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05/21/2007 08:03:43 PM · #1 |
hi, I was just wondering If I was to purchase just a nikon d40 body (im on a poor budget) can I use a lense from a normal 35mm camera? Ive read they can take all f type lenses whatever they are. However the big issue is Ive also read here:
//www.dealtime.co.uk/xPR-Nikon-D40-with-G-II-18-55mm-Lens~RD-290883145348
That unless you use a nikon lens with AF in the title you cant auto focus? So you have to buy official nikon lenses? Is this true?
*Oh well never mind I just read it on another review its true.
But can I use a normal 35mm lens and manually focus? What is the F type mount?
Message edited by author 2007-05-21 20:05:46. |
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05/21/2007 08:07:31 PM · #2 |
Just want to point out that you can buy a much more capable Canon Rebel XT for the same price as a Nikon D40.
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05/21/2007 08:12:59 PM · #3 |
I always thought nikon were better? The autofocus thing has put me off a bit, as has the only able to save as basic jpeg quality and raw.
Ill have a look at thouse canons :) |
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05/21/2007 08:15:10 PM · #4 |
Really, I would steer away from the D40. If you want to go Nikon, I'd choose a used D70 or D50 first. The D40 is a joke.
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05/21/2007 08:16:16 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:
Really, I would steer away from the D40. If you want to go Nikon, I'd choose a used D70 or D50 first. The D40 is a joke. |
He is absolutely correct and I am a Nikon guy... |
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05/21/2007 08:16:45 PM · #6 |
| oh ok well I shall then. The autofocus thing does sound a bit nuts |
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05/21/2007 08:17:41 PM · #7 |
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05/21/2007 08:17:46 PM · #8 |
Here is a D70 with a lens being sold used right here on this site for $450. Something to consider. :)
Message edited by author 2007-05-21 20:18:27.
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05/21/2007 08:20:06 PM · #9 |
| I shall have a good look, I just assumed a d40 would be decent but clearly not. (im uk by the way but thanks for the link) |
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05/21/2007 08:22:09 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by eyeronik:
Are the canon 300Ds ok? |
Yeah, it's a great camera. It's got a few features blocked that can be unblocked with a firmware hack. Canon unblocked those in the 350D.
Things like:
Second Curtain flash snyc
Flash exposure compensation
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05/21/2007 08:23:02 PM · #11 |
| That sounds good, I dont mind a bit of firmware installation :) |
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05/21/2007 08:28:47 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by eyeronik:
I shall have a good look, I just assumed a d40 would be decent but clearly not. (im uk by the way but thanks for the link) |
It's not that it isn't decent for what it is. But what it is is a point & shoot on growth hormone but they stopped giving it the juice and it has stunted it's development.
In other words just coming off a point and shoot, I am sure you want a camera you can grow into and the D40x is not that camera. I say if you go Nikon New go with the D80 or D200. Nikon old D70s or D50. But I will say it now as I am a believer. No matter which system you buy into, Canon or Nikon, it is all about the lenses. The big money in the upgrade to dSLR's is what you will spend on glass. Save for and buy the best you can.
Message edited by author 2007-05-21 20:29:59. |
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05/21/2007 08:29:04 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by eyeronik:
That sounds good, I dont mind a bit of firmware installation :) |
Yeah, there's nothing to it :-)
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05/21/2007 11:19:31 PM · #14 |
Originally posted by eyeronik:
That unless you use a nikon lens with AF in the title you cant auto focus? So you have to buy official nikon lenses? Is this true?
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You must use Nikon AF-S lenses for proper metering and auto-focus operation. AF-D lenses will probably meter but you will have to manual focus them. Some of the older F-mount lenses might not even meter properly. F-mount is the mount Nikon has been using for over 40 years. Only minor changes related to metering and AF have changed over the years. While they will all mount on the body, some of the very old lenses may damage the body. I'd advise a trip to Nikonians
if you want the current scoop. There is a forum there for the D40 and D40x where you can find most of the information you seek. Paid membership is not required for forum participation. You do have to register to get maximum use of the forums. (posting) They do not share your personal info. Were I wanting a very small camera for street photography I'd try out the D40, not the D40x.Unfortunately I don't believe they have a 50mm AF-S, or 35mm AF-S lens so I'd be stuck with manual focus. The x is 10 mpix and that is entirely unneeded for great images. I fact, it actually can cause you some problems when using inexpensive lenses. If you're on a budget I'd recommend either going with the D70 or D50, or making the switch to the dark side. (Canon.) The camera LeRoy mentions is a very good starter DSLR. Good luck whichever way you go.
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05/21/2007 11:36:17 PM · #15 |
| Nikon sacrificed the motor that drives the autofocus in order to make the D40 as small as possible, therefor it requires lenses that have their own built-in motor in order to use autofocus, i.e. AF-S and AF-I lenses (there are non-Nikon options too, such as the Sigmas listed here), but you should still be able to use other lenses, you'll just have to focus manually. Some older lenses will not be able to meter (but this occurs with other cameras, not just the D40). |
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