Can 1980s Nikon AI lenses be used on a Canon 60D with an adapter?
Asked 5/23/2011
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2 answers
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I have several 1980s Nikon AI manual-focus lenses that are still in great condition, and I’d like to use them on a digital camera. I’m considering a Canon 60D because of its video features.
Are Nikon AI lenses compatible with a Canon 60D via an adapter? If so, what functions would I lose, and are there any compatibility issues with older AI versions I should check before buying? I’m also open to a Nikon body if that would make better use of these lenses while still offering strong video capability.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
5
There are lots of adapters for Nikon lenses on Canon cameras.
With all of them, you'll get infinity focus, due to the fact that Canon's lens registration is shorter than Nikon's.
What you'll forgo is autofocus and auto-stopdown during exposure. You will have to meter by stopping down, setting the exposure, opening up to focus, and then stopping down just before taking to shot.
With some Nikon DSLRs, basically from the D7000 and up, you can mount these lenses and the body will meter. You can use A and M modes. On cheaper models, you can mount the lens, but you will not get metering. You will however get auto stopdown when taking the shot.
There are some caveats though with lens compatibility. I'd use Roland Vink's Nikon serial number database to identify the lens mount variant on your dad's lenses. Anything newer than "AI" will mount fine on the D7000.
To add to the confusion, the Nikon->Canon lens adapter will not have any compatibility issues with different lens mount variants.
Originally by user3114. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user3114
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. Nikon AI lenses can generally be adapted to a Canon 60D, and because Canon EF bodies have a shorter flange distance than Nikon F, simple adapters can preserve infinity focus.
What you lose is automation: these older AI lenses will be manual focus only, with no autofocus and no automatic aperture control from the camera. In practice, you stop the lens down manually to shoot, and exposure metering may require working at the taking aperture.
The main thing to verify is the exact Nikon mount variant, since older Nikon lenses can have compatibility differences. Check the specific lens model before buying an adapter.
If your main goal is to get the most seamless use from those AI lenses, a Nikon body may be a better fit. As noted in the community answers, some Nikon DSLRs such as the D7000 and higher-end models can meter with these lenses in A and M modes, making them easier to use than adapting them to Canon. A Nikon body would also avoid the need for an adapter entirely.
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