Nikon D60 and the Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF

[pwf]

I have a Nikon D60 as stated in the thread name, and recently purchased a
Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF. I realized well before I purchased that this lens wouldn't focus on my D60. I have manual focused before on my old Nikon film camera, but that had the half circle focus set up. On the D60 it just has the 3 squares that you use for Auto focus. How do you know you have good focus with that? I know there is a mod you can buy to get the old type half circle installed but I sure don't have the steady hands and confidence to install it. If I have a camera store install it I might as well sell my camera and take the money the mod would cost and get a D80 or something. What I really prefer is some good solid tips for using what I got.

Thanks in advance to anyone that can help me out with this!

pwf

[OsmosisStudios]

What you're referring to is called a Split Prism focusing screen, and if you take the lens off your camera body you can see yours: look up into the viewfinder from the mount. On dSLRs its matte (just flat) and has nothing on it: the 3 marks are electronically added.

You dont use the focus marks in the viewfinder for focusing: you judge and, if you'd like, use the small MF dot in the bottom right of your viewfinder (its a little circular light and lights up when youre in focus).

Also keep in mind that your focusing will be at f/1.8, which is very thin especially with close subjects, so it can be finicky.

Imno expert, but it's usually possible to replace focusing screens: I do believe that on the D60 is voids the warranty.

[pwf]

OsmosisStudios, thanks that was exactly what I needed. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your information. I got it now.

[OsmosisStudios]

Not a problem. I personally cant manual focus without a screen of some sort: the matte focusing screens used in dSLRs are designed to alllow the most light to hit the AF system so that it can be used with slow (f/6.3-8 max) lenses, but for manual focus they're terrible. I prefer the Split prism I have in my FE for manual, or the diagonal split in my friend's mamiya.