<p>This is an old thread, but I do have first hand experience with the issue of FAST manual focus lenses on Nikon D7000 ( and D300, D2X, D700) . The problem only occurs with lenses faster than F3.5. This is unfortunate since the D7000 has the great focus confirmation dot and pointers system that work so well on my D2X and D700. Auto focus is fine on my 50mm f1.4 AF-D on all my four Nikon DSLRs, including the D7000. <br>
Unfortunately, the main reason for using MF lenses at all is for lens speed. My prime culprit is my fastest lens - a 50mm f1.2 AIS. This lens can scale focus perfectly and that setting will agree with a D7000 LiveView focus. This is fine for landscapes and night shots off a tripod. Any attempt at using the viewfinder manually is pointless since the focus is not accurate and beyond the range of the dot and pointer "trigger on points". <br>
I tried a split image screen with little success and would not recommend that as any solution. I went back to the factory screen since it was brighter and the "dot" system was better for most slower lenses ( 200 f4, 135 f3.5, even my 500 f8 in good light ). The issue of RF circle "black out" with lenses slower than f2.8 makes those screens useless for me. I finally gave up with the fast glass on the D7000 after this. <br>
Cameras I owned prior to the D7000 worked well with the f1.2 lens. My D300 and D2X both worked well, but I took the f1.2 lens out of my bag when shooting the D7000.<br>
My personal solution was a used FX D700 which has no problem at all with any of my fast prime MF glass and recreates the retro feel - and weight - of a 35mm outfit.</p>
<p> </p><div></div>
