Nikon AI lenses on Nikon D780

AI or AIS lenses on the D780 does allow matrix metering. The lenses I’m using on my D780 right now include the 18mm f3.5 AIS, 35mm f1.4 AIS, 85mm f1.4 AIS and 135mm f2 AIS.

 

Metering is set to Matrix and works flawlessly and yes, you need to dial in the non-cpu focal length and maximum aperture.

I guess the 'issue' here is that the Post Title refers to D780 with AI lenses, but the lens shown is Pre (Non)-Ai, by some way.....:confused:

 

Live Histo is the way to go with Auto ISO engaged.... along with zoomed MF and focus peaking.

 

I guess you can use Matrix Metering and control everything yourself.......;)

But also no AI follower tab to worry about breaking!

 

Earlier AI cameras have a movable tab. I think the Df does, too.

However, many AF cameras with no AI tab do have a minimum-aperture tab which senses when pre-G AF lenses are set to minimum aperture. On earlier ones (the D70 included) this tab moves sideways, where on later models it moves downwards. Sideways ones can be damaged by a pre-AI lens, including those that are minimally milled to work with an AI camera. See Compatibility Table for the list.

Will Nikon G lenses be fully functional on my D300?

You’d need to check your firmware. If you have the latest firmware installed they should work with one exception.

 

The “P” lenses that use the newer stepper motor instead of afs, from what I am reading, will not focus on the D300. There are not too many of those lenses.

However, many AF cameras with no AI tab do have a minimum-aperture tab which senses when pre-G AF lenses are set to minimum aperture. On earlier ones (the D70 included) this tab moves sideways, where on later models it moves downwards. Sideways ones can be damaged by a pre-AI lens, including those that are minimally milled to work with an AI camera. See Compatibility Table for the list.

 

Somewhere I have a D70s, but I don't use it anymore. I have a D200 which I like much better.

I don't remember that tab on the D70s, but I probably also didn't try to mount any so old lenses on it.

 

https://www.photo.net/discuss/threads/broken-aperture-ring-tab.66444/

 

explains which N cameras have that tab. I do have an N80, but also probably didn't

try to mount pre-AI lenses on it, though maybe AI. I don't remember the tab, but then I

might not have looked for it. It doesn't mention D cameras.

 

The non-AI lens I use most is a Vivitar 500/8 catadioptric, which is T-mount and for which I

got a cheap T-mount adapter. Since it doesn't have an aperture ring, and the T-mount

doesn't have those tabs, I have never had a problem with it.

Hi Russ, Are you sure that is an ai lens - looks like a pre ai to me so mounting it could cause damage to the camera. I have an old D700 and several non ai lenses and wouldn't even try. (Plenty on Google) - Bill.

 

Yes it is an AI lens. I AI’d it myself. But you are correct, in seeing that it was originally a pre-AI lens. It’s the first edition of the classic 105 f/2.5 lenses.

I am losing track of what has been said where, but (as I think B Gelfand explained), if this camera follows the same rules as many others including the D7100 and its ilk, the meter will default to center weighted if the lens is not accompanied by a filled-in lens number in the "non cpu lens" menu. If it is correct for the lens, it will matrix meter and provide the correct EXIF information. If it is incorrect for the lens, but aperture and FL are not blank, it will matrix meter but return the wrong EXIF information.

D780 and 135mm f2 AIS..

 

 

 

Hi Russ, Are you sure that is an ai lens - looks like a pre ai to me so mounting it could cause damage to the camera. I have an old D700 and several non ai lenses and wouldn't even try. (Plenty on Google) - Bill.

 

it is a pre-AI that I modified to AI. Works beautifully on the DSLR’s.

 

Thanks

Russ

If you are in the United States and need a lens AI'ed, I recommend John White at aiconversions.com. He did four of the Nikkors I used on my FTn. After conversion, they worked perfectly on my F100 and now on my D750. He does a professional job.

 

LINK: AI Conversions for Nikon Lenses: Effective, Fast and Affordable!

I've always "rolled my own," but aside from having a good reputation for doing the conversions right, John White also has a nice table of information telling just what cameras need what conversions, including the "type B" to prevent damage to older minimum aperture switches. On what cameras can handle an unconverted pre-AI lens, he is right and Nikon is not.