something digital for my old Nikon AI lenses?

[bliddel]

Greetings from a first-time poster...

I have a large collection of Nikon AI manual-focus glass (including two zooms, an f1.4 normal, an f1.8 24mm, two generic zooms, a 500mm and Celestron 1000mm T-mount) that I'd love to use with ANY digital SLR body. I have a couple N-2000 bodies, but film has gotten too expensive, too inconvenient, and too slow, especially since I shoot mostly in relative darkness.

I bought a Canon D60 EOS digital body with EF 35-105 f3.5 zoom that, frankly, takes great pictures (if there is enough light to focus). I tried one of those cheap import adapter rings for Nikon AI lenses, and the lenses would mount and I could still focus to infinity. However, when I tried to take a picture, the camera said "err 01" (AF contacts). I researched some more, and tried disabling the AF lever, but the body still says "err 01", so I conclude that the Canon D60 is simply not capable of using a non-EF lens.

A friend had a Nikon D2H body for sale relatively cheap, but he was reluctant to let me try my lenses on his D2H before purchase. Who can blame him? Anyway, I passed on that opportunity.

Well, my mother passed away last month, and now I really can afford to purchase a new digital SLR body. Can anyone recommend a Digital SLR body (under $1500) that will reliably work with my old Nikon AI glass (even if I need an adapter ring)?

The faster Nikon fixed-length lenses were my Dad's, so there is sentimental value as well.

[bliddel]

At last, I think I found something.

http://support.nikontech.com/cgi-bin...cGFnZT0x&p_li=

This suggests that either A Nikon D200 or D300 body will support my old lenses.

Are there any Gotcha's I should worry about?

[Desertdog]

Nikon D80 should also support all your older lenses :]

Can't say I know much about the D200/300 though :x

[bliddel]

Yes, the older lenses will mount on a D100, D80, D70, D70s or D50, however, metering in these cameras will not support the AI and AI converted lenses. The D200 and D300 will will support the lens with internal metering as long as I enter the focal length and maximum aperture in the shooting menu.

Bruce

[fx101]

Yes, the older lenses will mount on a D100, D80, D70, D70s or D50, however, metering in these cameras will not support the AI and AI converted lenses. The D200 and D300 will will support the lens with internal metering as long as I enter the focal length and maximum aperture in the shooting menu.

Bruce

Yes, that's because only the D200 and up have apperture feelers for Manual lenses. That also means you can use the 50mm f/1.2!

[deckcadet]

You don't even need to enter your non-cpu lens data if you only want center weight and spot metering. It only matters for Matrix.
You can also set the FUNC button and dials to allow you to choose which non-cpu lens you want on the D200 and its generation of bodies, including setting focal length and max aperture directly. The system took a small step backwards with the D300/D3 by requiring you to set them in a list of 9 in the menus, though you can switch between these using any of the customizable buttons plus the dials.