can a manual focas lens from a 35mm camera be used on a digital slr camera?

Answer 1

depending on the brand, it is likely.
nikon for example has kept compatibility between the lenses.
you need mechanical compatibility (same diameter, etc so it fits) and aperture control compatibility.

On nikon (maybe others but that's what i have) i can use older AIS lenses. You loose the autofocus (of couse) so you have to turn the focus ring by hand but the camera can tell you when it's sharp and you get a green light when focused.
some camera control the aperture on the camera, so you set the aperture to the smallest and the camera controls it, other times if in A mode you can turn the aperture ring on the lens.

i think olympus has adapters for the OM style lenses and the evolt, canon is not compatible between old and new lenses,
some camera also put the AF in the camera, so you can use all your lenses and you get AF for free (the camera price is steep though)


Note that because the 35 mm negative is larger than the ccd in most digital camera, you are only using the center of the lens.
The good thing is you have less vignetting, the bas thing is you need to adjust your focal distance (by 1.5 on my D70) so a 50 mm give you a 75 so it's not a standard lens anymore and my wide angle 19 mm is only a 28 so it's not so mucha wide angle anymore, but my 70-200 is now 140-400 !!

Answer 2

The answer varies by brand:

1) Nikon - Depends - check the manual
2) Canon - Depends - check the manual
3) Pentax - Yes (K-Mount bayonet film will fit dSLR)
4) Minolta/Sony - Yes - but check the manual Minoltal lenses will fit the new Sony Alpha line
5) Olympus - Depends (I believe) check the manual to be sure

eBay is a great resource for all type of adapter rings (like a screw mount to a Pentax K bayonet mount etc).

So even if your lens may not appear to fit right off the bat there may be an inexpensive (typically less than $20 solution) that will get them working.

One very big word of warning is to take you time mounting these lenses to make sure there is clearance. Some of the older lenses have deeper clearance requirements and may bump into the internals of your camera.

If you're still not sure a trip to your locally owned camera shop (not Best Buy or Circuit City) to talk with the staff will set you straight!

Good luck.

Answer 3

First I would try the lense and see if it fits. If it doesnt you can get an adapter for it on the internet for cheap. Just do a search on ebay or the scite for the camera company.

Answer 4

It will depend on the make and model, but I think with my Nikon I can use all my old lenses.
I

Answer 5

Many can. Check your owners manual for compatibility. Some can even damage your camera if you try to attach them, so please check first.

Answer 6

simple answer
no