four-thirds (where there's no mechanical shutter cover for the sensor) and you use one of those old rangefinder collapsible lenses, and then collapse it into the body (owtch!).

On a Canon, of course you can use all the pre-AI Nikkors you want with a simple adapter ring.

What's what I was told, but I stand corrected.