This question may apply to other brands, but I'm thinking Nikon specifically. Has anyone ever put one of the digital "DX" lenses on a film camera? I'm mostly just curious what would happen, since they appear to be a cheap wide angle alternative.

Thanks,
Paul

You won't get an image circle big enough to cover the full frame of a 35mm camera. I read somewhere that someone tried the 12-24 on a 35mm body, and it is useable at around 18mm to 24mm. Below about 18mm, the image circle doesn't cover the frame so you have black in the corners (and edges, depending on the focal length).

I thought I read somewhere that the EF-S lenses for Canon DSLR's, sit a little "deeper" inside the camera body, and that the mirror would hit it if used on a film SLR. Not sure if Nikon is like this or not, but it's worth checking out before you try it.

I thought I read somewhere that the EF-S lenses for Canon DSLR's, sit a little "deeper" inside the camera body, and that the mirror would hit it if used on a film SLR. Not sure if Nikon is like this or not, but it's worth checking out before you try it.
Not the case with Nikon - at least with the DX lenses. With some of the really esoteric (ok, wierd) lenses they've made over the years you do need a mirror lockup to use them, but this is for lenses like the 6mm fisheye, etc. They list this in the manual if it's a problem.

I tried a friend's Canon EF-S lens on a film body (Elan 7E) and the lens would not attach at all. So much for that idea.

I tried a friend's Canon EF-S lens on a film body (Elan 7E) and the lens would not attach at all. So much for that idea.
Just a regular Canon EF lens will work on the Elan; I believe the EF-S are strictly digital.

yeah, they were released with the drebel, correct? thats what the little white dot on the canon mount is for. The red is for all other lenses.