Using Non-AI Lenses on a D7000

jbrucek

New member
I have an older (non-AI) Nikon lens (55mm Micro-NIKKOR-P) that I'd like to use on my D7000.
Will the lens damage the camera?
If the answer is 'yes', can I get it modified to avoid the problem?
 
i think you should be able to use it with no problems. Depending on the lens you may not have metering or any other automatic controls but I think that would depend on the model lens.
 

mikew_RIP

Senior Member
There where warnings that none AI could damage the aperture linking pin on cameras like yours,i think these could be just fairy tales but [MENTION=16749]Bob Blaylock[/MENTION] is you man,he answered this in another thread but i cant find it now,hope fully he will be along soon.
 

Bob Blaylock

Senior Member
I have an older (non-AI) Nikon lens (55mm Micro-NIKKOR-P) that I'd like to use on my D7000.
Will the lens damage the camera?
If the answer is 'yes', can I get it modified to avoid the problem?

There where warnings that none AI could damage the aperture linking pin on cameras like yours,i think these could be just fairy tales but [MENTION=16749]Bob Blaylock[/MENTION] is you man,he answered this in another thread but i cant find it now,hope fully he will be along soon.

I can only speak with certainty about the D3200 and those that are similar.

As well as I understand, the issue has to do with the AI tab on the camera being vulnerable to damage from a non-AI lens. The D3200 does not have an AI tab, and does not attempt to support any mechanical coupling to the aperture ring, and so is not vulnerable to damage in this manner. I believe the same is true of all D3?00 and D5?00 series cameras, but not the D7?00 series. My understanding is that the D7?00 series does have an AI coupling tab, that can be broken by trying to mount a non-AI lens.

Another page on the web site cited here…

Good news is that it is not that expensive to have one converted

Prices and Shipping

…at Compatibility Table offers a compatibility chart showing which lenses can be mounted on which bodies.
 
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WayneF

Senior Member
Nikon has always said that non-AI lenses cannot/should not be used on later bodies. The D7000 manual (section Incompatible Lenses - see Index for Compatible Lenses) includes "Non-AI lenses" as Not compatible. The D3?00 and D5?00 manuals say the same thing. I thought the concern is about damage to the electrical contacts in the body, which were not in older bodies. Seems dumb to risk an expensive DSLR to try to use an 50 year old lens (that can be converted to be compatible).

Back in the day (1970s, 1980s) Nikon would convert non-AI lenses to AI for a very small charge, like $20 or $30. They don't anymore, but there are third party that still do, for higher price.
 
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jbrucek

New member
My thanks to all who replied, especially Don and Bob.
Good to know that conversion won't cost 'an arm and a leg'. And having a company name to send it to is a nice bonus!
Most appreciated.
 

Wolfeye

Senior Member
I use non-AI lenses all the time on my F2 Photomic and never have a problem.

:)

Seriously though, I used non-AI lenses on a D3000 with nary a problem. I will use them on my D5100 too. There's never been an explanation from Nikon as to why I shouldn't. NEVER use them on a body with the aperture coupling tab. It'll break. The reason Nikon doesn't "allow" use on a D3000 is beyond me. Take a look at a series-E lens or a non-AI lens, there's no difference to a D3000.
 

tassietraveller

New member
Hi All,
Just thought I'd add my 2 cents.
I have a d7000 and have also diy converted non-ai lenses to work on my camera. If you have any diy skills this is quite an easy process. Just involves unscrewing the rear mount to get to the aperture ring and then some careful filing or use of a dremel.
I found some good online resources when I was doing this with templates showing what sections need removing. I'm pretty sure the 55 micro was one of the lenses there was plenty of info for. Try searching, or I might be able to find a link if anyone is interested.
I know a lot of people would never undertake a project like that, but I honestly found it easy. Half an hour work and a coat of fresh black paint and you'd never know it wasn't done by a pro! Just make sure you get the template or info showing you which section and what depth to remove.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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