Digital cameras 101

[marmaduke]

Morning all.  I just bought a non-auto focus lens for my Nikon D-50.  I found reference to using something called sunny 16 rule for this camera/lens combination. This rule applies to film more than digital cameras.  Does anyone know of other web sites for tips on how to use non auto lens's with digital camera's?

[Mike54]

Hi marmaduke, I haven't specifically gone searching for such a site but one that comes to mind that might have that sort of information is Luminous Landscape. You'll have to some searching based on your questions (or just jump in the forums ).
You might also try the Nikon D50 Forum @ DPReview (not sure if the link for dpreview works if you're not logged in  :-/). Let us know if you find something.

[Deb]

Hi Marmaduke, you should still be able to use your camera's onboard metering system with this lens. All you'll need to do is set your aperture and shutterspeed to what the metering system indicates. Check out your camera's user guide for something called "manual operation". Hope this helps.  

[marmaduke]

I tried Nikonians.com and was told to use a light meter. I guess I can't use the onboard metering system.

[Deb]

Hi Marmaduke. I'm curious. Did they say why the camera's onboard metering system couldn't be used as your metering device?

[marmaduke]

Nope.  Just suggested to use light meter. I wanted an idea of what I was doing before actually connecting this lens to the camera. I didn't want to take the chance of damaging the camera.  I took a chance last night and tried the lens.  there are no electrical connections on the lens. This is totally manual.  After getting "error" for 10 minutes, I slowed the shutter speed down to 1/40 and the f stop all the way open.  Got rid of the "error" message and the lens actually worked. Unless I use a light meter, exposure is guess work.

[Deb]

Hmmmm, I'm confused. (Maybe it's because I haven't had coffee yet this morning.   ) There are folks that use manual focus lenses (eg. micro lens) with their electronic SLRs and dSLRs. They get their exposure reading using their camera then manually set the shutterspeed on the camera and aperture on the lens. This is why I'm confused about your setup and you not being able to do something similar.

As for exposure selection in general, "sunny 16" etc., remember that the settings will vary according to the ISO value you have selected on your camera. Same goes with film. Exposure will vary according to the ASA value of the film you use.

To learn about "sunny 16", take a peak at http://www.camerareview.com/templates/sunny16.cfm . It's a brief instruction that may be helpful to you if you are not going to be using a light meter or camera exposure metering mode.

[marmaduke]

I tried posting the link to the Nikonian web site but it keeps popping up in the subject field.  I'm being told any MF lens that are not P-type Nikkors will not meter. I have to do everything manually with a light meter.
Another thing, you mentioned "electronic SLR"  Although this camera is electronic, the lens is not. There are no electrical contacts on the lens.  (I don't think they were doing that 24 yrs ago) There is no way for the camera and lens to communicate with each other.

[Deb]

"non-P type Nikkor"? I see. Well, on the bright side, light meters can be a kick to use. Years ago I used to use one 100% of the time, before I got my first manual, self-metering 35mm film camera. Uh oh ... my age is revealing itself. Anyway, my Dad taught me how to use it and it really was pretty neat! The new ones really are amazing. Seems electronics have evolved over the years.  

[marmaduke]

I have an old Gossen Pilot II light meter. Guess I'll have to dust it off and see how it works.

[Deb]

Hi, I came across this instructional pdf file that might be of help to you. You can find it at http://mypage.siu.edu/eo11/Gossen.pdf .

Happy metering!