How to use a 50mm lens on my Nikon D40?

Question

Hi, I was wondering if anybody could tell me how i can use a 50mm lens on my Nikon d40? Do I have to change the settings on my camera? Will I damage my camera if I use it in a certain mode?

I've read a lot of sites and answers where they say the 50mm lens will mount on the Nikon D40 but won't auto-focus, however, none of them say how to actually use this lens on the camera. I would greatly appreciate any advice on this!

Thanks! :)

Yes, it is the Nikon AF-50mm 1.8 lens

Answer 1

There are two issues that severely limit the usability of any version of the Nikon 50mm lens on your D40.
Firstly, as a few people have already pointed out, you'll have to focus manually. Even though a few versions of Nikon 50mm lens are supposedly auto-focus, the auto-focus feature only works with more expensive Nikon bodies. Focusing a 50mm lens manually on the D40 is very tricky, especially when you use the lens wide open - in this case even the slightest mistake will result in an out of focus picture. In the old days, cameras had a split prism focusing screen, not to mention larger viewfinders, so focusing manually was much easier. You can buy a split prism focusing screen for the D40 from KatzEye (?) but that will set you back $100.
Secondly, the D40 doesn't meter with the 50mm lenses. You'll have to set the aperture and the shutter speed yourself... and the camera won't provide any hints. You can only check the exposure after you take a shot, by reviewing the picture (preferably with the histogram turned on). If the exposure was off, you'll have to reset the aperture or shutter speed and take the shot again. (If you're determined to use the 50mm lens on your D40 anyway, you'll really have to get back to basics - read up on the "sunny 16" rule.)
So the 50mm lens won't damage your D40, but these limitations make it almost unusable. Nikon's thinking was that anyone who absolutely, positively needs a 50mm lens, will also demand a better camera body. The Nikon D80 does auto-focus with 50mm lenses, but it still won't meter. Only the Nikon D200 and the new D300 and the mega-expensive professional models will do everything properly.
(I use a D80 and a D200 in combination with the 50mm f/1.4)
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added:
Whoops, my apologies for giving bad information. Brian, you're right - the f/1.8 and f/1.4 AF versions will meter just fine on the D40. I was thinking of older lenses.
With regard to the focus-indicator, that's pretty fidgetty. What happens, is that a little light blips on when you have perfect focus. With f/1.8 that's a very, very small area. And if your subject is a moving person, good luck keeping the picture in focus while you recompose the shot. I don't know about you, but the only time that I use my 50mm, is when I absolutely, positively need a fast shutter speed and f/2.8 doesn't cut it. It's a great lens for taking candids at parties, etc. For my use, the focus-indicator wouldn't be a good enough solution.

Answer 2

I disagree with OMG, I ♥ PONIES!!1.
First: the camera has a focus indicator that tells the photographer when the lens is in focus so no split prism focusing screen is needed.

second: the camera will meter with that lens see chart on page 97 of the user manual under "other AF Nikkors (except lens for F3 AF)"

Answer 3

There are two Nikon f/1.8 AF lenses.

One is the 50mm f/1.8 AF Nikkor.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/5018af.htm

The other is the newer Nikon 50mm f/1.8 D.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/5018daf.htm

Both are razor-sharp and great in low light. You can use either one without harm in manual focus mode on your D40.

Answer 4

Nikon 50mm 1.8f

Answer 5

It won't harm your camera.

I bet that using manual focus lenses is covered in the Owner's Manual for your camera. Take some time to READ & STUDY it so you'll know everything about your camera. To use your camera to its full potential requires taking time to learn all its features and benefits and how to take advantage of them. So READ & STUDY that Owner's Manual.

Answer 6

well if it is an AF-S lens it will work, but i don't think it is. are you talking about the 1.8f lens? thats a good lens. you will probably have to manual focus it, but if you get really good at manual focus it will make you a better photographer.

Answer 7

What an interesting question