Can I fit a roll camera lens to a DSLR?

[Jasmeet]

Hi,
I have a Nikon D5000, the kit lens 18-55mm. My dad has an old camera Canon T70. And an extra lens. I think its Sirius 18-200mm.
The question is, can in any way, fit a roll camera lens onto a DSLR?

[bruceliv]

Nearly all Nikon F converted lenses could fit on D300/D700, D3, etc. They cannot mount on the D5000. Life would be much easier if you'd just purchase the Nikon 18-200mm VR lens. There is a version II of this lens, so many of the older version is easy to find on eBay. This would be the best all-purpose carry around combination.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by Jasmeet

Hi,
I have a Nikon D5000, the kit lens 18-55mm. My dad has an old camera Canon T70. And an extra lens. I think its Sirius 18-200mm.
The question is, can in any way, fit a roll camera lens onto a DSLR?

To be more precise: NO.

The T70 is a Canon FD mount body, so the only way of using that lens (likely a 28-200, btw) would be to have the mount on the lens changed: not an easy endeavour, nor is it cheap.

In this case, don't bother. Instead: Learn to shoot film!

[bruceliv]

In this case, don't bother. Instead: Learn to shoot film!

I agree not to bother with an unlikely conversion. But he owns a beautiful entry level dslr. Why should he shoot film?

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by bruceliv

In this case, don't bother. Instead: Learn to shoot film!

I agree not to bother with an unlikely conversion. But he owns a beautiful entry level dslr. Why should he shoot film?

Obviously the understood meaning was that he should shoot BOTH. Learn to shoot film with one and enjoy digital with the other.

[inkista]

Originally Posted by Jasmeet

Hi,
I have a Nikon D5000, the kit lens 18-55mm. My dad has an old camera Canon T70. And an extra lens. I think its Sirius 18-200mm.
The question is, can in any way, fit a roll camera lens onto a DSLR?

Any lens that fits the Canon T70 can't be used on a Nikon dSLR without some serious compromises, cost, and PITA-ness. Really not worth it.

OTOH, Nikon F-mount lenses made for film camera can be used on a D5000 (as long as they are not pre-AI). And certain Olympus OM, Leica-R, and Contax/Yashica Zeiss lenses can have their mounts modified with DIY kits to be used on Nikon F mount (although you need to be pretty handy to use them).

So, overall, yes, film SLR camera lenses can be used on digital SLRs, but it depends on the mount system of the lens. And you get varying amounts of compatibility, mostly losing autofocus and aperture control/metering from the camera. It's not a path for everyone.

[Jasmeet]

Thanks people. That clears my doubts. Considering that I have just started with photography (like 2 months back btw), it'll be too much of a task forcing that lens on my nikon.
its highly unlikely that i'd use a film camera, now that digitals have made life so easy..

[bruceliv]

Originally Posted by Jasmeet

...now that digitals have made life so easy..

Well, you own a very nice camera, and it's a great one to learn on. But you'll find out it ain't so easy.

[OsmosisStudios]

If you're interested in shooting film as well, look for a cheap Nikon film body: the lenses often port over flawlessly

[Jasmeet]

Osmosis, nice suggestion.. but then i'd rather use the canon..
Bruce, thanks..

I was wondering.. for my Nikon D5000, should I look at only Nikkor lenses (in case I want to buy bigger ones), or are there after market lenses available as well which are as good? If there are, are they fully compatible?